Weekend ICYMI: October 7 to October 11

Florida Pharmacist Discusses Medication Preparedness for Hurricanes

Flooded street during hurricane / Satoshi Kina - stock.adobe.com

Significant challenges arise in the aftermath of hurricanes, as health care systems and pharmacies often face severe disruptions in care. In the wake of these disruptions, patients must know how to keep their medications safe. In a recent interview with Drug Topics, Brad Phillips, PharmD, BCACP, clinical assistant professor and assistant director at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy Orlando campus, offered valuable insights into navigating medication-related disaster preparedness before, during, and after the storm.

COVID-19 Associated with Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events

Patients with a COVID-19 infection who require hospitalization are at an increased risk for major adverse cardiac events, according to research published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. The authors of the study said the findings suggest that more aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction efforts may be warranted as part of primary prevention in this patient population.

Cardinal Health, NCPA Team Up to Expand Mental Health Resources for Pharmacists

The Cardinal Health Foundation and the National Community Pharmacists Association are partnering to address the current mental health crisis by providing pharmacists with mental health resources, including educational materials, training opportunities, and scholarships, Cardinal Health announced in a release. The partnership will provide tools to address both patient and pharmacist well-being amid the current mental health crisis.

Texas Sues Multiple PBMs, Drug Manufacturers Over Inflated Insulin Prices

Less than a month after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) over inflated insulin prices, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton did the same, including both PBMs and manufacturers as defendants for their conflicts of interest in distributing insulin, according to a press release. Similar to the FTC’s complaint regarding a “broken rebate system,” Texas’ lawsuit is a move to hold PBMs accountable for their behind-the-scenes practices that have been alleged to significantly raise prescription drug costs overall, not just insulin.

Examining Flu, COVID-19 Infection Outcomes in Children

Children who had a co-infection of influenza and COVID-19 were less likely to be admitted to the hospital compared to children who had either infection alone, according to research data being presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians, CHEST 2024, held October 6 to 9 in Boston, Massachusetts. The authors of the study said the findings can help clinicians educate parents about the disease course of COVID-19, influenza or a co-infection in children.

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