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The purpose of the PBM-MAP-VPE Ez-Minutes Newsletter is to communicate with the field on items that will impact clinical practice in the VA……whether it be changes to the National Formulary, availability of new Criteria for Use, or recent medication safety issues. We want clinicians to be informed and be the first to know about all updates and changes because it will impact the end users….i.e., the Veterans that we have the privilege of serving. Please note: Subscribing to the PBM-MAP-VPE Ez-Minutes and the electronic notification that the Ez-Minutes is now available is no longer be offered. We believe our 15K+ “followers” of Ez-Minutes is sufficient to keep the lines open between the field and the PBM-MAP-VPE Committee. The Ez-Minutes Newsletter will continue to be posted on the PBM Internet and Intranet websites. Notification of the availability of Ez-Minutes Newsletter will be done electronically via multiple internal list serves also. Of course, we are depending on you to continue to spread the word, and forward the newsletter to your colleagues, P&T committee members, and CMOs etc. Each issue will include the date when the next issue will be released (see blue banner above) so, you will know in advance when to expect the next issue of Ez-Minutes.
Editor's Note: This newsletter is in a HTML format. A printer-friendly document throughout the system is more likely to occur with a HTML format compared to a word document. Users should select print preview and review the document, then make any necessary changes to the document before printing to ensure the document will print fine for their hardware configuration. As further updates to the newsletter continue, we welcome any feedback and comments. Send comments directly to Janet.Dailey@va.gov with Ez-Minutes in the subject line.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE · National PBM Documents Posted: February -April 2012
· VAMedSAFE Documents Posted: February-April 2012
· Replens (polycarbophil-carbophol)
· Pharmacy-Prosthetics-Logistics Acquisitions [PPLA] Workgroup Recommendations
· May PBM-MAP-VPE Webinar and more…
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VAMedSAFE Documents Posted: February 2012-April 2012 |
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National PBM Communication |
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· Lo/Ovral-28 and Norgestrel/Ethinyl Estradiol Tablets Recall for Inexact Tablet Counts or Out of Sequence Tablets |
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Replens (polycarbophil-carbophol) Available on Formulary Replens (polycarbophil-carbophol) was added to the VA National Formulary in March, 2012. Replens is an FDA approved, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer indicated for the treatment of vaginal dryness, which may occur secondary to menopause or as a result of other hormone altering conditions or treatments including: child-birth, lactation, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH) treatment, chemotherapy, and radiation. In addition, this agent provides an alternative to those who either have a contraindication to or who wish to avoid hormonal therapies. Replens has been shown to be effective in the relief of symptoms of vaginal dryness, itching, irritation, and dyspareunia in randomized, controlled trials for several populations of women. Objective improvements in secretions, vaginal pH, and epithelial integrity have also been demonstrated. It appears that vaginal estrogens are likely superior to Replens.
Other non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers are available and vary in composition. Replens is a water-based product that is compatible with condoms. In addition, Replens is fragrance- and additive-free, minimizing the risk of irritation to the vaginal mucosa. It is recommended to be used one applicatorful intravaginally every 3 days (or less based on symptoms). Alternatively, it is safe to use daily if indicated. Some potential uncommon side effects include itching, irritation, burning, or vaginal discharge. Women should be counseled to avoid using during menses. Although vaginal moisturizers are used on a regular basis (e.g., daily, three times weekly, etc.) to improve vaginal dryness and dyspareunia, a separate vaginal lubricant may be indicated and used as needed for intercourse. Female Veterans may be prescribed a vaginal lubricant in addition to a vaginal moisturizer if needed (also on VA National Formulary). It is recommended that facilities procure a water-based lubricant for condom compatibility. Alternatively, mineral oil or petroleum jelly may be used as lubricants though are not compatible with condoms.
Submitted by: Chasitie Levesque, PharmD VISN Clinical Pharmacy Program Manager/VISN 12 Pharmacy Women’s Health Lead/WH Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Jesse Brown VAMC and Lisa Longo, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, National Pharmacy Benefits Management Services Formulary Management: A new Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor contract was awarded to McKesson. The contract was awarded for 2 years with an additional 3 two year options. It becomes effective August 10, 2012. If you’ve been eager to know the status of a new drug as it moves through the formulary approval process or have a question about criteria for use etc., drop us an e-mail at VHAPBH Ask PBM Clinical (AskPBMClinical@va.gov). Please note this address should only be used by VA employees; requests from e-mail addresses outside the VA may not receive a response. Pharmacy-Prosthetics-Logistics and Acquisitions (PPLA)* Workgroup Recommendations The table below depicts the various products reviewed during February/March meetings. The X marks which service(s) the workgroup recommended is responsible for managing the respective products. For a list of previous workgroup recommendations, please click HERE,
+For patients whose home chemotherapy infusions are contracted out or fee-based, the contracted service will provide the chemo spill kit. For contracted or fee basis IV infusion service, the contracted service will provide heparin flushes to outpatients
Implementation of these recommendations should be coordinated between services at local sites to ensure a smooth transition if recommendations lead to a change in responsible service. If you have any questions related to this announcement, please contact the responsible local service (Pharmacy, Prosthetics, or Logistics) for more detailed information.
*The Pharmacy, Prosthetics, Logistics (PPL) workgroup was created to help clarify the responsibility for management (e.g. ordering, storing, purchasing, AND/OR dispensing) of those products in which it is not clear which service should provide. The workgroup is not responsible for determining formulary status, clinical merit, or appropriate use of the products reviewed. May PBM-MAP-VPE Webinar in Conjunction with “Patient Centered Medication Information Management” Medication and Employee Education System
Program Title: Medication Use Crisis Program 2012: Current Medication Information Management, Fugitive Meds, and Standardization When: Tues, May 15th @ 3 PM EST to 4 PM EST PLEASE NOTE: NEW DIAL IN NUMBER FOR THIS MONTH ONLY: 1-800-767-1750 Access Code 68653#
Upcoming Pharmacy Education Webinars:
All PBM-MAP-VPE Live Meeting programs are posted on CDN/TMS with no accreditation.
Don’t forget the new VA ADERS Web Course now available in TMS.
FYI: PBM Educational Programs are being transitioned over to a new site: https://vaww.portal.va.gov/sites/ed/default.aspx. Bookmark this link to your favorite!
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Look for the next Ez-minutes Newsletter on August 7, 2012 |