Urgent Updates | March 2, 2022

ORALLY DISSOLVING BUPRENORPHINE TIED TO SEVERE TOOTH DECAY, FDA WARNS

Orally dissolving medications containing buprenorphine are linked to severe dental problems, including total tooth loss, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns. The oral side effects of these medications, which are used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and pain, include cavities/tooth decay, including rampant caries; dental abscesses/infection; tooth erosion; fillings falling out; and, in some cases, total tooth loss.
Full Access: Medscape

INTRANASAL OXYTOCIN SHOWS EARLY PROMISE FOR COCAINE DEPENDENCE

A small 6-week randomized, placebo-controlled trial in patients with cocaine use disorder showed a high level of abstinence in those who received Intranasal oxytocin (INOT) beginning 2 weeks after treatment initiation. Researchers conclude that INOT is showing early promise as a treatment for cocaine dependence.
Full Access: Medscape  

FDA CONSIDERS SECOND COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT

The FDA has begun reviewing data to potentially authorize a fourth dose of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for the fall. The authorization would depend on ongoing studies, which must show that a fourth dose would increase waning immunity and reduce the risk of severe disease. FDA is considering whether the vaccine should target the Omicron variant or have a different formula. Health experts are also investigating whether a fourth shot could begin an annual COVID-19 vaccination program.
Full Access: Medscape

REMOTE SIX-MINUTE WALK TESTING IN PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: A PILOT STUDY

In this two-center observational pilot study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, researchers observed no systematic differences in average 6-minute walk distance between in- clinic and remote settings, across sites or between in-clinic and remote testing by site. Remote 6-minute walk testing was consistent with standardized clinic walks and may be valid in pulmonary testing.
Full Access: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine