Today I verified an order for clozapine for the very first time of my entire first year of being a pharmacist😳
Here are 5 clinical pearls I learned today about the use of clozapine for schizophrenia, important for new residents & interns to learn about this therapy! #pharmpearl
1⃣ Clozapine➡️second-generation, atypical antipsychotic➡️HIGHLY effective for treatment resistant schizophrenia
Unlike other antipsychotics➡️clozapine⬇️incidence of EPS or tardive dyskinesia➡️beneficial agent for pts who experience this debilitating ADE from other agents
So why if it is so effective is it reserved after failure of 2⃣adequate trials of other antipsychotics? 🤔
Clozapines use in clinical practice is limited due to its significant adverse effects and judicious monitoring required on treatment...see below...
Clozapine uniquely requires enrollment into a REMS program 2/2 risk of severe, fatal neutropenia🦠
ANC <500/uL is reported to occur in up to 1.3% of individuals➡️NOT dose dependent➡️⬆️ risk during first 18 weeks of treatment
MUST review REMS prescribing info for monitoring ANC!
Another significant ADE of clozapine is metabolic, clozapine is amongst the atypical with ⤴️ risk of weight gain & metabolic disturbances
Mechanism🔁 2/2 non-selective antagonism🚫@ histaminergic & seritonergic receptors
>33% of patients may expect total cholesterol elevations of >40mg/dL & 50% of patients may have an increase in triglycerides by >50mg/dL from baseline over a 42 week period 😳
Vigilant monitoring&initiation of CV therapy is critical to maintain benefit w/o developing ♥️ADE
Clozapine also has a BBW for orthostasis ♥️
Has a high affinity to the alpha-1-adrenergic receptors in the peripheral smooth muscle➡️ predisposing patients to orthostasis
Take at bedtime and keep up fluid intake! Monitor BP medications and make adjustments as needed!
Clozapine also causes tachycardia➡️combined antagonism at the alpha-1-adrenergic receptors in the periphery & direct M1 antagonism at the myocardium that leads to sympathetic hyperactivity
An⤴️in resting heart rate by 10-15 bpm occurs in around 25% of patients➡️usually benign
Lastly (although there are many more) Despite its anticholinergic effects, clozapine causes hypersalivation (~30-80% of pts)
Some case reports suggest sublingual atropine eye drops may relieve sx without exacerbating systemic anticholinergic ADE! ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/P…
Overall, clozapine is a high risk med, comes w/ MANY toxicities not included in this thread, if you have more pearls, please share. For all new pharmacy or medical residents, please be aware of the REMs for clozapine and how to monitor the unique adverse effects of this therapy!
Last week I had one of my final presentations of the year! With a catchy title😉
Urine for an Update! Updates in the management of metastatic urothelial cancer
Hold your bladders, this is an extensive update! 😂 #oncopharm
Bladder cancer can be divided into two ✌️subtypes: 1) Non-muscle invasive: encompasses in-situ and localized disease➡️5-yr OS >70%
2) Muscle invasive: encompasses regional or metastatic disease➡️5-yr OS dismal especially for metastatic disease 😔
Cisplatin=SOC
50% of pts w are ineligible due to older age👵🏻, poor PS, ⬇️ renal function, ⬇️hearing, neuropathy, heart failure 🫀& other comorbities that ⬆️ risk of ⚠️
Carboplatin yields inferior responses➡️NOT 🙅🏻♀️ an equal alternative due to ⬇️ OS😢➡️pt left w/minimal tx options
What medications 💊 are should be avoided 🛑 or used with caution ⚠️ in patients with Myasthenia Gravis? 🤔
See 👀 the thread 🧵below⤵️ that summarizes an amazing grand rounds presentation by @UKPharmRes PGY1 @AliW_PharmD on key 🔑 medication considerations in MG
1️⃣Antibiotics to avoid or use w/caution🦠 💊
🛑FQs = FDA BBW for ⤴️ risk of MG crisis ➡️ avoid use if possible
⚠️ Macrolides ⤴️ rate of MG crisis (case reports)
⚠️ AG linked to ⤴️ ICU acquired weakness & exacerbate ‼️ MG crisis
📝Risk⬆️ w/neomycin vs. tobramycin & amikacin
Antibiotics considered to be SAFE alternatives to the above include
✅Beta-lactams
✅Tetracyclines
✅Linezolid
✅Bactrim
Ex. In an MG patient who presents 🏥 w/CAP 🫁 ➡️ choose ceftriaxone + doxycycline✅ OVER ceftriaxone + azithromycin🛑