Keeping Tabs Volume 3, Issue 2

VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2

KEEPING TABS UF College of Pharmacy-Jacksonville APhA-ASP

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Number

3

Annual Recap

5

A Pharmacist’s Guide to HB21: Florida’s New Law on Controlled Substance Prescribing

7

Suicide Prevention

9

IPSF's "Talk Global to me"

11

Blood Pressure In The Elderly Population

13 14

Officer Recognition Thank You!

APHA ANNUAL RECAP SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

By: Larissa Marchetti

The ability to go to APhA Annual was a such a unique opportunity that allowed me to represent the University of Florida on a national level in Seattle, Washington. This conference was an inspiring experience that opened my eyes to the boundless effect pharmacy can have on the world. There were so many outstanding colleges represented throughout the country, which showed that the passion for pharmacy extends far beyond Florida. Without a doubt the future of pharmacy shines brighter than ever before. There wasn’t just a vast amount of pharmacy students, but also pharmacists.

Exceptional professors from the University of Florida were there to guide us through the experience with ease. I am proud to say that over 50 students from UF came from across the country to participate in this conference, which to me is remarkable.

With the University of Florida receiving multiple awards during the conference, I can say that we knocked it out of the park. We won 2nd Runner-up in the nation for our Operation Diabetes Patient Care Project, The Region 3 Award for the Operation Heart Patient Care Project, we took Back the PAC with a huge contribution of about $8,000, and 1st place winners for Best Chapter overall in Region A. It was such a momentous weekend for UF to say the least. We have worked very hard for countless years to continue to be one of the best colleges of pharmacy in the country, and it showed at APhA Annual.

Seeing the enthusiasm of our university I am excited to see what we accomplish this upcoming year, and I hope we have another opportunity to be honored with such prestigious awards. Next year the APhA Annual Conference will be hosted in Washington D.C. and I know that our student body will again be proudly represented.

Without a doubt I know that the University of Florida will exceed expectations next year seeing the passion and dedication that not only the students possess but also our faculty.Â

A PHARMACIST’S GUIDE TO HB21: FLORIDA’S NEW LAW ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE PRESCRIBING GENERATIONRX: ALEXANDER LITVINTCHOUK & MUSTAFA KAMAL

On July 1st, 2018, a law signed by Florida Governor Rick Scott known as HB21 came into enforcement.

This law in its entirety encompasses 205 pages and covers harsh penalties for practitioners who fall under noncompliance for the new regulations on controlled substances, particularly for opioids. With such a large volume of prose, it may be difficult for the practicing pharmacist to navigate the new law in order to determine the main provisions and stipulations under HB21. Although many of the requirements are aimed at physicians and primary care providers who prescribe these controlled substances, the practicing pharmacist may also find this information useful. This may be especially true for pharmacists who dispense said medications or for the pharmacist working in a clinical setting influencing the providers they interact with.

What follows is a concise, pharmacist-focused approach to the new law, its changes, and how we can implement it into our practice: Physicians must now evaluate the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) database to review a patient’s controlled substance dispensing history prior to prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance for a patient who is 16 years of age or older. This does not apply to non-opioid containing Schedule 5 medications.

Physicians must not prescribe opioids for more than 3 days for acute pain in most cases. Acute pain is defined as “the normal, predicted, physiological, and time-limited response to an adverse chemical, thermal, or mechanical stimulus associated with surgery, trauma, or acute illness.” Exceptions to this include cases where the patient has cancer, a terminal condition, a traumatic injury with severity score >9, or in instances of palliative care (i.e., patients in hospice facilities).

Acute pain prescriptions for more than a 3-day supply of controlled substances must have “ACUTE PAIN EXCEPTION” written on the prescription. In addition, chronic pain prescriptions must now have the designation of “NON-ACUTE PAIN” written on the prescription.

Prescriptions for an emergency opioid antagonist (e.g., Naloxone) must be included when a patient is prescribed an opioid for acute pain from traumatic injury with a severity score >9.

With the above statements, we hope that we were successful in conveying the major take-away points for HB21 and how a pharmacist can expect to implement changes in their practice. For a more complete breakdown of the law, one should visit the Florida government website.

References: Health Policy Committee. “CS/CS/HB 21 — Controlled Substances.” The Florida Senate, Government of Florida, 2018, https://www.flsenate.gov/COMMITTEES/BILLSUMMARIES/2018/HTML/1799.

Miller, Naseem S. “Florida's New Opioid Law: What You Need to Know.” Orlando Sentinel, Nancy Meyer, 18 Aug. 2018, https://www.orlandosentinel.com/health/os-florida-opioid-bill-doctors-20180803-story.html.

Scott, Jeff. “Florida’s New Law on Controlled Substance Prescribing.” , Florida Medical Magazine, 1 July 2018, https://Flmedical.org/Florida/Florida_Public/Docs/FMA-Opioid-HB21.pdf.

SUICIDE PREVENTION Operation Mental Health: Jason Acevedo

This semester, Operation Mental Health was fortunate enough to have two guest speakers from the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Stefanie Shaughnessy and Sarah Clark (Director or AFSP). These ladies shared important information about the topic, which included risk factors and ways to help those with suicidal thoughts. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and thus, is something that almost everyone will be exposed to either personally, or through family or friends. Therefore, Operation Mental Health would like to take this chance to share information with everyone about suicide prevention.

Suicide is the action of intentionally taking one’s own life. In 2017, there were 1,400,000 suicide attempts and an average of 129 suicides per day.

Mental health disorders are a risk factor that increases the chance that someone would take their own life. The most common is depression, but others include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and substance abuse. Even though there is a higher proportion of suicide victims being those with mental health disorders, the most important thing to remember is that anyone can be at risk.

As healthcare professionals, we will be interacting with patients frequently. Any of our patients have the potential to develop suicidal ideations and may come to us with questions or concerns. We should be prepared to handle and address these concerns. In addition, as the medication experts, we should be aware of side-effects and drug interactions that could pose a danger to patients. The most significant thing we can do for our patients though is to develop a good relationship with them. To ask them not only how they are doing, but to genuinely express care and compassion towards their feelings. Anyone, not just healthcare professionals, has the potential to be the light for someone who is contemplating suicide and connect them with the help they need.

Lastly, Operation Mental Health would like to remind everyone that as important as it is to look after others, it is just as important to look after our own mental well-being. It can be easy to be swept up with our busy lives, trying to juggle school, work, family, and friends, and before we know it, we forget to take care of ourselves. We forget to take time to partake in a hobby we enjoy and to re-evaluate our goals in life. Things we remind others to do, but often neglect to do ourselves. You can not pour from an empty cup, so remember to take care of yourself.

For help go to: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Text TALK to 741741 Find a Mental Health Provider: mentalhealthamerica.net/finding-help

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. (2017) [2019 Apr. 19]. Available from URL: www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars

IPSF’S “TALK GLOBAL TO ME” IPSF: Christen Langley

On September 11, 2018, the International Pharmaceutical Student Federation (IPSF) held an event in conjunction with APhA-ASP highlighting travel opportunities offered by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Melissa Catalano (International VP) and I (International VP-Elect) had received many questions and interests concerning travel opportunities.

Many first year student pharmacists, and even upperclassmen, did not know what IPSF actually was or what it stood for. In an attempt to increase interest and involvement, we decided to create an event that addressed these questions, and we called it “Talk Global to Me.” We had student volunteers showcase their international experiences during the event. The panel of students had previously participated in an array of international opportunities, including short study abroad trips, international health outreach trips, and ISPF’s World Congress. During this event, we also hosted a trivia game about IPSF and the additional benefits and opportunities offered through this organization.

“Talk Global to Me” is an event worth highlighting because it was successful in educating UF Jacksonville Campus’ students on being a member of IPSF and highlighted the various travel opportunities available to pharmacy students. As international VPs, Melissa and I aimed to increase student involvement and professional development, both internationally and domestically. It is apparent that students were educated on what exactly IPSF is, what it stands for, and all the opportunities it offers through increased participation and dedication to the federation. This year, UF Jacksonville students attended IHOT trips to the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and many are going on study abroad trips to various countries this summer, including Japan and Europe. We also have several students going to the IPSF Pan America Regional Symposium (IPSF PARS). As a member of IPSF I am happy to be a student in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy because it is a program that provides opportunities for their students to “think globally, act locally.”

BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION Operation Heart: Kyle Volland

Just about everyone knows someone who is considered elderly, whether it be a parent, grandparent or just an older person they met at the supermarket. When our bodies age, they start to decline in functionality. This is why it is important to make sure they are properly managed on medications, if needed. The elderly population is especially delicate in terms of cardiovascular health. Luckily, there has been new research that shows promising results about reducing the incidence of brain damage in the elderly if blood pressure is properly managed.

According to the INFINITY study, when elderly individuals maintained a systolic blood pressure around 130 mmHg, it reduced the amount of brain damage by 40 percent compared to when they maintained a systolic blood pressure about 145 mmHg. Not only is this new data extremely significant for the elderly, it gives everyone more incentive to manage their blood pressure adequately.

This study was one of the first to effectively show a method that can slow the progression of cerebrovascular disease.This type of disease has a higher presence in the elderly, which is a serious condition that presents with reduced blood flow to the brain.

Cerebrovascular disease can cause heart attacks and strokes, which can be fatal. It is common for a younger individual to survive a heart attack or stroke, but elderly individuals have a much harder time recovering from the damage of these events.

In addition to the results of this study, it is known that maintaining a healthy blood pressure for people of all ages is very beneficial to everyone’s health. The average lifespan of older adults is continuously increasing because of the research that keeps being published. Finding results that shows cardiovascular benefit in individuals is something that everyone looks forward to and because of recent data the future of medicine looks very promising. Let us reach out to the elderly individuals we all love to make sure they are living healthy lifestyles and are most adequately maintaining their blood pressure.

References: White WB, Marfatia R, Schmidt J, et al. Intensive Versus Standard Ambulatory Blood Pressure Lowering to Prevent Functional Decline in the Elderly (Infinity) Am Heart J. 2013

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW OFFICERS

Executive Board

Chapter Operations

President: Kayla Peludat

Fundraising Chairs: Larissa

President Elect: Oore Morakinyo

Marchetti and Mustafa Kamal

Communications VP: Jourdan Boyle-Taylor Member at Large: Brandon Lane Finance VP: Susan Garcia

Historians: Ahmad Marar and Travis

International VP: Christen Langley

Hong

International VP Elect: Wendy Caba Piloto Industry Liason: Ahmad Marar Membership VP: Morgan Leavins Patient Care VP: Corrine Singer Policy VP: Catherine Hudson Policy VP Elect: Kelli Herrin

National and Local Projects Operation Diabetes: Haley Lewis*, Aileen Madriaga, Ali Patron Operation Heart: Tatsiana Korbut*, and Vivian Cai Operation OTC & Med Safety: Jordyn Veres* and Nicole Maranchick Operation Immunization: CJ Sta.Ana* and Irissel Rodriguez Generation Rx: Mustafa Kamal* and Alexander Litvinchouk Operation Mental Health: Jason Acevado* and Christi Reinman Operation Women's Health: Saleha Khan* and Arianne Bargas Operation Pride: Nicole Rossi and Hailey Rutledge IPSF: Wendy Caba Piloto*, Nicole Varela, and Christain Cayabyab

THANK YOU TO:

From the Keeping Tabs team and your leaders of UF COP Jacksonville APhA-ASP, thank you for another amazing semester! We hope you have a great summer break and look forward to seeing you in the new school year!

OUR DESIGNERS Jennifer Parmar Larissa Marchetti Jourdan Boyle-Taylor

& OUR WRITERS. Kyle Volland Mustafa Kamal Alexander Litvintchouk Larissa Marchetti Jason Acevado Christen Langley

A special thank you to Jennifer Parmar who did an amazing job as Communications VP this past year.