Fluoroquinolone risks expanded

The FDA recently released results of a review that found an increased risk of aortic ruptures or tears with the use of fluoroquinolones.  As part of the safety warning, the FDA has recommendations for providers, including avoidance of fluoroquinolones in patients with a history of aortic aneurysm or those at risk for an aneurysm; to

Rural clinic-pharmacist partnerships improve HCV outcomes

A study published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health showed that patients with hepatitis C virus treated at health facilities that served American Indian/Alaska Natives had better outcomes when the clinics collaborated with pharmacists. The study demonstrated that interdisciplinary teamwork improved outcomes in this at-risk and disadvantaged group. This could serve as

Up to 6 mos PPI therapy may not affect bone health

Research recently published in the seminal journal Gastroenterology failed to find evidence of alterations in key markers of bone formation and metabolism in postmenopausal women on PPI’s. The study examined calcium absorption, serum or urine mineral levels, parathyroid hormone, Vitamin D status, or bone-mineral density with 6 months of PPI therapy.   The prospective double-blind study

IBD patients may see relief of inflammation with antidepressants

Inflammatory bowel disease patients who take antidepressants may also get relief from their inflammation, according to a study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. “Apart from improving mood, it is observed that the anti-inflammatory properties of antidepressants may influence the inflammatory response directly,” the authors wrote. “Other research suggests a bidirectional relationship between IBD activity and