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Objective: This study aims to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, vericiguat, in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure with ejection fraction less than 45% for the reduction of cardiovascular deaths. Also, to evaluate heart failure–related hospitalization in patients following a hospital discharge secondary to heart failure or those that require outpatient intravenous diuretics. Data source: MEDLINE/Pubmed and National Institutes of Health Clinical Trial Registry were searched between January 1989 to February 2021 using the following terms: vericiguat, soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, heart failure, (was also known as) BAY 1021189. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The following study designs were included in the analysis: phase I, II, and III clinical trials; systematic reviews; and meta-analyses. Articles were included if they were published in English and evaluated vericiguat pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety. Data Synthesis: The Food and Drug Administration approved vericiguat for the reduction of cardiovascular death and hospitalization after having a related hospitalization or the need for outpatient intravenous diuretics, in those with symptomatic chronic heart failure and ejection fraction less than 45%. In the VICTORIA trial, vericiguat demonstrated a 10% reduction in risk of death from cardiovascular causes or first hospitalization for heart failure compared with placebo. Vericiguat was well tolerated overall with hypotension, syncope, and anemia noted as the most common side effects, similar to the other agent in its class. Conclusion: Vericiguat may be appropriate as add-on therapy for patients already on guideline-directed medical therapy with recent decompensated HFrEF to reduce hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To integrate fourth-year student pharmacists on advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotations within several different ambulatory clinics to perform medication reconciliations and enhance interdisciplinary practice. Methods: The study design was a descriptive, prospective multisite study among a variety of ambulatory care outpatient clinics. Student pharmacists were partnered with physicians to conduct medication reconciliations during clinic visits for 4 hours per week, with data collection from January 2016 to September 2016. This program originated from physician requests for additional pharmacy involvement and led to the development of a successful implementation strategy to involve student pharmacists in the medication reconciliation process. Results: Student pharmacists identified 537 medication discrepancies among 491 patients, including commission of medications (36%), documentation of previously omitted medications (27%), and incomplete patient allergy information (11%). Students spent an average of 10 minutes on each encounter. Conclusion: Documentation from this innovative program suggests improvement in medication reconciliation and enhanced patient care with limited time required of student pharmacists. A similar program could be developed and utilized at other clinical sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.