The Weekly Dose: AHA Says Coffee Is Safe for Most, Wildfire Smoke Risks for Respiratory Patients, and New Options for Sleep Apnea, ROS1-Positive Lung Cancer

This week's episode leads with a new American Heart Association (AHA) scientific statement, published in Circulation, concluding that up to 400 mg of caffeine per day—about 5 cups of black coffee—is safe for most adults and may offer cardiovascular benefits. The writing committee found regular coffee consumption associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and heart failure, with 2 to 4 cups linked to the greatest benefit, and found no increased atrial fibrillation risk from moderate intake. Gregory Marcus, MD, chair of the writing group, told Pharmacy Times that coffee and tea drinkers can be reassured these beverages are unlikely to harm the heart, though response varies by age, genetics, medications, and health conditions. The report distinguishes coffee from energy drinks and shots, which carry higher risks of hypertension and arrhythmias, and notes that preparation method and additives like sugar and creamer can affect coffee's health impact.

The FAQ feature addresses how pharmacists can protect patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergies during wildfire smoke events, fact-checked by Paul Solinsky, PharmD. Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) can trigger airway inflammation, worsen COPD exacerbation risk, and irritate allergy symptoms. Pharmacists are encouraged to ensure patients have both controller and rescue medications on hand, facilitate early refills during high rescue-inhaler use, and counsel on air quality monitoring, N95 respirator use, and proper inhaler technique.

The policy roundup covers 2 regulatory updates: the FDA's acceptance of the NDA for aroxybutynin 2.3 mg/atomoxetine 75 mg (AD109; Apnimed, Inc), an investigational once-daily oral treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with a target action date of February 28, 2027; and approval of zidesamtinib (Jideytro; GSK), a next-generation ROS1 inhibitor for previously treated ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer, notable for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and address resistance mutations.

From everyday questions about caffeine to environmental health risks and precision oncology breakthroughs, this week's stories show pharmacists guiding patients through an increasingly complex care landscape.