Opioid Use Increases Likelihood of Erectile
Dysfunction Prescription

Men who use opioids for back pain have an increased likelihood of also filling prescriptions for drugs to help erectile dysfunction. That’s according to a new Kaiser Permanente study, which found that nearly a fifth of men taking high-dose opioids were receiving medications for sexual performance issues during the same year. Here are the details.

Statin Use Helps Prevent Kidney Stones, Especially
in Women

Statins may be useful for more than just lowering cardiovascular risk factors. A new study suggests the drugs can be helpful for preventing kidney stones in patients with hyperlipidemia. The positive data was especially significant for women.

Patient Satisfaction Up With Pharmacist-Directed Anticoagulation Service

When pharmacists direct anticoagulation services, patient satisfaction goes up. That’s what a survey documented after Henry Ford Hospital switched to that model. Find out how much patient satisfaction increased.

New Option Approved for Long-Term COPD Treatment

A new once-daily inhaled therapy for COPD should be available for dispensing by the third quarter of 2013. The FDA recently approved Breo Ellipta for the long-term, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD, as well as reduction of COPD exacerbations. Here is more information.