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Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for April 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
Flu Vaccines Have High Impact, Even With Relatively Low Efficacy<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Even relatively low-efficacy influenza vaccines can have a high impact, especially with optimal distribution across age groups, according to a study published online April 30 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Anesthesiologists Report Drug Shortages Impacting Patient Care<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Almost all anesthesiologists report drug shortages, which have a negative impact on patient care, according to a report published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Potentially Inappropriate Meds Use Prevalent in Cancer Patients<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use is relatively prevalent among patients with breast or colorectal cancer, though it is not associated with most adverse outcomes, according to a study published online April 24 in Cancer<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Certain Anticholinergic Drugs Appear to Raise Dementia Risk<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of anticholinergic drugs may be tied to a future diagnosis of dementia, according to a study published online April 25 in The BMJ<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Low-Dose Hyaluronidase Can Remove Hyaluronic Acid Fillers<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Very low doses of hyaluronidase can remove hyaluronic acid filler nodules, but more rapid resolution is seen with slightly higher doses, according to a study published online April 25 in JAMA Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Improvement in Race-Based Disparities in Years of Life Lost<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — From 1990 to 2014 there was a decrease in race-based disparities in years of life lost (YLL) in the United States, according to a study published online April 25 in PLOS ONE<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Tenecteplase Appears Superior to Alteplase After Ischemic Stroke<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with ischemic stroke, treatment with tenecteplase within 4.5 hours of symptom onset and before thrombectomy is associated with better outcomes than treatment with alteplase during the same timeframe, according to a study published in the April 26 issue 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 Saturday Is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and local agencies are holding the 15th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the country this Saturday, April 28.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Find a Nearby Collection Site<\/a><\/p>\n Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes No Higher With TDF-FTC-LPV\/r<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For HIV-infected women and their infants, the risk of adverse birth outcomes is similar with tenofovir, emtricitabine, and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (TDF-FTC-LPV\/r) compared with zidovudine, lamivudine, and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (ZDV-3TC-LPV\/r) or TDF-FTC with ritonavir-boosted atazanavir (ATV\/r), according to a study published in the April 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n People With Opioid Use Disorder Have High Suicide Rate<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) seem to have a high rate of suicide, according to a perspective piece published in the April 26 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Medicare Requiring Hospitals to Post Prices Online<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — U.S. hospitals will have to post their standard prices online and make it easier for patients to access their electronic medical records, Medicare officials said Tuesday.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Lonafarnib May Lower Mortality in Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Lonafarnib monotherapy is associated with lower mortality among patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), according to a study published in the April 24 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 IBD Associated With Increased Incidence of Parkinson’s Disease<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have increased incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is attenuated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy, according to a study published online April 23 in JAMA Neurology<\/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 Disagreement Seen Over Barriers to Kids’ Daily Use of Asthma Meds<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Children, caregivers, and physicians report different barriers to daily use of asthma medications, according to a study published recently in the Journal of Asthma<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Five-Day Nitrofurantoin Beats Single-Dose Fosfomycin for UTI<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Five-day nitrofurantoin is associated with increased likelihood of clinical and microbiological resolution compared with single-dose fosfomycin among women with lower urinary tract infection (UTI), according to a study published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Serlopitant Found to Be Safe, Effective for Chronic Pruritus<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Serlopitant has potential as a therapy for the treatment of chronic pruritus, according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Guidelines Developed for Use of Drugs in Multiple Sclerosis<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 24, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Guidelines have been developed for use of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS), integrating findings from a systematic review. The review and guidelines were published online April 23 in Neurology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Systematic Review Summary<\/a><\/p>\n Practice Guideline Recommendations Summary<\/a><\/p>\n Controlling High Blood Pressure Could Prevent Dementia<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Controlling high blood pressure in older African-Americans may prevent future dementia, according to a study published recently in the Journal of General Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Belimumab Aids Anti-dsDNA+, Hypocomplementemic Lupus<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Weekly belimumab is associated with greater benefit than placebo for patients with hypocomplementemic\/anti-double stranded (ds)DNA-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), according to a study published online April 18 in Arthritis & Rheumatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Too Few Adults Taking Epilepsy Meds Have Seizure Control<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Although most adults with epilepsy report taking epilepsy medication, less than half of those report having their seizures controlled, according to research published in the April 20 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Celecoxib Lowers Opioid Use Post Head & Neck Cancer Surgery<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing head and neck cancer (HNC) surgery, perioperative use of celecoxib is associated with reduced use of opioids after surgery, according to a study published online April 18 in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Phone App Linked to Improved Psoriasis Treatment Adherence<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A smartphone app is associated with improved short-term adherence to a cutaneous foam treatment for psoriasis, according to a study published online April 14 in the British Journal of Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Cannabis Not Recommended for Sleep Apnea<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medical cannabis and\/or its synthetic extracts should not be used for treating patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves First Drug for Rare Form of Rickets<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc.’s Crysvita (burosumab-twza) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat adults and children ages 1 year and older with x-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH).<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Opioids Tied to Adverse Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients on hemodialysis, opioids are associated with adverse outcomes, according to a study published online April 19 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract<\/a><\/p>\n Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n First Opioid Lawsuit Targeting Pharmacy Benefit Managers<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A first opioid lawsuit is targeting pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), according to a report published in Managed Healthcare Executive<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Adults Using Benzodiazepines More Likely to Receive Opioid Rx<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — New opioid prescriptions for U.S. adults using benzodiazepines stopped increasing in 2010, although the likelihood of receiving a prescription is still elevated versus the general population, according to a study published online April 12 in JAMA Psychiatry<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Triple Therapy Tied to Reduced Rate of COPD Exacerbations<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), triple therapy is associated with a reduced rate of exacerbations, according to a study published online April 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Polypharmacy More Likely for Cancer Survivors<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Cancer survivors are more likely to be prescribed five or more unique medications, including drugs with abuse potential, according to a study published online April 12 in Cancer<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n New Drug Combo Ups Survival in HER2\/neu Uterine Serous Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)\/neu-positive uterine serous carcinoma, adding intravenous trastuzumab to treatment with carboplatin-paclitaxel is associated with increased progression-free survival, according to a study published online March 27 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Opiate Use Linked to Early Mortality in IBD Patients<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 18, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Heavy use of opiates among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is tied to increased risk of premature all-cause death, according to a study published in the April issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Calcium Channel Blockers May Up Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Women<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Use of short-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is associated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, held from April 14 to 18 in Chicago.<\/p>\n Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n USPSTF: Exercise Interventions Prevent Falls in Seniors<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) concludes that exercise interventions may be beneficial for preventing falls in older adults; however, the evidence is insufficient to weigh the benefits and harms of vitamin D, calcium, and combined supplementation. These findings form the basis of two recommendation statements published April 17 in the Journal of the American Medical Association<\/i>.<\/p>\n Evidence Report – Falls<\/a><\/p>\n Final Recommendation Statement – Falls<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial – Falls<\/a><\/p>\n Evidence Report – Vitamin D<\/a><\/p>\n Final Recommendation Statement – Vitamin D<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial – Vitamin D<\/a><\/p>\n Opioid Packaging Often Lacks Info on Safe Storage, Disposal<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 17, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Messages relating to safe storage and disposal of prescription opioids are inconsistent and are often not included on package insert information, according to a research letter published online April 17 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Women Less Likely to Fill Post-MI Statin Prescription<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Women are less likely than men to fill a prescription for high-intensity statins after hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI), according to a study published in the April 24 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology<\/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 Nonoptimized Drug Therapy Costs More Than $500 Billion Annually<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 16, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The estimated annual cost of drug-related morbidity and mortality resulting from nonoptimized medication therapy is more than half a trillion dollars in the United States, according to a study published online March 26 in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Cracks Down on Caffeine-Loaded Dietary Supplements<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday that it has issued tough new restrictions on the sale of dietary supplements that contain dangerously high amounts of caffeine.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Continuous Glucose Monitoring Cost-Effective in T1DM<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with suboptimal control despite using multiple insulin injections, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) seems cost-effective, with improved glucose control, according to a study published online April 12 in Diabetes Care<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n It Costs $2.2 Billion a Year to Treat Antibiotic Resistance<\/font><\/p>\n FRIDAY, April 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Costs associated with treating antibiotic-resistant infections have doubled since 2002, according to a report published in the April issue of Health Affairs<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Pharmacists Can Help With DM Management Via Telemedicine<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacist use of telemedicine is a promising vehicle for improving patient management of diabetes, according to an article published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Endocrine Therapy-Induced Alopecia Seen in Breast Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, April 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with breast cancer, endocrine therapy-induced alopecia (EIA) has a pattern that is similar to androgenetic alopecia, according to a study published online April 11 in JAMA Dermatology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Declines Seen in Cardiovascular Risk Factors From 1990 to 2010<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Among adults aged 40 years and older, cardiovascular risk decreased in men from 1990 to 2010 and increased followed by a decrease in women over the same time period, according to a study published online March 22 in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Chemo, Immunotherapy Feasible in Metastatic Bladder Cancer<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) plus ipilimumab is associated with a 69 percent objective response rate and 61 percent one-year overall survival for patients with metastatic urothelial cancer, according to a study published in the May issue of European Urology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Odds of Prescribing Drugs Up With Doc Receipt of Payments<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, April 11, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians receiving general payments from pharmaceutical companies are more likely to prescribe their drugs, according to a research letter published online April 9 in JAMA Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Suggestions Offered to Reduce Physician Frustration With EHRs<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Changes can be implemented to help reduce physician frustration with electronic health records (EHRs), according to an article published in Medical Economics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Considerable Differences in Burden of Disease at State Level<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There are considerable differences in the burden of disease at the state level, according to a study published in the April 10 issue of 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 DPP-4I Not Tied to Increased Risk of Acute Pancreatitis in Seniors<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For older adults, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP-4Is) are not associated with increased risk of acute pancreatitis, according to a study published online April 4 in Diabetes Care<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Group Exercise, Nutrition Aids Prostate Cancer Patients on ADT<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, April 10, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Men on androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer may significantly benefit from a group exercise and nutrition program, according to a study published online March 5 in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Cannabis Compound Transfers to Breast Milk<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Low concentrations of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol are transferred from inhaled cannabis to breast milk of women who regularly consume cannabis, according to a study published online April 9 in Obstetrics & Gynecology<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Prenatal Exposure to SSRI Tied to Fetal Brain Development<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Prenatal exposure to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is associated with fetal brain development, according to a study published online April 9 in JAMA Pediatrics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Sirolimus May Be Beneficial in DIPNECH Syndrome<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Sirolimus may be beneficial for patients with diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH), according to a research letter published online April 10 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Pharmacists Play Role in Cutting Hospital-Acquired Infections<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Pharmacists have been involved in the recent progress made toward reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), according to an article published in Drug Topics<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Most Patients Are Unaware of Drug Cancer Shortages<\/font><\/p>\n MONDAY, April 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most people in the United States are unaware of national cancer drug shortages, according to a study published online April 9 in Cancer<\/i>.<\/p>\n