November 24, 2021

Long-Term Antiplatelet Drugs Not Advised for Many Poststent Surgery Patients

For years, pharmacists have filled months’—or even years’—worth of antiplatelet prescriptions for patients recovering from surgery to place stents in their arteries. That might be changing soon. A new study suggests that long-term use of the drugs might not be optimal anymore. Here is more information.

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Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Linked to Increased Risk of Maculopathy

Only recently have concerns been raised about pentosan polysulfate sodium, which has been an approved drug for interstitial cystitis for 25 years. A new study adds to the growing evidence that use of the medication is associated with an increased risk of maculopathy. Find out what ophthalmologic conditions are most linked to pentosan polysulfate sodium. 

Rituximab Might Be Only Immunosuppressive Raising Mortality Risk in COVID-19

While immunosuppressed patients are considered at especially high risk of severe COVID-19, that assumption wasn’t borne out in a recent study. Those patients fared about as well as patients without immunosuppression—with one exception: Taking rituximab substantially increased risk of death compared with medically similar hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Here are more details.

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FDA Reviews Two Promising Oral Antivirals to Help Avoid Severe COVID-19

Two promising oral antiviral drugs for COVID-19 are under consideration by the FDA. If approved, pharmacists shouldn’t have too hard of a time stocking them. Here’s why: The products, one from Pfizer and the other from Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, are considered so game-changing the Biden Administration is reportedly planning to spend billions to stockpile the drugs when approved. Read more.

 
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