Quick Hits: Antidepressants and Ovarian Cancer & More

Quick Hits: Antidepressants are not linked to ovarian cancer, according to a new study. Although there have been a few studies over the years showing a link between certain classes of antidepressants and the development of tumors, researchers from Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University are suggesting otherwise. The research team thoroughly analyzed data from observational studies that examined the connection between antidepressant use and cancer from 1984 to 2017. The results from this large-scale review indicated that there is not a significant association between antidepressant use and the risk of ovarian cancer, which is contrary to initial findings. Posted February 5, 2018. Via British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

Quick Hits: Opioid prescriptions for Medicare enrollees would be limited to 7 days under a request from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The agency has also proposed that patients who are considered “potentiators” of opioid misuse and opioid-related adverse events be closely monitored, especially those who take Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin). According to the agency, there has been a significant increase in gabapentin use to treat pain. Via CMS. Posted February 2, 2018.

Quick Hits: Senate Democrats want the FDA to reject a new alternative cigarette that will be marketed as less risky. Ten Democrats sent a signed letter requesting that the FDA to reject Philip Morris’ risk application for its new iQOS smoking device. The letter was sent after most of the FDA’s scientific advisory panel reported mixed findings on the new product. According to the advisory panel, the tobacco company did not prove whether its new “heat not burn” cigarette reduced harm compared to tobacco cigarettes. However, the advisory panel concluded that iQOS exposes users to lower levels of harmful chemicals. The senators also referenced the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, noting that modified risk tobacco products must significantly reduce harm and benefit the health of the population. Posted February 7, 2018. Via The Hill.