Weekend ICYMI: August 5 to August 9
In case you missed it, this week we had news about opioid prescribing for patients with chronic pain, a possible link between cannabis and cancer, preparing for the upcoming flu season, and more.
Problematic Opioid Prescribing Among Patients with Chronic Pain
Oxycodone opioid tablets / steheap - stock.adobe.com
For patients experiencing chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP), opioid prescription misuse is significantly prominent. Meanwhile, patients with CNCP have commonly experienced opioid dependence, addiction, or aberrant behavior as a result of their prescription misuse, leading researchers to highlight the urgent need for better CNCP treatment options.
Cannabis Use Associated with Increased Risk of Head and Neck Cancer
In a matched cohort study analyzing patients both with and without a cannabis-related disorder, researchers found that cannabis users were more likely to develop head and neck cancer (HNC) in adulthood. After analyzing the data, they suggest further research to better understand how cannabis use is linked to the development of HNC and further analyze dose responses for evidence regarding the cannabis and HNC association.
The 2024-2025 Flu Season: What to Expect
According to the CDC, more than 44,900 people died from influenza complications during the 2023-2024 flu season. As it does every year, the CDC recommends everyone 6 months or older receive the updated flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. But this year, the influenza vaccine is different than it was last season: COVID-19 has become a major player alongside influenza, and patients may be asking about a new virus strain. What's more, the composition of the vaccine itself has changed. This story provides pharmacists with everything they need to know to prepare for the upcoming season.
Extended Guselkumab Dosing Intervals to Treat Psoriasis
With current psoriasis treatment guidelines lacking in benefits and providing inconsistent de-escalation advice, extending guselkumab dosing intervals for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis can help with disease stabilization. Results from the ongoing GUIDE phase 3b clinical trial showed that extending guselkumab dosing intervals from 8 to 16 weeks is a noninferior treatment option compared with currently accepted methods.
FDA Approves Extended-Release Parkinson Medication From Amneal Pharmaceuticals
Amneal Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved its extended-release carbidopa and levodopa (CD/LD, [IPX203]) capsules, marketed as Crexont, for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, according to a company news release. Whereas existing immediate-release CD/LD products are short-acting, Amneal’s IPX203 combines immediate-release granules and extended-release pellets to provide rapid onset of action and long-lasting efficacy, respectively.
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