February 28, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Prescription cough and cold medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are available in combination with other medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, in prescription medicines to treat coughs and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold. These medications may carry serious risks, including slowed or difficult breathing, misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death, all of […]
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Hydrochlorothiazide Recall
August 30, 2018 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: August 30, 2018 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Pharmacies and PCPs From: HPSJ Pharmacy Department Subject: Hydrochlorothiazide Recall Business: Medi-Cal Hydrochlorothiazide Recall We are sending this alert because your patients may have filled a prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5mg Tablet. The product is labeled as Hydrochlorothiazide Tablet USP 12.5mg, but may contain Spironolactone […]
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ProDUR Update: Additive Toxicity Alert Now Focused Only On CNS Depressants
July 31, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Learning Objectives: Describe the drug safety communications by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the combined use of opioid medicines with benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS). Review the changes to the additive toxicity (AT) prospective drug utilization review (DUR) alert. Summarize best practices for responsible prescribing of […]
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Drug Safety Communication: Adverse Effects from Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics
July 31, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are approved to treat certain serious bacterial infections and work by killing or stopping the growth of bacteria that can cause illness. On July 10, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it is strengthening the current warnings in the prescribing information for fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The new label changes will add […]
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REMINDER: HPSJ members cannot be charged for medications
May 29, 2018 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: May 29, 2018 To: HPSJ Network Pharmacies From: HPSJ Pharmacy Department Subject: REMINDER: HPSJ members cannot be charged for medications Business: Medi-Cal This is a reminder that both the Knox Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975 (H&S §1379, §1385) and California Code of Regulations (28 CCR §1300.67.8) mandate that all providers who […]
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Improving the Quality of Care: Overutilization of Proton Pump Inhibitors
April 28, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Improving the Quality of Care: Overutilization of Proton Pump Inhibitors Learning Objectives: Review the appropriate indications for short-term and long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) Describe potential adverse effects associated with use of PPIs Summarize best practices for responsible prescribing of PPIs Key Points: PPIs are one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the […]
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In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists Furnishing Nicotine Replacement Products
March 30, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Learning Objectives: Review the California State Board of Pharmacy regulations for pharmacists to furnish nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which have been in effect since January 2016. Describe strategies to promote smoking cessation in pharmacy practice. Summarize best practices for responsible prescribing of NRT products. Key Points: Tobacco dependence continues to be a leading cause […]
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Mandatory Reporting of Immunization Information
March 13, 2018 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: March 13, 2018 To: Primary Care Providers and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy Department Subject: Mandatory Reporting of Immunization Information Business: Medi-Cal The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) strongly recommends that all Managed Care Plan (MCP) network providers report immunization information within 14 days of administering an immunization. The following […]
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Drug Safety Communication: New Age Limit for Opioid Cough and Cold Medicines
February 28, 2018 / by HPSJ / Pharmacy Announcements
Prescription cough and cold medicines containing codeine or hydrocodone are available in combination with other medicines, such as antihistamines and decongestants, in prescription medicines to treat coughs and symptoms associated with allergies or the common cold. These medications may carry serious risks, including slowed or difficult breathing, misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose, and death, all of […]
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Formulary Update – The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes
February 28, 2018 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: February 27, 2018 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Physicians, Providers, and Pharmacies From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Subject: Formulary Update – The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes Business: Medi-Cal Effective 05/02/2018, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee has approved the following changes: Additions to […]
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Provider Alert – Clopidogrel Recall
January 12, 2018 / by HPSJ / Alerts, Pharmacy Announcements
Date: January 12, 2018 To: Health Plan of San Joaquin (HPSJ) Pharmacies and PCPs From: Health Plan of San Joaquin Pharmacy Department Subject: Clopidogrel Recall Business: Medi-Cal We are sending this alert because your patients may have filled a prescription for Clopidogrel tablets 75mg within the last six months (180 days). The product is labeled […]
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