Despite Popularity, “Z-packs” May Not Be Safe
for Everyone

Be aware when you are filling a “Z-pack” prescription for patients with bronchitis or bacterial sinus infection: A new study links the drug with the potential for serious arrhythmias. Find out which patients are at greatest risk for death from cardiovascular causes in the first 5 days of taking it. Read more…

HIV Medications: Not Just for Treatment Anymore?

The use of current HIV treatment for prophylaxis in uninfected adults may be closer than you think. An FDA committee recommended approval of a combination therapy for just that purpose. Controversy continues, however, over whether the cost would be prohibitive. Here are the pros and cons from some recent studies. Read more…

Needles Hurt More If You Watch

Here’s a case of what you can’t see, won’t hurt you—or at least might hurt less. A new study suggests that people who look away when getting a shot actually perceive less pain. Pharmacists might consider offering that advice to customers getting vaccines. Read more…

Increase in E-Prescribing Isn’t Reducing Pharmacists’ Intervention Rate Significantly

More than half of all U.S. physicians were e-prescribing as of the end of 2011, according to the operator of the nation’s largest e-prescription network. In a new report, Surescripts touted the many advantages of electronic prescriptions, but pharmacists have not always realized those benefits. A new study says they are still having to regularly call back to clarify prescribers’ intentions. Find out what the research says about the rate of pharmacy interventions with e-prescriptions compared to the old handwritten variety. Read more…