Counsel patients using oral nicotine replacement (e.g., lozenge, gum) to avoid food 🥘 and drink 🥤 15 minutes ⏱️ before use and during use.

FDA Approves Diazepam Buccal Film (LIBERVANT) for the Treatment of Seizure Clusters in Patients Ages 2 to 5 Years

Varenicline (Chantix) is a first-line therapy option for smoking cessation 🚭.

It has been shown to be more effective in helping smokers quit than bupropion or nicotine replacement therapy alone.

In general, proton pump inhibitors should be taken 30-60 minutes before a meal 🥘.

However, dexlansoprazole (Dexilant) may be taken without regard to meals.

FDA Approves Pivmecillinam (PIVYA) for the Treatment of Uncomplicated UTIs

Food decreases the absorption of levothyroxine 💊.

Counsel patients to take each dose on an empty stomach at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast 🍳.

Avoiding alcohol 🍺 while taking metronidazole 💊 is not necessary.

Per the CDC, a review of available data 📊 indicates no convincing evidence of a reaction between metronidazole (or tinidazole) and alcohol.

Grateful to be on the team! 😎

FDA Removes Neural Tube Defect Warning from Dolutegravir Prescribing Information.

FDA has removed the warning regarding risk of neural tube defects from the prescribing information of dolutegravir and dolutegravir-containing products (e.g., Triumeq, Juluca, Dovato, Tivicay).

Hunger, tremor, irritability, and confusion are symptoms of hypoglycemia that may be masked 🎭 by the effects of a beta-blocker 💊.

Notably, sweating 💦 is not masked by beta-blockers.

Varenicline (Chantix) should be started at least 1 week before the intended quit date. Those starting before selecting a quit date can choose a day to quit smoking between days 8 and 35 of treatment.

Based on clinical trial data, the treatment benefit of Auvelity (dextromethorphan-bupropion) may be seen as early as 1 week from initiation. Generally, antidepressants take at least 2 weeks to show effect.

Counsel patients to take oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) at least 30 minutes ⏱️ before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 oz of plain water 💧.

Initiating treatment 💊 to lower uric acid levels (e.g., allopurinol, probenecid) is associated with the risk of precipitating an acute gout flare 💥.

🚨 Per the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, all sulfonylureas should be avoided in older adults unless safer, more effective agents are inappropriate.