U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

September 6, 2023

NOACs Not Advised for Frail Elderly With AFib

The use of non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) has been rapidly increasing to manage atrial fibrillation (AFib) and related stroke risk, but a recent study is a reminder that the agents are not for everyone. Find out why Dutch researchers advise against switching from vitamin K antagonists to NOACs in frail patients with AFib.

How Will Medicare Drug Cost Negotiations Proceed?

Medicare’s list of drugs for price negotiations should sound very familiar to pharmacists. But how will the process of negotiating better pricing for common and widely prescribed medications actually work? And when will prices come down? Here are some answers.

SGLT2 Inhibitors Appear to Lower Gout Flares in T2D Patients

The management of gout remains suboptimal for many patients who often suffer painful flares. A new study based on UK data finds that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) do a better job of lowering the risk of recurrent gout flares among adults with gout and type 2 diabetes (T2D) than other commonly used medications. Here is more information.

Long-term Statin Use by Smokers Might Increase Atherosclerosis

Statins are widely prescribed to prevent cardiovascular events, but a new study finds that long-term use of statins appears to be associated with the increased likelihood of severe coronary artery calcium (CAC) buildup in patients with significant smoking history. Researchers suggest that affects the utility of a CAC score to interpret cardiovascular event risk in smokers on statins. Here are more details.