Type 2 Diabetes Predicts Mortality in Cancer Patients

The Multiethnic Cohort study found that pre-existing type 2 diabetes affects survival in women with breast cancer and men and women with colorectal cancer. Diabetes did not affect survival among cancer patients who died from progression of their cancer. However, death from a cause other than cancer was 23% higher in breast cancer patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes, and colorectal cancer patients with a long history of diabetes had lower life expectancy than those without diabetes. Cancer patients are advised to maintain a healthy body weight, eat a healthy diet, and increase physical activity to decrease diabetic complications and the risk of earlier mortality.

New Antimalarial Drug Approved

Arakoda (tafenoquine) is approved to prevent malaria in adults. It is the first antimalarial drug approved in nearly 20 years. People traveling to areas where malaria is endemic are instructed to take Arakoda tablets daily for three days before travel, once a week during travel, and once after returning home. Patients must be tested for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency before taking Arakoda. It is not recommended during pregnancy.

New Boxed Warning for Insomnia Drugs

The FDA is now requiring that prescribing information and patient Medication Guides for common insomnia drugs carry a boxed warning. Eszopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem will carry warnings about rare but serious injuries that have happened while patients were sleepwalking, sleep driving, and engaging in other activities while not fully awake. FDA is also requiring a new contraindication for patients who have experienced one of these episodes. Patients should be advised to stop taking the drugs if they experience sleepwalking or sleep driving or don't remember what activities they engaged in while taking an insomnia drug.

ACIP Announces Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2019-2020

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) announced recommendations for the 2019-2020 influenza season. ACIP continues to recommend routine yearly vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months or older who have no contraindications. Clinicians should offer vaccination by the end of October, before influenza activity begins in the community. Children who need two doses should get their first dose at the earliest opportunity so they can receive the second dose by the end of October.

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

September is National Sickle Cell Month

September is National Recovery Month