Taking into consideration specific recommendations on several new classes of medications as well as placing an emphasis on social determinants of health, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and other associations issued updated guidelines on managing chronic coronary disease.

Loren Bonner

In August 2023, FDA approved zuranolone (Zurzuvae), the first oral medication for postpartum depression. Until now, the only treatment specifically for postpartum depression was brexanolone, a 60-hour I.V. infusion administered in a health care facility.

Sonya Collins

Over a decade has passed since the first states, Colorado and Washington, legalized cannabis for recreational use. Another 5 years have gone by since the Farm Bill allowed for the sale of hemp and its derived products. And over the past several years, many states have passed legislation allowing cannabis to be used medically. But questions remain.

Ariel L. Clark, PharmD

Weight loss is big business, and the popularity of Ozempic, the FDA-approved prescription T2D drug, was boosted by those using it off-label for weight loss. Called “the poor man’s Ozempic,” psyllium husk is enjoying a rise in interest as an affordable alternative to semaglutide. But does it deliver on the promise of weight loss?

Mickie Cathers

On September 12, 2023, the FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that oral phenylephrine is ineffective, setting the stage for FDA to require its removal from hundreds of nonprescription products. But why did it take so long for a decongestant that patients claimed didn’t work to be brought to the committee for evaluation?

Mary Warner

Updates from FDA

Roughly 12% of pediatric patients are prescribed psychotropic medications, with vulnerable populations—such as those in foster care—prescribed these medications at even higher rates.

Loren Bonner

Results from the ASPREE randomized, double-blind clinical trial, which were published in the July 2023 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, validated the concept that aspirin at low doses may cause damage to the GI tract.

Clarissa Chan, PharmD

For many people, GI issues can cause significant disruptions to their daily lives. Belching, abdominal bloating, and distention are some of the primary symptoms that cause discomfort and can lead patients to seek care with a gastroenterologist.

Olivia C. Welter, PharmD

As health concerns over anxiety and stress levels have grown in recent years, sales of ashwagandha have also soared as demand spiked for supplements addressing mood and stress.

Mickie Cathers