CLINICAL ROLE -
PPIs May Provide Solution for Questionable Aspirin Allergies
Many patients who self-report aspirin allergies are actually experiencing less serious adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort and bleeding, and proton pump inhibitors can help solve these problems.
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Topiramate and Language Impairment: Finding the Cause
A functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study suggests that the antiepileptic drug topiramate impairs some language functions by preventing the deactivation of certain parts of the brain during cognitive tasks.
Potential Alzheimer's Vaccine Shows Early Promise
Regular injections of monophosphoryl lipid A, a vaccine adjuvant, reduced cerebral amyloid beta in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease by up to 80%.
Inflammation and the Interconnections Between Influenza and Pneumococcal Disease
A new study using a mouse model suggests that an inflammatory response to influenza infection makes patients more susceptible to developing invasive pneumococcal disease.
Diabetes: A Risk Factor for PPI Failure?
Diabetes patients appear to be at significantly increased risk of experiencing proton pump inhibitor (PPI) failure. In addition, PPIs may be an effective means of increasing glycemic control in diabetes patients.
Pathogenesis of PACG: In the Genes?
An international consortium of researchers has discovered 3 genetic anomalies associated with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), which may help lead to the development of new treatments.
Repurposing a Cancer Drug for Alzheimer's? Not Just Yet
The cancer drug bexarotene (Targretin) has shown dramatic effects on Alzheimer's-like symptoms in a mouse model, but it is too early to prescribe it for humans with Alzheimer's.
NSAIDS and Skin Cancer: Reduced Risk?
A pair of studies that aimed to determine whether nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce the risk of skin cancer have produced conflicting results.
Welders Should Receive Pneumococcal Vaccine
Due to their increased susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, welders are advised to receive the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.
Epilepsy and Drug Switches: Helpful?
A study of epilepsy patients who switched from one antiepileptic drug (AED) to another suggests that the switch did not tend to improve seizure control and may have worsened it.
Nasopharyngeal Carriage: Spreading Disease, Introducing Infection
According to the results of a study, it appears more difficult to eradicate nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococcal and other bacterial diseases than it is to eradicate invasive disease.
FDA Approves Fycompa for Epilepsy Patients
The addition of Fycompa (perampanel) to the approved list of epilepsy drugs will broaden treatment options for patients.
Seniors & Disasters
The pharmacist can serve as an essential care provider for elders when disasters occur.
Dementia: Many Shades of Gray
Alzheimer's may be the most recognized form, but it does not account for all dementias in the elderly.
Medicated Shampoos: Washing Away Childhood Complaints
Dandruff, lice, and ringworm can bring parents to the pharmacy counter looking for solutions.
The Power of Words: A New Approach to Counseling
Your counseling sessions have more impact with persuasive language.
Dental and Cardiovascular Diseases: The Tragic Link
Heart health may be improved by improving oral hygiene.
Combatting Treatment Resistance in Metastatic Melanoma Therapy
Two drugs under review by the FDA-dabrafenib and trametinib-seem to slow development of treatment resistance in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.
Hormone Replacement Therapy May Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
A new study indicates that starting HRT within 5 years of the onset of menopause is key to producing a neuroprotective effect.
Study of Pneumococcal Infection May Point Way to Improved Prevention
A study of adults with invasive pneumococcal disease suggests that smokers and those who abuse alcohol should be targeted for pneumococcal vaccination.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Painful, Personal, Preventable
This complex condition can be managed with improved glucose control and pharmacologic therapy.
Acid Reflux: The Search for Alternatives When PPIs Don't Work
Researchers are pursuing a variety of treatment options for the significant portion of patients whose reflux symptoms continue despite taking proton pump inhibitors.
Melanoma: Minding Markers, Making Progress
Melanoma accounts for just 5% of skin cancer cases, but 3 times as many deaths as all non-melanoma skin cancers combined.
There's an App for That: University of Michigan Releases Skin Cancer Self-Audit App
The app for iPhone and iPad allows users to use whole body photography to track moles that may develop into melanoma.
Researchers Discover T-Cell That Fights Melanoma
A T-cell usually associated with allergies and asthma may be effective in fighting melanoma, according to the results of a recent study.
Ocular Melanoma Test Developed to Determine Mortality Risk
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a genetic test to help predict survival odds for patients with ocular melanoma.
One, Two! Better Results with Combined Therapy
Combination therapy with the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib and immunotherapy appears to produce improved results in a mouse model.
Solanezumab: Missed Endpoints, Some Hope Regardless
Eli Lilly's investigational monoclonal antibody failed to reach its primary endpoints, but it was associated with a significant slowing of cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Kids and Adverse Effects of AEDs: No More Hide and Seek
A new tool for measuring adverse effects associated with antiepileptic drugs in children promises to produce more reliable results for a broader range of patients.
FDA Approves Stent for Patients with Cataracts and Glaucoma
The recently approved stent is implanted in conjunction with cataract surgery and is designed to decrease intraocular pressure.