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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.<\/p>\n
FDA Approves Azedra for Rare Adrenal Tumors<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Rapid Improvement of Dilated Cardiomyopathy With Anakinra<\/font><\/p>\n TUESDAY, July 31, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 31 in the Annals of Internal Medicine<\/i>, 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.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Better Care Quality Needed for Universal Health Coverage<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Opposes Proposed Cuts, Gag Orders for Reproductive Health<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n AMA Statement<\/a><\/p>\n AMA Wire<\/i> Article<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n Acupuncture May Cut Arthralgia From Aromatase Inhibitors<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Infective Endocarditis More Common with Valve Issues<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/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 No Higher Risk of Autoimmune Disorders After HPV4 Vaccination<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Cross-Continuum Communication Beneficial After Discharge<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n NFID Initiative Working to Up Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n PFO Closure Plus Antiplatelet Tx Advised for Cryptogenic Stroke<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Outpatient Opioid Prescriptions for Children Often Filled<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n July 28 Is World Hepatitis Day<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n Drop in Osteoporosis Treatment Initiation After Hip Fracture<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Use of 2017 ACC\/AHA Guidelines Would Increase HTN Prevalence<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Canada Updates Guidelines for Hepatitis C Virus Infection<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A guideline published in the June 4 issue of CMAJ<\/i>, the journal of the Canadian Medical Association, provides updated evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n Reducing Computers in Rounds May Cut Communication Barriers<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Daily BCX7353 Cuts Rate of Hereditary Angioedema Attacks<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Steroid Abuse Put 60-Year-Old Bodybuilder in the Hospital<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a report published online July 23 in BMJ Case Reports<\/i>, doctors present the case of an amateur weight-lifter who developed non-ischemic cardiomyopathy after using anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n WHO Targets for Chronic Hepatitis B Will Be Cost-Effective<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n ACOG, Others Come Out Against Proposed Rule on Title-X<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n Regulations Restrict Providers’ Ability to Offer Info on Abortions<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Comment on Regulations<\/a><\/p>\n WHO: Congo Ebola Outbreak Over<\/font><\/p>\n WEDNESDAY, July 25, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is over, according to the World Health Organization.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n One-Third of Hep C Rx Receive Absolute Denial From Insurers<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n World Hepatitis Day<\/a><\/p>\n HerbList App Launched to Provide Information on Herbal Products<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n NIH Press Release<\/a><\/p>\n Herbs at a Glance<\/a><\/p>\n Guidelines for ART Updated for Those With or at Risk for HIV<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Escitalopram Cuts MACE Risk in Depressed Patients With ACS<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Tools, Methods of RCTs Can Be Adapted to Real-World Settings<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Lowering Default Number of Pills Can Reduce Prescribed Opioids<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/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 Physicians and Practices Should Prepare for Emergencies<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n 11 Infant Deaths Halt Trial of Sildenafil in Pregnant Women<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Sulfonylureas As 2nd-Line T2DM Therapy Tied to Higher Event Risk<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n VA MISSION Act May Up Costs, Lower Vet Health Care Quality<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n HPV Vaccine Eliminates Advanced Skin Cancer in 97-Year-Old<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Grants First Approval for CA Drug Under New Pilot Programs<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Approves Tibsovo for Acute Myeloid Leukemia<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i> gene.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Walmart Generic Drug Discounts Often Offer More Patient Savings<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Monthly Vitamin D Supplement May Not Cut Cancer Risk<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Medical Organizations Must Address Sexual Harassment<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n CDC: More People With High Cholesterol Taking Medications<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i> report published in the July 13 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 Guidelines Conflict for Long-Term Opioid Tx in Cancer Survivors<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Increased Coverage in States With Medicaid Expansion<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Empagliflozin Doesn’t Up Risk of Bone Fractures<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Epinephrine Ups Survival in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n Editorial<\/a><\/p>\n Availability of Generic Antivirals for Hepatitis B Increasing<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text<\/a><\/p>\n FDA Recalls Drugs Containing Active Ingredient Valsartan<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Characteristics of Severe Hypoglycemia Identified in T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n L<\/small>-Glutamine Reduces Number of Pain Crises in Sickle Cell Disease<\/font><\/p>\n THURSDAY, July 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with sickle cell-related pain, those receiving oral therapy with L<\/small>-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<\/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 Variations in Practice Patterns Seen in Patients Treated for COPD<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Link for Asbestos-Free Talcum Powder, Cancer Not Clear<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Testosterone Prescribing Down Since 2013<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Basal Insulin Analogues Similar for Glucose Lowering<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n Alternative Payment Models Should Include Precision Medicine<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Trials Supporting FDA Approval of Breakthrough Drugs Examined<\/font><\/p>\n 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<\/i>.<\/p>\n Abstract\/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)<\/a><\/p>\n FDA: Some Rx Drugs May Become Available Without Seeing a Doctor<\/font><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Information<\/a><\/p>\n Evidence of Clinical Inertia in Management of T2DM<\/font><\/p>\n