U.S. Pharmacist Weekly News Update
September 26, 2018

Adults 75+ Don’t Need Primary Prevention Statins Unless They Have Diabetes
Some of the statin prescriptions pharmacists fill for old and very old patients might be unnecessary, a new study suggests, based on whether type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease has been previously diagnosed. Find out why the researchers raise questions about use of the cholesterol drugs for primary prevention in patients aged 75 years and older.

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Expanded Inhaled Steroid Use Linked to Rising Nontuberculous Lung Infections
Based on new research, the lowest possible dose of inhaled steroids in patients, especially those with COPD, might be best. That’s according to a study finding a significantly increased risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections with prolonged use and higher dosages of the therapy. Here are the details.

Which Patients Are Most Likely to Convert to Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use?
Pharmacists see it often: An older adult using benzodiazepines for a short-term issue ends up using the sedatives longer term. A new study sought to determine who is at the greatest risk. Find out what demographic type and prescribing practices were most likely to lead to extensive usage.

Pediatric MS Trial Looks at Ways to More Effectively Reduce Relapse Rates
As many as 5% of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases are diagnosed in children and adolescents, and those patients have an extremely high relapse rate early in the course of their disease. A new study compared therapies to find out what works better in helping to reduce relapse rates. Here is what researchers found.

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