Two Therapies Better Than One for Smoking Cessation

When varenicline, marketed as Chantix in the U.S., is not enough to help smokers kick the habit, adding nicotine-replacement therapy may be the boost they need. That’s according to a new South African study that found the combination was significantly more effective in helping maintain abstinence after 6 months. Here are the details.

States Vary Dramatically in Rates of Opioid, Benzodiazepine Prescribing

Why do opioid and benzodiazepine sedative prescribing vary so significantly across the United States, from three to five times as much in some states as others? A new CDC report lists the states where use is highest for each class and type of drug and makes specific recommendations for areas identified as having the greatest problems.

High Blood Pressure, Use Of Beta Blockers Increases Women’s Psoriasis Risk

Women with long-term high blood pressure face additional risks other than those related to cardiovascular health: They also are more likely to develop psoriasis, especially if they also have used beta blockers. That’s according to a new analysis of a major women’s health study. Here are the details.

Sitagliptin Increases Hospitalization Risk in Heart Failure Patients With Diabetes

Finding safe diabetes medications for patients who also have heart failure can be a difficult balancing act. A new study now finds that heart failure patients who take sitagliptin, marketed as Januvia, increase their risk of hospitalization for their heart condition but not death or all-cause hospital admissions. Find out more.