Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for February 2019. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA: Pulmonary Embolism Risk Up With Tofacitinib 10 mg for RA
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — A safety clinical trial has revealed that tofacitinib (Xeljanz, Xeljanz XR) 10 mg twice daily is associated with an increased risk for pulmonary embolism (PE) and death among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in a safety alert this week.
Flu Vaccination During Pregnancy Does Not Cause Miscarriage
THURSDAY, Feb. 28, 2019 (HealthDay News) — An influenza vaccine cannot cause a pregnant woman to miscarry, researchers say.
CDC: Progress in HIV Prevention Has Stalled in the United States
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — The battle against new HIV infections has lost some steam in recent years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lowering BP, Lipids in Healthy Elderly Has No Cognitive Effect
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Candesartan plus hydrochlorothiazide, rosuvastatin, or their combination do not impact cognitive decline among older people, according to a study published online Feb. 27 in Neurology.
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Prenatal Vitamin Intake in Early Pregnancy May Cut Autism Risk
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Maternal prenatal vitamin intake during the first month of pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in siblings of children with ASD, according to a study published online Feb. 27 in JAMA Psychiatry.
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Antenatal Corticosteroid Tx Tied to Reduction in Birth Size
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) is associated with reductions in birth size for infants, according to a study published online Feb. 26 in PLOS Medicine.
Tumor Control Durable With Pembrolizumab in Merkel Cell Cancer
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — For patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma (aMCC), pembrolizumab is associated with durable tumor control and favorable overall survival, according to a study published online Feb. 7 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
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Stewardship Programs Decrease Inpatient Fluoroquinolone Rx
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 27, 2019 (HealthDay News) — Fluoroquinolone stewardship interventions at hospitals are associated with less fluoroquinolone prescribing during hospitalization but not at discharge, according to a study published online Feb. 13 in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Homicide, Suicide, and Overdose Leading Causes of Maternal Death 
Model Predicts Poor Outcomes Within 30 Days of a Before Medically Advised Discharge 
Fewer Than Half of Drug Overdose Survivors Go to the Hospital 
2000 to 2023 Saw Rise in Pediatric Exposure to Medications, Supplements 
Long-Term Medication Adherence Tied to Lower Cardiovascular Event Rate in Type 2 Diabetes .jpg)
Warning Symptoms, Clinical History Can Predict Sudden Cardiac Arrest 
Protocol IDs Patients Who Can Be Treated While Seated in the ED .jpg)
Once-Weekly Oral Islatravir-Lenacapavir Noninferior to Daily B/F/TAF in HIV 
