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The usual instructions for customers purchasing a jug of bowel-cleansing solution may not work best to assure the most accurate test. Here’s new information on why a split-dose preparation—some the night before and some the morning of the procedure—might be better.
A small study in 2005 offered some hope that the natural product Gingko biloba might improve attention and other cognitive issues for patients with multiple sclerosis. A more extensive study led by the same researcher, however, doesn’t support the earlier suggestions of improvement.
Some epidemiologic studies suggest an increased risk of heart failure in patients with Parkinson’s diseasewho take Mirapex (pramipexole). An FDA Drug Safety Communication alerts pharmacists and other health professionals to the issue but points out that the evidence is not conclusive.
Auditing practices by pharmacy benefit managers put a tremendous burden on local pharmacists, according to a recent survey. A surprising percentage of respondents say those audit requirements not only make it difficult to find time to counsel patients but also threaten their ability to stay in business.