Inhaled Corticosteroids Significantly Up Pneumonia
Risk for Some

Inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat everything from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to a nagging cough. The drugs should be prescribed very cautiously, however, to older patients who previously have survived a bout of pneumonia, according to a new study. Pharmacists might be surprised at how much inhaled corticosteroids increase the risk of repeat occurrences of pneumonia.

Little Evidence That Antihistamines Raise Birth
Defect Risks

Although antihistamines can be helpful with pruritus and emesis, both often occurring with pregnancy, the use of the drugs in expectant mothers is controversial because of a possible association with birth defects. A new study found little evidence to bolster those concerns and said that the few associations detected between specific antihistamines and specific birth defects could be caused by chance. Here are the details.

Common Uses of Antipsychotic Medications Come
Under Question

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) says some common usages of antipsychotic medications are unnecessary and could even be harmful—something many pharmacists have suspected for a long time. Find out more details about new guidance from the APA, part of the Choosing Wisely campaign, which offers five recommendations about when prescriptions should be questioned by patients and other health professionals.

FDA Seeks to Make Fentanyl Patches More Visible to Avoid Unintentional Exposure

The lack of visibility of fentanyl patches make them harder to detect either on patients or if they fall off, which could lead to accidental exposure to the powerful painkillers by children and others. To remedy that, the FDA is asking that the name and the strength of the drug be printed in long-lasting ink and in clearly visible color. The action follows additional reports of pediatric deaths since a previous safety warning in early 2012.