U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

August 31, 2022

Expectations With the New Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

Once the FDA grants Emergency Use Authorization to the new bivalent COVID-19 boosters that include an Omicron component, pharmacists should expect things to move quickly. According to recent CDC guidance, now is the time to learn more about eligibility for the booster, as well as the process for ordering and storing the 175 million doses that will be available. Read more.

How Convenient Are Pharmacies to Most U.S. Residents?

Almost everyone has heard the claim that more than 90% of Americans live within 5 miles of a community pharmacy. A new analysis tested that claim and came up with some interesting statistics: Nearly one-half of U.S. residents live within 1 mile of a pharmacist, and nearly all residents live within 10 miles of one. Read more.

Mixed Success With Lipid Control Across Ethnic/Racial Groups

Age-adjusted total cholesterol improved significantly in the overall U.S. population, from 197 mg/dL in 2007-2008 to 189 mg/dL in 2017-2018. Black, Mexican American, other Hispanic, and white adults had significant improvements in total cholesterol; however, that was not the case for Asian adults. Find out more about the mixed success for lipid control with the use of statins in the U.S.

NSAID Use and T2D Linked to Heart Failure Hospitalization

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use appears to increase the risk of heart failure hospitalization in some type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. That appears to be the case for those who are older than age 65 years and infrequent users of the painkillers. Find out what else a recent presentation had to say about the link between NSAIDs and severe heart failure.