HF Puts Patients Using Opioids at Greater Risk 
Undiagnosed sleep apnea is not uncommon; however, patients who are admitted to the hospital for acute heart failure (HF) exacerbation in addition to undetected sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) issues are especially vulnerable to dangerous adverse consequences when prescribed opiate pain relievers. New research is generating a need for increased awareness of the high prevalence of SDB and reminds prescribers to use even greater caution when considering opiates in patients with SDB and HF. Read more.

Antipsychotic-Associated Head Injuries in Alzheimer's Patients 
Despite the FDA black box warning (BBW) that advises avoiding antipsychotic agents for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, their use in these patients continues to decrease the neuropsychiatric symptoms that can often lead to unnecessary earlier institutionalization. The risks outlined in the BBW are clearly noted; however, growing recognition of an increased incidence of head injury among patients taking these medications is spurring a new conversation about potential risks. Read more.