Some 2013 Canadian drug approvals

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Which of the following newly approved drugs is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease?

A. Mirabegron
B. Rotigotine
C. Trametinib
D. Pasireotide
E. Olodaterol


Answer: B

Rotigotine is a transdermal dopamine agonist for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.
Mirabegron- A beta-3 agonist for overactive bladder; Trametinib- A kinase inhibitor for advanced melanoma; Pasireotide - A somatostatin analogue for Cushing's disease; Olodaterol- Inhaled long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilator for COPD.



Which of the following fentanyl formulations is not approved in Canada?

A. IV Solution
B. Transdermal Patch
C. Sublingual Tablet
D. Nasal Spray
E. None of the above

Answer: E

C-Fentora and D-Instanyl have been approved in 2013.
A list of new drug dosage forms approved by Health Canada in 2013 is available at www.cpepreponline.com under “Free Pharmacy Resources #1”



Integrase inhibitors also called integrase strand transfer inhibitors belong to the class of antiretroviral drugs used in the treatment of HIV infection. They inhibit the action of the viral enzyme integrase that inserts the viral genome into the DNA of the host cell. Integrase inhibitors are co-administered with other antiretroviral agents. Which of the following drugs are integrase inhibitors?

I. Raltegravir
II. Dolutegravir
III. Elvitegravir

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

Answer: E
Dolutegravir and Elvitegravir have been approved in 2013.

Exam Strategies

Helpful Exam Strategies


Relax
Manage your time wisely
Read questions carefully
Attempt the questions that are easiest for you first. Come back and do the harder ones later.
Circle or underline important terms. Some important terms called modifiers and qualifiers are: only, always, sometimes, rarely, never, none, usually, sometimes, frequently and often
Try to think of the answer before looking at the options

When you don’t know the answer
Never leave a question blank
Eliminate choices you know are incorrect at1st glance to narrow the options
If two of the alternatives are similar, give them your consideration!

Disclaimer: These exam strategies are general guidelines and do not in anyway guarantee succeeding any exam.

Free pharmacy resources at www.cpepreponline.com

A typical Evaluating Exam question

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Here is a common question: “What type of EE questions should I expect?”

You should expect multiple choice questions (MCQs). MCQs can be divided in two basic types: one answer type (Q1 and Q2) and k-type (Q3 and Q4) with a combination of possible answers. Please, refer to examples.

Multiple choice questions are composed of one question or stem with multiple possible answers or choices, including the correct answer and several incorrect answers called distractors or foils. MCQs require accurate knowledge and careful reading of the instructions. Therefore, a thorough review of subject areas is needed. The challenge in multiple choice exams is not to be distracted by the distractors. Practicing questions under exam conditions will help enhance your time management skills.
Next time, I will provide a list of helpful exam strategies.

Examples:

Q1. Levodopa may produce all of the following biological effects, EXCEPT:

A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Depression
C. Nystagmus
D. Anorexia
E. Alopecia

Answer: C
Dyskinesia is another side effect of levodopa. Nystagmus is the side effect of other drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine and barbiturates. Alopecia is hair loss.
Levodopa (L-Dopa) is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.


Q2. Which of the following nasal sprays has been withdrawn form the Canadian market effective October 1st, 2013?

A. Rhinalar (Flunisolide)
B. Miacalcin (Calcitonin)
C. Imitrex (Sumatriptan)
D. Octostim (Desmopressin)
E. Soframycin (Framycetin)

Answer: B
Due to the incidence of cancer.

Q3. Correct statements concerning the enzyme alteplase also known as tissue plasminogen activator include:

I. Given orally
II. Clinical applications include acute pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction and stroke
III. Enhances blood clot degradation via the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

Answer: D
Alteplase is a thrombolytic agent administered by IV.

Q4. Which of the following hormones affect the release of prolactin?

I. Dopamine
II. Thyrotropin releasing hormone
III. Somatostatin

A. I only
B. III only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I, II, and III

Answer: C
Dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin whereas thyrotropin releasing hormone has opposite effect. Prolactin stimulates lactation.

PEBC Evaluating Exam (EE)

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The Evaluating Exam, commonly called EE, is designed to assess the knowledge of International Pharmacy Graduates in the following key areas:

- Biomedical Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmacy Administration

Becoming a licensed pharmacist in Canada requires the following steps:

1.Document evaluation to assess the eligibility of International Pharmacy Graduates to write the first exam called the Evaluating Exam (EE).

2. Following successful document evaluation. You need to pass the Evaluating Exam (EE).

3. Once you have passed the Evaluating Exam (EE), you are eligible to take the Qualifying Exam Part I (MCQ) and the Qualifying Exam Part II (OSCE).

4. The final step is the Provincial Jurisprudence Exam and English test if required.

Canadian Pharmacy Exams Prep Resources