Meta-analysis of 9 studies suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors are more effective than either GLP-1 agonists or DPP-4 inhibitors for reducing the risk of hospitalization for HF in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Read More →
Read MoreJACI - in patients with similar blood eosinophil counts, mepolizumab (Nucala) was associated with significantly greater improvements in clinically significant exacerbations and asthma control compared with reslizumab (Cinqair) or benralizumab (Fasenra). Read More →
Read MoreAmong older adults initiating combination antihypertensive treatment, single-pill fixed-dose combination therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of composite clinical outcomes (death or hospitalization for acute MI, HF, or stroke), which may be related to better medication adherence. The proportion of total follow-up days covered with medications was significantly greater in the single-pill fixed-dose combination group (70%) versus the multi-pill group (42%). Read More →
Read MoreCDC - During July 2016–June 2017, among 11,884 opioid overdose deaths, bystanders were reportedly present in approximately 40% of cases; however, naloxone was rarely administered by a layperson (in approximately 4% of deaths involving only illicit opioids and 0.8% of prescription opioid–only deaths). These data suggest prevention efforts should prioritize naloxone distribution to persons misusing opioids or using high dosage prescription opioids and to their family members and friends. Read More →
Read MoreFDA - approved Cassipa (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film (applied under the tongue) for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. This action provides a new dosage strength (16 milligrams/4 milligrams) of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film, which is also approved in both brand name and generic versions and in various strengths. The introduction of new treatment options has the potential to broaden access for patients. Read More →
Read MoreEULAR releases 2018 update for recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis including those related to the role of pharmacologic treatments. Topical treatments are preferred over systemic treatments with topical NSAIDs as first-line, oral analgesics particularly NSAIDs can be considered for symptom relief for a limited duration, chrondroitin sulfate may be used for symptom relief, intraarticular glucocorticoids are not generally recommended, and conventional/biological DMARDs are discouraged. Read More →
Read MoreGARFIELD-AF registry confirms that NOACs are superior to VKAs in reducing 2-year mortality in higher risk patients with AF (19% fewer deaths). In addition, patients who receive an anticoagulant (AC) plus add-on antiplatelet therapy (AP) for stroke prevention have a significantly worse prognosis than patients on AC alone. Lastly, patients receiving non-recommended low-dose NOAC, all-cause mortality increased by 51%. Read More →
Read MoreBMJ - In participants older than 74 years without type 2 diabetes, statin treatment was not associated with a reduction in atherosclerotic CVD or in all-cause mortality. In the presence of diabetes, statin use was statistically significantly associated with reductions in the incidence of atherosclerotic CVD and in all-cause mortality, however, this effect decreased after age 85 years. Read More →
Read MoreWalgreens will stock the Auvi-Q as an EpiPen shortage has left some pharmacies unable to fill prescriptions. Eligible patients with commercial insurance, even those with high deductible plans or whose insurers don't cover the Auvi-Q, can obtain it at no cost. People without insurance whose household income is less than $100,000 can get the Auvi-Q for free through an assistance program. Read More →
Read MoreAHRQ released the Six Building Blocks website that provides a structured systems-based approach for improving the management of patients in primary care on chronic opioid therapy. The website can be found at https://www.improvingopioidcare.org/. Read More →
Read MoreAAP released updated recommendations for influenza prevention/control in children for 2018-19 including annual flu vaccination for patients 6 months and older, inactivated flu vaccine is the primary choice, all children with egg allergy can receive flu vaccine without additional precautions, and although timely initiation of antiviral treatment within 48 hours of symptom onset is best, therapy should still be considered beyond 48 hours in children with severe disease or those at high risk of complications. Read More →
Read MoreWHO releases new guideline for treatment intensification in type 2 diabetes and type of insulin in type 1 and type 2 diabetes in low-resource settings. Recommendations include using a sulfonylurea in patients with T2DM who are uncontrolled on metformin, introducing human insulin to patients with T2DM who are uncontrolled on metformin and/or a sulfonylurea, and using human insulin to manage adults with T1DM or T2DM for whom for whom insulin is indicated. Read More →
Read MoreFDA approved the New Drug Application for ALTRENO (tretinoin 0.05%) lotion, indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older. ALTRENO is the first formulation of tretinoin in a lotion and is expected to be available during the fourth quarter of 2018. Read More →
Read MoreFDA issues warning that cases of a rare but serious infection of the genitals and area around the genitals have been reported with the class of type 2 diabetes medicines called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. This serious rare infection, called necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (symptoms include tenderness, redness, and swelling in that area), is also referred to as Fournier’s gangrene and a new warning about this risk will be added to the prescribing information and patient medication guide for all medications in this class. Read More →
Read MoreCDC - Despite being largely preventable, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and other related conditions caused 2.2 million hospitalizations in 2016, resulting in $32.7 billion in costs and 415,000 deaths. This report showed that 9 million American adults are not yet taking aspirin as recommended, 40 million adults with high blood pressure are not yet under safe control, 39 million adults can benefit from managing their cholesterol, 54 million adults are smokers (most of whom want to quit), and 71 million adults are not physically active. For information on how to take action, visit https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/. Read More →
Read MoreIf you have children's Advil in your medicine cabinet, check the bottle. Pfizer, which makes the children's fever reducer and pain reliever, issued a voluntary recall of 4-ounce bottles of the bubble gum-flavored liquid. The recall was issued after customer complaints identified that the dosage cup provided is marked in teaspoons while the instructions on the label are given in milliliters (mL). Read More →
Read MoreNIDDK has updated its ‘Guiding Principles for the Care of People with or at Risk for Diabetes’ that aim to identify and synthesize areas of general agreement among existing guidelines to help guide primary care providers and health care teams to deliver quality care to adults with or at risk for diabetes. Read More →
Read MoreCompared with opioid exposure alone, concomitant exposure to pregabalin (Lyrica) in the preceding 120 days correlated with significantly elevated odds of opioid-related deaths. Authors noted that this finding warrants a revision of the pregabalin product monograph. Read More →
Read MoreFrom 2003 to 2011, there were 1,235,000 outpatient visits in which a patient was prescribed an antimicrobial agent associated with a contraindicated drug-drug interaction. The most prevalent antimicrobials with contraindicated combination among outpatients were simultaneous use of macrolide-containing products (erythromycin or clarithromycin) with statin medication-containing products (simvastatin or lovastatin) followed by use of fluoroquinolones with antiarrhythmic agents (amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine, or procainamide). Read More →
Read MoreThe ADA published position statement on type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents, the first update since 2005. One theme of the position statement is that “children are not little adults” – pediatric-onset diabetes is different from adult diabetes because of its distinct epidemiology, pathophysiology, developmental considerations, and response to therapy. The prevalence of type 1 diabetes rose by 21.1% between 2001 and 2009. Read More →
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