Law enforcement seizures of illicit fentanyl increased dramatically in number and size between 2017 and 2023 in the United States, especially in tablet form, according to a new study funded by the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. The findings, published online in International Journal of Drug Policy on May 13, 2024, highlight the illicit drug supply and the risk of tablets not coming from a pharmacy.

Despite concerns about patients regaining weight after stopping GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide, new research suggests that such gains aren’t necessarily the case. The key, the findings suggest, lies in gradually weaning off the drug instead of withdrawing abruptly and completely, and then continuing to make healthy choices.

Most people who smoke don’t quit on their initial attempt. What’s the best course of action, then, if an initial smoking cessation attempt fails? Results from a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network found that for individuals who did not quit after being treated with varenicline, increasing the dosage enhanced abstinence. For nonabstainers who were initially treated with combination nicotine replacement therapy, a dosage increase or a switch to varenicline enhanced abstinence.

Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed legislation that expands pharmacists’ scope of practice in the state. The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature on May 1.

A new initiative from the American Heart Association (AHA) aims to educate and engage pharmacists in caring for patients with AFib.