Weekend ICYMI: September 30 to October 4

Onyda XR, First Liquid Nonstimulant for ADHD, Now Available in US

ADHD concept / ClareM - stock.adobe.com

Clonidine hydrochloride (Onyda XR) for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older is now available in the United States, Tris Pharma announced in a release. The once-daily, extended release, oral suspension medication is the first liquid, non-stimulant for ADHD approved in the country. In the release, Tris said Onyda XR is available through national pharmaceutical wholesalers and patients can fill prescriptions through their local pharmacy.

SGLT2i Reduces Hospitalizations, Mortality in Patients With Heart Failure

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have emerged as a pivotal class of medications in the treatment of heart failure. Their ability to reduce hospitalization and mortality has significantly impacted patient outcomes. Despite this, challenges persist in optimizing SGLT2i utilization, particularly in inpatient settings. A collection of abstracts presented at the Heart Failure Society of America 2024 Annual Meeting delved into these challenges and explored the benefits of SGLT2i in the patient population.

Q&A: Impact of Stigma on Pharmacists with SUD, Importance of Mental Health Care

Approximately 1 in 9 pharmacists will suffer from a substance use disorder at some point in their career and 46% report having used controlled substances without a prescription. However, the stigma around addiction prevents many from seeking help due to feelings of shame and embarrassment. Drug Topics spoke with Sara T. Thomason, PharmD, BCPP, BCACP, CGP, FASCP, professor and chair of pharmacy practice at the Gatton College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University, who serves on the Virginia Board of Pharmacy and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, about the impact of stigma on pharmacists who are dealing with substance use disorder, the importance of mental health care, and how schools support pharmacy students dealing with addiction.

Pharmacy Technicians Could Enhance Public Health by Becoming ‘Vaccine Champions’

Integrating pharmacy technicians into vaccination strategies may help increase uptake and enhance public health, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. The authors of the study said the findings highlight a promising avenue to increase immunization rates in community pharmacy settings.

Cocaine, Cannabis Use Significantly Increased Cardiovascular Events

Both cocaine and cannabis use were associated with increased cardiovascular complications, especially myocardial infarction. Researchers also identified higher in-hospital mortality rates amongst patients that used cannabis, with longer symptom resolution times also leading to higher mortality, according to data from posters presented at the Heart Failure Society of America 2024 Annual Meeting. “The cardiovascular effects of cocaine...remains a persistent challenge with limited data on curbing the menace and decreasing the burden of cardiovascular complications among heart failure patients with cocaine use disorder,” wrote the authors.

Pharmacy practice is always changing. Stay ahead of the curve: Sign up for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips, straight to your inbox.