Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor

Reasons for supporting the lowering of the age-based pneumococcal vaccine recommendation included the likelihood it would increase vaccination rates in multiple age groups and demographics.

Though both vaccines remain effective at preventing severe illness, Moderna’s mRNA-1273.222 vaccine was found to be significantly more effective among adults with underlying medical conditions.

The drug is being investigated for its potential to reduce fibrosis associated with muscular dystrophy that can cause scarring of the heart tissue.

Tripp Logan, PharmD, reflects on being named Independent Pharmacist of the Year from the National Community Pharmacists Association.

Children with certain atopic conditions, including asthma and common food allergies, were observed to have a higher risk of developing the chronic disorder.

Efforts include a mandatory intravenous immunoglobulin ordering form, blood bank gatekeeping, and a stewardship committee to ensure optimized use.

Brian Anderson, PharmD, RPh provides important considerations for pharmacists regarding patient use of benzodiazepines.

Known to be a leading cause of mortality worldwide, cigarette smoke exposure can make the respiratory tract more susceptible to pneumococcal infection.

Recently announced trial results demonstrate the efficacy of the biologic in multiple disease indications.

In children aged 12, 18, and 24 months, there was no association between maternal COVID-19 exposure and abnormal scores on a neurodevelopment screening.

Intravenous immunoglobulin prescriptions deemed non-compliant according to French national guidelines were more common in younger patients.

Patients with hereditary angioedema who received sebetralstat earlier had faster complete resolution of their attacks.

The risk of developing lymphoma remained nearly the same between patients with Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis.

Results indicate that sublingual epinephrine can resolve symptoms, including swelling of the face and throat, associated with oral allergy syndrome in minutes.

Though auto-injectors are still considered an appropriate first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, limited evidence exists surrounding their effectiveness in preventing fatal anaphylaxis.

The approval marks the first and only abuse-deterrent immediate release oxycodone formulation.

Utilizing data from the CHAMPION MG trial, investigators found that many patients had responded to ravulizumab and returned to daily activities within 2 weeks.

Pharmacists will likely be the first contact for many affected patients, and they should be able to provide evidence-based advice on how to manage their infection.

Despite suggestions to the contrary in previously conducted small clinical trials, montelukast did not provide benefit in patients with COVID-19 symptoms.

Comprising most cases of this rare form of lymphoma, it is essential that pharmacists and treatment providers are aware of the health-related burdens patients with these subtypes consistently face.

Data presented at IDWeek also showed greater disease-prevention effects in the community with PCV21 compared with prior pneumococcal vaccines.

Therapy-related complications, in addition to financial obstacles, can complicate myasthenia gravis treatment.

The diagnostic test is a companion to vorasidenib, an isocitrate dehydrogenase inhibitor that received FDA approval this past summer.

A dedicated community pharmacist for over 40 years, Kessler has witnessed immense change and innovation throughout his career.

Recognizing repeat dosing efforts is important to improving outcomes in patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome who do not respond to IVIG.

Compared with brentuximab vedotin and chemotherapy, nivolumab and chemotherapy had longer progression-free survival and a better safety profile.

The increase was observed across multiple subgroups, including those with overweight or obesity and hospitalized patients.

The results indicate the potential use of loncastuximab tesirine as a treatment option for the rare hyperinflammatory condition.

Glucocorticoids improved outcomes for patients with Kawasaki disease at high risk of IVIG resistance without glucocorticoid-related adverse effects.

High-resolution scans can provide a picture of a patient’s brain that typical MRIs cannot, allowing for more detailed insights into the neurological effects of COVID-19.