PhT53Wk1Lecture

Overview of the Top 200 Drug List

  • List based on frequency of prescription sales in a recent year.

  • Utilized by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam® (PTCE) for exam questions.

  • Memorization of all 200 drugs is the goal, with the course focusing on the top 50 drugs.

  • Syllabus outlines drugs to be covered in assessments.

Definitions

Drug Types

  • Brand Name Drugs:

    • Created and marketed under a trademark by a pharma company.

    • Protected by a patent, indicated by TM or ® symbol.

  • Generic Drugs:

    • Contains the same active ingredients, strength, and dosage as brand names.

    • May vary in inactive ingredients or fillers.

    • Must maintain the same quality, stability, and safety.

Class/Use Acronyms

  • Schedule Designations:

    • C-II, C-III, C-IV, C-V indicating potential for abuse (lower number indicates higher abuse potential).

  • Auxiliary Labels:

    • Precautionary information on dispensed drug bottles.

Common Acronyms for Conditions

  • CVD – Cardiovascular Disease

  • BPH – Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

  • HBP – High Blood Pressure

  • COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

  • HTN – Hypertension

  • GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Methods of Memorization

  • Techniques:

    • Flash Cards

    • Puzzle Pieces

    • Quizlet / Anki

    • Mnemonic Tricks

    • Creative Stories

    • Rote repetition techniques.

Ambulatory Pharmacy Setting

  • Definition:

    • Ambulatory means able to walk; not confined to bed.

  • Synonyms:

    • Community

    • Outpatient

    • Retail

Pharmacy as a Business

  • Revenue Statistics (2023):

    • Total prescription revenue exceeded $462 billion across retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacies.

    • Breakdown of revenue contributions:

      • CVS Health Corporation - $159.4B (25.7%)

      • Walgreens Boots Alliance - $91.1B (14.7%)

      • Cigna/Express Scripts - $65.7B (10.6%)

      • Walmart Stores, Inc - $30.6B (4.9%)

    • Note that two-thirds of pharmacy technicians are employed where?

Types of Community Pharmacies

  • Categories:

    • Independent

    • Chain

    • Mass Merchandiser

    • Food Stores

    • Compounding Pharmacies

      • Compounds meet specific patient needs (e.g., sensitivities to ingredients).

Services Offered at Community Pharmacies

  • Provide prescription services.

  • Sell BTC products (e.g., Claritin-D, Allegra-D, Pseudoephedrine).

  • Sell OTC products.

  • Close patient interaction and customer service is essential.

New Models and Trends

  • Retail Chains Expanding:

    • Adding patient treatment sections (e.g., CVS MinuteClinic®).

    • In-person and virtual care provided by Nurse Practitioners.

    • Services include vaccinations, illness treatment, tests, screenings, and physicals.

    • CA AB401 promotes telepharmacy in underserved communities.

Typical Community Pharmacy Layout

  • Security & Access:

    • Pharmacy interior must be secured; access is restricted.

    • Exterior should be labeled with signage for drop-off and pick-up areas, and consultation space.

Products Located Near Pharmacy Exterior

  • Over-the-Counter Products:

    • Blood glucose meters, test strips, lancets, sharps containers.

    • Specialty products under weekly promotions, generating queries at pharmacy.

Pharmacy Workflow

  • Different stations for tasks:

    • Script Data Entry, Filling Area, Compounding, Drive-thru or Mobile Pickup, Verification, Point of Sale (POS).

    • Multi-tasking is crucial to maintain efficient operation.

Roles of Pharmacy Personnel

  • Pharmacy Manager:

    • Oversees daily operations, manages pharmacists and technicians, handles audits.

  • Pharmacist:

    • Verifies prescriptions, consults with patients, manages technicians.

  • Pharmacy Technician:

    • Processes prescriptions, assists with inventory control, customer service, cleaning duties.

Key Information on a Drug Stock Bottle

  • Required Details:

    • National Drug Code Number (NDC), Formulation, Route of Administration, Storage Conditions, Brand/Generic Name, Strength, Quantity, Lot Number, Expiration Date, Rx only marking, Manufacturer identification.

Drug Storage Conditions

  • Temperature Guidelines:

    • Ultra Low Freezer: -60°C to -90°C

    • Freezer: -25°C to -10°C

    • Refrigerator: 2°C to 8°C

    • Room Temperature: 15°C to 30°C

    • Controlled Room Temperature: 20°C to 25°C

    • Extreme Heat: Over 40°C

Highlighted Routes of Administration

  • Common Routes:

    • Oral, Topical, Intranasal, Intravenous, Inhalation, Vaginal, Rectal, Ophthalmic, Otic.

Selected Formulations (Forms)

  • Examples:

    • Tablets, Capsules, Solutions, Powders, Suspensions, Topicals (creams, ointments), Suppositories, Transdermal.

Lab #1: The Stock Bottle Label

  • Instructions for tasks to be completed. After group exercises, individual exercises to follow.