In U.S. veterans of reproductive age, having greater healthcare engagement and more reliance on providers as trusted sources of contraceptive information could improve their knowledge, according to a recent study.
More Treatment of High LDL-C Critical at VA to Avoid ASCVD
Pointing out that elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a new study decried that only one-third of veterans with ASCVD have LDL-C treated to goal despite the availability of effective drugs to lower the condition.
Intradetrusor incobotulinumtoxinA Is Noninferior to OnabotulinumtoxinA in Treatment of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder
Is incobotulinumtoxinA to onabotulinumtoxinA more effective for the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome?
Older Adults More Likely to Be Prescribed Drugs Increasing Delirium, Fall Risk in Acute, Post-Acute Settings
Even though some types of medications, such as antipsychotics, affect cognition and might increase delirium and fall risk among older adults, they remain frequently prescribed, according to a new study, but office-based physicians don’t appear to be the worst offenders.
RSV Vaccines Protect Veterans Well But Repeat Jabs Might Be Needed
Because of an older population of veteran patients, many with numerous co-morbidities, the VA recognizes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as a serious threat. Three RSV vaccines are currently approved for adults in the United States; the latest is an mRNA-based vaccine. While all three have demonstrated meaningful protection against RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD), concerns have been raised about the durability of some of them and whether repeat shots might be required.
Expert Panel Recommended Regular Review of Psychotropic Medications
Psychotropic medications are often prescribed for many complex, difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorders and include antidepressants, anti-anxiety agents, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and stimulants. New guidance has suggested there’s a need for greater recognition of clinical psychopharmacology endpoints.
First-Generation Weight Loss Drugs Still Play a Vital Role in Patient Care at VA
As obesity remains a significant threat to health worldwide, first-generation obesity medications continue to play an important role in clinical practice, according to a recent review article.
The Nature of War Is Changing; Medical Care Advances to Meet the Challenges
The DoD hasn’t shared much information, and the news coverage has been spotty, but we now know that, as of May 2026, about 400 U.S. military personnel had been injured in the war with Iran, which began at the end of February. Sadly, 13 died.
One-Fifth of Women in U.S. Army Not Getting Contraception Needs Met
Nearly 20% of women in the U.S. Army with a need for contraception potentially had that need unmet for 12 months, resulting in twice the rate of unintended pregnancy compared to women whose contraception needs were met, according to a new study.
Amantadine Label Changing Because of Corneal Edema Concerns
Amantadine is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson’s disease, especially for reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesia and managing tremors. The drug works by increasing dopamine release and acting as an NMDA receptor antagonist.
New Study Argues for Wider Implement of Warfarin Patient Self-Management in the US
Can patients in the U.S. healthcare system successfully transition to warfarin patient self-management (PSM)?
VA OIG Office: Polypharmacy Doesn’t Necessarily Mean That Veterans Are Receiving Poor Care
Recent reporting by the Wall Street Journal has raised concerns about VA treating patients with multiple central nervous system medications, a mixture some veterans referred to in the article as “combat cocktails.”
Potential Chemoprophylactic Agents for COVID-19 Outbreaks in CLCs
Noting that chemoprophylaxis to mitigate the severity of COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes is not yet available, researchers have assessed the feasibility of remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and molnupiravir as potential agents to protect nursing home residents.
Link Between Pneumonia Risk, Use of Certain Medications in Veterans
It is known that anticholinergic medications and alcohol each independently increase the risk of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). A new study explored whether nonanticholinergic neurocognitively active medications also increase risk and whether alcohol modifies these associations.
Pandemic Data: SCLC Survival Outcomes for Carboplatin Comparable to Cisplatin
Based on a consensus of clinical guidelines, cisplatin is the preferred platinum agent in the first-line treatment for small cell lung cancer (SCLC), especially limited-stage disease (LS-SCLC).
Post-Discharge Antibiotics Linked to Higher Risk of Clinically Significant Diarrhea in Veterans
Antibiotics are essential for treating infections, but they can also disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, allowing harmful organisms such as Clostridioides difficile to multiply and lead to diarrhea. This disruption is one reason clinicians carefully consider which antibiotics to prescribe and for how long.
Female Permanent Contraception Procedures Increase in MHS After Dobbs Decision
Rates of female permanent contraception procedures increased significantly across the Military Health System (MHS) after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision—a June 2022 Supreme Court ruling that overturned the constitutional right to abortion established by Roe v. Wade and allowed individual states to set their own abortion laws.
Ibrutinib Linked to Increased Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death, Asymptomatic Arrhythmias
Ibrutinib, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) widely used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other hematologic malignancies, continues to demonstrate cardiovascular risks beyond the well-known complications of hypertension and atrial fibrillation, according to new data from researchers at the National Institutes of Health and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
More Outreach Needed to Increase Young Female Veterans on PrEP
Is more outreach needed to increase uptake of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) within the VHA?
High-Risk Medications Linked to Frailty and Mortality in Veterans With Cancer
Careful medication review might be just as critical as cancer treatment itself for older adults. A large study of nearly 400,000 veterans found that certain medications commonly prescribed to this population are associated with higher risks of frailty, hospitalization and death.
Veterans Often Face Longterm Opioid Risks After Cancer Surgery
For many veterans, surgery to treat early-stage cancer marks the beginning of recovery. Yet, for some, it also brings an unexpected challenge: lingering opioid use long after the procedure is over.
Adjusting Glycemic Goals as Veterans Age Improves Outcomes From Diabetes
The VA serves more patients with diabetes than any other healthcare system in the United States. Many of these veterans are older adults with multiple comorbidities, increasing their risk for both hyperglycemia-related complications and serious consequences of hypoglycemia.
Emerging Pharmacotherapies Offer Hope in the Battle Against Military, Veteran Suicide
For the men and women who have served in uniform, depression is not merely a clinical diagnosis but a potentially lethal threat that demands aggressive, evidence-based intervention.
Small MHS Drug Co-Payment Increase Had Little Effect on Diabetes Patients, Others
How did a copayment increase instituted Feb. 1, 2018, for beneficiaries covered by the retail or mail order Military Health System (MHS) pharmacy benefit affect medication use?
Magnesium-Ibogaine Therapy Could Offer Treatment Option for TBI
In veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), magnesium-ibogaine therapy might offer a rapid-acting treatment option, leading to measurable changes in brain activity and large, sustained psychiatric and cognitive improvements, according to a recent study.
COVID-19 Vaccine Remains Cost-Effective for Adults in Most Cases
One of the complaints about widespread vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic is that the effort was a waste of time and money because so many Americans were at relatively low risk of having severe outcomes.
Newer Epilepsy Drugs Could Pose Cognitive, Psychiatric Risks for Veterans
Epilepsy affects about 50 million people worldwide, and veterans often face additional risks for both seizures and mental health conditions.
Clinical Pharmacists Could Improve Hypertension Management in Rural Areas
Clinical pharmacy practitioners have a crucial role in managing resistant hypertension, and expanding their role could be beneficial, particularly in rural areas where in-person visits aren’t always possible, according to a recent case study.
Some NSAID Use Associated With Reduced Risk of CRC in Older Adults
Nonaspirin nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NA-NSAIDs) have been linked with a range of adverse effects in older adults, including gastrointestinal issues like ulcers and bleeding, cardiovascular problems such as heart failure and increased blood pressure and potential kidney damage.
Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents Could Offer Hope for Trauma Patients
Erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESAs) have long played an essential role in the treatment for chronic anemia.
