How Pharmacist Medication-Management Programs Could
Save Billions
Nonoptimized medication therapy costs the U.S. healthcare system billions, according to a new study. The answer? Authors recommend expansion of comprehensive medication-management programs by clinical pharmacists. Here is more information.

Study Finds Perinatal SSRI Exposure Affects Fetal
Brain Development
Use of SSRIs has increased among expectant mothers as the risks of untreated depression in pregnancy have become better known. A new study suggests, however, that treatment is not without risk. Find out what researchers determined about SSRI effects on fetal brain development.

Little Evidence Certain Painkillers Exacerbate Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis
For years, inflammatory bowel disease patients have been warned to avoid certain painkillers because of the risk that their conditions could be exacerbated. Now, researchers report their meta-analysis couldn’t find a consistent association between worsening Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis with use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Here are the details.

Immunization Prevented More Than 80,000 Hospitalizations Last Flu Season
Without influenza vaccination an additional 5.29 million people might have become ill during the 2016-2017 flu season, and nearly 85,000 more would have been hospitalized. Find out who benefited the most, and what the CDC is seeking to do to increase vaccination percentages and make immunization more effective.