Rx Note

Introduction As stated in the Procedures for Developing the NIOSH List of Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings (Procedures) , NIOSH defines a hazardous drug as a drug that is Approved for use in humans by FDA CDER, Not otherwise regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Either Is accompanied by prescribing information in the "package insert" that includes manufacturer's special handling information (MSHI) to protect workers handling the drug, or Is identified as a carcinogenic hazard, development hazard, reproductive hazard, genotoxic hazard, or other health hazard by exhibiting one or more of the following toxicity criteria in humans, animal models or in vitro systems. Carcinogenicity Developmental toxicity (including teratogenicity) Reproductive toxicity Genotoxicity Organ toxicity at low doses, or a Structure and toxicity profile that mimics existing drugs determined hazardous by exhibiting any one of the previous five toxicity types. However, if a ...

Introduction Ministry of Health Medicines Formulary (MOHMF) is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals practicing at Malaysia. It provides quick information on indications, dosage, availability and prescribing category. Also, it forms the hospital/clinical drug formulary foundation for all government healthcare facilities at Malaysia. Self-Driven Initiatives Multiple unofficial attempts have been made, first started with My Blue Book by My Pharmacist House (last updated to MOHMF 2016-2) , followed with Blue Book (Updated+Brand Name Search) by Apicel (last updated to MOHMF 2020-2) and Blue Book + CPG Malaysia by Ice Cream App (last updated to MOHMF 2023-2). All of these applications are no longer being updated, and the first two have already been removed from the App Store. These self-driven initiatives are infrequently updated and offer little additional value. Therefore, with the introduction of the official MyFormulary app, they become obsolete. MyFormulary App an...

Introduction The Ministry of Health Medicines Formulary (MOHMF), “Formulari Ubat Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (FUKKM)", or sometimes known as Blue Book, is a list of medications that we can use in Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities. It is typically updated 2-3 times a year to add, modify or delist the medications in it. However, the information such as indications, dosages, adverse reaction, contraindications, interactions, precautions and method of purchase, in FUKKM is continuously being updated throughout the year. The updated website version can be accessed here . Before we continue further, please remember that: MOHMF is not a list of medications available in Malaysia. MOHMF is not equivalent to your hospital drug formulary . MOHMF is not applicable in private clinic or hospital setting, only in government facilities. Regarding MOHMF, there are 3 important concepts that you should be aware of: Category of prescribers Special Approval Medicines (“Ubat Kelulusan Khas”) Dossi...

Introduction Today, we are going to have a small discussion on application of Poisons (Psychotropic Substances) Regulations 1989 under Poisons Act 1952 in community or hospital pharmacy setting. Psychotropic Substance Posession Control of Import, Export, Purchase and Use Prescription Control of Administration, Dispensing and Manufacture Register Storage Disposal Psychotropic Substance Psychotropic Substance is anything found in Third Schedule of the Poisons Act 1952 . Some examples are: Buprenorphine Clobazam Clotiazepam Diazepam Methylphenidate Phentermine Zolpidem Any product which is registered under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and contains any of the following substances Alfentanil Dihydrocodeine Fentanyl Ketamine Methadone Morphine Oxycodone Pethidine Sulfentanil NOTE: Morphine powder is regulated under Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Regulations , but morphine sulphate 10 mg tablet is regulated under Poisons (Psychotropic Substances) Regulations 1989. Po...

Introduction Until adulthood, we often spoke about "I" as if the world revolved solely around us – phrases like "I want to" and "I hope" dominated our conversations. Growing up within families that often prioritized our needs reinforced this self-centered perspective. When things did not go according to our wishes, we felt as though the entire world was conspiring against us. The Illusion of Youthful Idealism Before venturing into the real world, young people tend to believe that their own perspective is the only correct one and that the world should conform to their ideals. This overconfidence stems partly from a naive belief that they are destined for success and a perceived superiority over older generations, often attributed to advancements in technology and the passage of time. Even with our perceived intellectual superiority, we fail to appreciate that the roles will eventually reverse, and we may become the very generation that younger individuals ...

Introduction Perspective can be viewed as the way of how we viewed the world . Even when presented with the same scenario, people can interpret it differently. To illustrate, Ali was extremely busy to the point of missing a phone call from Abu. In a hurry, Ali returned Abu's call, inquiring about the reason for the call. Ali value Abu's friendship and therefore prioritized responding to Abu quickly despite his own busy schedule. On the other hand, Abu might be unhappy with the way Ali was in a rush during the phone call. When we are able to see things from different perspectives, we are better able to understand and appreciate the different viewpoints and experiences of others. Decision Making It can be insightful to consider different viewpoints on the same topic. It is akin to a presentation where each person may approach the same issue from a different angle , placing emphasis on different aspects and representing different schools of thoughts. The perspective we have when m...

Introduction When I was a little child, I thought I had a long way to go before I became old. Probably, at that time, I felt it took amazingly long time to even finish primary school years. However, now that I am a working adult, time seems to fly by and the days are full of unfinished works. Over the years, I have gradually lost my enthusiasm for pharmacist profession too. It is no longer the exciting challenge it once was and today is just a repetition of yesterday. Job is more of a mean to make the ends meet. Today, I have not yet achieved my childhood dreams, but my age already made me an adult. Yes, I do not like to be called an "uncle". NOTE: Watching a small baby grow by inches each day makes me acutely aware of the passage of time and my own aging. Giving Life A Meaning In our teenage years, we were focused on passing exams and getting into a good college. But once we reach adulthood, we have to reconsider the true purpose of it. We have to answer the question of what...