Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for July 2015. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA Warns of Confusion Between Brintellix, Brilinta
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Confusion between the names of the antidepressant Brintellix (vortioxetine) and the antiplatelet Brilinta (ticagrelor) has led to the wrong medication being prescribed or dispensed, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says.
Treatment Targets Not Met by Most Older Patients With Diabetes
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Only one-third of American seniors with diabetes have their disease under control as defined by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, according to research published in the July issue of the Diabetes Care.
CDC: Too Few U.S. Adolescents Getting HPV Vaccination
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Four out of 10 girls and six out of 10 boys, aged 13 to 17, have not started the recommended human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine series, according to survey results published in the July 31 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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AMA Wants Doctor Input on EHRs, Meaningful Use
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) is encouraging clinicians to share their perspectives on electronic heath records (EHRs) and the meaningful use program.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Seem Safe in CML With CKD
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) appear to be safe in patients with chronic-phase (CP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a study published online July 28 in Cancer.
Most Obstetricians Screen for Group B Strep at 35 to 37 Weeks
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost all obstetricians collect group B streptococcus screening samples, but practice patterns vary, according to research published in the August issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
U.S. Health Spending Projected to Rise 5.8 Percent By 2024
FRIDAY, July 31, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 2014 to 2024, U.S. health spending growth is projected to increase by about 6 percent, according to a report published online July 28 in Health Affairs.
New Drug Effectively Lowers Levels of Triglycerides
THURSDAY, July 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An experimental drug, ISIS 304801, can lower triglyceride levels by as much as 71 percent, according to study results published in the July 30 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Inflammation Could Up Risk of Hearing Loss With Antibiotic
THURSDAY, July 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Inflammation from bacterial infections may increase susceptibility to aminoglycoside-linked hearing impairment by increasing the uptake of the antibiotic into the inner ear, according to experimental research. The findings were published in the July 29 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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U.S. Medical Groups Fighting Prescription Opioid Abuse
THURSDAY, July 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Led by the American Medical Association (AMA), a group of 27 major U.S. medical organizations are banding together to tackle the continuing epidemic of opioid abuse.
More Information – AMA
More Information – ACOG
More Information – AAFP
Cranberry Juice Capsules Cut UTI Risk After Gynecological Surgery
THURSDAY, July 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cranberry juice capsules reduce the rate of urinary tract infection (UTI) in women undergoing elective benign gynecological surgery involving urinary catheterization, according to a study published in the August issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Tamsulosin Could Help Passage of Larger Kidney Stones
THURSDAY, July 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Tamsulosin can boost the passage of large kidney stones, but not small ones, according to a study published online July 17 in the Annals of Emergency Medicine.
New Rx for Myeloid Malignancies Moves to Phase II Clinical Trials
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The selective Hedgehog antagonist PF-04449913 seems safe and is tolerated in adults with myeloid malignancies, according to a study published online July 26 in The Lancet Haematology.
Similar Adverse Effects Seen for St. John’s Wort, Fluoxetine
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adverse reactions to St. John’s wort are similar to those reported for fluoxetine, according to research published in the July issue of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology.
Outcomes Equal for Continuous, Intermittent β-Lactams in Sepsis
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Continuous and intermittent administration of β-lactam antibiotics are similarly efficacious for patients with severe sepsis, according to a study published online July 22 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Low Incidence of Diabetic Ketoacidosis With Canagliflozin
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For canagliflozin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes, the incidence of serious adverse events of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is low, according to research published online July 22 in Diabetes Care.
No Significant Pregnancy Risks for Topical Retinoid Exposure
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Topical retinoid exposure is not significantly associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations, spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, or prematurity, according to a review published online July 26 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Probiotic Supplements May Help Prevent Infantile Eczema
WEDNESDAY, July 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Probiotic supplementation in pregnancy and early infancy can prevent infantile eczema, according to a review and meta-analysis published online July 21 in Allergy.
ASCO Calls for Cancer Trials to Include More Seniors
TUESDAY, July 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — In a position statement published online July 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology has called on the U.S. government and the cancer research community to broaden clinical trials to include older adults.
Patients Report Improved Care Access, Better Health With ACA
TUESDAY, July 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Millions more Americans have affordable health insurance, access to a personal doctor, and feel they are in better health following the first two open-enrollment periods of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a new analysis shows. The results are published in the July 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Atorvastatin/Ezetimibe Beats Atorvastatin After PCI
TUESDAY, July 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For Japanese patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), atorvastatin plus ezetimibe is associated with improved outcomes versus atorvastatin alone, according to a study published in the Aug. 4 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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Delays Noted in the Reporting of Serious Patient Harms to FDA
MONDAY, July 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About 10 percent of cases where a drug does serious harm are not reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration within the required 15-day period, according to a new analysis published online July 27 as a research letter in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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FDA Approves Praluent for Certain Cases of High Cholesterol
MONDAY, July 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Praluent (alirocumab) injection has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in addition to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who need additional low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction.
Beetroot Juice Supplementation May Help Lengthen Workouts
MONDAY, July 27, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chronic supplementation with beetroot juice (BRJ), containing nitrate, has beneficial effects on the work of the heart in response to exercise, according to a study published online June 17 in the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
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FDA Approves Odomzo for Recurring Basal Cell Carcinoma
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Odomzo (sonidegib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma that has returned despite surgery or radiation, or who are not candidates for additional surgery or radiation.
FDA Approves Technivie for Hepatitis C
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in tandem with ribavirin, to treat hepatitis C genotype 4 infection among people without cirrhosis and without scarring.
No Need for More Propofol for MRI Sedation in ADHD
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) undergoing sedation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) do not have a higher dose requirement for propofol, according to a study published online July 22 in Pediatric Anesthesia.
CDC Revisits Marijuana-Linked Death in Colorado
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — U.S. health officials on Thursday revisited the first reported marijuana-linked death in Colorado since voters there legalized recreational use of the drug in 2012.
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Oncologists Offer Strategies for Reducing Cost of Cancer Drugs
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Soaring costs for cancer drugs are detrimental to patient care in the United States, say a group of oncologists. Recommendations on how to address the problem are presented in a commentary piece published online July 23 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Progress Reported in Treatment of Marburg Virus
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say they’ve made preliminary progress toward developing a drug that one day may treat people infected with the Marburg virus, which is similar to Ebola. The study was published in the July 23 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Cannabis Alleviates Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Diabetes
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A small trial shows a dose-dependent reduction in peripheral neuropathic pain in patients with diabetes, according to a study published in the July issue of The Journal of Pain.
Generic Meds Boost Survival in Some Early Breast Cancers
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s more evidence that two classes of generic drugs (aromatase inhibitors and bisphosphonates) reduce the risk of death in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer, according to two studies published online July 23 in The Lancet.
Review: Eradicating H. pylori Cuts Incidence of Gastric Cancer
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Eradication of Helicobacter pylori in asymptomatic adults is associated with a reduction in the incidence of gastric cancer, according to a review published online July 22 in The Cochrane Library.
Human Breast Milk Effective for Atopic Dermatitis in Infants
FRIDAY, July 24, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Topical application of human breast milk (HBM) is effective for infants with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, according to a study published in the August issue of the International Journal of Dermatology.
Adherence to Stroke Guidelines Overestimated by Hospitals
THURSDAY, July 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many U.S. hospitals overestimate their ability to provide fast delivery of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) to stroke patients, according to a study published online July 22 in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Pharmacological Prophylaxis Doesn’t Cut VTE in Cirrhosis
THURSDAY, July 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis does not reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with cirrhosis, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis.
Bevacizumab Safe, Stable for Multiple Dosing From Single Vial
THURSDAY, July 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bevacizumab is safe and stable when stored at 4 degrees Celsius, even with multiple dosing from a single vial, according to a study published in the July issue of Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
Fluoroquinolones Halt Multidrug-Resistant-TB in Contacts
THURSDAY, July 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For contacts of individuals with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), fluoroquinolone (FQN) therapy is associated with health system savings and reduced mortality, according to a study published in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Blood Glucose Meter Accuracy Unclear at Low Glycemic Range
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The accuracy of blood glucose meters (BGMs) in the low glycemic range is questionable, according to an observation letter published online July 15 in Diabetes Care.
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Glitazone Usage Tied to Lower Risk for Parkinson’s Disease
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of glitazones may help protect against Parkinson’s disease, according to new research published online July 21 in PLOS Medicine.
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No Link Found Between Testosterone Therapy and VTE
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Testosterone therapy doesn’t appear to increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), according to a study published online July 20 in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Psoriasis Med May Help Preserve Pancreas Function in Type 1 DM
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Taking two 12-week courses of alefacept — a drug already approved to treat psoriasis — may help people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) preserve pancreatic β-cell function, a new study suggests. The findings were published online July 20 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
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Antibiotic May Reduce Anticoagulant Effect of Warfarin
WEDNESDAY, July 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The antibiotic dicloxacillin may lessen the effects of vitamin K antagonists, according to research published in the July 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Pioglitazone Not Significantly Associated With Bladder Cancer
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Despite smaller, prior studies suggesting that pioglitazone might raise users’ risk of bladder cancer, a large new study finds no statistically significant association. The research was published in the July 21 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Targeted Prophylaxis Effective in Post-Prostate Biopsy Sepsis
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing transrectal prostate biopsy, targeted prophylaxis is similarly effective to empirical prophylaxis for prevention of post-biopsy sepsis, according to a study published in the August issue of The Journal of Urology.
Computerized System Almost Completely Cuts Medical Errors
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Over five years, a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system can reduce medical errors (MEs), with no new type of errors detected, according to a study published online July 14 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
CDC: Aspirin Use Common Among Americans With Heart Disease
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About seven in 10 Americans with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or stroke regularly take aspirin, according to a report published in the July 17 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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ASCO Guidelines: Biomarker Use in Metastatic Breast CA Treatment
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Biomarkers can be used to guide decisions on systemic therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline published online July 20 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Antibiotic Use Linked to Higher Odds of Juvenile Arthritis
TUESDAY, July 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antibiotic use may increase the risk of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), according to research published online July 20 in Pediatrics.
Patients Not Talking About Using Alternative Therapies for Pain
MONDAY, July 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans with chronic pain who use alternative therapies — such as acupuncture — don’t discuss these treatments with their doctors, new research finds. The study was published online July 20 in the American Journal of Managed Care.
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Antibiotic Misconceptions Still Common Among Parents
MONDAY, July 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many American parents still have misconceptions about when their children should receive antibiotics and what the medications do, a new study indicates. The findings were published online July 20 in Pediatrics.
Extensive Nonadherence to Vaccine Guidelines in Diabetes
MONDAY, July 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with diabetes, considered to be at increased risk of infection and infectious complications, there is considerable nonadherence to national guidelines for hepatitis B, influenza, and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines, according to a study published in the July issue of Clinical Diabetes.
Macrolide-Resistant M. pneumoniae in All U.S. Regions
MONDAY, July 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MRMP) has a prevalence of 13.2 percent in a sample of M. pneumoniae-positive specimens from six locations in the United States, according to a study published in the August issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases.
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Clinicians May Harbor Biases About Sexual Orientation
FRIDAY, July 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Clinicians may be biased when it comes to the sexual orientation of patients, new research suggests. The study was published online July 16 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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CVD Risk Similar for Metformin + Insulin or Sulfonylureas
FRIDAY, July 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke is similar for treatment with insulin or sulfonylureas in combination with metformin, according to a study published online July 14 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism.
Universal Health Literacy Precautions Recommended
FRIDAY, July 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Universal health literacy precautions should be used to provide understandable information for all patients, according to an article published in the July 15 issue of American Family Physician.
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Antibiotic Stewardship Program Improves Antibiotic Use in China
FRIDAY, July 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An antibiotic stewardship program with pharmacist participation can promote improved antibiotic use and decrease costs in clean urological procedures, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Choosing Wisely: How to Implement in Clinical Practice
THURSDAY, July 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Strategies should be adopted to help with implementation of the Choosing Wisely program, which was designed to address the problem of medical overuse, according to an article published in the July/August issue of Family Practice Management.
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Antibodies to Serum Amyloid P Deplete Amyloid Deposits
THURSDAY, July 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with systemic amyloidosis, treatment with (R)-1-[6-[(R)-2-carboxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-6-oxo-hexanoyl]pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid (CPHPC) followed by an anti-serum amyloid P component (SAP) efficiently depletes amyloid load in the liver and kidney, according to a study published online July 15 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Genes May Be Key to a Better HIV Vaccine
THURSDAY, July 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An individual’s genetic makeup may determine whether an HIV vaccine will work, a new study suggests. The findings were published in the July 15 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
Guidelines Updated for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treatment have been updated by an international group of respiratory societies. The updated clinical practice guideline was published in the July 15 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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Antidepressant+NSAID May Raise Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Of more than four million people prescribed a first-time antidepressant, those who also used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had a higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage within the next month. The findings were published online July 14 in The BMJ.
Patiromer Treats Hyperkalemia in Diabetic Kidney Disease
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A new drug, patiromer, decreases serum potassium levels in patients with hyperkalemia and diabetic kidney disease, according to the results of a phase 2 study published in the July 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Considerable Burden for Community-Acquired Pneumonia
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The annual incidence of community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization is 24.8 cases per 10,000 adults, according to a study published online July 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
New Guidelines Deemed Better for Identifying Statin Candidates
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Updated guidelines for cholesterol management were released in 2013 by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). Now, a new report indicates they are more accurate and efficient than earlier guidelines in identifying adults at high risk for cardiovascular events who could benefit from statins. The findings are published in the July 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Few U.S. States Mandate Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Almost a decade after the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was first recommended for girls, only two U.S. states and Washington, D.C., require the immunization, according to a research letter published in the July 14 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Metoclopramide Nasal Spray Helps Gastroparesis in Women
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For women, but not men, with diabetes, metoclopramide nasal spray reduces symptoms of gastroparesis, according to a study published in the July issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
High Doses of Antibiotic Ups Risk of Over-Anticoagulation
WEDNESDAY, July 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Among hospitalized patients, high-dose amoxicillin/clavulanate correlates with increased risk of over-anticoagulation when combined with warfarin, according to a study published online July 2 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Uncontrolled Diabetes Linked to Increased Risk of Dementia
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Diabetes patients with high rates of complications from the disease may face increased risk for dementia, according to a study published online July 9 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
ASCO Updates Guidelines for Colony-Stimulating Factor Use
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The 2006 American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines on use of hematopoietic colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) have been updated, according to a special article published online July 13 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Alcohol Use Appears to Impair Driving More Than Cannabis Use
TUESDAY, July 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Drinking alcohol appears to negatively affect driving skills to a greater extent than smoking cannabis, according to research findings published online June 23 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. And, combined use leads to greater behind-the-wheel impairment, but it doesn’t double the effect.
Metformin in Pregnancy Shows No Effect on Infant Birth Weight
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Use of metformin during pregnancy doesn’t impact the birth weight of infants born to obese mothers, according to a study published online July 9 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
FDA Approves Rexulti for Schizophrenia, Depression
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Rexulti (brexpiprazole) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat schizophrenia, and as an add-on drug for major depressive disorder (MDD) when a first-line drug fails to effectively treat symptoms.
FDA Approves Iressa for EGFR+ Metastatic Lung Cancer
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Iressa (gefitinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a specific genetic mutation (epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]). A just-approved companion diagnostic test can identify patients who could benefit from this new use.
Coronary Artery Disease Ups Risk of Bowel Bleeds With NSAIDs
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with coronary artery disease are at higher risk of small bowel bleeding (SBB) when taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), according to research published online July 6 in the Journal of Digestive Diseases.
Multiple Contraceptive Attributes Influence Decision Making
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Multiple attributes influence contraceptive decision making, according to a study published in the July issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Strategies Needed to Combat Weight Gain in Smoking Cessation
MONDAY, July 13, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Quitting smoking is associated with weight gain, according to a meta-analysis published online June 26 in Obesity Reviews, and clinicians are encouraged to help patients who are undergoing cessation achieve/maintain a healthy weight.
FDA Strengthens Heart Attack, Stroke Warning for NSAIDs
FRIDAY, July 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S Food and Drug Administration on Thursday strengthened the warning labels for non-aspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), regarding increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Testosterone Tx Offers Little Help for Ejaculatory Dysfunction
FRIDAY, July 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Testosterone supplements don’t improve ejaculatory function in men with low testosterone, according to research published online July 9 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Uric Acid Therapy Improves Stroke Outcomes in Women
FRIDAY, July 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Uric acid (UA) therapy, administered in combination with thrombolysis, is more effective in cutting stroke-related disability in women than in men, according to a study published online July 9 in Stroke.
Arthritis Patients Want Info About Multiple Drug Options
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with inflammatory arthritis want to be informed about multiple current and future treatment options, according to research published in the July issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Women’s Birth Control Rx Costs Down Due to ACA
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Out-of-pocket costs for prescription birth control have dropped significantly since the Affordable Care Act took effect in the United States, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Another Study Shows Link Between SSRIs and Birth Defects
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — New research provides more evidence of a possible link between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant use early in pregnancy and a small increased risk of birth defects. The study appears online July 8 in The BMJ.
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Experimental Drug Shows Promise in Treatment of Psoriasis
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Preliminary trial results suggest that an experimental drug may be more efficacious for psoriasis than the current standard treatment. The results were published in the July 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Poll Finds More Parents See Benefits, Safety of Vaccines
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — American parents’ views about childhood vaccines became more favorable over the past year, a new poll indicates.
CDC: Most Americans in Favor of Raising Legal Smoking Age to 21
THURSDAY, July 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Three-quarters of American adults favor raising the legal smoking age to 21, according to a report published online July 6 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
FDA Approves Entresto for Heart Failure
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday approved the drug Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) to treat heart failure.
Rituximab Retreatment at Clinical Relapse Cost-Effective in RA
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Rituximab retreatment at clinical relapse is at least as cost-effective as a more intensive regimen in longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published in the July issue of Arthritis Care and Research.
Benefits of Extended Anticoagulation May Not Last
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The benefit of extended anticoagulation after pulmonary embolism dissipates after cessation of active therapy, according to a study published in the July 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CDC: Heroin Use Up Among Women, Wealthier People
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The face of heroin addiction in the United States is changing, as groups with historically lower rates of heroin use, including women and people with private insurance and higher incomes, are becoming users, federal officials reported Tuesday. The findings were published in the July 7 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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Clinical Rebounding Triad After Corticosteroid Discontinuation
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A subgroup of patients with dermatitis who discontinue topical corticosteroids (TC) after long-term treatment have clinical rebounding triad manifestations, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Dermatology.
Correction of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency No Benefit in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, vitamin B-12 supplementation is not associated with improvements in neurologic or cognitive function, according to a study published online July 1 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Misunderstanding of Term ‘Hypertension’ May Impact Care
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Misunderstanding of the term hypertension may impact antihypertensive medication use and adherence, according to a perspective piece published online July 7 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
ACIP Recommends MenB Vaccine for 16- to 23-Year-Olds
WEDNESDAY, July 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to issue a category B recommendation for use of two serogroup B meningococcal (MenB) vaccines in patients aged 16 to 23 years for short-term disease prevention, according to a report published by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Researchers ID Patients More Prone to Long-Term Opioid Use
TUESDAY, July 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with prior histories of drug abuse, or current or former smokers, are more likely to go beyond a short-term prescription for opioids, according to research published in the July issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
PCV13 Predicted to Be Cost Saving Versus PCV7
TUESDAY, July 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine (PCV-13) is expected to be cost saving compared with PCV7, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
HIV-Infected Patients Frequently Have Chronic Pain
TUESDAY, July 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many HIV-infected patients have chronic pain, which frequently co-occurs with high levels of depression symptoms, according to a study published online June 27 in Pain Medicine.
Court Upholds Medical Liability Damages Cap
TUESDAY, July 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The non-economic damages cap under the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) has been upheld again in a California court of appeal, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Adapted Diabetes Prevention Program Deemed Effective
MONDAY, July 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An adapted Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention significantly improves cardiovascular disease-related risk factors among participants, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Oxybutynin Deemed Effective Treatment for Hyperhidrosis
MONDAY, July 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose oxybutynin is an effective treatment for hyperhidrosis, according to a study published online June 26 in the British Journal of Dermatology.
Health Insurance Expansion Likely to Increase HTN Treatment
MONDAY, July 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Efforts to expand health insurance coverage are expected to lead to increased treatment rates among nonelderly patients with hypertension, which will have significant health benefits, according to a study published online July 2 in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Preventing Chronic Disease.
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Split-Dose Better Than Day-Before Colonoscopy Prep
MONDAY, July 6, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Split-dose regimens increase the quality of colon cleansing compared to day-before colonoscopy preparation, according to a review and meta-analysis published in the July issue of Gastroenterology.
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Offer Multiple Benefits
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs), frequently utilized by emergency medicine physicians and designed to help identify patients who “doctor shop” for prescriptions, are used to guide clinical decisions and opioid prescribing, as well as to facilitate discussions and provide patient education. The findings were published in the June issue of Pain Medicine.
Worse Survival With Chemo Dose Reduction in Ovarian Cancer
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Chemotherapy dose reduction is associated with worse survival in ovarian cancer, according to a study published online July 2 in JAMA Oncology.
Regional Variation in Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable regional variation in thrombolysis treatment for ischemic stroke, according to a study published online June 2 in Stroke.
Afamelanotide Beneficial in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog, afamelanotide, is associated with reduced pain and improved quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria, according to research published in the July 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Once-Daily 3.0 mg Liraglutide Tied to Reduction in Body Weight
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A once-daily dose of 3.0 mg liraglutide, injected subcutaneously, is associated with greater reduction in body weight than placebo, according to a study published in the July 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Impact of Statins on Aggression Varies by Sex
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin use is associated with decreased aggression in men and increased aggression in women, according to a study published online July 1 in PLOS ONE.
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Antipsychotic Use Up for Teens, Young Adults From 2006 to 2010
THURSDAY, July 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — From 2006 to 2010 there was an increase in antipsychotic medication use among adolescents and young adults, according to a study published online July 1 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Sublingual Immunotherapy Offers Little Benefit for Grass Allergy
WEDNESDAY, July 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The benefit of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) over placebo for seasonal grass pollen allergies is small, according to new research published online June 29 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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