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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for September 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.<\/p>\n
Pharmaceutical Executive Defends 400 Percent Price Hike<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A pharmaceutical executive is defending his company’s 400 percent price hike on an antibiotic, according to a report published in Formulary Watch<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Cardiovascular Risk for Diclofenac Initiators<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Diclofenac initiators have increased cardiovascular risk compared with non-initiators, according to a study published online Sept. 4 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Proton Pump Inhibitor Use Tied to Hip Fracture in Dialysis Patients<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is associated with increased risk of hip fracture among dialysis patients, according to a study published online Sept. 27 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n 80,000 Americans Died From Influenza Over Last Year<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Influenza was deadlier last season than it has been for at least four decades, killing 80,000 Americans. So said the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention late Tuesday in an interview with the Associated Press<\/i>.<\/p>\n AP News<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n Opioid Bill Gets Bipartisan Support<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a rare bipartisan move, both the House and Senate have reached a compromise on legislation to address the opioid epidemic.<\/p>\n The New York Times<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n Newer Hormonal Contraception May Cut Ovarian Cancer Risk<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a reduction in ovarian cancer risk associated with use of contemporary combined hormonal contraceptives, according to a study published online Sept. 26 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Practices Should Set Rules for Staff Social Media Use<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical practices can take steps to avoid problems related to use of social media by staff members, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Single Agent Treats Two Cancers With Same Genetic Cause<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A single checkpoint inhibitor can be used to successfully treat two simultaneous types of primary cancer in a patient with Lynch syndrome, according to a research letter published online Sept. 25 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Lorcaserin Facilitates Weight Loss in Overweight, Obese<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lorcaserin facilitates sustained weight loss without increasing the rate of major cardiovascular events among overweight or obese patients, according to a study published in the Sept. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Combo Therapy Not Needed If Low RA Disease Activity Achieved<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Once low rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity is achieved with tocilizumab (TCZ) plus methotrexate (MTX), patients can discontinue MTX without significant disease worsening, according to a study published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Persistent Post-Op Opioid Use in Young Cancer Patients Explored<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Higher inpatient pain scores and postoperative opioid consumption are associated with persistent opioid use of up to six months among children and adolescents who have undergone cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, according to a study published in a recent issue of Pediatric Anesthesia<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Initial Abx Feasible Alternative for Uncomplicated Appendicitis<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The cumulative incidence of appendicitis recurrence within five years is 39.1 percent among patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis initially treated with antibiotics, according to research published in the Sept. 25 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Total Diabetes at 14 Percent in U.S. Adults for 2013-2016<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of diabetes was 14.0 percent among U.S. adults in 2013 to 2016, with prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes 4.3 percent, according to a September data brief published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Novel Immunotherapy May Up Survival in Melanoma Brain Mets<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CBI) is associated with significant increases in overall survival (OS) in a real-world population of patients undergoing treatment for melanoma brain metastases (MBM), according to research published in the September issue of Cancer Immunology Research<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n High-Risk Anticholinergics Prescribed to 6 Percent of Elderly<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — High-risk anticholinergic prescriptions are listed for 6.2 percent of visits of older adults, according to a study published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Components of Pharmacist-Led Discharge Counseling Vary<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Components of pharmacist-led discharge counseling vary widely, and reporting is often poor, according to a review published in a recent issue of the Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n In 2016, Proportion of Uninsured Americans Down to 10 Percent<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2013 to 2016 there was a reduction in uninsurance among Americans from 17 to 10 percent, according to a report published in September by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Urban Institute.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Net Benefit of Anticoagulants for A-Fib Varies With Stroke Rate<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is variation in the net clinical benefit of anticoagulants based on variation in published atrial fibrillation (AF) stroke rates, according to a study published online Sept. 25 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Mortality for Unintentional Drug Poisonings Up Since 1979<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Since at least 1979, there has been an exponential increase in the overall mortality rate for unintentional drug poisonings, according to a research article published online Sept. 21 in Science<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Simplifying Medicare Plan Finder Improves Plan Selection<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Simplifying an internet-based decision support tool provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to help older adults make good plan choices in the Medicare prescription drug (Part D) program could result in selection of lower-cost plans, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Dozens of Medical Groups Join Forces to Improve Diagnoses<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Every nine minutes, a patient in a U.S. hospital dies because a diagnosis was wrong or delayed — resulting in 80,000 deaths a year. That sobering estimate comes from the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Study Provides Estimates of U.S. Prevalence of Type 1, 2 Diabetes<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is 0.5 and 8.5 percent, respectively, among U.S. adults, according to a study published online Sept. 4 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Educational Disabilities More Likely With Neonatal Abstinence<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Children with a history of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) are more likely to be referred for a disability evaluation and meet criteria for a disability, according to a study published in the September issue of Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Cannabinoid Trials Needed for Peds Neurologic Disorders<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is an urgent need for clinical trials to investigate the use of cannabinoids in pediatric patients with neurological disorders, according to a commentary published in the Aug. 27 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Allopurinol Dose Escalation for Gout Doesn’t Improve Mortality<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Allopurinol dose escalation is not associated with reductions in mortality risk among patients with gout, according to a study published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Cardiac Monitoring Needed for High-Risk Breast Cancer Patients<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Risk of cardiotoxicity is higher for patients receiving trastuzumab and\/or anthracyclines for the treatment of breast cancer, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Hospitals Charge 479 Percent of Cost of Drugs on Average<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — On average, hospitals mark up drugs by 479 percent of their cost, according to a report from The Moran Company, commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Statins Improve Long-Term Survival After AAA Repair<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Sept. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Preoperative statin therapy is associated with higher long-term survival following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n No Clear Benefit for Rivaroxaban After Hospital Discharge<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Rivaroxaban does not lower risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism and related death in medical patients after hospital discharge, compared to placebo, according to a study published in the Sept. 20 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Patient-Directed IV Remifentanil Cuts Epidural Conversions<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Compared with intramuscular pethidine, use of intravenous remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in labor reduces the proportion of epidural conversions, according to a study published in the Aug. 25 issue of The Lancet<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n California Lawsuit Claims AbbVie Paid Doctors to Prescribe Humira<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A lawsuit filed Tuesday in California claims that pharmaceutical company AbbVie used cash, gifts, and services to induce doctors to overprescribe the widely used drug Humira (adalimumab), ignoring the medicine’s potentially lethal side effects.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n HTN Tx Intensification Common Upon Discharge in U.S. Vets<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Fourteen percent of older adults hospitalized with non-cardiac conditions are discharged with intensified antihypertensive treatment, of whom more than half had previously well-controlled outpatient blood pressure, according to a study published online Sept. 12 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Quarterly Canakinumab Reduces Risk for Gout Attacks<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Quarterly canakinumab administration is associated with significantly reduced risk for gout attacks without any change in serum uric acid levels, according to a study published online Sept. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Global Prevalence of Insufficient Activity 27.5 Percent<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In 2016 the age-standardized prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 27.5 percent, according to a study published in the October issue of The Lancet Global Health<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Opioid Deaths 1999 to 2015 May Be Dramatically Underestimated<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — States may be greatly underestimating the effect of opioid-related overdose deaths because of incomplete cause-of-death reporting, according to a study recently published in Public Health Reports<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Patient Health Information Often Shared Electronically<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The most common electronically sent and received types of patient health information (PHI) include laboratory results and medication lists, according to a report published Aug. 15 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 20% of Children, Adolescents Use Prescription Medications<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Sept. 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Almost 20 percent of children and adolescents used prescription medications in 2013 to 2014, and 8.2 percent of concurrent users of prescription medications in 2009 to 2014 were at risk for a potentially major drug-drug interactions (DDIs), according to a study published in the September issue of Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Active Choice Intervention Tied to Increase in Flu Shot Rates<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An active choice intervention is associated with an increase in influenza vaccination rates, according to a study published online Sept. 14 in JAMA Network Open<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n U.S. Senate Passes Opioids Bill<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Senate on Monday passed on a 99-1 vote legislation aimed at curbing the nation’s ongoing opioid addiction crisis.<\/p>\n CBS News<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n Tafamidis Treats Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In patients with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy, treatment with tafamidis reduces all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations versus placebo, according to a study published in the Sept. 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Drug Prices Increase More Than Expected After Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prices for drugs under shortage increase more than twice as quickly as expected in the absence of a shortage, according to a research letter published online Sept. 18 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Compliance With Requirement to Report Results on EUCTR Is Poor<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Half of trials on the European Union Clinical Trials Register (EUCTR) are non-compliant with the European Commission’s requirement that all trials post results to the registry within 12 month of completion, according to a study published online Sept. 13 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Ranolazine Doesn’t Cut VT, VF, Death in High-Risk ICD Patients<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Sept. 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For high-risk patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), ranolazine does not significantly reduce the risk of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) requiring appropriate ICD therapy, or death, according to a study published in the Aug. 7 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Many Foster Kids Inappropriately Prescribed Psychiatric Drugs<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new report finds that foster children are often given powerful psychiatric medicines without regard for proper safeguards.<\/p>\n AP News<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n Office of Inspector General Report<\/a><\/p>\n Use of Aspirin in Healthy Elderly Questioned in Three Studies<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Low-dose aspirin appears to have limited effect on healthy life span in older people, according to three studies published online Sept. 16 in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text 1<\/a><\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text 2<\/a><\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text 3<\/a><\/p>\n Mercury in Traditional Tibetan Medicine Could Be Harmful<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The high mercury (Hg) concentration contained in traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) could be harmful to humans and contribute to the environmental Hg burden in Tibet, according to a study published in the Aug. 7 issue of Environmental Science & Technology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Drug Prices Seem Not to Be Influenced by Their Value<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For commonly prescribed cardiovascular drugs, there is no evidence that drug prices are influenced by their value, according to a study published in the August issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Association Health Plans Can Help Small Businesses Offer Coverage<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Association health plans (AHPs) will provide small businesses with more choices, access, and coverage options, although critics warn that they may undermine the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace, according to an article published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Potentially Inappropriate Opioid Prescribing Tied to Overdose<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Sept. 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Potentially inappropriate prescribing (PIP) of opioids is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and fatal and nonfatal overdose, according to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves Novel Treatment for Hairy Cell Leukemia<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lumoxiti (moxetumomab pasudotox-tdfk) injection has been approved to treat certain instances of relapsed or refractory hairy cell leukemia (HCL), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said yesterday.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Finds Another Carcinogen in Certain Valsartan Heart Meds<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that it has found a second impurity in three lots of Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ valsartan drug products.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Many Older Adults Transition to Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — More than one-quarter of older adults newly prescribed benzodiazepine by an non-psychiatric clinician transition to long-term use, according to a research letter published online Sept. 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Folic Acid Past First Trimester Doesn’t Prevent Preeclampsia<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Supplementation with folic acid beyond the first trimester does not prevent preeclampsia among high-risk women, according to a study published online Sept. 12 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Opioid Refills Rare After Rhinoplasty <\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing rhinoplasty, postoperative opioid refills are extremely rare, according to a research letter published online Sept. 6 in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Small Reduction in Lung Function With Tx De-Escalation in COPD<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Sept. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A de-escalation from triple therapy to indacaterol\/glycopyrronium may lead to a small reduction in lung function in non-frequently exacerbating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but no difference in exacerbations, according to a study published in the Aug. 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n