Clinical

U.S. FDA approves updated COVID-19 vaccines, shots should be available in days
With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s clearance, Pfizer and Moderna are set to begin shipping millions of doses. A third U.S. manufacturer, Novavax, expects its modified vaccine version to be available a little later.
Case report: Clusters
Dr. Robert Dickson has a case in his walk-in that brings to mind a philosophical quandary which he has pondered over the years.

It’s not just IUDs. Gynecologists and patients are focused on making procedures less painful

Lidocaine spray or gel used as a local anesthetic and other pain treatments—think ibuprofen or an injection of an anesthetic—are safe for most patients and can be effective, gynecologists say.
Multidisciplinary pharmacist-led diabetes clinic developed in a U.S. rural setting

Pharmacy residents can extend access to care for underserved patients as part of an interdisciplinary diabetes management clinic.
POP QUIZ: Allergic rhinitis treatment

There’s new Canadian guidance on allergic rhinitis management. How closely did you read?
Sunscreens can hurt the marine environment—here’s how to choose one that’s healthy for you and the sea

Studies show that sunscreens can induce coral bleaching, damage marine life and influence water quality even at environmentally relevant concentrations.
Do you thoroughly discuss pain with patients before IUD insertion?

New practice recommendations from U.S. CDC about contraception note use of lidocaine during IUD insertion—and are an important reminder for Canadian docs about how much this procedure can hurt.
An overview of the potential benefits and risks of ketamine and as a therapeutic tool

Ketamine is an approved anesthetic for surgeries, but it’s also known as a party drug with hallucinogenic effects.
New Canadian guidance on allergic rhinitis management

Allergic Rhinitis Working Group focuses on six key questions specific to the treatment of allergic rhinitis in Canada.
Researchers pinpoint how and where gluten response begins in celiac disease

Finding reveals a potential future target for treatment of celiac disease.