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.

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately
The FDA has categorized this as a Class I recall. If patients update their phone or watch apps as needed, they can continue to use these devices like normal.
Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV
The American College of Cardiology has shared new recommendations highlighting the protective benefits of a variety of vaccines. The new guidance also examines how to speak with patients who are hesitant to be vaccinated.
First study of its kind to focus on new therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome
The new trial represents a potential breakthrough in the treatment of one of the most devastating congenital heart defects.
Real-world data link semaglutide, tirzepatide to improved heart failure outcomes
GLP-1 drugs have been taking the United States by storm in recent years. According to a new study of more than 90,000 patients, some of these medications can also make a big impact on reducing adverse heart failure outcomes.
Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients
One researcher described the study's findings as "one of the most significant advances in heart attack treatment in decades.”

FDA asks drug makers to address shortages

Drug shortages have been impacted by COVID-19, with 95% of doctors believing the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the medicine supply chain.

New bleeding stroke guidelines highlight several common treatments that may be ineffective

The updated document, developed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, also emphasizes the potential benefits of caregiver training and MR imaging.

Flu shots lower CVD risk, new meta-analysis confirms

The study's authors tracked data from six different randomized controlled trials, including a large study from 2021 that focused on myocardial infarction patients.

Combining certain BP medications with NSAIDs linked to kidney damage—acetaminophen seen as a safer option

A team of researchers used computer science and mathematics to study the "triple whammy" of diuretics, RAS inhibitors and NSAIDs.

How the science behind COVID-19 vaccines could transform care for heart attack patients

A technique seen in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines may be able to help heart cells repair themselves, according to new research out of the Netherlands.

FDA approves mavacamten for obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

The FDA’s approval was based on data from the EXPLORER-HCM trial, which showed that mavacamten was superior to a placebo for treating obstructive HCM and associated with no significant long-term, treatment-related adverse events.

Statin reduces risk for non-obstructive CAD patients but no significant risk reduction for aspirin

The results of a study published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging call into question the value of initiating aspirin therapy in certain instances.

USPSTF updates its stance on aspirin use to prevent CVD, sees no benefit for patients 60 or older

These recommendations, the group emphasized, do not include patients with a history of CVD or those who are already taking aspirin for another reason.

Pharmaceutics

Dexcom issues new recall for CGM apps due to safety risk—users urged to update immediately

Why all heart patients should be vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19, RSV

First study of its kind to focus on new therapy for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Real-world data link semaglutide, tirzepatide to improved heart failure outcomes

Beta blockers ‘have no effect’ on heart attack patients