Health Care Hot Topics

Do Masks Really Work? Despite the skepticism behind wearing a mask to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, researchers emphasize that mask-wearing is two-fold: it can provide protection to the wearer and also protect others around the mask-wearer from catching an infection. According to the CDC, if the majority of the population wore masks and performed other measures like social distancing and washing hands, the United States may see a significant reduction in cases and prevent further waves of the global pandemic.

FDA Approves Farxiga in Heart Failure Patients With or Without Diabetes Prior to May 2020, Farxiga was only indicated for improving glycemic control in patients with adults with type-2 diabetes. Randomized, 18-month, placebocontrolled clinical trials showed significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality, heart-failure-related hospitalizations, and urgent heart-failure visits. The addition of this newer indication makes the drug the first SGLT-2 inhibitor to be approved for this patient population.

Damage from Oxycontin Continues to Be Revealed Research is showing that Purdue Pharma’s aggressive marketing tactics with Oxycontin have extended far beyond what was initially expected. The reformulation introduced in 2010 was intended to reduce abuse of the drug, but instead it contributed to increased heroin overdoses, increased hepatitis B/C infections, and HIV. The legal battle against the pharmaceutical company ended in April but the impact of their role in the opioid crisis will continue proving to be detrimental. New Bill Aims to Simplify Medicare Reimbursement for Telehealth in Rural Communities A new bill placed before Congress aims to make it easier for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics to receive Medicare reimbursement for utilizing telehealth services. This new legislation would simplify the Medicare payment system allow for improved patient care for those in rural areas as telehealth continues to play a vital role in healthcare during the current pandemic.

Blood Pressure Medications Help Even the Frailest Elderly People Live Longer A recent study published by the American Heart Association concluded that taking blood pressure medications as prescribed correlated to decreased mortality in 1.3 million patients over the age of 65. Pharmacists who emphasize adherence to blood pressure medications to patients, no matter their underlying health conditions, can continue to make a positive impact on their patients.

Two-thirds of Maternal Deaths Can Be Prevented During or Within a Year of Pregnancy Maternal Mortality Review Committees shared data with the CDC between 2008-2017, showing leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths varying by race/ethnicity and urban/rural regions. Lack of insurance can also impose financial barriers, echoing the importance of expanding Medicaid coverage for low-income women. ■