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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for February 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
Early Studies Often Show Exaggerated Treatment Effect<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Trials to evaluate drugs or devices used to treat chronic medical conditions that are published early in the chain of evidence often show an exaggerated treatment effect compared with subsequent trials, according to research published online Feb. 21 in the Mayo Clinical Proceedings<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Low Risk of Serotonin Syndrome for Triptans + SSRI\/SNRI<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A low risk of serotonin syndrome is seen in association with concomitant use of triptans and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in JAMA Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Treatment Effect of Fenofibrate Varies in Patients With T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For individual patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the effect of fenofibrate treatment varies and is larger in patients with dyslipidemia, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in Diabetes Care<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Female Infertility Tied to Asthma Managed With Rescue Inhalers<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women with current asthma who use intermittent reliever treatment with short-acting beta-agonists have reduced fertility, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in the European Respiratory Journal<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Understanding Rx Nonadherence Can Improve Adherence<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Understanding nonadherence in patients and encouraging a change in attitude toward patients and their medication can improve medication adherence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association (AMA).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n No Link Found for Metformin or Statins and Ovarian Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In women with type 2 diabetes, no evidence was found of an association between the use of metformin or statins and the incidence of ovarian cancer, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Treatment-Free Remission Feasible After Nilotinib in CML<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), treatment-free remission (TFR) appears to be feasible after second-line nilotinib, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Warns of Possible Heart Risks Linked to Clarithromycin<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The antibiotic clarithromycin (brand name: Biaxin) may increase the long-term risk of heart problems and death in patients with heart disease, according to U.S. health officials.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Benzodiazepine Use Declining in Older Adults<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There have been small but significant reductions in the incidence and prevalence of benzodiazepine use in older adults in Canada, the United States, and Australia, according to a brief report published online Feb. 12 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Artificial Intelligence May Help Prevent Physician Burnout<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Artificial intelligence (AI), in which computers can be trained to recognize patterns in large quantities of data, may be able to reduce physicians’ burdens, saving them time and energy, according to a report published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Private Insurance Coverage of Infused Chemo Varies by Setting<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 2004 to 2014, there was an increase in the provision of infused chemotherapy in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs), which is associated with increased spending, according to a research letter published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Oncology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Cracks Down on Kratom Products<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A number of kratom-containing dietary supplements are being recalled and destroyed by the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Wednesday.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: No Change in Percentage of Uninsured in U.S. From ’16 to ’17<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The percentage of uninsured U.S. persons of all ages did not change significantly from 2016 to the first nine months of 2017, according to a report published online Feb. 22 by the National Center for Health Statistics.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n 21 Reviewed Antidepressants Top Placebo for Major Depression<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with major depressive disorder, all antidepressants are more efficacious than placebo, according to research published online Feb. 21 in The Lancet<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Haloperidol for Delirium in Critically Ill No Help for Survival<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For critically ill adults at high risk of delirium, prophylactic haloperidol does not improve survival at 28 days compared with placebo, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Increasing Demands Leading to Pharmacist Burnout<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Increasing demands are leading to burnout among pharmacists, which can be addressed at different levels, according to a report published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Aspirin, Rivaroxaban Similar After Total Hip, Knee Arthroplasty<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients who have undergone total hip or knee arthroplasty, extended prophylaxis with aspirin does not differ significantly from rivaroxaban for venous thromboembolism prevention, according to a study published in the Feb. 21 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 Chronic Opioid Users May Wish to Taper Opioid Use<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Many patients with non-cancer-related chronic pain prescribed long-term opioids may wish to taper their opioid use, according to a research letter published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Prenatal Valproate Exposure May Impact School Performance<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — School performance is significantly lower for children with prenatal exposure to valproate, according to a study published online Feb. 19 in JAMA Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Obesity Linked to Improved Survival in Metastatic Melanoma<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For men with metastatic melanoma treated with targeted or immune therapy, obesity is associated with improved survival, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in The Lancet Oncology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Maternal Vaccination Not Tied to Infant Hospitalization, Death<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Maternal receipt of influenza and tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccines is not associated with infant hospitalization or death in the first six months of life, according to a study published online Feb. 20 in Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Hydroxychloroquine No Better Than Placebo for Hand OA<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with moderate-to-severe hand pain and radiographic osteoarthritis, hydroxychloroquine is no more effective than placebo for relieving pain, according to a study published online Feb. 20 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 Ulipristal Achieves Amenorrhea for Symptomatic Leiomyomas<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas, ulipristal is well tolerated and superior to placebo for the rate of and time to amenorrhea, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Anticoagulants in Seniors With A-Fib, CKD Ups Stroke, ICH Risk<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older patients with concomitant chronic kidney disease and a new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, anticoagulants are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and hemorrhage, but with reduced risk of all-cause mortality, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Ertugliflozin Tied to Improved Glycemic Control in T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, ertugliflozin treatment is associated with improved glycemic control over 52 weeks, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Automated Central System Offers Time Savings for Pharmacists<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — An automated central pharmacy system, Omnicell XR2, is helping pharmacists save time, allowing them to take on additional roles as part of a transition-of-care team, according to a report published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Bariatric Surgery Linked to Discontinuing Diabetes Meds<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antidiabetes treatment discontinuation rates are higher for obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, according to a study published online Feb. 14 in JAMA Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Influenza A(H3N2) Viruses Predominate 2017-2018 Season<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most influenza viruses identified in the 2017 to 2018 season are influenza A, with A(H3N2) viruses predominating, according to research published in the Feb. 16 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text – Budd<\/a><\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text – Flannery<\/a><\/p>\n Anti-Heroin Vaccine Shows Promise Against Lethal Doses<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist in the presence of alum is stable over a month and elicits strong anti-heroin antibody titers and blockade of heroin-induced antinociception, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in Molecular Pharmaceutics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Long-Term Inhaled Corticosteroid Use May Raise Fracture Risk<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Long-term, high-dose use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) is associated with a modest increase in the risk of hip and upper extremity fractures in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study published in the February issue of CHEST<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Vaccine Promising for Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) vaccines prevent tumor growth in syngeneic murine cancer models in a prophylactic setting, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Cell Stem Cell<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Opioids Plus Acetaminophen, Ketorolac Cost-Effective Post-Sx<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intravenous acetaminophen with or without ketorolac is associated with reduced opioid consumption and cost of care after scoliosis surgery in adolescents, compared with opioids alone, according to a study published online Jan. 29 in Pediatric Anesthesia<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Metformin After Induction Tx May Preserve Beta-Cell Function<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — After induction short-term intensive insulin therapy (IIT), metformin is superior to intermittent IIT for maintaining beta-cell function and glycemic control over two years, according to a study published online Jan. 27 in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Rise in Use of Antihypertensives in Delivery With Preeclampsia<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of antihypertensive treatments during delivery hospitalizations in women with preeclampsia has increased since 2006, according to a study published online Feb. 5 in Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Pimavanzserin Cuts Alzheimer’s Psychosis at Six Weeks<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 15, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pimavanserin is efficacious at six weeks for patients with Alzheimer’s disease psychosis but not at 12 weeks, according to a study published in the March issue of The Lancet Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves Erleada to Treat Non-Metastatic Prostate Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Erleada (apalutamide) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat non-metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Nusinersen Beneficial in Later-Onset Spinal Muscular Atrophy<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Nusinersen is associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvement in motor function among children with later-onset spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), according to a study published in the Feb. 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Four Best Practices Outlined to Prevent Health Care Cyberattacks<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Four best practices outlined that can help prevent health care cyberattacks, which increased from 2016 to 2017, according to a report published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Treating Depression Found to Up Successful Opioid Cessation<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Antidepressant medication (ADM) adherence is associated with cessation of long-term prescription opioid use among patients with non-cancer pain, according to a study published in the February issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Omalizumab Effective for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Omalizumab, alone or in combination with a short-term course of corticosteroids, is highly effective for the treatment of refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), according to a study published online Feb. 5 in the International Journal of Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Disparities Seen in Gastric Cancer Patients’ Receipt of Pre-Op Chemo<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of preoperative chemotherapy exist among patients with gastric cancer in the United States, according to a study published online Feb. 2 in Cancer<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Losartan May Improve Endothelial Function in Marfan Syndrome<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The therapeutic significance of losartan in Marfan syndrome (MFS) may lie in its ability to activate protective endothelial function, not in its angiotensin II (AngII) receptor type 1 (ATR1) inhibition, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in the American Journal of Pathology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Opioid Use Linked to Risk of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid use is associated with elevated risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), especially for long-acting, high-potency, and high-dose opioids, according to a study published online Feb. 13 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 EHRs Not Sufficient to Ensure Success in Value-Based Care<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health records (EHRs) are not sufficient to ensure success in value-based care, according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Criteria for Prostate Cancer Trials Disproportionately Exclude Blacks<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Almost half of clinical trials for prostate cancer use criteria that disproportionately exclude black men, according to a research letter published online Feb. 8 in JAMA Oncology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Open-Label Placebo May Reduce Fatigue in Cancer Survivors<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Open-label placebo (OLP) may reduce fatigue in cancer survivors, according to a study published online Feb. 9 in Scientific Reports<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Limited Opioid Prescribing Among Dermatologists<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, Feb. 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Opioid prescribing among dermatologists is limited, with most of the top prescribing dermatologists working in surgical practice, according to research published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Top Consumer Concerns Reported About Physicians<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Health care consumers have four major concerns regarding their physicians, according to a report published by Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Direct Oral Anticoagulants Plus Antiplatelets Effective in ACS<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, Feb. 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), treatment with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in addition to antiplatelet therapy (APT) appears efficacious for those with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), according to a review published online Feb. 7 in JAMA Cardiology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Poll: Personal Beliefs Shouldn’t Allow Doctors to Refuse to Treat<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, Feb. 8, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most people do not believe that professionals including health care providers should be allowed to refuse to provide services based on their conscience or beliefs, according to a recent HealthDay\/The Harris Poll<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Says Herbal Drug Kratom Contains Opioids<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The popular botanical drug kratom essentially is an opioid, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declared Tuesday.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Prenatal Natalizumab Exposure Linked to Miscarriage Risk in MS<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, Feb. 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For pregnant women with multiple sclerosis (MS), natalizumab exposure is associated with an increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SA), and longer periods of natalizumab washout predict relapse during pregnancy, according to two studies published online Feb. 7 in Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text 1 (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n