PHARMACOM LLC

A Consulting Company

December 2019

Life Expectancy Decreases in the United States

After increasing for several decades, life expectancy decreased in the United States from 2014 to 2017. The decrease was greater among men (0.4 years) than women (0.2 years) and occurred across all racial and ethnic groups. Increased deaths from drug overdoses, suicides, and organ system diseases contributed to the decrease in life expectancy. To reverse this trend, the healthcare system must concentrate on fighting obesity, hypertension, and renal failure and expand programs to address depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

New Drugs Approved

Trikafta (a combination of elexacaftor, ivacaftor, and tezacaftor) is approved to treat patients with cystic fibrosis who are at least 12 years of age and have a common mutation in the CFTR gene. About 90% of cystic fibrosis patients have this mutation. Trikafta targets the defective protein produced as a result of this gene mutation, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. In clinical trials, Trikafta increased forced expiratory volume, improved body mass index, and reduced the number of pulmonary exacerbations.

Oxbryta (voxelotor) is approved to treat patients with sickle cell disease who are at least 12 years of age. It is the first approved drug that directly inhibits sickle hemoglobin polymerization, which causes the characteristic sickle shape of red blood cells. Oxbryta improves hemoglobin levels and reduces destruction of red blood cells.

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is the first oral glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist. It is an oral version of the injectable drug Ozempic. It is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus must be taken every morning with a small amount of water at least 30 minutes before any beverages or foods are consumed.

Pharmacist-Led Program Increases Access to PrEP

People who are HIV-negative but at high risk of contracting HIV are encouraged to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication. PrEP reduces the risk of acquiring the infection. A pharmacist-led PrEP program in Omaha, Nebraska increased patient access to PrEP without disrupting workflow in the pharmacy. Pharmacists can also help patients identify programs to help pay for PrEP. PrEP medications include Truvada (emtricitabine 200 mg plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg) and the recently approved Descovy (emtricitabine 200 mg plus tenofovir alafenamide 25 mg).

December 1 is World AIDS Day

December 1-7 is National Influenza Vaccination Week

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season!