Research Updates
Cardiovascular Effects of Semaglutide in Obesity without Diabetes
Maryam James, PharmD, Community University Health Care Center
Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist demonstrates cardioprotective effects in patients with diabetes; however, its propensity for the risk reduction of adverse cardiovascular events associated with obesity in patients without diabetes is unknown. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, event-driver superiority trial, Semaglutide Effects on Cardiovascular Outcomes in People with Overweight or Obesity (SELECT), was conducted to assess the cardiovascular effects of semaglutide in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, and body-mass index of >27 kg/m2, with no history of diabetes.
A Precision Pulse: Navigating Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation with Apixaban
Ameer El-Afandi, PharmD, 1st year PCLR resident - M Health Fairview Smiley’s Clinic
The ARTESIA trial has shown that apixaban is more effective than aspirin for reducing stroke in patients with subclinical atrial fibrillation. How significant is this difference?
Psychedelic Medications: Renaissance, Revelations, and Rediscoveries in Mental Health
Lucas Kosobuski, PharmD, Welia Health - Mora, MN
LSD, MDMA, psilocybin, and ayahuasca for mental health treatment - groundbreaking officinal rediscoveries or hyperbolized medical falderal.
Therapeutic Thoughts
American Geriatrics Society 2023 Beers Criteria® Update
Mackenzie Smith, PharmD, M Health Fairview
The 2023 Beers Criteria® from the American Geriatrics Society provides new recommendations on potentially inappropriate medications. What updates will impact your practice and patient care?
New Stability in Chronic Coronary Disease: 2023 Guideline Updates
Annika Skogg, PharmD, M Health Fairview
In addition to the updated recommendation on the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in chronic coronary disease, it may be reasonable to reassess indications for the long-term use of beta-blockers in patients without left ventricular dysfunction (LVEF >50%).
Best Served Cold: Effective Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Remedies
Libby Wirth, PharmD, Cash Wise/CentraCare
The Food and Drug Administration has determined oral phenylephrine ineffective for nasal congestion, but it’s not the only OTC cough and cold product failing to warm up patients.
Miscellaneous News
First 10 Drugs Subject to Medicare Price Negotiations
Hailie Jadoo, PharmD, MPH, Park Nicollet
The Biden administration has announced the first 10 prescription drugs that will undergo price negotiations with Medicare, marking a significant shift as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to address escalating medication costs. These negotiations, slated to begin in 2026, have drawn support from advocates aiming to make healthcare more affordable for seniors, though the pharmaceutical industry is pushing back with lawsuits, challenging the constitutionality of these negotiations.
Sexually Transmitted Infections Collection Test In The Comfort of Your Own Home
McKayla Duesler, PharmD, Welia Health
The Simple 2™ test from a company called LetsGetChecked is changing the public health landscape by offering the first ever FDA-approved at-home collection test for sexually transmitted infections, specifically chlamydia and gonorrhea.