CHS Pharmacy News
January 2020
Holiday Hours
New Year’s Eve: Normal Business Hours
New Year’s Day: Closed *
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Normal business hours are 9 AM – 5:30 PM M-F, and 9 AM – 3PM Saturday and Closed on Sunday
2019-2020 Influenza Rates*
CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths from flu. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination and appropriate handwashing are always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Antiviral medications are available to adjunct the flu vaccine in the control of influenza.
Reordering – Stock & Control Meds
It is encouraged to reorder stock supplies and controlled medications Monday through Thursday from the pharmacy to reduce the likelihood of the facility running extremely low on an item, especially during the holiday season.
What’s Wrong with this MAR Entry
Depakote ER 250mg Tablet
Give Depakote ER 375mg (1.5 tabs) by mouth as needed for disruptive behaviors.
- Depakote ER cannot be crushed, chewed, or split because it is an extended-release formulation. Long-acting dosage forms deliver medication over a prolonged period of time. Breaking the tablet may cause an immediate release of the drug, which can increase adverse effects.
- Drugs such as Depakote should not be given as needed. This prevents steady drug levels from being obtained and can increase risk of side effects, especially drowsiness.
Returnable Medications
Certain forms of medication cannot be returned to the pharmacy for credit since they can only be used for one person once opened. These could include inhalers, eye drops, creams, ointments, liquids or insulins. Consider having the physician sign an order allowing the resident to take these medications with them upon discharge from the facility, providing the order is still active.
PCV13 (Prevnar) CDC Updates**
The CDC has recently released updated recommendations regarding the use of PCV13 among adults aged 65 years and older. The recommendation updates the 2014 guidance from ACIP. In June 2019 ACIP voted to no longer routinely recommend PCV13 for all adults aged ≥65 years and instead, to recommend PCV13 based on shared clinical decision-making for adults aged ≥65 years who do not have an immunocompromising condition, CSF leak, or cochlear implant.
Sleep Disorders***
“Sleep problems are frequent, but underexplored in older adults. Sleep apnea and insomnia are particularly important sleep problems in older adults. Both sleep apnea and insomnia are associated with serious negative physical, mental, and social consequences. Methods for recognition of these disorders are effective, and safe treatment options are available. Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the first-line therapy for patients with moderate or severe sleep apnea. Insomnia should be treated with a specific and focused plan.”
“Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals.”
- * Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. (2019, December 13). Retrieved from cdc.gov.
- ** CDC: PCV13 No Longer Recommended for All Older Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved from managedhealthcareconnect.com.
- *** Rodriguez JC, Dzierzewski JM, Alessi CA. Sleep problems in the elderly. Med Clin North Am. 2015;99(2):431–439. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2014.11.013