RxAdvocate September, 2024 — Newsletter

September 9 RxAdvocate September, 2024 — Newsletter

Influenza 2024-2025 Season

The fall season is officially here and marks another year to consider receiving an annual influenza vaccine. Influenza vaccination is recommended to everyone that does not have a contraindication to receiving the vaccine and is at least 6 months of age.

Vaccination can help reduce the risk experiencing serious respiratory illness, hospitalization, and death after exposure to the influenza virus. The vaccine available for the 2024-2025 season has been updated to reflect the most common influenza viruses that are expected to circulate for the upcoming year. The most significant change is the removal of influenza B/Yamagata due to the lack of detection in surveillance since 2020. This update will alter the chemical makeup and transition the vaccine back to a trivalent product.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced on September 3rd that is has increased the production limit for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug, Vyvanse and its generic versions by about 24% to address the ongoing drug shortage in that class.

This announcement comes as a welcome relief for patients who rely on these drugs after they have experienced years of inconsistent and short supply due to increased demand coupled with manufacturing delays for various drugs within the class.

Vyvanse, also known as Lisdexamfetamine, is classified as a schedule II-controlled substance by the DEA, meaning it has a higher likelihood of abuse potential and stricter prescribing requirements. The FDA has approved generic versions of Vyvanse from 11 manufacturers since the manufacturer, Takeda, lost exclusivity last year.

National Recovery Month

Every September, National Recovery Month is observed to help educate, promote, and support recovery practices. Recovery Month provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate wins made by those in recovery and helps reinforce a positive message that treatment can be effective, prevention can work, behavioral health is essential to overall health, and people can and do recover.

Every September, tens of thousands of recovery facilities and programs speak about success stories and the strides made by those in recovery. By sharing to those around us such as family, friends, colleagues, and the community, it allows an increase in awareness and can help foster a greater understanding about mental and substance use disorders.

National Addiction Professionals Day is also celebrated on September 20th, 2024 to celebrate the vital players of the health system and addiction professionals. Recovery Month has adopted the theme of “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” With support, strength, and hope from those around us that we love, we are resilient.

Back to School

The RxConnection team wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and fun school year!

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