July 2013

This human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted antibody-drug conjugate is approved for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer.

The new oral anticoagulants that have become available in recent years have added significant complexity to the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Given the disadvantages of opioids, including side effects and potential for addiction, non-opioid medications play an important role in pain management.

The primary care physician for a 67-year-old female patient with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic non-ischemic systolic heart failure wants to know whether to initiate an antithrombotic agent.

The "penny in a cup" test offers general information about a freezer's temperature, but it lacks the necessary sensitivity to determine whether frozen medications are kept in the desired temperature range.

As the pharmacy profession advances, a credentialing system may be needed to determine which pharmacists are qualified to offer which services.