U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News

June 17, 2020

Review: Dietary Supplements Unproven for Combatting COVID-19

If pharmacists are unsure how to respond when asked about use of dietary supplements to protect against or treat COVID-19, a new journal article has some advice. Find out what the authors recommend and why they believe pharmacists play such an important role in clearing up misconceptions about unproven supplements during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Hypertension Therapy Has Benefit Even for the Most-Frail Elderly

While debate continues on if or when maintenance medications should be discontinued in older patients, a new study offers evidence that blood-pressure drugs reduce mortality even in the frail elderly. Researchers point out that the therapy is even more beneficial for healthy people aged 65 years and older. Here is more information.

Nitrogen-Containing Bisphosphonates Appear Protective Against Pneumonia

Patients using nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis appear to be getting the side benefit of lowering their risk of getting and dying from pneumonia. Researchers point out that the drugs have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties. Here are more details.

Blood Pressure Medication Adherence Lowers COVID-19
Death Risk

Patients with high blood pressure have a two-fold increased risk of dying from a case of novel coronavirus, but the danger is reduced somewhat if they are adherent with their anti-hypertensive medications, according to a Chinese study. Also find out why researchers were surprised when they looked at the use of drugs to control hypertension by targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.