Online Pharmacy Training

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it is requiring the removal of certain restrictions on prescribing and use of the diabetes drug Avandia (rosiglitazone) to reflect new information regarding the cardiovascular risk of the medicine. Today’s actions are consistent with the recommendations of expert advisory committees. Results from the Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Regulation of Glycemia in Diabetes (RECORD) clinical trial showed no elevated risk of heart attack or death in patients being treated with Avandia when compared to standard-of-care diabetes drugs. These data do not confirm the signal of increased risk of heart attacks that was found in a meta-analysis of clinical trials first reported in 2007. In addition to Avandia, rosiglitazone is available in combination with other diabetes medications, including metformin under the brand name Avandamet and glimepiride under the brand name Avandaryl.  http://www.fda.gov/Ne

Abnormal Normal Appearance and color The presence of   -WBCs - RBCs - bacteria - Phosphates - Urate Cloudiness Appearance and Color The normal urine color should range from clear to dark yellow. - myoglobin (from muscle breakdown from seizures, cocaine, or injuries)   hemoglobin, - medications - rifampin -phenazopyridine - phenolphthalein - phenothiazines foods - beets - carrots - blackberries Red-orange

Decrease Increase Normal ranges CBC item SI Conventional leukopenia   viral Infection, Aplastic anemia, Bone marrow depression caused by the use of chemotherapy or anticonvulsants. Leukocytosis Infection, Leukemia, Trauma, Thyroid storm, Corticosteroid use. Emotion, Stress, Seizures. When WBC count is greater than 50,000 cells/mm3, false elevations in Hgb and MCH can occur. 3.2-11.3 × 109 cells/L 3,200-11,300 cells/mm3 White Blood Cell (Leukocyte) Count WBCs The total number of WBCs in a given volume of blood. Mature white blood cells exist in many forms, including - neutrophils - lymphocytes - monocytes -eosinophils            - basophils

Decrease Increase Normal ranges CBC item SI Conventional anemia of all types, particularly iron deficiency anemia blood loss, hemolysis, pregnancy, Fluid replacement increased fluid intake. polycythemia vera chronic obstructive lung disease chronic smokers regular vigorous exercise Live at high altitudes. 8.7-11.2 mmol/L 7.4-9.9 mmol/L Male: 14-18g/dl Female: 12-16g/dl Hemoglobin (Hgb) carrying compound found in the RBCs

It is important for pharmacist to learn how to read laboratory report and interpret its data that will help him in: 1. Recognize normal ranges for common laboratory values in adults. 2. Identify common causes for abnormal laboratory values.