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TechMinute for Pharmacy Technicians
ISSUE NUMBER 1 | April 2009 | www.nationaltechexam.org
Dear Reader,

Welcome to the first quarter 2009 issue of the Tech Minute!  You may notice a few changes have taken place.  First, our newsletter has been redesigned and now will be archived on the ICPT website.  Second, ICPT has a new website  with a new look and feel.  We've moved to a system that we hope will allow us to serve you better.   Do you like the new site?  Is there something we need to add or change?  Is there something more we can do for you?  We want to hear from you! Please let us know what you think!

The ICPT Team

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 Test your knowledge!

Click this CROSSWORD PUZZLE!.  Follow the instructions to submit your answers to ICPT.  The first one to send in the correct answers will receive a complimentary membership to NPTA (National Pharmacy Technician Association) - a $69 Value!  To learn more about NPTA membership benefits, click here:  NPTA MEMBERSHIP.  Thank you to NPTA for this generous award!

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Did you know?

Sharing of insulin pens – even if the needle is changed- still may put patients at risk for blood-borne pathogens. more

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Growth in prescription drug use slows.  Data from IMS Health indicates prescription sales growth increased 1.3% in 2008 with the dispensed prescription volume growing at a 0.9% pace.  As one might suspect there was higher demand for generic products that cost less and reduced demand due to the economic environment (see lead story).  To test your knowledge see if you know the answers to these questions.

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 A voluntary recall of the product Zencore Plus recently occurred. This product, marketed as a dietary supplement for enhancing male sexual performance, was found to contain benzamidenafil which is a newly discovered PDE5 inhibitor.  Though different, it is likely the product works similarly to the PDE5 inhibitors approved by the FDA.  This product may cause problems in persons taking nitrates.  Zencore Plus is only sold on the Internet and in health food stores and illustrates the need for pharmacies to have complete medicate profiles including supplements and OTCs.

 

Those with chronic conditions delay care

According to a study by the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans 44 and older with chronic conditions have postponed healthcare of filling prescription medications.  The study surveyed over 1100 Americans over the age of 43 suffering from at least one chronic health condition.  One quarter of these individual indicted they delayed getting health care or neglected filling a prescription because of financial concerns.  In this survey the impact was 45% of patients reporting they were 'always' or 'frequently' in pain.  A higher percentage reported feeling tired and 40% reported were stressed.  It is difficult to know how these number may have changed from previous periods.  But, If this trend applies to the 130 million (or more) individuals with chronic conditions in the United States a significant number of patients are delaying care.

How can the pharmacy technician help?  Compile a list of pharmaceutical assistance programs that patients can be referred to.  You might start your list with groups such as:

You might familiarize yourself with some of the forms and offer to assist your patients in completing these forms and applying for assistance.  You will win your patient's loyalty with this kind of support.

(Reference: NCOA PDF Form accessed March 19, 2009. )

Tech Profile:  Anita Benavidez, a profile in creating a career

Ms. Benavidez, an avid musician, talks about how she landed in pharmacy.  Through her career she has worked in hospital, academia, compounding pharmacy and now holds a position serving the state Medicaid plan.  Read about Anita and how she created a rewarding career as a pharmacy technician.

Do you know other inspiring pharmacy technicians?  Let's hear their story!  Send it now.


Stories from the Pharmacy Counter...

NBC recently reported a pharmacist in Alabama that created his own version of a stimulus program using $2 bills that could be easily identified as they moved around the local economy.


I know there are more stories to be told and many involve pharmacy technicians.  It has been shown that performing these random acts of kindness has many health benefits, physically and mentally.  Let’s share some of those good stories.  Tell us your stories.

Quick Links
  • ExCPT - schedule the national exam now!
  • Ntl Training Program - this is one of many programs you can use to prepare for national certification.
  • ExCPT Practice Test - test yourself before the big exam by sitting for a practice test, it's just $25.
  • State Requirements - check this summary of state requirements for the state in which you want to work. Always confirm with your Board of Pharmacy for any recent changes.
  • Top 200 Drugs - This booklet contains product pictures and critical information on each drug product.
  • Top 100 OTCs  - This booklet will help you with the most popular over-the counter products.
  • About ICPT   - Anything we haven't answered for you?
 
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