Editorial: The Age of Communications for the Ages

I sometimes wonder how we ever grew up back in the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s without cell phones. From the "landlines" to the "cordless phones," still used as landlines, to the "bagphones" (remember those), to the LARGE handheld cell phones to the current "all-in-one SmartPhones" that do just about everything.

Sometimes you wonder why it is that kids must have a cell phone to talk to their friends 15 to18 hours of each day! Are they really talking or texting about things that are that important? Granted, cell phones are great for security purposes and emergencies, but it seems that kids and teenagers have this big growth on their ear that they are talking into most of the time. Maybe it is important, but sometimes one just wonders.

Also, it seems many can't wait to communicate with their friends but often don't want to communicate with their families. This can be a real challenge! Communication between children and parents is vital in today's world.

I have read that "texting" is causing difficulties with students learning how to spell and to make complete sentences. One can understand how that can happen. Actually, I rather enjoy texting, and it can be of great benefit in many situations.

I finally talked my parents into getting a cell phone. One day I tried to call them for hours to check up on them, and I couldn't get them to answer their phone at home. I finally saw them later in the day and said "I have been trying to call you on your cell phone, but you didn't answer". They said, "We don't turn it on much because we don't want to run the battery down!"

Well, I guess cell phones are going to be around for a long time, and we must learn how to address all these issues involving "communications among the ages (aged)"


Loyd V. Allen, Jr., PhD, RPh
Editor-in-Chief

Editor's Note: The following story relates to a new product approved by the FDA that is actually similar to several different compounded preparations in pain management compounding.

Opioid Pain Reliever with Required Risk Reduction Plan Approved
The FDA has approved Onsolis, a medication designed for certain patients with cancer to help manage breakthrough pain. Onsolis is designed to deliver the potent opioid fentanyl through the mouth's mucous membranes using an absorbable film that sticks to the inside of the cheek. The drug is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer, ages 18 and older, who already use opioid pain medication around the clock and who need and are able to safely use high doses of an additional opioid medicine. Such patients are considered opioid tolerant because of their current opioid medication use.

Because fentanyl is subject to abuse and misuse, Onsolis was approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This is a required plan for managing risks associated with a drug or biological product.

As part of the REMS, Onsolis will only be available through a restricted distribution program called the FOCUS program where only those prescribers, patients, and pharmacies registered with the program will be able to prescribe, dispense, and receive Onsolis. The FOCUS program is intended to provide training and educational materials to prescribers and pharmacy personnel, and a counseling call will be placed to patients prior to dispensing to ensure they have been adequately educated about the appropriate use of the drug. Prescription orders will be filled only by participating pharmacies that send the product directly to the patients' homes.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrug...

If your cell phone messes up, turn it off (if you can) and remove the battery. Wait 5 minutes, re-insert the battery, and turn it on. This can correct a lot of problems when your cell phone is not working correctly.

Power Tips
If you travel a lot with different electronics (cell phone, wireless earpiece, computer, electronic book, etc.), it is convenient to purchase a recharger unit and the "tips" that fit your individual electronics that plug into the recharger. This way you only need to travel with one charger and can leave all the others at home.