Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for July 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.
FDA Approves Azedra for Rare Adrenal Tumors
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Azedra (iobenguane) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat people 12 and older with rare adrenal gland tumors (pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma) that can’t be surgically removed and have spread beyond the original site.
Rapid Improvement of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Anakinra
TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 31 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, doctors describe the case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who experienced rapid clinical improvements with use of anakinra, the recombinant form of the endogenous antagonist for the interleukin-1 receptor.
Better Care Quality Needed for Universal Health Coverage
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In order to achieve universal health coverage, stakeholders must focus on the quality of health services, including provision of effective, safe, timely, equitable, integrated, and efficient health services, according to a report published by the World Health Organization.
AMA Opposes Proposed Cuts, Gag Orders for Reproductive Health
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) strongly objects to the Trump administration’s plan to withhold federal family planning funding from Planned Parenthood and other entities, according to a statement released by the organization.
AMA Statement
AMA Wire Article
Comment on Regulations
Acupuncture May Cut Arthralgia From Aromatase Inhibitors
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Acupuncture may cut joint pain among postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer and aromatase inhibitor-related pain, according to a study published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Abstract/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Infective Endocarditis More Common with Valve Issues
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Individuals with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) have a higher risk of developing infective endocarditis (IE) than the general population, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination
MONDAY, July 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Following quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV4) vaccination, girls age 12 to 17 years do not have increased risk of autoimmune disorders, according to a study published recently in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
Cross-Continuum Communication Beneficial After Discharge
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cross-continuum communication after hospital discharge can improve patient outcomes and overall health, according to an article published in Physicians Practice.
NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new initiative to increase hepatitis B virus vaccination rates among at-risk adults has been developed, according to a report from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) published in support of World Hepatitis Day.
PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients younger than 60 years who have had a cryptogenic ischemic stroke thought to be secondary to patent foramen ovale (PFO), who are open to all treatment options, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy is recommended over antiplatelet therapy alone, according to a clinical practice guideline published online July 25 in The BMJ.
Outpatient Opioid Prescriptions for Children Often Filled
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Children often fill outpatient opioid prescriptions, with the most common indication for dental procedures, according to a study published online July 16 in Pediatrics.
July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — July 28 is World Hepatitis Day, according to an announcement published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Drop in Osteoporosis Treatment Initiation After Hip Fracture
FRIDAY, July 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In recent years there have been low rates of osteoporosis treatment initiation after a hip fracture, according to research published in the July 20 issue of JAMA Network Open.
Use of 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) hypertension guidelines would increase the proportion of 45- to 75-year-olds labeled as having hypertension in the United States and China, according to a study published online July 11 in The BMJ.
Canada Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis C Virus Infection
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A guideline published in the June 4 issue of CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Reducing Computers in Rounds May Cut Communication Barriers
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the number of computers on wheels in a surgical intensive care unit can reduce barriers to communication during patient presentations, according to a research letter published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
Daily BCX7353 Cuts Rate of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A small-molecule inhibitor of plasma kallikrein, BCX7353, results in a significantly lower rate of hereditary angioedema attacks compared with placebo, according to a study published in the July 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Steroid Abuse Put 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder in the Hospital
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 23 in BMJ Case Reports, doctors present the case of an amateur weight-lifter who developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy after using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
WHO Targets for Chronic Hepatitis B Will Be Cost-Effective
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Meeting World Health Organization (WHO) targets for chronic hepatitis B by 2030 will be cost-effective, according to a report published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
ACOG, Others Come Out Against Proposed Rule on Title-X
THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health care organizations have come out against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed rule that amends regulations governing the Title X of the Public Health Service Act, which provides low-income patients with access to family planning and preventive health services and information.
Regulations Restrict Providers’ Ability to Offer Info on Abortions
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Proposed regulations restrict providers’ ability to deliver unbiased patient care for individuals wanting to know about or undergo abortion, according to a perspective piece published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Over
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is over, according to the World Health Organization.
One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Insurers are increasingly denying prescriptions of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs for hepatitis C virus treatment, according to a study published online June 7 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
HerbList App Launched to Provide Information on Herbal Products
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has announced the launch of an app for easy access to research-based information on the safety and effectiveness of herbal products.
NIH Press Release
Herbs at a Glance
Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Recommendations for antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been updated for individuals at risk of or living with HIV; the 2018 recommendations of the International Antiviral Society-USA Panel are published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Escitalopram Cuts MACE Risk in Depressed Patients With ACS
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with depression following recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS), escitalopram results in lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) versus placebo, according to a study published in the July 24/31 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings
WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of appropriate statistical methodology can allow for the synthesis of data collected as part of traditional clinical trials with real-world data, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Reducing the default number of opioid pills prescribed in an electronic medical record (EMR) system can effectively decrease the amount of opioids prescribed after procedures, according to a study published online July 18 in JAMA Surgery.
Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Practices and physicians should prepare for emergency situations, such as natural disasters, network communications failures, and active shooter situations, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
11 Infant Deaths Halt Trial of Sildenafil in Pregnant Women
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been 11 lung-related infant deaths after pregnant women in the Netherlands were given sildenafil (Viagra) to boost the growth of their babies while in the womb.
Sulfonylureas As 2nd-Line T2DM Therapy Tied to Higher Event Risk
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sulfonylureas as second-line drugs for type 2 diabetes are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and hypoglycemic events compared with remaining on metformin monotherapy or adding to metformin therapy, according to a study published online July 18 in The BMJ.
VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Veterans Affairs Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (VA MISSION) Act may increase costs and reduce quality of health care for veterans, according to an Ideas and Opinions piece published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
HPV Vaccine Eliminates Advanced Skin Cancer in 97-Year-Old
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The 9-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could be a therapeutic option for patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma when surgical management is not an option, according to a case report published online July 3 in JAMA Dermatology.
FDA Grants First Approval for CA Drug Under New Pilot Programs
TUESDAY, July 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ribociclib (Kisqali) in combination with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) as an initial endocrine-based therapy for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
FDA Approves Tibsovo for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Tibsovo (ivosidenib) tablets have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) among people with a defective IDH1 gene.
Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings
MONDAY, July 23 2018 (HealthDay News) — Walmart’s Generic Drug Discount Program (GDDP), which sells many commonly used generic medications for $4 per 30-day supply, offers savings over Medicare for some generic cardiovascular medications, according to a research letter published online July 24 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Monthly Vitamin D Supplement May Not Cut Cancer Risk
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation may not prevent the risk of cancer among adults aged 50 to 84 years, according to a study published online July 19 in JAMA Oncology.
Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical institutions and organizations need to ensure there are proactive interventions to transform the workplace in order to address sexual harassment and discrimination, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
CDC: More People With High Cholesterol Taking Medications
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There has been a substantial increase in the percentage of patients with high cholesterol over age 60 years taking lipid-lowering medications from 2005 to 2016, but such increases have not been seen among younger patients with high cholesterol, according to a QuickStats report published in the July 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Guidelines Conflict for Long-Term Opioid Tx in Cancer Survivors
MONDAY, July 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Evidence is lacking about the need for and outcomes of long-term opioid therapy in cancer survivors, and contemporary guidelines offer conflicting recommendations, according to a viewpoint article recently published online in JAMA Oncology.
Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Coverage rates and access to care are significantly higher in states with Medicaid expansion, compared with non-expansion states, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
Empagliflozin Doesn’t Up Risk of Bone Fractures
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Empagliflozin does not increase the risk of bone fracture in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 15 in Diabetes Care.
Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Epinephrine use results in improved 30-day survival versus placebo in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, according to a study published online July 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Availability of Generic Antivirals for Hepatitis B Increasing
FRIDAY, July 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Availability of generic antivirals for treating chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) is increasing, according to research published in the July 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
FDA Recalls Drugs Containing Active Ingredient Valsartan
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Several drug products containing the active ingredient valsartan, used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, are being recalled due to an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine, that has been found in the recalled products, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Characteristics of Severe Hypoglycemia Identified in T2DM
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with type 2 diabetes, characteristics of those with severe hypoglycemia include having a prior diagnosis of non-severe hypoglycemia and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <6 percent, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care.
L-Glutamine Reduces Number of Pain Crises in Sickle Cell Disease
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with sickle cell-related pain, those receiving oral therapy with L-glutamine have a lower median number of pain crises, according to a study published in the July 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Variations in Practice Patterns Seen in Patients Treated for COPD
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are significant variations in practice patterns and resource utilization in patients treated by teaching staff for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), compared to non-teaching staff, according to a study published in the June issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice.
Link for Asbestos-Free Talcum Powder, Cancer Not Clear
THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Talcum powder, made from talc, which contains asbestos is considered carcinogenic to humans, while the carcinogenicity of talc without asbestos is unclear, according to the American Cancer Society.
Testosterone Prescribing Down Since 2013
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The percentage of U.S. men receiving testosterone prescriptions decreased from 2013 through 2016, according to a research letter published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Basal Insulin Analogues Similar for Glucose Lowering
WEDNESDAY, July 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Basal insulin analogues for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) do not substantially differ in their glucose-lowering effect, according to a review published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association has committed to working to integrate precision medicine into alternative payment models (APMs), according to an article published in the association’s AMA Wire.
Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pivotal trials supporting U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals granted Breakthrough Therapy designation often lack randomization, double-blinding, and control groups, according to a research letter published in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new draft guideline from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests Americans could get widely used prescription medicines for cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, and migraine headaches without having to see a doctor.
Evidence of Clinical Inertia in Management of T2DM
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) who have a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level expected to trigger treatment intensification often have treatment inappropriately delayed, according to a research letter published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
Multiple Factors to Consider When Selecting NSAID for Arthritis
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Factors to be considered when choosing the correct nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for arthritis include effectiveness, concurrent health conditions, and frequency of use, according to a blog post published by the Arthritis Foundation.
Preoperative Opioids Used by 23.1 Percent of Surgical Patients
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative opioid use is reported in 23.1 percent of patients undergoing surgery, according to a study published online July 11 in JAMA Surgery.
FDA Establishes New Task Force on Drug Shortages
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a recent statement, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., announced the formation of a new drug shortages task force to thoroughly explore the reasons why drug shortages remain a persistent challenge.
Immediate Monitoring With ECG Patch Ups A-Fib Diagnosis Rate
TUESDAY, July 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Immediate monitoring with a self-applied wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch results in a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis among individuals at high risk, according to a study published in the July 10 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Adoption of EHR Linked to Reduction in Mortality Rates
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is associated with a reduction in mortality rates in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published in the July issue of Health Affairs.
FDA Approves First Drug to Treat Smallpox
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — TPOXX (tecovirimat) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat smallpox.
Harms Reporting Limited in Trials of Prebiotics, Probiotics, Synbiotics
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics do not report harms-related data and/or safety results, according to a review published online July 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Two-Thirds of Parents Report Their Child Has Had Headache
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Two-thirds of parents report that their child has had a headache not related to a fall or head injury, according to the results of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan.
Inappropriate Prescribing of Abx High in Urgent Care Centers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is considerable variability in the proportion of visits at which antibiotics are prescribed among traditional medical and retail clinic settings, according to a research letter published online July 16 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Fake FDA Warning Letters Being Sent to Consumers
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Criminals are sending fake U.S. Food and Drug Administration warning letters to people who tried to buy medicines online or over the phone. The agency notes that it does not typically send warning letters to individuals, and this appears to be an extortion scam.
eCare Plan Set to Improve Doctor/Pharmacist Relationship
MONDAY, July 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Pharmacist eCare Plan is designed to improve communication between pharmacists and physicians by allowing documentation to be available via electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published online in Drug Topics.
Jury Awards $4.62B in Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuit
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A jury says Johnson & Johnson must pay $4.62 billion to 22 women who allege they developed ovarian cancer after using the company’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower brand talcum powder as part of their daily feminine hygiene routine.
More Information – AP News
More Information – American Cancer Society
Data Support FDA Restrictions on Child Cough and Cold Medicines
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New research supports expanded restrictions on opioid-containing cough and cold medications (CCMs) for children, according to a short communication published recently in Clinical Toxicology.
Virtual Assistants Not HIPAA Compliant
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Virtual assistant programs like Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa are not yet in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), warns an article published in Medical Economics.
Most Back Pain Patients Halt Opioid Use After Surgery
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Duration of preoperative opioid use appears to be the most important predictor of sustained opioid use following back surgery, according to a study published in the June 6 issue of The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery.
Two Regimens Fail to Stop Declines in β-Cell Function
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Neither glargine followed by metformin nor metformin alone halts the progressive deterioration of β-cell function in youth with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or recently-diagnosed type 2 diabetes, according to a study published online June 25 in Diabetes Care.
Higher Vitamin D Levels May Lower Breast Cancer Risk
FRIDAY, July 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher levels of vitamin D may be protective against breast cancer, according to a study published online June 15 in PLOS ONE.
AMA Aims to Boost Affordability of ACA Marketplace Plans
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has adopted policy to increase the number of people who obtain coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by making marketplace plans more affordable.
2001 to 2015 Saw Decline in Self-Employment in Health Care
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2001 to 2015 there was a decrease in the percentage of health care professionals who are self-employed and a decrease in the earning gap between self-employed and employed health care professionals, according to a study published online July 12 in JAMA Network Open.
Mosaic HIV-1 Vaccine Induces Responses in Humans, Monkeys
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A mosaic adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26)-based HIV-1 vaccine induces immune responses in humans and rhesus monkeys, according to a study published online July 6 in The Lancet.
Basal Insulin Analogs Don’t Cut Hypoglycemia-Linked ER Visits
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Initiation of a basal insulin analog versus human neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin is not associated with reduction in the risk of hypoglycemia-related emergency department visits or hospital admissions, according to a study published in the July 3 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Drop in Childhood Pneumococcal, Hib Deaths From 2000 to 2015
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) deaths in children decreased between 2000 and 2015, following introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and Hib vaccine, according to a study published in the July issue of The Lancet Global Health.
Women Often Unaware of Their Hospital’s Religious Affiliation
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women of reproductive age are often unaware of their hospital’s religious affiliation, according to a study recently published in Contraception.
Peer-Led Education Helps Physicians Save Time With EHRs
THURSDAY, July 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A peer-based education program can improve the efficiency of electronic health record (EHR) use, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
Taking Multivitamins/Minerals Doesn’t Improve CVD Outcomes
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplementation seems not to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, according to a review published online July 10 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.
FDA Requires Safety Label Changes for Fluoroquinolones
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strengthened current warnings in the prescribing information about fluoroquinolone antibiotics causing significant decreases in blood glucose as well as mental health side effects.
EHR Tools Improve Medication Reconciliation in Hypertension
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of electronic health record (EHR) tools in isolation improves medication reconciliation but does not improve systolic blood pressure among patients with hypertension, according to a study published online July 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Apixaban Is Safest Direct Oral Anticoagulant Versus Warfarin
WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Apixaban seems to be the safest direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) compared with warfarin, according to a study published July 4 in The BMJ.
U.S. Surgeon General Urges More Americans to Carry Naloxone
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Surgeon General released an advisory urging increased availability of the opioid overdose-reversing drug naloxone earlier this year, according to a report published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
HHS News Release
Surgeon General’s Advisory
International Group Develops Best Practices for Drug Packaging
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nine new drug labeling and packaging guidelines have been developed with an aim of reducing medication errors, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Any Opioid Use Tied to Involvement in Criminal Justice System
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Any opioid use is associated with involvement in the criminal justice system in the past year, according to a study published online July 6 in JAMA Network Open.
Programs Can Lower Diabetes Distress in Adults With T1DM
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Both education/behavioral and emotion-focused approaches can effectively reduce diabetes distress (DD) among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), according to a study published online July 5 in Diabetes Care.
HCV-Infected Kidney Transplant More Efficient in HCV-Infected
TUESDAY, July 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with end-stage renal disease, transplant of an HCV-infected kidney followed by treatment is more cost-effective than transplant of an HCV-uninfected kidney, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
High Rates of Salmonella Contamination ID’d in Kratom
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High rates of Salmonella contamination have been identified in kratom products collected and tested since February 2018, according to a statement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Budesonide With Saline Solution Helpful for Rhinosinusitis
MONDAY, July 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The addition of budesonide to a saline nasal lavage for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis provides clinically meaningful benefits, according to a study published online June 7 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
IT Solutions for Easier EHRs Save Physicians Time, Burnout
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Yale Medicine is effectively targeting electronic health record (EHR) use and functionality as a way to improve physician job satisfaction and reduce burnout, according to an article published in the American Medical Association’s AMA Wire.
IV Acetaminophen Minimally Helpful for Colectomy Pain
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous acetaminophen does not decrease opioid utilization to a clinically significant threshold among colectomy patients, according to a study published in the July issue of Anesthesiology.
Cabozantinib Improves Survival in Advanced Hepatocellular Cancer
FRIDAY, July 6, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cabozantinib results in significantly longer overall and progression-free survival than placebo among patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, according to a study published in the July 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Patisiran, Inotersen Aid Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, an investigational RNA interference therapeutic agent (patisiran) and a 2′-O-methoxyethyl-modified antisense oligonucleotide (inotersen), which inhibits hepatic production of transthyretin, improve clinical manifestations of disease, according to two studies published in the July 5 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Abstract/Full Text – Adams (subscription or payment may be required)
Abstract/Full Text – Benson (subscription or payment may be required)
Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)
Hospitals Face $218B in Federal Payment Cuts From 2010 to 2028
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cumulative reductions in federal payments to hospitals from 2010 to 2028 are estimated to reach $218.2 billion, according to a study commissioned by the Federation of American Hospitals and the American Hospital Association (AHA).
1996 to 2013 Saw Large Increase in Diabetes Spending
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2013, $101 billion was spent in the United States on diabetes, almost a three-fold increase since 1996, according to a study published in the July issue of Diabetes Care.
Anticonvulsants Seem to Be Ineffective for Low Back Pain
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Anticonvulsant drugs are ineffective for chronic low back pain and can cause harm, despite a recent increase in prescribing, according to a review published online July 3 in CMAJ, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.
For Postpartum Hemorrhage, Carbetocin Similar to Oxytocin
THURSDAY, July 5, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women after vaginal birth, heat-stable carbetocin is non-inferior to oxytocin for prevention of blood loss of at least 500 ml or use of additional uterotonic agents, according to a study published online June 27 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Oral Insulin Choline, Geranate Ionic Liquid Shows Promise
TUESDAY, July 3, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An oral insulin formulation has been developed using choline and geranate (CAGE) ionic liquid, which significantly reduces blood glucose levels in vivo for a sustained period, according to a study published online June 25 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Pembrolizumab Not Better Than PTX for Advanced Gastric Cancer
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with previously treated advanced gastric cancer or gastro-esophageal junction cancer, pembrolizumab does not result in a significant improvement in overall survival compared with paclitaxel, according to a study published online June 4 in The Lancet.
FDA Expands Approval of Closed-Looped Insulin Delivery System
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Approval of the MiniMed 670G hybrid closed looped system for diabetes management has been expanded to include individuals aged 7 to 13 years with type 1 diabetes, according to a report published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Intensive Management Program Benefits High-Risk Patients
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk patients, use of an intensive management program is associated with greater receipt of outpatient care with no increase in total costs, according to a study published in the June 19 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Use of Palliative Care, Oxygen Therapy Increasing for COPD
MONDAY, July 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the use of formal palliative care services and long-term oxygen therapy has increased but remains low, according to a study published online June 11 in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
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