Katie S. McClendon

New Obesity Agents: Lorcaserin and Phentermine/Topiramate

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the evidence for lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate in the treatment of obesity. DATA SOURCES Literature was accessed through PubMed (June 1975-March 2013) using the search terms lorcaserin, phentermine, topiramate, or phentermine/topiramate. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Additional information was obtained from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved prescribing information and FDA briefing documents. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION English-language articles focusing on Phase 3 clinical trials for obesity were critiqued. Data from preclinical and Phase 1 and/or 2 trials are reported when appropriate. Six prospective Phase 3 trials were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, affecting more than one third of adults in the US. Two medication products, lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate, have recently received FDA approval as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity among individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes. Lorcaserin is a selective serotonin 5-HT2C agonist that regulates food intake, while the combination of phentermine/topiramate causes appetite suppression and enhanced satiety. Three Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials reported approximately 75% and 45% of patients achieved greater than or equal to 5% weight loss with phentermine/topiramate and lorcaserin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS With lifestyle modification, phentermine/topiramate appears most effective in terms of weight loss. Lorcaserin demonstrates moderate efficacy. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes studies are needed to confirm the safety and benefit of these new obesity agents.

Orlistat: current status in clinical therapeutics

Background: Obesity has rapidly become a life-threatening epidemic worldwide. There are a plethora of obesity-related co-morbidities and complications that increase morbidity, mortality and cost of care associated with obesity. Orlistat is approved for the treatment of obesity and has been evaluated both in obesity and in the several obesity-related co-morbidities. Objective: The purpose of this article is to provide detail of the pharmacotherapeutic role of orlistat in obesity, describe orlistat and its pharmacological properties, critique the evidence for orlistats use in obesity and obesity-related co-morbidities, and define the role of orlistat in clinical practice. Methods: A thorough, all-inclusive literature search was conducted to isolate clinical trials, case reports and meta-analyses evaluating the safety and efficacy of orlistat in various patient populations. Results: Orlistats unique mechanism of action, beneficial effects on multiple co-morbidity surrogates and relatively mild adverse effect and drug interaction profile position it favorably as the first option for pharmacotherapy in comprehensive obesity management of adults and children.

Pathways to Improve Student Pharmacists' Experience in Research.

Objective. To describe the implementation of a student research program and to provide outcomes from the initial 4 years’ experience. Design. Students conducted individual research projects in a 4-year longitudinal program (known as Pathway), with faculty member advising and peer mentoring. A prospective assessment compared perceptions of those who completed the Pathway program with those of students who did not. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Assessment. The class of 2013 was the first to complete the Pathway program. In the Pathway assessment project, 59% (n=47) of students who responded reached self-set goals. Pathway students agreed that this research experience improved their ability to work/think independently, evaluate literature, and distinguish themselves from other students. Conclusion. The Pathway program helped students understand the research process and reach other self-set goals.

Roles of the Pharmacist in the Use of Safe and Highly Effective Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: An Opinion of the Women's Health Practice and Research Network of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy

The U.S. population continues to experience an alarmingly high rate of unintended pregnancies that have an impact on individual families and society alike. Lack of effective contraception accounts for most unintended pregnancies, along with incorrect use of contraceptives. The most common reversible contraceptive method used in the United States is the oral contraceptive pill, which has significant failure and discontinuation rates. Use of long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods has been increasing in recent years after efforts to educate providers and patients. Women are more likely to use LARC methods when barriers such as access and cost are removed. An uptake in the use of LARC methods would allow for markedly reduced contraception failure rates and higher user satisfaction and thus higher continuation rates than those seen with current contraception use. Promoting the use of LARC methods is an important strategy in improving both individual and public health outcomes by reducing unintended pregnancies. The pharmacists role in family planning is expanding and can contribute to these efforts. Although knowledge regarding LARC has not been studied among pharmacists, a knowledge deficit exists among health care professionals in general. Thus pharmacist education and training should include LARC methods along with other contraceptives. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy Womens Health Practice and Research Network advocates for the pharmacists role in the use of safe and highly effective LARC methods. These roles include educating patients, informing providers, facilitating access by providing referrals, and modifying institutional procedures to encourage provision of LARC methods.

Roles of the Pharmacist in the Use of Safe and Highly Effective Long-Acting Reversible Contraception

The U.S. population continues to experience an alarmingly high rate of unintended pregnancies that have an impact on individual families and society alike. Lack of effective contraception accounts for most unintended pregnancies, along with incorrect use of contraceptives. The most common reversible contraceptive method used in the United States is the oral contraceptive pill, which has significant failure and discontinuation rates. Use of long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods has been increasing in recent years after efforts to educate providers and patients. Women are more likely to use LARC methods when barriers such as access and cost are removed. An uptake in the use of LARC methods would allow for markedly reduced contraception failure rates and higher user satisfaction and thus higher continuation rates than those seen with current contraception use. Promoting the use of LARC methods is an important strategy in improving both individual and public health outcomes by reducing unintended pregnancies. The pharmacists role in family planning is expanding and can contribute to these efforts. Although knowledge regarding LARC has not been studied among pharmacists, a knowledge deficit exists among health care professionals in general. Thus pharmacist education and training should include LARC methods along with other contraceptives. The American College of Clinical Pharmacy Womens Health Practice and Research Network advocates for the pharmacists role in the use of safe and highly effective LARC methods. These roles include educating patients, informing providers, facilitating access by providing referrals, and modifying institutional procedures to encourage provision of LARC methods.

Tips for a successful poster presentation

A common goal of many pharmacy residents is to present their research in a poster at a regional or national meeting. Once the poster abstract has been written and accepted for presentation at a meeting, much work is left to be done to create a successful poster presentation. Poster format and