the risk of hypercalcemia with lithium therapy

April 2014

Health Canada is warning about the risk of hypercalcemia with lithium therapy (Carbolith, etc).

Lithium is still used for patients with bipolar disorder to prevent relapses and for its antimanic effect.

But about 10% of patients on long-term lithium develop hypercalcemia...and some also develop hyperparathyroidism.

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Table of Contents

Pharmacy Technicians big changes in the roles of pharmacy technicians
Respiratory & Allergy two new once-daily combo inhalers for COPD, Anoro Ellipta (a-NOR-oh ee-LIP-ta) and Ultibro Breezhaler (UHL-tee-broh BREEZE-hale-er)
Diabetes more emphasis on improving care of diabetes patients
Vaccines Bexsero (BEX-sare-roe, meningococcal B vaccine) will be the first meningococcal vaccine to cover serogroup B
Women's Health whether acetaminophen is risky during pregnancy
Neurology & Pain how to handle controlled substance Rxs for patients with a "pain contract" or treatment agreement
Pediatrics dexamethasone for asthma exacerbations
Psychiatry the risk of hypercalcemia with lithium therapy
Heart Failure You'll get questions about appropriate use and dosing of digoxin
Stroke more focus on preventing strokes in YOUNGER WOMEN
Hypertension how to manage SEVERE hypertension
Ulcers Are H2-blockers making a big comeback for stress ulcer prophylaxis
Restless Legs more interest in using pregabalin (Lyrica, etc) for restless legs syndrome