Inhaled steroids are in and LONG-acting beta-agonists are out for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction

July 2013

Inhaled steroids are in and LONG-acting beta-agonists are out for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.

Exercise causes airways to constrict in many asthma patients...and also in up to 20% of people who don't have asthma.

Recommend a SHORT-acting beta-agonist (salbutamol) first...about 15 min before exercise. This usually controls symptoms for 2 to 4 hours.

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Table of Contents

Antithrombotics more emphasis on patients with A fib NOT stopping Pradaxa (dabigatran), Xarelto (rivaroxaban), or Eliquis (apixaban)
Men's Health new option for testosterone replacement called Axiron (AXE-er-on), a solution that's applied to the underarms
Bites & Stings The latest Canadian guidelines for preventing insect bites
Practice Pharmacists will get more involved in "transitions of care"
Ophthalmology treatments for open-angle glaucoma
Osteoporosis STOPPING bisphosphonates (alendronate, etc) after 3 to 5 years in patients at low fracture risk
Pediatrics Codeine should no longer be used in kids under 12 years old
Respiratory & Allergy Inhaled steroids are in and LONG-acting beta-agonists are out for exercise-induced bronchoconstriction
Ghost Tablets Patients may not believe their drug is working if they see "ghost" tablets in their stool
Women's Health new OTC screening test for vaginal infections called VagiSense
NSAIDs a bigger push to avoid ORAL diclofenac