Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has come a long way since the first system, the Medtronic MiniMed CGM, was approved by FDA in 1999.

Terri D’Arrigo

The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) classifies drugs as either Rx only or OTC. The standard for Rx only classification applies to any drug that is “not safe for use except under the supervision” of a state-licensed prescriber.

David B. Brushwood, BSPharm, JD

On October 2, 2024, CDC released a statement to inform public health officials, clinicians, and affected patients, their families, and caregivers about a potential public health risk for individuals who order what they believe to be prescription medications from online pharmacies.

Lauren Howell, PharmD

Depending on your practice setting and patient population, you may take a dozen BP readings a day. Do you still do it exactly as you learned in training—with the midcuff at heart level and the patient’s arm supported on a desk or table?

Sonya Collins

Over the past several years, public health care partners in the United States have taken action to combat hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Olivia C. Welter, PharmD

Updates from FDA

APhA staff

High BP affects anywhere between 50% and 80% of individuals with T2D, according to NIH. For people coping with both of these conditions, the risk of cardiovascular events increases by sixfold compared to healthy individuals.

Elizabeth Briand

In recent years, CDC’s ACIP has issued guidance recommending the simultaneous administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for individuals who are eligible to receive both.

CharLeigh Steverson, PharmD

An international cohort of 54 experts, predominantly pharmacists and physicians, from 12 countries has compiled new clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of UTIs.

Sonya Collins

In October 2024, FDA approved Orlynvah (sulopenem etzadroxil and probenecid—Iterum Therapeutics) for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs caused by E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Proteus mirabilis in adult women who have limited or no alternative antibiotic options.

Lauren Howell, PharmD

Mushroom extracts are gaining momentum as popular dietary supplements promoted mainly for the enhancement of immune function and energy levels.

Mickie Cathers

Most poisoning in the United States is unintentional, making prevention and treatment of such poisoning critical to public health.

Mary Warner

Immunization recommendations are made by medical and public health experts at ACIP who set the standard for the safe use of vaccines and related biologic products.

Jean-Venable “Kelly” R. Goode, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, FCCP

The use of direct oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with AFib can cause a risk of bleeding and therefore limits their use. A recent study from the OCEANIC–AF Steering Committee investigated the efficacy of asundexian, an activated factor XI inhibitor that may prevent strokes with less bleeding.

APhA Staff

SGLT-2 inhibitors have demonstrated significant efficacy in the management of heart failure. The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Failure Society of America recommend SGLT-2 inhibitors for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) due to their substantial benefits in reducing cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalizations.

Corey Diamond, PharmD

A recent study in The Journal of Clinical Hypertension examined the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors in reducing BP in patients with hypertension, including those who have been experiencing apparent treatment-resistant hypertension and proteinuria.

Elizabeth Briand

The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on pharmacists’ relevant skills and expertise in the face of an infectious disease outbreak. Now that the smoke has cleared, pharmacists have largely returned to their prepandemic duties. But a working knowledge of infectious diseases and their treatment strategies continues to be essential across all pharmacy practice settings.

Sonya Collins

In December 2024, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) published the newest Standards of Care in Diabetes for the upcoming year.

Michelle Dano, PharmD

APhA Member News

APhA staff

Crossword Challenge