REMS & BEERS

Generic (Brand)

What does REMS stand for?

Risk Evaluation & Mitigation Strategies

What is REMS?

a drug safety program that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) can require for certain medications w/ serious safety concerns to ensure the benefits of the medication outweigh its risks

What does REMS focus on?

preventing, monitoring, or managing a specific serious risk by informing, education, & reinforcing actions to reduce the frequency/severity of the event

What is an example of REMS?

iPledge

What is a Boxed Warning?

an adverse reaction so serious in proportion to the benefit of the drug that it needs to be considered before prescribing

What is the BEERS List of Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults?

a list of medications that healthcare providers reference to safely prescribe medications for people >65 years of age

The 5 sections of the BEERS Criteria are Medications to…?

• avoid if you’re >65 years of age & not in hospice or a palliative care setting

• avoid among people w/ certain health conditions

• avoid that cause drug interactions when combined with other medications

• avoid due to harmful side effects

• use at limited doses or avoided dur to their effects on kidney function (renal impairment)

Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid, & Furadantin)

BEERS

Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine (Fioricet)

BEERS

Terazosin HCl (Hytrin)

BEERS

Estradiol

BEERS

Estradiol (Estrace)

BEERS

Estrogens, Conjugated (Premarin)

BEERS

Testosterone Gel (Androgel, Fortesta, & Testim)

BOTH

Amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone, & Nexterone)

BEERS

Sotalol HCl (Betapace)

BEERS

Digoxin (Lanoxin & Digitek)

BEERS when >0.125/day

Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

BEERS

Temazepam (Restoril)

BEERS

Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien (CR) & Intermezzo)

BEERS