U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News Update
November 29, 2018

No Benefit Demonstrated for Treatment of Polio-Like Condition in Children
Concern is increasing about acute flaccid myelitis, a condition that has caused children to suddenly become weak and even have trouble walking, swallowing, speaking, or breathing. Here is information on the condition, as well as efforts to find a treatment, that pharmacists can use to answer questions.

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Opioid Pills Prescribed by Surgeons Quadruple Those Usually Needed
Pharmacists probably realize that only a portion of the postsurgical opioid prescriptions they fill will actually be used by the patient who receives them. A new study reports a surprising number of leftover pills and evidence of how the size of prescription influences use. Here are more details.

Timing of Statin-Induced Muscle Pain Varies by Drug Prescribed
Some percentage of patients initiating statins develop muscle pain and other adverse events. A new study suggests that it might be possible to better predict when symptoms will occur. Find out how the specific statin makes a difference in the timing of onset of symptoms.

Here’s How Pharmacists
Can Advise Users When
EpiPens Freeze

How many pharmacists have been asked if an Epi-Pen still works after being frozen? Well, here’s at least a partial answer. A new study found the mechanism appears to continue to work after thawing, although the allergy specialty organization recommends replacing the device as soon as possible. Here’s more information.

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