INFO, HEALTH TIPS AND NEWS

This chart represents information on select drugs that are contraindicated (Pregnancy category X) for women who are pregnant. This is not an inclusive list of products that carry that pregnancy category. Those drugs that are contraindicated at a certain phase of the pregnancy are listed next to the product name. For more information on specific drug monographs, see product entries or consult the manufacturer. ALLERGIC DISORDERS Vistaril (hydroxyzine) Early pregnancy CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM Advicor (niacin ext-rel/lovastatin) Aggrenox (dipyridamole/aspirin) 3rd trimester Altoprev (lovastatin) Bayer (aspirin) 3rd trimester Caduet (amlodipine/atorvastatin) Coumadin (warfarin sodium) Crestor (rosuvastatin) Ecotrin (aspirin) 3rd trimester Lescol (fluvastatin) Lescol XL (fluvastatin) Letairis (ambrisentan) Lipitor (atorvastatin) Livalo (pitavastatin) Lovastatin tabs Multaq (dronedarone) Pravachol (pravastatin) Simcor (niacin ext-rel/simvastatin) Tracleer (bosentan)...

Patients with diabetes have a higher pill burden than the general population, so pharmacists should pay particular attention to potential drug interactions with antidiabetic agents. Drug interactions may decrease medication efficacy or increase toxicity, and greater pill burden challenges adherence and adds to adverse effects. Past research has shown that the benefits of carefully selected cardiovascular medications outweigh their risks. In addition, pharmacists should know the following facts: ·         Sulfonylureas, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DDP-4s) are most susceptible to interactions. ·         Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and sodium-glucose transport protein (SGLT-2) inhibitors are least affected by drug interactions. ·         Clinicians should consider altered absorption and transpor...