Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for December 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.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Improves Outcomes for MRSA
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients receiving antimicrobial injections targeting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program that includes daily review of prescriptions is associated with improved clinical outcomes, according to a study published online Dec. 18 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Researchers Call for Retraction of Nitroglycerin-Bone Density Study
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Some authors of a published study that claimed nitroglycerin might boost bone density in older women have asked that the study be retracted, saying the lead researcher falsified data in the report. The research was first published in February 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The request for a retraction appeared online Dec. 28 on the journal’s website.
Notice of Retraction
Family Hx Ups Risk of Psychotic Symptoms in Kids on Stimulants
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For children and young adults who have a parent with major mood and psychotic disorders, stimulant use is associated with increased likelihood of psychotic symptoms, according to a study published online Dec. 30 in Pediatrics.
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Timing of DTaP Vaccine Not Tied to Food Allergies at Age 1 Year
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Timing of the diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccination is not tied to child food allergies; however, children with delayed DTaP have less eczema, according to a study published online Dec. 28 in Allergy.
Metformin Looks Promising in the Treatment of Preeclampsia
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 30, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Metformin reduces soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and soluble endoglin (sENG) secretion from primary human tissues, and reduces endothelial dysfunction, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Pre-Op VTE Prophylaxis Safe in Major Cancer Surgery
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative anticoagulation can safely be given to certain patients before major cancer surgery, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
After Nonfatal Overdose, Most Patients Prescribed More Opioids
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with a nonfatal opioid overdose are almost always prescribed opioids after overdose, according to a study published online Dec. 29 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Finances Affect Patient Decisions About Cancer Clinical Trials
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with cancer, financial concerns are associated with psychological factors that may impact their quality of decision making regarding clinical trials, according to research published online Dec. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
More Adverse Effects for Medical Castration in Prostate Cancer
TUESDAY, Dec. 29, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with metastatic prostate cancer, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment is associated with more adverse effects than orchiectomy, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in JAMA Oncology.
Patients Can Safely Self-Administer IV Antibiotics at Home
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients can be taught to safely self-administer long-term intravenous antibiotics at home, without the help of a health care worker, according to research published online Dec. 15 in PLOS Medicine.
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Higher Hospital Prices in U.S. ‘Monopoly Markets’
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Prices at hospitals in monopoly markets are 15 percent higher than those at hospitals in areas with at least four providers, according to research published recently at the Health Care Pricing Project website.
Efficacy of Azithromycin in Chlamydia Remains High
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Azithromycin is not noninferior to doxycycline for treatment of urogenital chlamydia infection among adolescents; however, the efficacy of both types of treatment is high, according to a study published in the Dec. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Treating Hypertension Beneficial Regardless of Baseline Pressure
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Blood pressure lowering treatment reduces the risk of major cardiovascular disease events, with reductions seen regardless of starting blood pressure, according to research published online Dec. 23 in The Lancet.
Empirical Treatment More Cost-Effective for Onychomycosis
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with suspected onychomycosis, empirical treatment with terbinafine is more cost-effective than confirmatory testing, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in JAMA Dermatology.
Patient Education Ups Willingness to Consider Clinical Trials
MONDAY, Dec. 28, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Educational content delivered before the first oncologist visit, in either tailored video or text format, can improve patient willingness to consider participation in clinical trials, according to a study published online Dec. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
FDA Approves Zurampic for the Treatment of Gout
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Zurampic (lesinurad) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to control blood levels of uric acid associated with gout.
Secukinumab Cuts Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with active ankylosing spondylitis, secukinumab is associated with reductions in symptoms at week 16, according to a study published in the Dec. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Selexipag Linked to Reduced Risk of Death, Complications in PAH
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, selexipag is associated with a reduced risk of a composite end point of death or pulmonary arterial hypertension-related complications, according to a study published in the Dec. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Infusion of HIV-Neutralizing Antibody Decreases Viremia
FRIDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A single infusion of the potent human monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the HIV-1 CD4 binding site, VRC01, decreases plasma viremia, according to a study published in the Dec. 23 issue of Science Translational Medicine.
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Daily INR Measurement Best for Hospitalized Patients on Warfarin
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For hospitalized patients, international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring less frequently than daily is associated with increased odds of warfarin-associated adverse events, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Daylight Photodynamic Therapy Effective, Safe for Acne
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Daylight photodynamic therapy with a novel variant of unsaturated ALA ester, 3-butenyl 5-aminolevulinate hydrochloride (ALA-bu), is effective and well tolerated for acne, according to a study published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Anti-TNF Treatment Ups ANA Positivity in Psoriasis
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with psoriasis, treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is associated with increased rates of antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity, according to a letter to the editor published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Ivabradine Improves Angina-Related Quality of Life
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with angina pectoris, ivabradine is associated with improvements in certain parameters of quality of life (QoL), according to a study published online Dec. 22 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
FDA Approves Uptravi for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Uptravi (selexipag) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
FDA Lifts Ban on Blood Donations by Men Who Have Sex With Men
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Men who have sex with men who have abstained from sex for one year will now be allowed to donate blood in the United States. The new policy, announced Monday by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, reverses a three-decades-old ban on donations from this group of men that traces back to the start of the AIDS epidemic.
Few Get Rx to Help Quit Smoking After COPD Hospitalization
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A minority of patients discharged with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receive pharmacologic treatment for tobacco use, and treatment is not associated with smoking cessation, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
Two Draft Statements From USPSTF Open for Comment
TUESDAY, Dec. 22, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has found that current evidence is insufficient for determining the balance of benefits and harms of lipid disorder screening in children, while for statin use in adults, recommendations vary with patient age. These findings form the basis of two draft recommendation statements published online Dec. 21 by the USPSTF.
Draft Recommendation Statement – Lipid Screen
Evidence Review
Comment on Recommendations
Draft Recommendation Statement – Statin Use
Evidence Review
Comment on Recommendations
Pembrolizumab Shows Promise in Metastatic NSCLC
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may extend survival for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to a study published online Dec. 19 in The Lancet. The research was also presented at the annual meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology, held from Dec. 18 to 21 in Singapore.
Intranasal Glucagon Treats Hypoglycemia in Type 1 Diabetes
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 1 diabetes, intranasal glucagon is effective for treating insulin-induced hypoglycemia, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Diabetes Care.
Affordable Care Act Has Improved Access to Care, Affordability
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has improved access to care and affordability of care for many adults, according to a study published in the December issue of Health Affairs.
Cryotherapy + Imiquimod Active in Cutaneous Melanoma Mets
MONDAY, Dec. 21, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cryotherapy combined with topical imiquimod 5 percent is an active treatment for locoregional cutaneous metastases of melanoma (LCMM), according to research published online Dec. 12 in the Journal of Dermatology.
Pepducin PZ-128 Inhibits Platelet Protease-Activated Receptor-1
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The pepducin PZ-128 offers rapid, specific, dose-dependent, and reversible inhibition of platelet protease-activated receptor-1, according to a study published online Dec. 17 in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.
Over Half of U.S. States Ill Prepared for Disease Outbreaks
FRIDAY, Dec. 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More than half of U.S. states are poorly prepared to respond to infectious disease outbreaks, according to a new report released Dec. 17 by the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Greater Effort Needed to Prevent Epilepsy-Related Mortality
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The importance of preventing epilepsy-related mortality is highlighted in an article published online Dec. 16 in Neurology.
Ascorbic Acid Patch Reduces Wrinkles Due to Photoaging
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — An ascorbic acid (AA)-loaded dissolving microneedle (DMN) patch is feasible and has anti-wrinkle effect, according to a study published online Dec. 9 in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.
Antineoplastic Agent Obscures Diagnosis of Fungal Meningitis
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A case of cryptococcal meningitis with false-negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture results following receipt of capecitabine has been described in a case report published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Contraceptive Provision Rates Low for Teen Girls on Teratogens
THURSDAY, Dec. 17, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The rates of contraceptive provision for adolescents prescribed teratogens are low, according to a review published online Dec. 16 in Pediatrics.
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Roughly Half of U.S. Hospitals Require Staff Flu Vaccination
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The majority of U.S. hospitals don’t require health care providers to get a seasonal flu vaccine, according to a study published online Nov. 27 in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
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Industry Outpacing NIH in Funding Research
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — There’s been a sharp rise in the number of industry-funded clinical trials and a significant decline in those financed by the U.S. government in recent years, according to findings published in the Dec. 15 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Distribution of Opioid Prescribing ID’d for Different Providers
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The top 10 percent of Medicare prescribers account for more than 50 percent of opioid claims, compared with almost 80 percent for the top 10 percent of the California Workers’ Compensation providers, according to a research letter published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
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Risk of CV Events Up After Shingles Diagnosis in Seniors
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Stroke risk appears to more than double in the first week following a shingles diagnosis, with myocardial infarction (MI) risk also climbing, though not by quite as much, according to research published online Dec. 15 in PLOS Medicine.
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Antidepressant Tx Increases Subsequent Mania/Bipolar Risk
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with unipolar depression, the risk of subsequent mania/bipolar disorder is increased in association with antidepressant treatment, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in BMJ Open.
FDA Approves Bridion to Reverse Neuromuscular Blockade
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Bridion (sugammadex) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reverse the effects of neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium bromide and vecuronium bromide.
Opioid-Related Constipation Tx Suboptimal in Pregnancy
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Conventional non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic options for the management of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in pregnancy are often ineffective or cause potentially troublesome adverse effects, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Greater Sweat Reduction for Aluminum Chloride Hexahydrate
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Twenty percent aluminum chloride hexahydrate reduces axillary sweating more effectively than 1 percent aluminum acetate, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Omalizumab Highly Effective for Severe Allergic Asthma
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Omalizumab appears to be highly effective for the management of severe allergic asthma, according to a review of “real-life” effectiveness studies published online Dec. 8 in Allergy.
Antidepressant Use in Pregnancy Tied to ASD Risk in Offspring
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Antidepressant use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy may increase the risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring, according to research published online Dec. 14 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Neurotoxicity of Anesthesia in Children Needs to Be Addressed
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A recent survey of pediatric anesthesia programs at teaching institutions in the United States highlights the need for improvements in training, clinical practice, and communication related to neurotoxicity associated with general anesthesia in young children, according to research published in the January issue of Pediatric Anesthesia.
Platelet Counts Rise With Viral Response to Hep C Therapy
TUESDAY, Dec. 15, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Platelet counts rise among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who experience a sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy, according to research published online Dec. 8 in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Abuse of Prescription Drugs Ups Sexual Risks for Teens
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Teens who use abuse prescription drugs such as opioids are more likely to have sex or to participate in risky sexual behaviors, according to a study published online Dec. 14 in Pediatrics.
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Early Chemo Less Likely to Help Black Breast Cancer Patients
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is less likely to benefit black women with breast cancer than those in other racial and ethnic groups, according to a study published online Nov. 23 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Interaction Described Between Acenocoumarol, Levofloxacin
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — More frequent monitoring may be required when patients are taking both acenocoumarol and levofloxacin due to the possibility of an adverse interaction, according to a case report published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
CYP2C19 Polymorphisms Impacts Citalopram Metabolism
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with major depressive disorder, certain CYP2C19 polymorphisms contribute to citalopram (CIT) metabolism, according to research published in the December issue of the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
New Model of Inpatient Care Can Improve Outcomes
MONDAY, Dec. 14, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Implementation of a new model of care can improve outcomes of care in medical and surgical units, according to a study published in the December issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine.
FDA Approves Alecensa for ALK-Positive NSCLC
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Alecensa (alectinib) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug administration to treat anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive non-small-cell lung cancer, the agency said Friday in a news release.
FDA Approves Vistogard to Treat Chemotherapy Overdose
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vistogard (uridine triacetate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat an overdose of the chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil and capecitabine, commonly used to treat cancers of the breast and gastrointestinal tract.
Toxic Skin Effects Common With EGFR-TKI Use in NSCLC
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) is associated with skin toxic effects, according to a research letter study published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Dermatology.
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Herpes Zoster Risk in RA Up With Older Age, Prednisone Dose
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have increased herpes zoster (HZ) risk with older age and higher prednisone dose, according to a study published in the December issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Industry-Led Oncology Trials May Inflate Cost-Effectiveness
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Pharmaceutical industry-sponsored studies are more likely to report favorable estimates in cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of drugs used in breast cancer treatment, according to a research letter published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Oncology.
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Seven Behaviors Suggested to Improve ‘Art of Medicine’
FRIDAY, Dec. 11, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Seven behaviors should be implemented to improve the art of medicine, which can help improve relationships with patients, according to an article published in Family Practice Management.
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Timing May Be Key to Success for Early Breast CA Treatment
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The sooner early-stage breast cancer patients have surgery following their diagnosis, and chemotherapy after their surgery, the better their chances of survival, according to two studies published online Dec. 10 in JAMA Oncology.
Nutraceuticals Alone or With Ezetimibe Aid in Dyslipidemia
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For statin-intolerant patients with dyslipidemia with ischemic heart disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, nutraceuticals alone or in combination with ezetimibe improve the lipid profile, according to a study published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Nitrates in Heart Failure May Harm More Than Help
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nitrates don’t improve quality of life or everyday activity levels as intended in patients with heart failure, according to research published in the Dec. 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Cognitive Therapy, Meds Equally Effective for Major Depression
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants could both be equally effective as stand-alone treatments for major depressive disorder, according to a review published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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Excessive Testing May Be Compromising T2DM Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans with type 2 diabetes may be getting unnecessary tests — and, in some cases, needless changes in medication, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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Mindfulness Tx Aids Cancer-Linked Cognitive Impairment
THURSDAY, Dec. 10, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast and colorectal cancer survivors, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is associated with improvements in cognitive function, according to a study published online Nov. 19 in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship.
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Live Attenuated Flu Shot Feasible for Children With Egg Allergy
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For young people with egg allergy, live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is well tolerated, with low risk of systemic allergic reactions, according to a study published online Dec. 8 in The BMJ.
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FDA Approves Kanuma for Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Kanuma (sebelipase alfa) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as the first treatment for LAL deficiency (Wolman disease or cholesteryl ester storage disease).
FDA Approves Vonvendi to Treat von Willebrand Disease
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Vonvendi has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults with von Willebrand disease (VWD).
CDC: Fewer Americans Struggling With Medical Bills
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Fewer American families are struggling to pay medical bills, according to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS).
ADT for Prostate CA Tied to Increased Alzheimer’s Risk
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer might dramatically increase a man’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a large-scale analysis of health data suggests. The study was published online Dec. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Skin Lesions for 29 Percent With Anti-TNF Treatment in IBD
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, skin lesions frequently develop but rarely necessitate treatment discontinuation, according to research published online Dec. 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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Review Compares Outcomes, Safety for Once-Weekly GLP-1RAs
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Cardiometabolic outcomes and safety vary among different once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatments, according to a review published online Dec. 8 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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U.S. Health Care Spending Increased in 2014
TUESDAY, Dec. 8, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The expansion of insurance coverage and increases in retail prescription drug spending contributed to an increase in total national health care expenditures in 2014, according to a report published online Dec. 2 in Health Affairs.
Etiology of Leukemia in Breast Cancer Survivors Explored
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Researchers are zeroing in on factors that may increase the risk of leukemia after breast cancer treatment, according to a report published online Dec. 7 in Cancer.
FDA Approves First Generic Version of Gleevec
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The first generic version of the cancer drug Gleevec (imatinib mesylate) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Health Highlights: Dec. 7, 2015
Variation in Prices of Cancer Drugs in High-Income Countries
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The prices of cancer drugs vary greatly across high-income countries, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in The Lancet Oncology.
Statin Treatment Linked to Reduced Risk of Cataracts
MONDAY, Dec. 7, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Statin treatment is associated with reduced risk of incident cataract development, according to a study published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
Metformin Linked to Beneficial Changes in Gut Bacteria
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Metformin appears to trigger favorable changes in intestinal bacteria, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in Nature.
Antidepressants Don’t Adversely Affect Tamoxifen Efficacy
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Breast cancer survivors who take antidepressants while on tamoxifen are not at increased risk for cancer recurrence, according to research published online Dec. 1 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Testosterone Treatment Tied to Improved Insulin Sensitivity
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For men with type 2 diabetes and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), testosterone treatment is associated with improved insulin sensitivity, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in Diabetes Care.
Cardiovascular Trial Sponsorship Significantly Impacts Findings
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Large clinical studies that are sponsored by industry are more likely to report favorable outcomes and less likely to report unfavorable outcomes than those sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), particularly those in the cardiovascular field, according to research published in the Dec. 15 issue of The American Journal of Cardiology.
CDC: Too Few Taking Needed Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Nearly half of American adults who should be taking cholesterol-lowering drugs don’t, according to research published in the Dec. 4 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
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IV Bisphosphonate Tx Linked to Drop in Bone Turnover in DMD
FRIDAY, Dec. 4, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), intravenous bisphosphonate therapy is associated with declines in bone turnover, according to a study published online Nov. 28 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research.
Anthracyclines More Neurotoxic Than Other Breast CA Regimens
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For breast cancer survivors, anthracyclines seem to have greater negative effects on certain cognitive domains and brain network connections than nonanthracycline regimens, according to a study published online Dec. 3 in JAMA Oncology.
AMA: Case Before Supreme Court Threatens Patient Privacy
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — A case before the Supreme Court is potentially threatening patient confidentiality, according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
Vitamin D3, Placebo Both Improve Chronic Low Back Pain
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP), vitamin D3 and placebo offer similar improvements, according to a study published in the November issue of the International Journal of Rheumatic Disease.
Evidence Doesn’t Support Monthly Labs With Isotretinoin
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Less frequent laboratory monitoring may be safe for patients receiving isotretinoin for acne as changes in mean values of several laboratory tests do not meet a priori criteria for high-risk, according to research published online Dec. 2 in JAMA Dermatology.
IV Diuretics Deemed Safe in Outpatient Heart Failure Care
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous (IV) diuretics appear to be safe and effective for outpatient volume management in heart failure, according to a study published online Dec. 2 in JACC: Heart Failure.
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Addition of Immunosuppression No Benefit in IgA Nephropathy
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, the addition of immunosuppressive therapy to intensive supportive care does not improve outcomes, according to a study published in the Dec. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Lixisenatide Doesn’t Affect Cardiovascular Risk in T2DM
THURSDAY, Dec. 3, 2015 (HealthDay News) — The addition of lixisenatide to usual care does not impact the rate of major cardiovascular events or other serious adverse events among patients with type 2 diabetes and a recent acute coronary syndrome, according to a study published in the Dec. 3 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
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Safety Concerns Linked to Herbal Medicine Use in Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — For patients with cancer, use of herbal medicine has associated safety-related concerns, including direct toxic effects and increased chemosensitivity of cancer cells, according to a study published online Nov. 24 in Cancer.
Metformin Does Not Boost Glycemic Control in T1DM
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Adding metformin to insulin therapy won’t boost glycemic control for overweight teens with type 1 diabetes, according to a study published in the Dec. 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
CDC: Cholesterol Levels Improving But More Work Needed
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — About one in every eight American adults continue to have high levels of total cholesterol, while even more have low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, according to a December data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.
Clozapine Benefits Those With Tx-Resistant Schizophrenia
TUESDAY, Dec. 1, 2015 (HealthDay News) — Clozapine reduces symptoms in patients with schizophrenia who don’t benefit from other antipsychotic medications, according to research published online Nov. 6 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
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