A bill signed into law in June 2023 makes Texas the largest state so far to ban gender-affirming care for minors. Once the law takes effect in September, health care providers will be prohibited from prescribing hormones or puberty blockers.

Lauren Howell, PharmD

Describing the various sociodemographic disparities that may be associated with vaccine uptake can be difficult, but a study published on November 11, 2022, in JAPhA characterizes differences in disease burden, and sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics for cohorts of participants who received certain common vaccines.

Jon​athan Little, PharmD

Migraine is the second leading cause of disability globally and, worldwide, 50% of the population suffered from headache and 30% have experienced migraine in the past year.

In a recent unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court of the United States recognized a subjective standard for interpreting the “usual and customary” requirement in the submission of pharmacy claims to federally funded programs.

David B. Brushwood, BSPharm, JD

Somatropin human growth hormone is available from multiple manufacturers using various brand names (e.g., Genotropin–Pfizer, Humatrope–Eli Lilly, FlexPro–Norditropin, Omnitrope–Novartis, Saizen–EMD Serono, Inc., Zorbtive–EMD Serono, Inc.) and in multiple dosage forms (e.g., pen devices, cartridges to be used with pen devices, vials). The indications for use vary from product to product. This variety of products, indications, and dosage forms can present challenges to specialty pharmacies.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Horsham, PA