U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

January 24, 2023

Apixaban Use in Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation Patients

Is it worth the risk of slightly increased major bleeding to protect some subclinical atrial fibrillation patients from an increased risk of stroke? The authors of a new international study suggested the answer is “yes.” Find out why they urge that the anticoagulant apixaban be used in patients with risk factors for stroke in whom subclinical atrial fibrillation develops.

Gabapentinoids May Be Linked to COPD Exacerbations

Approximately 5 years ago, the FDA warned that gabapentinoids might be danger in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients because they appear to increase the risk of severe exacerbation of the disease. Now, a new Canadian study offers more evidence of that danger, with the authors stating that their findings support the warnings from regulatory agencies. Read more.

Accurately Estimating Patient Weight for ED-Administered Medications

Knowing a patient’s weight is necessary to properly dose medications such as thrombolytics, anticoagulants, and many cardiovascular medications. But that can be a difficult proposition in emergency departments (EDs), where many patients might be confused or nonresponsive. Find out what a new study discovered about the best methods to do that when patients cannot provide the information.

Improving Caregiver Health Literacy Reduces Pediatric Dosing Errors

A brief educational intervention can make a big difference for children recently discharged from inpatient care. That is according to a new study that tested health literacy–informed communication strategies during medication counseling. It found that caregivers who were provided the additional information were able to give children more accurate doses of liquid medications with fewer errors. Read more.