Common Therapies Don’t Preserve Beta-Cell Function in Young T2D Patients
The prescription medications that pharmacists dispense for young patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) apparently aren’t having the desired effects. Find out what happened to their beta-cell function, whether treated with metformin, long-acting insulin, or a combination.

Polypharmacy Increases Risk for Drugs Linked to
Suicide, Depression
A third of U.S. adults take prescription medications that raise their risk of depression and suicide. New research documents the issues and describes how pharmacists can help mitigate the problem. Here are the details.

Antibiotics for Patients Reporting Penicillin Allergies Raise MRSA, C Difficile Risks
Although most patients reporting a penicillin allergy actually don’t have one, prescribers usually opt for alternative antibiotics instead of evaluating the allergy claim. The result, according to a new study, is much greater risk of MRSA and Clostridium difficile infections in those patients. Here is more information.

Why Did the FDA Remove Boxed Warning From
ICS-LABA Combination?
Late last year, the FDA took an unusual action—removing a boxed warning on combination therapies containing an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta-agonists for asthma patients. Why did that occur and what does it mean about the safety of the product?