U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

April 24, 2024

Antipsychotics More Dangerous Than Feared in Dementia Patients?

In the last decade or so, the FDA has issued alerts about the dangers of using antipsychotics to treat the symptoms of dementia in older patients. Yet, the trend continued, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study that finds that the risks are even greater than the past warnings suggest. Read more.

Drug Ordering Prompts Reduced Extended-Spectrum Antibiotics

Typically, clinicians prescribe vancomycin and/or antipseudomonal therapy for pneumonia at hospital admission and only deescalate to standard-spectrum antibiotics after testing negative for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or if cultures do not reveal Pseudomonas or other multidrug-resistant organisms. Find out how, according to a new study, computerized provider order entry prompts can push prescribers to change that practice in patients.

Treatment-Resistant Depression Might Have Genetic Susceptibility

A large population study from Taiwan published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry raised the possibility that a genetic factor exists for treatment-resistant depression. Find out why the researchers suggest that family history of the condition should be considered and that combining or altering therapies might work better in some patients with the genetic component.

Clinical Benefits of FreeStyle Libre Systems

The FreeStyle Libre 3 system has been cleared by the FDA and is indicated for use in people with diabetes aged 4 years and older. Learn more about the FreeStyle Libre 3 system and how it can be an effective tool for glucose monitoring in diabetes management.