Topic of the month: The 2015-16 flu season
With the flu season approaching, will the flu vaccine be a better match this season? This year's trivalent and quadrivalent vaccines will contain one new strain of each of the A and B viruses. Although it's hard to predict if circulating strains will change, flu vaccines still manage to decrease the severity and risk of getting the flu. Log in to read the CDC recommendations for influenza vaccines for 2015-16.

Clinical updates:
1. NSAIDS: with stronger cardiovascular warnings for Rx and OTC NSAIDS, are NSAIDS still safe for use? Check out document available: Safety comparisons of NSAIDS

2. Proton pump inhibitors: would it increase the risk of heart attacks? Check out document available: Proton Pump Inhibitors: Appropriate Use and Safety Concerns

3. Antiplatelets: About 1 in 25 patients with a first stroke will have another within a year. Which antiplatelet helps in preventing recurrent ischemic stroke?
Audio available: PL Voices discussion on pros and cons of different antiplatelets

4. New FDA approved drugs update:

i. Praluent (Alirocumab) - the next drug for hypercholesterolemia?

ii Entresto - the next drug for systolic heart failure?

Commonly asked questions in the community pharmacy:
1. How do I get rid of head lice? Besides Permethrin 1%, what other alternatives do we have? Are home remedies such as ylang ylang, tea tree oil etc as effective?
Chart and patient education handout: management of head lice

Other features:

1.   Pharmacogenetic testing – a personalized approach to drug therapy. Who are the best candidates for pharmagenomic testing? Get more tips in this PL update.

2.   Promoting antimicrobial stewardships- Up to 50% of antibiotics are being used inappropriately, leading to resistance, C. difficile and preventable adverse effects. What is pharmacist’s role in optimizing antibiotic use? Check out document available: antimicrobial stewardship