CHS Pharmacy News
February 2023
Business Hours
*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
*Emergency services available 24/7/365
Sharing Medications, DON’T:
Sharing individual prescription medications, including medication supplies such as insulin pen needles, violates state and federal laws, which can lead to a range of consequences. Medications distributed for a particular patient should only be used for that patient.
Medication Safety and Technology*
The use of technology is considered a high leverage strategy to optimize clinical decision making—but only if the users’ trust in the technology closely matches the reliability of the technology itself. It is important that clinicians not only rely on technology, but the clinical training they have developed to prevent adverse outcomes to the patients we care for.
Wound Prevention and Healing**
Residents may be at a higher risk for nutritional deficiencies, increasing the potential for wounds and other skin issues. A multivitamin high in zinc and vitamin C plays a major role in collagen metabolism and synthesis. Vitamin A is especially important in those that are on a corticosteroid. Fish oil supplements have shown evidence that they reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcer, skin tears, etc. by attenuating the inflammatory response but avoiding the suppression of components necessary for wound healing. Something else to look for when a resident has recurrent wounds is the protein intake of the resident. Protein is key for integrity and repair of the skin tissue.
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.
Administration Tips***
Latanoprost (Xalatan®) is an ophthalmic drop used to reduce pressure in the eye in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. It should be administered in the evening because intraocular pressure is highest in the morning; when administered at night, Latanoprost maximum efficacy coincides with the high pressure. If being used with other eye drops, separate by at least 5 minutes. Latanoprost should be stored in the refrigerator until opened, after opening it may be stored at room temperature for up to 6 weeks. Use of this eye drop may cause darkening of eye color, eyelid and eyelashes, and increased growth and thickness of eyelashes. REMINDER: date the bottle upon opening to determine when drops should be disposed
You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no results.