U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

June 2, 2021

Most Widely Used Severe COVID-19 Medications Changed Over Time in 2020

News about medications to treat COVID-19 came fast and furious at the height of the pandemic. Even pharmacists had trouble keeping up. Now, a new study focuses on a California health system to discuss which drugs actually were administered to patients with severe disease and how their use changed over time. Here is more information.

New Guideline Focuses on Causes of TIAs, Other Stroke Precursors

Before prescribing medications or trying other treatments, clinicians should use diagnostic evaluations to determine the cause of the first stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), performing them within 48 hours of symptom onset. Based on the results, according to new guidelines from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, decisions can be made about prevention therapy. Find out what other changes are in the new recommendations.

Trial Seeks to Better Understand Severe Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines

Providing clear and concise answers to concerns about allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines is seen as a way to overcome vaccine hesitancy. But first, the data has to be there. That is one reason public-health officials are conducting a trial to better understand anaphylaxis and other allergic—or allergic-appearing—reactions after receiving mRNA vaccines. Here are more details.

Most Newborns Shouldn’t Continue Antiseizure Drugs After Hospital Discharge

Most neonates whose acute symptomatic seizures have resolved don’t need to be sent home from the hospital with a prescription for antiseizure medication, according to a new study. Find out how many babies are affected and why that recommendation is potentially practice-changing.