U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

November 25, 2024

Beta-Blocker Use Appears to Increase Depression Risk, Not Anxiety

Important research earlier this year recommended that beta-blockers not be routinely prescribed for myocardial infarction survivors but reserved only for those who had heart failure or impaired pumping ability. A newly published substudy suggests another reason to follow that advice: Beta-blockers appear to increase depression in those who use them unnecessarily. Learn more about the results of this study.

FDA Proposes Removal of OTC Oral Phenylephrine

The FDA is seeking comments on its proposal to remove oral phenylephrine as an active agreement allowed in OTC drug products. Find out why drug regulators are seeking to do that and what has to occur before oral phenylephrine is no longer found in some common products advertised to temporarily relieve nasal congestion.

Medication Recommendation Changes Made to Treat Restless Legs Syndrome

Pharmacists should be aware that recommendations have changed on which medications best treat restless legs syndrome. The standard use of pramipexole and ropinirole is no longer recommended, and alpha-2-delta ligand calcium channel blockers—gabapentin enacarbil, gabapentin, and pregabalin—are now recommended. These recommended guidelines were published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Read more.

Patient Education and Support for Blood Cancer

A study in Plos One explored the experiences of individuals diagnosed with chronic blood cancers and their comprehension of the diagnosis, including information from the healthcare provider and the emotional and psychological impact of the disease. Key findings revealed that many patients had a limited understanding of their specific type of blood cancer and struggled with understanding how it could be treated. Read more about the results of this study.