RxFiles Q&As

rxfiles.ca/QandA

Our Q&As are a guide to clinical controversies. Commonly asked questions are answered with the evidence available at the time of publication.

Mobirise

Dyslipidemia FAQs
December 2024

How do the two Canadian dyslipidemia guidelines, CCS and PEER (CFP), compare?
What is the difference between a high-intensity statin (“set-and-forget” approach) versus an intensification of therapy based on lipid thresholds strategy?
What evidence supports management strategies for hypertriglyceridemia?
Is there a role for over-the-counter (OTC) omega-3 products in CV risk reduction?
Are there any concerns when a patient has very low LDL levels? 
Do statins need to be taken at night?
What is the clinical relevance of hydrophilic vs lipophilic statins?
How common are true statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS)?
What management strategies can be used to address statin intolerance?
Do statins affect cognition?
Do statins increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM)?
Do statins increase the risk of cancer?
Do statins have harmful effects on the liver?

Mobirise

Menopause FAQs
October 2023

What is the vaginal estrogen safety data and why is there an FDA black box warning for vaginal estrogen?
What are the differences between vaginal products in terms of systemic absorption?
Can vaginal estrogens be used to treat GSM in those with a history of breast cancer?
What is meant by the term "bioidentical hormone therapy" (BHT)?
Can MIRENA IUD (levonorgestrel) be used off-label for endometrial protection in women with an intact uterus who are on systemic estrogen for VMS?
Is there a risk of dementia associated with menopause hormone therapy (MHT)?
Can MHT be used in patients who experience migraines?
Does MHT help with depressive symptoms during the menopause transition or in post-menopausal women?
Does MHT help improve sexual desire?

Cannabis in Anxiety FAQs
April 2023

What is cannabis/cannabinoids?
How does cannabis work?
How is cannabis used?
Is there evidence to support the use of cannabis for anxiety disorders?
What are the risks associated with cannabis use?
How can the risks of harm from cannabis use be minimized?
What are some talking points to consider for patients using cannabis for anxiety?

Mobirise

Anxiety FAQs
April 2023

What is the role for psychological treatment in anxiety?
How are antidepressants (SSRI/SNRIs) dosed for an anxiety disorder?
How long is an adequate antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI) trial for an anxiety disorder?
What is the evidence for select 2nd or 3rd line pharmacological options in treating anxiety?
What is the role of beta-blockers in treating anxiety?
What is the role of vortioxetine TRINTELLIX in treating anxiety?
What is the role of hydroxyzine in treating anxiety?
What is the role of antipsychotics in treating anxiety?
What is the role of cannabis in treating anxiety?
How is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) treated?
How is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treated?
How is anxiety with comorbid attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated?
Which anti-anxiety medications are safest during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding?

Depression FAQs
November 2022

Are the newer antidepressants vortioxetine (TRINTELLIX), vilazodone (VIIBRYD), and levomilnacipran (FETZIMA) any better than pre-existing antidepressants?

What are important considerations in the management of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction?

What is the evidence for atypical antipsychotics or lithium as adjunctive therapy?

Do intranasal esketamine (SPRAVATO) or intranasal racemic ketamine have a role in treatment-resistant depression?

Mobirise

Do Antidepressants Work?
November 2022

Describes efficacy outcomes and limitations to the evidence for depression treatment.

Crystal Meth FAQs
October 2022

What is methamphetamine?
How is methamphetamine available on the street?
How is methamphetamine used?
What are the immediate or acute effects of methamphetamine use?
How long do the acute effects of methamphetamine use last?
How do people feel when the acute effects of methamphetamine wear off?
Who is at risk for methamphetamine use?
What is the difference between methamphetamine and amphetamine?
How does methamphetamine differ from cocaine?
What are some of the long-term health effects of methamphetamine use?

Mobirise

Alcohol Use Disorder FAQs
October 2022

How is alcohol use disorder defined?
What is the mechanism of action of alcohol as a drug? 
How do medications for AUD work?
When should medications for AUD be prescribed?
Is there evidence for the use of AUD medications in a patient who has MILD AUD?
Is abstinence always the goal of treatment when using medications for AUD?
What is the best medication to prescribe for AUD?
How do the first-line agents naltrexone and acamprosate compare?
Who is most likely to benefit from treatment with either naltrexone or acamprosate?
Can I combine naltrexone and acamprosate?
Can naltrexone be used PRN?
How long should medications for AUD be prescribed (i.e., what’s the usual duration of treatment)?
What are the symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
How can I determine who can be safely managed as an outpatient?
How can I determine if my patient is experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
What type of supportive care should be offered to patients with mild alcohol withdrawal?
Which medications are recommended for mild alcohol withdrawal?
Which medications are recommended for moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Which medications are recommended as adjunctive tx to benzodiazepines for withdrawal?

Migraine FAQs
April 2022

What is the risk of serotonin syndrome when a triptan is prescribed concomitantly with an SSRI?

Which acute migraine medications are safe for use in pregnancy?

Fremanezumab (CGRP antagonist) for migraine prophylaxis: what is the dosing, benefits, risks, and cost?

What is the evidence for using ACEIs and ARBs for migraine prophylaxis?

What are the risk factors for developing medication overuse headache (MOH)?

Mobirise

Adult Asthma FAQs
November 2021

Do inhaled corticosteroids have different rates of adverse events?

Which is preferred for an acute asthma exacerbation: dexamethasone or prednisone?

How can a patient tell when a metered dose inhaler (MDI) is empty?

How much benefit do spacers provide to MDIs?

Which inhaled corticosteroid is preferred in pregnancy?

How much benefit is found from low-dose ICS?

What is the psychiatric adverse event risk with montelukast?

Which is the preferred add-on to ICS-LABA therapy: an LTRA or a LAMA? 

Mobirise

HIV Medications and Drug Interactions
April 2021

What are some common drug interactions with HIV medications?

Which HIV medications have the most interactions?

What are some examples of CYP inducers and inhibitors that interact with HIV medications?

Mobirise

Buprenorphine-Naloxone (SUBOXONE)
September 2020

What benefits might buprenorphine-naloxone offer in the treatment of opioid use disorder?

What are the adverse effects associated with buprenorphine?

What is precipitated withdrawal?

How is buprenorphine-naloxone therapy initiated?

How is buprenorphine-naloxone administered?

Mobirise

Antibiotic Harms
July 2020

How common are overall harms with antibiotics?

How common are allergic reactions with antibiotics?

How common are serious harms with antibiotics?

What about antimicrobial resistance? 

SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP1 Agonists in Diabetes
May 2020

What is the evidence for newer agents in diabetes?
Are side effects a concern in these agents?
What might patients with diabetes find important?
Are these new drugs affordable?

Mobirise

ASA: When to Prescribe
December 2019

Should ASA be used for primary prevention?

Mobirise

VACCINES: Pneumococcal, Influenza, & Shingles
July 2019

Who may benefit from a PNEUMOCOCCAL vaccine?

Who may benefit from an INFLUENZA vaccine?

Who may benefit from a SHINGLES vaccine?

Mobirise

Topical Cannabis: Does it Live Up to its Presumed Potential?
June 2019

What is topical cannabis? Why would someone use it?

Has topical cannabis been proven to work?

Why might my patient report improvement with topical cannabis if the evidence for benefit is so weak?

Is topical cannabis dangerous?

How do my patients access these products? 

Mobirise

SHINGRIX (recombinant zoster vaccine)
April 2018

What is SHINGRIX? Is SHINGRIX effective?

What are potential adverse events, contraindications, and drug interactions with SHINGRIX?

Is SHINGRIX cost-effective?

How long after shingles can a herpes zoster vaccine be given?

How is SHINGRIX supplied and dosed?

How does SHINGRIX compare to ZOSTAVAX?

Mobirise

Cystitis and Pyelonephritis
March 2017

What percentage of patients with uncomplicated cystitis go on to develop pyelonephritis?

Mobirise

Nitrofurantoin and Peripheral Neuropathy
March 2017

What is the risk of peripheral neuropathy with nitrofurantoin (MACROBID)? 

Mobirise

Nitrofurantoin and Pulmonary Toxicity
March 2017

What is the risk of pulmonary toxicity with nitrofurantoin (MACROBID)? 

Mobirise

Clopidogrel + ASA
March 2016

Does clopidogrel (PLAVIX) + ASA (ASPIRIN) impact mortality?

Mobirise

Clinical Practice Guidelines
June 2015

What is the value, role, and limitation of clinical practice guidelines?

Mobirise

Bioequivalency of Medications
April 2015

Are brand name and generic medications the same?

Mobirise

Orthostatic Hypotension
June 2014

What is orthostatic hypotension? What is its prevalence?

What causes orthostatic hypotension?

What is neurogenic orthostatic hypotension?

What is the overall goal of orthostatic hypotension management?

What medications may worsen orthostatic hypotension?

How should orthostatic hypotension be managed?

Mobirise

Hypertensive Urgency
April 2014

What is hypertensive urgency and how does it compare to hypertensive emergency?

What causes hypertensive urgency?

How should hypertensive urgency be managed?

What are the drug considerations for hypertensive urgency?

What are the follow-up and monitoring parameters for hypertensive urgency?

What about immediate-release nifedipine?

Mobirise

Chronic Insomnia in Older Adults
October 2013

How can chronic insomnia be managed in older adults?

Mobirise

Pharmacists and Opioids
June 2013; updated December 2017

What can pharmacists do to address both pain and addiction/diversion concerns? 

Mobirise

Dabigatran and Myocardial Infarction
June 2013

Does Dabigatran (PRADAX) increase the risk of myocardial infarction?

Mobirise

Bipolar in Pregnancy
February 2013

Should mood stabilizers be used before, during, or after pregnancy?

What is the risk of bipolar relapse during pregnancy and postpartum?

Is there any harm in not treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy and postpartum?

What is the role of non-pharm therapies during pregnancy and postpartum?

Which mood stabilizers are safest in pregnancy?

How should acute depression and manic episodes be managed in pregnancy?

Should females with bipolar disorder breastfeed?

Mobirise

Bacterial Vaginosis and Pregnancy
February 2013

What obstetric & gynecological complications are associated with bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy?

Should bacterial vaginosis be screened for during pregnancy?

Who should be treated for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy?

How should bacterial vaginosis be treated in pregnancy?

Are there any harms to treating bacterial vaginosis with antibiotics?

Is metronidazole safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Is clindamycin safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Mobirise

Mild Hypertension
October 2012

Does mild hypertension need to be treated?

Mobirise

Opioid-Induced Constipation
October 2012

Do certain opioids or routes of administration cause less constipation?

Should oxycodone + naloxone (TARGIN) be used to reduce opioid-induced constipation?

Should methylnaltrexone (RELISTOR) be used to reduce opioid-induced constipation?

Does constipation impact the absorption of sustained-release oral opioids?

Does oxycodone + naloxone (TARGIN) reduce oxycodone's analgesia?

Mobirise

Individualizing Glycemic Targets in the Frail Elderly
April 2012

How can glycemic targets be individualized for frail older adults?

Mobirise

Antidepressants in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
April 2012; updated November 2022

Should antidepressants be discontinued before or during pregnancy?

Is there any harm in not treating depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy & postpartum?

What is the role for non-pharmacological therapies during pregnancy?

Which antidepressants are considered the safest during pregnancy?

Are paroxetine and fluoxetine associated with congenital malformations?

Are SSRIs associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn?

Are antidepressants associated with neonatal behavioural syndrome?

Which antidepressants are considered safe during breastfeeding?

Mobirise

Diabetes in Pregnancy
March 2012

What are the complications of diabetes in pregnancy?

What are the glycemic targets for diabetes in pregnancy?

Which treatments are recommended for diabetes in pregnancy and gestational diabetes?

Which insulins are safe to use in pregnancy?

Can oral hypoglycemic agents be used in pregnancy?

What are some other important considerations in the management of diabetes in pregnancy?

Mobirise

Opioids in Older Adults
March 2011

What are the risks or potential problems when using opioids in the elderly?

What precautions should be taken for a more cautious opioid initiation in the elderly?

What are some pros and cons to various analgesics in the elderly?

Mobirise

YAZ / YASMIN Safety Considerations
January 2011

What is Yaz / Yasmin? Which products are available in Canada?

What is drospirenone?

What has sparked public concern over the safety of Yaz / Yasmin?

What is a typical woman's risk for VTE? 

What do we know about drospirenone and the risk of VTE? 

What are other potential safety concerns related to drospirenone use?

Mobirise

Evidence for Vitamin D
November 2010; updated November 2017

What is the evidence for the various potential indications of Vitamin D?

Mobirise

Energy Drinks
December 2010

What are the common ingredients found in energy drinks?

Why the trend to consume these beverages? Do energy drinks deliver results?

What are the recommended limits for caffeine consumption?

How are these products regulated in Canada? 

What variations are available on the market? How much do energy drinks cost?

Are energy drinks safe to consume?

Is it safe to mix energy drinks with alcohol? How do you feel about Alert & Dangerous?

Mobirise

BuTrans Patches
September 2010

What is the appropriate use of the BuTrans patch?

Mobirise

Zostavax (live zoster vaccine)
October 2009; updated April 2014

What is ZOSTAVAX? Is it effective?

What are potential adverse events and drug interactions with ZOSTAVAX?

What are other potential cautions regarding the use of ZOSTAVAX? 

Is administration of ZOSTAVAX cost effective? 

What are the Current Vaccination Recommendations for ZOSTAVAX?

How is ZOSTAVAX supplied? What is the dosage and how is it administered? 

Mobirise

Clopidogrel & PPIs
January 2009

What is the concern regarding co administration of clopidogrel with a proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)?

What is the proposed mechanism of this potential drug interaction?

How well documented is this potential drug interaction? 

 Do all PPIs interact with clopidogrel?

How should I manage patients currently receiving clopidogrel with a PPI?  

What about other drugs that inhibit the CYP2C19 enzyme?

Mobirise

ACEI & ARB Combinations
January 2009

Does combining an ACEI and ARB cause harm?

Mobirise

Sitagliptin
November 2008

What is sitagliptin?

How much does sitagliptin improve A1C & glucose levels?

What is the effect of sitagliptin on weight?

Does sitagliptin cause hypoglycemia?

What are other potential adverse effects with sitagliptin?

What are other potential cautions regarding the use of sitagliptin?

Mobirise

Metformin and Lactic Acidosis
October 2008; updated August 2019

Why is metformin considered in patients with a potential caution or contraindication?

What is the risk of metformin associated lactic acidosis?

What conditions or risk factors predispose patients to lactic acidosis?

Can metformin be used in patients with reduced kidney function/chronic kidney disease?

Can metformin be used in patients with hepatic dysfunction?

Is metformin safe to use in patients with heart failure?

Mobirise

Rosiglitazone (AVANDIA) and Cardiovascular Risk
May 2007

Should we be concerned about cardiovascular risk with rosiglitazone?

Mobirise

Statins
November 2004

Are statins overused or underused?

Should high-dose statins be used in high-risk patients?

What's the objective take on the rosuvastatin controversies?

Mobirise

ANBP2 vs ALLHAT
March 2003

How does the Australian (ANBP2) trial compare to the North American (ALLHAT)?

Mobirise

HRT & WHI
November 2002

How to interpret the results of the WHI in hormone replacement therapy? 

Mobirise

HRT & Breast Cancer
September 2002

Does hormone replacement therapy increase the risk of breast cancer? 

Mobirise

Creatinine Kinase & Statins
March 2002

Is it necessary to monitor creatinine kinase for patients on a statin?

Mobirise

Hypoglycemic Drug Interactions
October 2001

What drugs should not be used in combination with oral hypoglycemics?

Since many diabetics have or develop concurrent cardiovascular disease, what effect do cardiac medications have on hypoglycemic efficacy? 

Mobirise

Meloxicam
February 2001

Is meloxicam COX-2 selective?

Mobirise

Influenza
September 2000

A patient guide to preventing and treating influenza.

Mobirise

Asthma Alternate Therapies
May 2000

What is the evidence for herbal/alternative therapies in asthma?

Mobirise

Diane 35
March 2000

What is Diane 35?

How does Diane 35's contraceptive effect compare to other OCs?

What is Diane 35's role in treatment of acne relative to other OCs? 

Mobirise

Chronic Unopposed Vaginal Estrogen
October 1999

Is chronic unopposed vaginal estrogen therapy safe?

Mobirise

"Natural" Hormone Replacement Therapy
September 1999

Is natural hormone replacement therapy safe or effective?

Mobirise

Fluoxetine & PMS
December 1998

Is fluoxetine effective in PMS?

Mobirise

St. John's Wort
November 1998

Is St. John's Wort effective for depression?

What precautions should be observed when using St. John's Wort?

Mobirise

Diuretics & Hypertension
March 1998

When are thiazide diuretics considered first-line antihypertensives?

Are low doses thiazides as effective in treating hypertension as higher doses?

What about the adverse metabolic effects of thiazides?

How do thiazides compare to calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, and other antihypertensives?

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