Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for December 2018. 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.
New Guidelines Address Care for Malignant Pleural Effusions
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New clinical practice guidelines for the management of malignant pleural effusions were published in the January issue of the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
Second-Line Antidiabetic Meds May Impact Cardiovascular Risk
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line antidiabetic medications (ADM), cardiovascular risk is increased with use of sulfonylureas or basal insulin versus newer ADM classes, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
ACOG Updates Guidelines for Gestational HTN, Preeclampsia
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidance on the management of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia as well as chronic hypertension in pregnant women; the two practice bulletins were published in the January issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia
Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy
Effect Sizes Uncertain for Meds Versus Placebo in Knee OA
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with knee osteoarthritis and at least 12 months of follow-up, there is uncertainty around estimates of effect size for the change in pain in association with medications versus placebo, according to a meta-analysis published in the Dec. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Review Highlights Lack of Tx Options for Prurigo Nodularis
FRIDAY, Dec. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new review, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, provides evidence-based guidance for practitioners treating the dermatologic condition prurigo nodularis and highlights gaps in treatment development and research.
Low-Priced Generic Drugs Most Likely to Have Shortages
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The lowest-priced generic drugs are more likely to experience shortages, according to a study published in the November issue of Value in Health.
More Than Two-Thirds of Drug OD Deaths in 2017 Involved Opioids
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than two-thirds of drug overdose deaths in 2017 involved an opioid, with increases in overdose deaths from all opioids and synthetic opioids seen from 2016 to 2017, according to research published in the Dec. 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns Vary for Pediatric Patients
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variation in opioid prescribing among pediatric patients, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in JAMA Network Open.
ASH Develops Practice Guidelines for Venous Thromboembolism
THURSDAY, Dec. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has developed new guidelines for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE); the clinical practice guidelines were recently published in Blood Advances.
Prophylaxis for Hospitalized and Nonhospitalized Medical Patients
Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism
Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia
Treatment of Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism
Venous Thromboembolism in the Context of Pregnancy
Optimal Management of Anticoagulation Therapy
Complications, Costs Up With Cardiac Sx in Opioid Use Disorder
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) undergoing cardiac surgery have increased complications and costs, according to a study published online Dec. 5 in JAMA Surgery.
Updated Guidelines Developed for Diagnosing, Treating Influenza
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Infectious Diseases Society of America has updated their recommendations for the care of patients with suspected or diagnosed influenza; the clinical practice guidelines were published online Dec. 19 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
New AAP Guideline Available for Infantile Hemangioma Treatment
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed its first guideline for the management of infantile hemangiomas (IHs); the clinical practice guideline was published online Dec. 24 in Pediatrics.
FDA Approves Drugs for Treatment of Two Rare Blood Diseases
MONDAY, Dec. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of rare blood diseases, the agency announced Friday.
More Information – Elzonris
More Information – Ultomiris
Vit C for Pregnant Smokers May Improve Newborn Lung Function
MONDAY, Dec. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For pregnant smokers, vitamin C supplementation may improve newborn lung function, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Incorrect Prescribing Alerts Common for Psychotropic Meds
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Incorrect prescribing alerts for psychotropic medications may be common, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
FDA: Fluoroquinolones Tied to Heart Vessel Ruptures, Tears
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2016 (HealthDay News) — Patients taking fluoroquinolones may be at higher risk for ruptures or tears in the aorta, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
FDA: Teething Jewelry Linked to at Least One Infant Death
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Teething jewelry products, such as necklaces, pose significant safety risks and have been tied to at least one baby’s death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns.
A-Fib Risk Up for Antidepressant Users, but Higher Before Tx
FRIDAY, Dec. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) is increased among antidepressant users, particularly before treatment initiation, according to a study recently published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Racial Disparities Seen in Use of Oral Anticoagulants for A-Fib
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Black patients with atrial fibrillation are less likely to receive direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with white patients, even after controlling for clinical and sociodemographic features, according to a study published in the December issue of JAMA Cardiology.
Prevalence of Benzodiazepine Use 12.6 Percent in the United States
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Overall, 12.6 percent of U.S. adults report past-year benzodiazepine use, with misuse accounting for 17.2 percent of overall use, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Psychiatric Services.
CDC: ~65 Percent of U.S. Women Currently Using Contraceptives
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Almost two-thirds of U.S. women aged 15 to 49 years were currently using contraception in 2015 to 2017, according to a December data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Health Statistics.
Affordable Care Act Sign-Ups Higher Than Expected
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite numerous difficulties, early figures show that sign-ups for health coverage next year under the Affordable Care Act are higher than expected.
AP News Article
Sorafenib for Desmoid Tumors Ups Progression-Free Survival
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sorafenib prolongs progression-free survival among patients with desmoid tumors, according to a study published in the Dec. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
ADA 2019 Standards of Care Emphasize Patient-Centered Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patient-centered care is emphasized in updated clinical practice recommendations from the American Diabetes Association 2019 Standards of Care, published as a supplement to the January issue of Diabetes Care.
Pembrolizumab Promising for Metastatic Head, Neck SCC
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, pembrolizumab has a favorable safety profile and is associated with prolongation of overall survival, according to a study published online Nov. 30 in The Lancet.
Hospitalization for Upper GI Bleed Highest With Rivaroxaban
THURSDAY, Dec. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients initiating oral anticoagulant therapy, the incidence of hospitalization for upper gastrointestinal bleeding is highest and lowest with rivaroxaban and apixaban, respectively, according to a study published in the Dec. 4 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Modified-FOLFIRINOX Beneficial in Resected Pancreatic Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with resected pancreatic cancer, adjuvant therapy with a modified regimen of chemotherapy with fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (FOLFIRINOX), compared with gemcitabine, results in significantly longer survival, according to a study published in the Dec. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
FDA Advisory Panels: Prescribe Naloxone With Opioid Painkillers
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The labels of prescription opioid painkillers should advise doctors to consider simultaneously prescribing the opioid overdose antidote naloxone, two U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panels recommend.
Washington Post Article
Postmenopausal Vaginal Estrogen Not Tied to Negative Health Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogen use is not associated with negative health outcomes, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Menopause.
Cardiac Malformations Not Up With First-Trimester Ondansetron
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — First-trimester ondansetron use is associated with a small increased risk for oral cleft but no increased risk for congenital malformations or cardiac malformations, according to a study published in the Dec. 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Failure of Timely Stop to Certain Prescription Drugs Is Common
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Legacy prescribing of certain drugs, such as antidepressants and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), is common, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Opioids Offer Small Improvement in Pain, Physical Function
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid use is associated with small improvements in pain and physical functioning in patients with chronic noncancer pain, according to research published in the Dec. 18 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Chest CT Can ID Respiratory AE Risk in RA Patients on Biologics
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chest computed tomography (CT) findings may identify risk factors for respiratory adverse events (RAEs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients undergoing long-term biological therapy, according to a study recently published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Routine Supplements to Prevent Chronic Disease Not Advised
TUESDAY, Dec. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Routine use of vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent chronic disease is not recommended, according to an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics position paper published in the November issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Buprenorphine-Naloxone Cost-Effective for Opioid Use Disorder
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Buprenorphine-naloxone is cost-effective compared with extended-release naltrexone for treating opioid use disorder, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Adherence and Intensity of Lipid-Lowering Tx Influence CV Risk
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adherent patients receiving high-intensity statin and/or ezetimibe therapy have the lowest cardiovascular risk, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Barbershop Intervention Leads to Reduced BP in Black Men
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A barbershop-based intervention can lead to significantly reduced blood pressure and sustained improvements over one year in black men, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Circulation.
Solriamfetol Feasible for Sleep Apnea-Related Tiredness
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Solriamfetol therapy, compared with placebo, results in improvements in wakefulness and sleepiness measures in patients with excessive sleepiness due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a study published online Dec. 6 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Some With Type 2 Diabetes Inappropriately Monitoring Blood Glucose
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes may be self-monitoring blood glucose inappropriately, according to a research letter published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Cisplatin Superior to Cetuximab for HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer
MONDAY, Dec. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive low-risk oropharyngeal cancer, cetuximab shows no benefit compared with the standard cisplatin regimen in terms of reduced toxicity and results in worse tumor control, according to a study recently published in The Lancet.
Phone-Based Intervention Aids Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A nurse-based phone education intervention can promote shared decision making in patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online Dec. 5 in Musculoskeletal Care.
Apixaban Prevents VTE in Cancer Patients Initiating Chemotherapy
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among patients with cancer starting chemotherapy who are at intermediate-to-high risk, rates of venous thromboembolism are significantly lower for thromboprophylaxis with apixaban versus placebo, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Guidelines Developed for Opioid Use in Vaginal Birth
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed for use of opioids for uncomplicated spontaneous vaginal birth; the draft consensus guidelines were published online Dec. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Medication Beliefs Affect Uptake of Preventive Tx for Breast Cancer
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Beliefs about medication are associated with uptake of tamoxifen as a preventive therapy among women at increased risk for breast cancer, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in Clinical Breast Cancer.
Racial Disparities Seen Among Teens Undergoing Flu Vaccination
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Racial disparities exist among adolescents undergoing influenza vaccination, with lower odds of vaccination among black versus white adolescents, according to a study recently published in Public Health Reports.
EHR-Linked Reminder System for Glaucoma Meds Perceived Useful
FRIDAY, Dec. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with glaucoma generally find an electronic health record (EHR)-linked reminder system for glaucoma medications useful, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Medication Errors Resulting in Death Most Common in Elderly
THURSDAY, Dec. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medication errors in acute care that result in death occur most often in patients older than 75 years, with the most common error category being omitted medicine or ingredient, according to a study published online Nov. 22 in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy.
FDA: Some E-Cigarette Liquids Contain Erectile Dysfunction Meds
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Consumers should not use two electronic cigarette liquids that contain erectile dysfunction drugs because they may pose health risks, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Recalled Kotex Tampons Can Unravel Inside Body
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Certain Kotex tampons are being recalled by Kimberly-Clark because they can unravel and leave pieces inside women’s bodies.
CBS News Article
FDA Safety Alert
Enrollment Under the Affordable Care Act Down From Last Year
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is down with just days left to sign up, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
AP News Article
Antipsychotics Up Risk for Unexpected Death in Youths
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antipsychotic use is associated with an increased risk for unexpected death among children and youths, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in JAMA Psychiatry.
2017 Saw Slowing in National Health Care Spending
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — National health care spending slowed in 2017, according to a report published online Dec. 6 in Health Affairs.
CDC Identifies Drugs Frequently Involved in Drug Overdose Deaths
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The drugs most commonly involved in drug overdose deaths during 2011 to 2016 include fentanyl, heroin, oxycodone, and cocaine, according to the Dec. 12 issue of the National Vital Statistics Reports, a publication from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Patients May Become Immune to Botulinum Toxin Treatments
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — About 15 percent of patients treated with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) for dystonia or spasticity can develop an immune response to the treatment itself, according to a study published online Nov. 21 in Neurology.
Consensus Decision Pathway Developed for Tobacco Cessation
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An expert consensus decision pathway has been developed for tobacco cessation treatment; the report was published online Dec. 5 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Reference Infliximab, Biosimilar Equivalent for Crohn’s Disease
TUESDAY, Dec. 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — CT-P13, which is a biosimilar of the reference product (RP) infliximab, has equivalent effectiveness for infliximab-naive patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), according to a study published online Dec. 11 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
AHA Scientific Statement: Low Risk of Side Effects for Statins
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Statins are associated with a low risk for side effects, according to a scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) published online Dec. 10 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology.
Smaller Heads Related to Opioid-Related Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Chronic opioid use during pregnancy that causes neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is associated with smaller neonatal head circumference (HC), according to a study published online Dec. 10 in Pediatrics.
PM2.5 Exposure Linked to Asthma Rescue Medication Use
MONDAY, Dec. 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with asthma, increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure is associated with increased weekly rescue inhaler use, according to a study published online Nov. 26 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Fear Impacts Quality of Life for Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fear of complications and frustration at the amount of time required to manage type 1 diabetes impact the quality of life of young adults with the disease, according to a study published in the December issue of The Diabetes Educator.
Ultrarestrictive Opioid Rx Protocol Cuts Postoperative Opioid Use
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An ultrarestrictive opioid prescription protocol (UROPP) can reduce the number of opioids prescribed to patients after gynecologic and abdominal surgery without negative health consequences, according to a study published online Dec. 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Botox Injections Explored to Cut Postop A-Fib in Cardiac Surgery
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intraoperative botulinum toxin (BTX) injections show promise as a way to reduce the risk for postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) following cardiac surgery, according to two studies recently published in Heart Rhythm.
Abstract/Full Text – Romanov (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Waldron (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Meds Taken Do Not Vary With ADL Impairment in Heart Failure
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For individuals with heart failure, those with impairment in activities of daily living (ADL) take as many medications as those without ADL impairment, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Pregnant Women Commonly Refuse Vaccines
FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pregnant women commonly refuse vaccines, including influenza vaccine and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, according to research published online Dec. 4 in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Many Americans Unaware of Promise of Personalized Medicine
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical science has made tremendous advances in personalized medicine. However, the American public is still struggling to understand the implications of these targeted treatments, a new HealthDay/Harris Poll has revealed.
HealthDay Article
Recommendations Developed for Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations have been developed for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA); the evidence-based guideline was published online Nov. 30 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Opioids Overprescribed After Arthroscopic Meniscectomy
THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prescription opioid medications are overprescribed after simple arthroscopic meniscectomy, according to a study recently published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
FDA Warns of Rare Stroke Risk With Multiple Sclerosis Drug
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new warning has been added to the multiple sclerosis drug Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) after rare reports of patients suffering strokes and tears in the lining of the arteries in the head and neck, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said.
Infections Linked to Increased Later Risk for Mental Disorders
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Infections requiring hospitalization or treatment with anti-infective agents are associated with an increased subsequent risk for mental disorders, according to a study published online Dec. 5 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Exposure to Phthalates May Impact Timing of Puberty in Girls
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Exposure to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals may impact the timing of puberty in children, according to a study published online Dec. 4 in Human Reproduction.
HHS Issues Draft Strategy for Reducing Health IT Burden
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has developed a draft strategy to reduce the health information technology (IT) burden, and the strategy is open for public comment through Jan. 28, 2019.
Urate Elevation in Potential Tx for Parkinson’s Not Tied to HTN
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is no correlation between urate and blood pressure (BP) in mice or among patients with early Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study published in the November issue of EBioMedicine.
Mean Cumulative Lifetime Prevalence of Eczema 9.9 Percent
TUESDAY, Dec. 4, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The mean cumulative lifetime prevalence of atopic eczema is 9.9 percent, according to a research letter published online Dec. 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required
Cost-Related Insulin Underuse May Affect One in Four Patients
MONDAY, Dec. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — About one in four patients report cost-related insulin underuse, which is associated with poor glycemic control, according to a research letter published online Dec. 3 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Prevalence of Ever-Diagnosed ASD 2.79 Percent in U.S. Children
MONDAY, Dec. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of ever-diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is 2.79 percent in the United States, with state-level variations in prevalence, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in JAMA Pediatrics.
More People Worldwide Now Know Their HIV Status
MONDAY, Dec. 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Three-quarters of patients living with HIV worldwide know their infection status, according to Knowledge Is Power, a new report released Nov. 22 by UNAIDS.
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