Vol 13, No. 01 January 17 , 2007
The January meeting was held at Edo’s, in Kingsport, TN. Brandie Moody with UCB and Jose Rodriguez with Sanofi-Aventis sponsored the meeting. The speaker was Dr. Csava Rusznak, MD, allergist from Vanderbilt.
PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS
Allergies
- Allergies in America study reports medications are not effective in 66% of patients
- Anti-histamines are not H1 blockers, rather agonists of H1 receptors, or stabilize the inactive state of H1 receptors
Xyzal (levocetirizine)
- “3rd Generation” anti-histamine
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec) is a racemic mixture of levocetirizine and dextrocetirizine
- Levocetirizine is the “active” part of cetirizine
- Indicated for seasonal and perineal allergies and chronic urticaria
- Dosing: Adults and children >12 yrs is 5 mg po qhs
- Safety data in children published in 2007 (FDA approved for ages >6) dosing in children 6-11 years is 2.5mg po qhs (syrup coming soon)
- Common side effects: somnolence, nasopharyngitis, fatigue, dry mouth
- Pregnancy Category: B
- No effects on QT interval
- NO drug-drug interactions
- Contraindicated in end stage renal disease and in children with renal insufficiency
Why Xyzal?
- Lower CNS effects (lower sedation)
- Lower drug-drug interactions (lower drug metabolism)
- Lower volume of drug distribution
- Rapid absorption with peak concentration within one hour
- Half-life: 8 hours
- Clinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory properties since nasal congestion is improved (unique to Xyzal)
- Increased QOL in multi-center, multi-national study
Business Meeting
President Vicki Lewis opened the meeting by thanking our presenter, Dr. Rusznak and our sponsors, Brandie Moody and Jose Rodriguez.
Secretary’s Report:
- The minutes were posted on the website and a motion was made to accept the minutes without any changes.
Treasurer’s Report:
Old Business:
- Vicki proposed a committee to review and update the bylaws and also to post these on the website. Volunteers included Vicki Lewis, Jacki Hinshaw, Jennie Walls, Kathy Sharp, and Betsy Palmer.
- Executive Committee met and laid out proposed 2008 budget. This will be mailed to members and comments are welcome.
- Vicki will announce the winners of the attendance awards from October to December 2007at the next meeting.
New Business:
- ANCC has issued new credentials for certified Family Nurse Practitioners (to replace the previous APRN-BC) and will now be FNP-BC.
- January 2008 Membership dues are due, $35 for members and $25 for students. Give money to Paula Countiss.
Continuing Education:
- Diabetes Symposium “Diabetes Management for the Healthcare Provider” will be held at Wellmont, BRMC in the Monarch Auditorium on April 10 from 8-4.
Community Events:
- TNA Legislative Summit is April 2, 2008 at War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville.
Job Opportunities:
- Centerpointe Clinic in Kingsport seeks full time or part time NP. This position is ideal for an independent, autonomous NP. Local primary care clinic in Kingsport closed and has resulted in an influx of patients that need a provider at Centerpointe. Contact Kay Bone for more info or if interested. Please pass along to anyone interested.
- Full time ANP for a chronic care, wellness, prevention and acute care facility in Collegedale TN just outside of Chattanooga. This position offers a very competitive salary and full benefits. Beth Ratliff, Senior Director, Operations;
Comprehensive Health Services, Inc.
502 290-7647- Voice, 502-724-5903- Cell, 1-866-405-2813- Fax
- There is also another opening at Summit Health Services for an Adult or Geriatric Nurse practitioner for long term care. There is a great deal of autonomy and satisfaction working with the elderly. Please contact Cathy Forbes at cathywoodyy@charter.net and I will refer you to the contact person for the position.
- Dr. Pugh in Johnson City is looking for part-time or full time NP for her pediatric practice. She said she can be reached at her office number 929-2454 or her cell phone 677-2454.
- Cardiovascular Associates in Johnson City is seeking 3 NPs. Contact Christy Willochs at 423-230-7003.
Next Meeting:
February 21, 2008
Location and topic TBA
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