February 9, 2022

BA.2 Form of Omicron: Equally Severe, Likely More Transmissible

Another onslaught of COVID-19 is the last thing overworked pharmacists need. That is why news from the World Health Organization is at least partially reassuring. Find out why officials say the emerging BA.2 form of the Omicron coronavirus variant does not appear to be more severe than the original form but that data from Sweden suggests it could be even more transmissible.

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Melatonin Use Increases; Safety Concerns Raised by High Dosages

Melatonin is a popular OTC supplement, usually purchased to improve sleep. A new study from the Journal of the American Medical Association points out that the use of the hormone has increased substantially from 0.08% to 0.28% over a decade but also raises concerns that the purchase of higher doses might raise safety issues. Learn more about what researchers had to say.

Higher MACE, Cancer Risks With Tofacitinib-Treated RA Versus TNF Inhibitors

Tofacitinib might be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine raises the possibility that the downsides are too high. Researchers determined that tofacitinib-treated patients had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and cancer than patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) Inhibitors. Read more.

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Hesitant HCWs Ended Up Getting COVID-19 Vaccination

Initial hesitancy over the COVID-19 vaccine did not lower healthcare workers' (HCWs) vaccination rates much at an urban healthcare center. A new study published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology suggests that many of those HCWs had a change of heart quickly. Find out what percentage changed their minds and what factors made HCWs more or less likely to become vaccinated.

 
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