Pharmaceutics

This page contains key pharmaceutical news on drug recalls, FDA clearance, safety communications and research. In cardiology, key pharmaceutic agents include antiplatelet therapies, anticoagulants, hypertension drugs, and drugs for heart failure and arrhythmias.   

too much niacin, also known as vitamin b3, may increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.

Too much niacin? Excess vitamin B3 may increase risk of heart attack, stroke

Nutritionists view niacin, also known as vitamin B3, as a fundamental part of any diet. Consuming too much, however, could potentially be bad for the heart. 

March 15, 2024
Weekly doses of semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor originally developed to treat diabetes, could help approximately 93 million U.S. adults lose weight and reduce their risk of adverse cardiovascular events, according to new research published in Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy. Novo Nordisk sells and markets subcutaneous treatments of semaglutide 2.4 mg under the brand name Wegovy.

A big win for Wegovy: Weight loss drug semaglutide first in history to gain FDA approval for reducing heart risks

The FDA made a special announcement about its decision, describing the news as "a major advance for public health."

March 8, 2024
Patients who take diuretics, renin-angiotensin system (RAD) inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at the same time face a much higher risk of developing acute kidney injury (AKI)

Some older patients taking aspirin to prevent CVD may be doing more harm than good

“Aspirin is no longer a one-size-fits-all preventive tool for older adults," according to one specialist with Michigan Medicine. 

March 7, 2024
Elderly patient doctor. Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

Insurance plans still denying more claims for PCSK9 inhibitors than other cardiovascular drugs

Despite an expanded indication from the FDA and lower prices, patient access to these cholesterol-lowering medications remains a significant issue.

February 22, 2024
A transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure being performed at Intermountain Healthcare. Image from Intermountain Healthcare. Sex differences in TAVR one-year mortality.

Anticoagulants after TAVR: 5-year survival data favor DOACs over VKAs

However, that one finding does not tell the whole story. Researchers also found that DOACs may increase a TAVR patient's risk of a disabling stroke.

February 15, 2024
Michael Garshick, MD, director of the cardio-rheumatology program, cardiologist and assistant professor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains the role of inflammation in coronary disease development and how this risk factor can be detected and treated.

Targeting coronary inflammation helps cardiologists provide better care

Michael Garshick, MD, examines the role of inflammation in coronary disease development, detailing how this risk factor can be detected and treated.

February 15, 2024
Tablet projecting metaphorical medical hologram

AI-powered risk score predicts how heart failure patients will respond to loop diuretics

New research out of Texas could go a long way toward improving care for patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

January 31, 2024

Preventing blood clots after TMVR—what is the best anticoagulant for the job?

Choosing between DOACs and VKAs could make a significant impact on patient outcomes, according to new findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

January 15, 2024

Around the web

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

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