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Describes the development and use of standardized forms found to be effective for evaluating clinical clerkship experiences of pharmacy students. Copies of the Preliminary Questionnaire and the Post-Evaluation Form are included along with the goals of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacy Program. (JT)

Travis Sonnett, Jennifer Robinson, Paul Milani, R Keith CampbellDepartment of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USABackground: Colesevelam hydrochloride is a synthetic, nonsystemically absorbed polymer that functions as a bile acid sequestrant for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Recently, colesevelam was investigated for the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in the pediatric/adolescent population aged 10–17 years.Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the disease state of HeFH in children and adolescents, review the pharmacologic mechanism of action, kinetics, and safety profile of colesevelam, analyze the results of a recent clinical trial of colesevelam in the pediatric/adolescent HeFH population, and discuss the role of colesevelam as a viable treatment option for HeFH.Methods: A literature search using Medline (1966–03 May 2010), PubMed (1950–03 May 2010), Science Direct (1994–03 May 2010), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (2004–2010) was performed using the search term colesevelam. English language, original research, and review articles were examined, and citations from these articles were also assessed. The manufacturer’s prescribing information and the Food and Drug Administration review of the new drug application for the powder formulation were also examined.Results: A 32-week trial was performed investigating the efficacy of colesevelam as monotherapy or combination therapy with a stable statin regimen. Upon completion of the trial, significant benefits were found in regard to the treatment of HeFH and the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and other secondary measures. Safety and tolerability were also examined throughout the duration of the clinical trial, with adverse drug reactions considered mild in severity.Conclusion: Colesevelam has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly in pediatric/adolescent patients with HeFH, while maintaining a mild side effect profile. Although further research would be beneficial for long-term effects in this population, colesevelam should be considered when developing a treatment regimen for HeFH in the pediatric/adolescent population.Keywords: colesevelam, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, bile acid sequestrant, hyperlipidemia, pediatric

Joshua J Neumiller1, Travis E Sonnett2, Lindy D Wood1, Stephen M Setter1, R Keith Campbell21Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington; 2Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USAAbstract: Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 analog with pharmacokinetic properties suitable for once-daily administration approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. Clinical trial data from large, controlled studies ­demonstrate the safety and efficacy of liraglutide in terms of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) reduction, reductions in body weight, and the drug’s low risk for hypoglycemic events when used as monotherapy. ­Liraglutide has been studied as monotherapy and in combination with metformin, glimepiride, and ­rosiglitazone for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, comparative data with insulin glargine and exenatide therapy are available from Phase III trials. Once-daily ­administration may provide a therapeutic advantage for liraglutide over twice-daily exenatide, with similar improvements in HbA1c and body weight observed when liraglutide was compared with exenatide. The glucose-dependent mechanism of insulin release with incretin analog therapy holds potential clinical significance in the management of postprandial hyperglycemic excursions, with minimal risk of hypoglycemia when used with non-secretagogue medications. Data to date on patient-reported outcomes with liraglutide treatment are encouraging. The most common adverse events associated with liraglutide therapy are dose-dependent nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diligent postmarketing surveillance to elucidate the risk of pancreatitis and medullary thyroid carcinoma in a heterogeneous population are likely warranted.Keywords: incretin analog, incretin effect, liraglutide, diabetes