Trending News Today: First-Time Opioid Prescriptions Decline By More Than Half

A new study of more than 86 million US individuals covered by private insurance found that first-time opioid prescriptions have declined by 54% between 2012 and 2017, Reuters reported. According to the article, the decline is due to a 29% drop in the number of physicians willing to prescribe an opioid drug to a patient for the first time during that period. The study also showed a 68% decline in the number of prescriptions offering 7 days of opioid therapy.

The FDA is moving forward with its plan to limit sales of most flavored e-cigarettes in an effort to curb youth vaping, Bloomberg reported. According to the article, the agency released a draft guidance for the industry calling for enhanced enforcement against sales of flavored e-cigarettes in retail locations, such as convenience stores and gas stations, that are accessible to minors. However, the restrictions won’t apply to tobacco, mint, or menthol-flavored e-cigarettes, the article reported. The move comes just weeks before FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, will step down from the agency.

The fungal drug amphotericin may potentially help patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) fight chronic bacterial lung infections, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. According to the article, a study published in Nature found that amphotericin restored infection-fighting properties in lung tissue donated by human patients, as well as in pigs with CF. The study showed that amphotericin restored pH levels, improved viscosity, and increased antibacterial activity, the article reported.