Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Pharmacy for November 2018. 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.
Teva Recalls Two Blood Pressure Medications
FRIDAY, Nov. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — All lots of amlodipine/valsartan and amlodipine/valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination blood pressure tablets have been recalled by Teva Pharmaceuticals due to higher-than-acceptable levels of a chemical that may cause cancer.
Care for Chronic Kidney Disease Varies Across VA Facilities
FRIDAY, Nov. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For veterans with diabetes and concomitant chronic kidney disease (CKD), CKD care, including ordering laboratory tests and scheduling nephrology referrals, varies considerably by facility, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.
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Increase Seen in Amphetamine, Opioid Use in Pregnant Women
FRIDAY, Nov. 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of amphetamine and opioid use has increased among pregnant women, especially in rural counties, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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Most Bills Enacted Into Law Limit Vaccine Exemptions
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most proposed bills in state legislatures from 2011 to 2017 sought to expand access to immunization exemptions, but the majority of bills enacted into law limited exemptions, according to a study published online Nov. 29 in the American Journal of Public Health.
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FDA Approves Treatment for AML Patients With Gene Mutation
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Xospata (gilteritinib) tablets were approved today by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults with an FLT3 mutation, the agency announced in a news release. The FDA also granted expanded approval to the LeukoStrat CDx FLT3 Mutation Assay used to detect the FLT3 mutation in AML patients.
FDA Approves Firdapse for Rare Autoimmune Disorder
THURSDAY, Nov. 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Firdapse (amifampridine) tablets have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS).
Certain SGLT2 Inhibitors, GLP-1 RAs for T2DM Also Cut CV Risk
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 
Anifrolumab Tied to Lower Hospitalization, Infection Risk in Lupus 
Therapies Compared for Newly Diagnosed Multiple Sclerosis 
Initial Rx Length Tied to Long-Term Use of Z-Drugs 
Azacitidine + Venetoclax Tied to Improved Event-Free Survival in Adults With AML 
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