Pharmacy and Therapeutic Medicine From UpToDate*
The articles listed on this page provide current news updates in the topic of pharmacy and therapeutic medicine.
Pneumococcal vaccination schedule change in adults
For simplification purposes, PCV13 and PCV23 vaccine administration schedules have been changed from 6-12 months to more than a year.
Limited occult cancer screening for venous thromboembolism
There is an association between occult cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, there is a lack of evidence to support an evaluation strategy.
Liraglutide for the treatment of obesity
Liraglutide is a treatment of type 2 diabetes, and can help with weight loss in diabetic and non diabetic patients.
Serogroup B meningococcal vaccination approval
The US Food and Drug Administration approved two meningococcal vaccines – MenB-FHbp and MenB-4C – for high-risk individuals that are ten years of age or older.
CETP inhibition in dyslipidemic patients
CETP inhibition is being studied to determine if it can be used as a treatment option for dyslipidemic patients.
Modified treatment of hemodynamically-stable supraventricular tachycardia
A modified Valsalva treatment is recommended for patients with hemodynamically stable SVT.
Aspirin dosage after MI w/stenting
MI patients undergoing stenting are recommended to be discharged on 75-81 mg of aspirin.
Ivabradine for rate control in heart failure
Ivabradine is recommended to be used by patients with chronic stable heart failure with LVEF < 35%. They must also have a sinus rhythm with a resting heart rate greater than 70 bpm, and a tolerated dose of a beta blocker.
Angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor for heart failure
Sacubitril-valsartan has been approved for patients with chronic NYHA functional class II to IV.
Oxygen ineffective treatment option in patients with normoxic STEMI
There is a potential harm from supplemental oxygen in patients with STEMI.
Bariatric surgery on diabetic patients as a treatment for weight loss and poor glycemic control
Bariatric surgery on diabetic, obese patients results in significant weight loss and greater quality of blood glucose control. However, long-term success is still uncertain.
Testosterone therapy did not improve symptoms in ejaculatory disorders
Studies have shown that testosterone is actually an ineffective treatment option for ejaculatory disorders.
The FTO gene variety and obesity
Variants in the FTO gene are strongly associated with obesity risk, but the mechanism is uncertain.
Empagliflozin in individuals with diabetes and overt CVD
Extra-glycemic effects of medicines such as empagliflozin are suggested to be responsible for CVD.
Antisense therapy for hypertriglyceridemia
APOC3 mRNA antisense therapy in patients with high triglyceride levels brought those levels down.
Adjunctive glucocorticoids effective in reducing death rate for patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Glucocorticoids may reduce the inflammation and decrease the rate of death in patients with CAP.
SGLT2 inhibitors may cause vulnerabilities to diabetic ketoacidosis
SGLT2 inhibitors increase glucose excretion and lower high blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
DPP-4 inhibitors not viable option for type 2 diabetic patients
DPP-4 inhibitors are not viable treatment methods in most patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mindfulness stress reduction as a treatment option for PTSD
Mindfullness-based stress therapy may prove to be an effective treatment for the patients with PTSD who do not respond to exposure therapy or do not respond to other forms of treatment.
WHO recommendations on HIV treatment
The WHO has updated its guidelines for the treatment of HIV infection to recommend beginning lifelong ART for all patients infected with HIV.
Statins affecting influenza vaccine effectiveness
There is a possibility that older patients receiving statins are less likely to be properly treated and protected by the influenza vaccine. However, these patients should still receive statins when indicated and the influenza vaccine every year.
Negative symptom decrease in schizophrenia
Antipsychotic medications reduce the severity of delusions, hallucinations, and other positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Influenza vaccination and IAP.
Influenza vaccination decreases laboratory-confirmed influenza infection. Vaccination is also associated with a reduced risk of influenza pneumonia.
Influenza vaccine recommendations for 2015-2016 influenza season
Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone older than 6 months.
Spironolactone as a treatment for hypertension
Spironolactone reduces home systolic pressure after 12 weeks of treatment.
MAD’s and CPAP treatment options lower blood pressure in sleep apnea
CPAP is a viable treatment option in treating hypertension. MAD’s may also have positive effects on blood pressure like CPAP.
Birth defect risks in pregnancy due to venlafaxine used
Venlafaxine is an alternative to SSRI’s for treating depression. However, venlafaxine’s cause of birth defects are uncertain.
Extended anticoagulation as a treatment option for for PE
Patients with PE are at high risk of recurrence once anticoagulation is discontinued. Extended anticoagulation also raises rates of bleeding. Once treatment is discontinued, reduced recurrence benefits were not maintained.
Chlorthalidone and indapamide for hypertension treatment
Indapamide or chlorthalidone should be used rather than hydrochlorothiazide if diuretics are being used as treatment options for hypertension.
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