Exploring New Drugs and Managing Patient Medications Safely

Posted on | by Linus

Part A – Research and discuss the process and development of new drugs. Name 2 new drugs and what they are used for. Respond to 2 classmates by adding information to the original postings about your experience with new drugs, or how you feel about the cost of medications.

Part B – Choose one of the following scenarios and discuss the patient’s diagnosis, potential side effects of medications listed and contraindications with other medications and/or foods. Respond to two classmates with ideas for patient education related to side effects and contraindications.

Scenario 1: Patient A has been diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica. The physician orders sarilumab 200 mg. injection subcutaneously one dose (following recommended schedule on 1st week, 4th week and then every 12 weeks).  Patient is currently taking atorvastatin 10 mg orally daily, losartan 50 mg. orally, daily, and spironolactone 25 mg orally, daily.

Scenario 2: Patient B has been prescribed hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg orally, daily for hypertension.  Patient is currently taking Lithium 600 mg orally, twice daily and ibuprofen 200 mg orally, every 8 hours.

SOLUTION

Exploring New Drugs and Managing Patient Medications Safely

Part A – Research and Discuss New Drug Development

  1. Understand the Assignment

    • Research the process of new drug development: discovery, preclinical testing, clinical trials (Phase I–III), FDA approval, and post-marketing surveillance.

    • Identify two new drugs, describe their uses, and integrate into your discussion.

    • Word your post clearly and concisely for classmates to respond.

  2. Outline of the Drug Development Process

    • Discovery/Preclinical Testing: Identify potential compounds, test in labs/animals for efficacy and safety.

    • Clinical Trials:

      • Phase I: Small group of healthy volunteers to assess safety and dosage.

      • Phase II: Larger group with target disease to evaluate efficacy and side effects.

      • Phase III: Large-scale trials to confirm effectiveness, monitor adverse reactions, compare with standard treatments.

    • FDA Review/Approval: Evaluate trial data, manufacturing process, labeling.

    • Post-Marketing Surveillance (Phase IV): Monitor long-term effects and rare adverse reactions.

  3. Examples of New Drugs

    • Sarilumab (Kevzara®) – Used for polymyalgia rheumatica and rheumatoid arthritis, administered subcutaneously; immunosuppressive effects reduce inflammation.

    • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) – Used for type 2 diabetes, improves glucose control and promotes weight loss via dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism.

  4. Engaging with Classmates

    • Respond to posts by:

      • Sharing personal experiences with medications.

      • Commenting on the cost or accessibility of new drugs.

      • Providing additional research or evidence-based information.

Part B – Patient Scenario Analysis

Scenario 1 Example: Polymyalgia Rheumatica

  1. Diagnosis Overview

    • Patient A has polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, usually in the shoulders and hips.

  2. Medication Ordered

    • Sarilumab 200 mg subcutaneously on schedule: week 1, week 4, then every 12 weeks.

  3. Potential Side Effects of Sarilumab

    • Injection site reactions

    • Upper respiratory infections

    • Headache, nausea, elevated liver enzymes

    • Rare: neutropenia, serious infections

  4. Drug Interactions / Contraindications

    • Atorvastatin: Monitor liver function; sarilumab may increase liver enzyme elevation risk.

    • Losartan and Spironolactone: No direct contraindication, but monitor for hyperkalemia and blood pressure changes.

    • General: Avoid live vaccines while on sarilumab due to immunosuppression.

  5. Patient Education Ideas

    • Report signs of infection immediately (fever, sore throat)

    • Monitor for unusual bruising or bleeding

    • Schedule routine lab work for liver enzymes and blood counts

    • Discuss vaccination timing with the provider

Scenario 2 Example: Hypertension

  1. Diagnosis Overview

    • Patient B has hypertension, treated with hydrochlorothiazide.

  2. Medication Side Effects

    • Hydrochlorothiazide: Hypokalemia, dehydration, dizziness, increased uric acid.

  3. Drug Interactions / Contraindications

    • Lithium: Thiazides decrease lithium clearance → risk of lithium toxicity (tremors, confusion, arrhythmias).

    • Ibuprofen: May reduce antihypertensive effect of thiazides and increase renal side effects.

  4. Patient Education Ideas

    • Monitor for signs of lithium toxicity (nausea, tremor, confusion)

    • Maintain hydration and monitor potassium levels

    • Avoid NSAIDs for extended periods without provider approval

    • Check blood pressure regularly

Tips for Classmate Engagement

  • Add information: Share a nursing perspective on monitoring side effects or managing interactions.

  • Patient education: Provide practical strategies for adherence, diet, or lifestyle modifications.

  • Cost/Accessibility: Comment on affordability of newer medications.

References (APA 7th Edition Examples)

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