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

High LDL Levels Present a Danger of CVD Death, Even in Young, Healthy People
Pharmacists now have critical new information to share with young, healthy people who complain about medication or lifestyle changes required to manage cholesterol levels: Elevated LDL cholesterol levels significantly increase their risk of dying from heart disease versus those who keep their levels under 100 mg/dL, according to a new study. Here is what researchers found.

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No Link Found Between Prenatal Tdap Vaccine, Autism Spectrum Disorder
Despite an increase in dangerous pertussis cases in infants, expectant mothers are still wary of getting Tdap vaccines to protect their unborn children, with only about half doing so. A new study helps address those concerns. Find out how researchers determined that no link exists between Tdap vaccination during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder in the child.


New Advice on Prescribing for First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients

What is the best course of action when patients with first-episode schizophrenia haven’t responded to treatment? A new study reports that switching antipsychotic medications usually isn’t the answer. Read what researchers recommend instead.

Common OTC Drugs, Supplements Potentially Can Confound Laboratory Results
A European study raises a novel concern about the use of OTC drugs and dietary supplements. Researchers warn that some of the most common products can affect laboratory results and potentially influence diagnoses. Complicating the issue, they note, is that many patients don’t inform the prescribing clinician or the lab that they are using OTC products. Here is more information.

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