I’m sure you’ve all heard the saying, “Less is more.” And in the case of prostate cancer, truer words were never spoken! This week, we’re diving into men’s health to discuss why decreasing testosterone is key to treating this disease as well as how to achieve these lower levels using pharmacotherapy. And don’t worry, if you can’t remember those reproductive hormone feedback loops, we gotcha covered.
Read MoreHappy New Year! Just in time for all those insurance changes to take effect (and the barrage of new prior authorizations to be submitted), tl;dr is here to help you get through this period with the best explanation of Medicare Part D. Ever. Written by a pharmacist for pharmacists. So if you’re trying to figure out how to explain to your patients why they owe $$$ for their script and why it changes throughout the year (and you’re going crazy), soak in this post.
Read MoreWe’re winding down to the end of another year, which means it’s a perfect time for reflection. We’ve already recently admitted where we (as a profession) have perhaps been misguided with vancomycin dosing… So perhaps it’s time for us to admit yet another potential practice oopsy. Come reflect with tl;dr on the use of sodium bicarbonate in cardiac arrests and whether this is a strategy we should continue.
Read MoreSo you thought you knew everything about vancomycin pharmacokinetics, calculations, and dosing, right? Tl;dr gave you the ultimate guide a couple of years ago, and that was the end of the story... Well, unfortunately (or fortunately for patients), there’s a new dosing scheme on the block that seeks to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. That’s right - it’s time for tl;dr to tackle vancomycin dosing by AUC/MIC. Let us get you up to speed on your pharmacy geometry!
Read MoreOh noooo, it’s time to tackle the most dreaded of electrolyte abnormalities (at least from a learning perspective): hyponatremia! While we can’t claim to address all aspects of this giant salty topic in one post, we will happily impart everything we can to you about one particular type: SIADH. Let tl;dr demystify a chapter in the hyponatremia story with this guide to all things SIADH.
Read MoreHave you ever stopped to consider just how many beta blocker medications are available? It’s one of the most prolific classes of medications when you really stop to think about it! Why are there SO many, and how are they different from each other? How exactly do they work again? Take a trip down pharmacology memory lane with tl;dr to learn the ins and outs of this cornerstone medication class.
Read MoreYour patient is low on electrolytes, so order for them to drink a Gatorade, of course! Tsk, tsk. If only it was that simple… For a topic that seems like basic chemistry, electrolyte replacement is surprisingly daunting. But have no fear, tl;dr is here to give you the rundown on four common electrolyte deficiencies, including recognition and treatment.
Read MoreBacteria are tricky, sneaky buggers. They keep upping the resistance ante, which means we pharmacists have to constantly be on our toes when it comes to choosing appropriate therapies. Come learn about one of the more common resistance mechanisms, the ESBLs, so that you’re prepared to do battle when it reaches your doorstep!
Read MoreIt’s been a while since we’ve visited a long favorite topic here on tl;dr: diabetes. So in light of the recent addition of a critical care expert to our team, we’re taking advantage of his brain and tasking him with explaining diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Come learn how this chronic disease state can lead to an acute, life-threatening situation as well as how you, the pharmacist, can help to manage it.
Read MoreSure, we at tl;dr obviously like to review the big ticket disease states (heart, kidney, liver, etc). But that doesn’t mean we don’t like delving into the less common issues too! Which is why this week we’re taking you on a journey into methemoglobinemia, a not-so-prevalent-but-oh-so-important-to-pharmacists issue. Come learn one more way to be a pharmacist hero!
Read MoreEver wondered what kinds of non-surgical therapies are available for transgender individuals? How are these patients initiated on therapy and monitored, and is there crossover with medications used for other indications? Don’t worry, you’re not alone if you didn’t learn much (if anything) about this topic in pharmacy school. Tl;dr is here to fill in the gaps so you can better care for all of your patients.
Read MoreAn over-the-counter medication as ubiquitous and readily available as acetaminophen MUST be totally safe, right? Well, not entirely… Come learn how this household name walks a fine line between friend and foe - and also what to do in the event of an overdose.
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