RxAdvocate November, 2024 — Newsletter

November 11 RxAdvocate November, 2024 — Newsletter

CDC Vaccine Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated several guidelines in preparation for the current vaccine season. First, people 65 years and older and those with moderate to severe compromised immune systems are recommended to receive a second COVID-19 vaccine. The administration is recommended for 6 months following the first COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 season.

Additionally, the adult age to receive a pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) has been lowered to 50. The prior guidelines recommended PCV vaccination for people 65 years of age and older.

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~1% of Americans have schizophrenia, and it is in the top 15 leading causes of disability across the world. In September 2024, a new schizophrenic medication, Cobenfy, was approved, which targets muscarinic receptors instead of dopamine receptors.

This is the first new approach to treatment in decades and offers a new alternative to the antipsychotic medications previously prescribed. Studies have shown a meaningful reduction in symptoms from baseline to week 5 as measured by the PANSS Total Score. The most common side effects included urinary retention, increased heart rate, and decreased gastric movement. It should not be used with known hepatic impairment.

Cobenfy’s list price for patients is $22,500 for a year’s supply, before accounting for insurer rebates or discounts.

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) is observed each year from November 18th to 24th. Antimicrobial resistance occurs when germs develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them, allowing them to continue growing. USAAW focuses on the importance of raising awareness of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use and the threat antimicrobial resistance poses to people, animals, plants, and the environment. Antimicrobial resistance causes more than 1.27 million deaths around the world and nearly 35,000 deaths in the United States each year.

Infection prevention methods such as vaccination, sanitation, and clean water access can help fight antimicrobial resistance. Appropriate use of antibiotics and antifungal drugs can also help improve patient outcomes by enhancing the treatment of infections, avoiding drug-related side effects, and slowing the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

The CDC encourages communities, family, friends, and organizations to participate in Go Purple for USAAW. Participation can include lighting up buildings in purple, dressing in purple, or even sharing USAAW social media posts during the week of November 18th-24th.

Honoring Veterans Day

One of our Clinical Account Executives, Kelly Pamm, participated in community service to assist in creating paracord lanyards for Veterans Day. Crafting a paracord lanyard provides a service member or first responder with a substantial and lasting expression of your gratitude and a symbol of the appreciation of Americans.

Paracord lanyards provide 5 feet of cord and can be used in emergencies for many things, including hanging an IV bag, making a sling or splint, building a makeshift shelter, securing camouflaged nets to trees or vehicles, and even extending a security strap or rope to reach or haul heavy objects. Kelly mailed 203 braided paracord lanyards to Operation Gratitude to be sent to the military. Way to go Kelly!

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11th.

Happy Thanksgiving

From our team to you, we extend heartfelt Thanksgiving wishes filled with joy, gratitude, and the simple pleasures of the season. Thank you for being a part of our RxConnection community!

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