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- 2025-12-18 03:46:14
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- Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy made more speed & safety
- by Eo, Yun-Ho Aug 21, 2023 05:37am
- Professor Jang Ho-jinThyroid cancer surgery is usually performed by inserting an incision of about 6cm in the center of the front of the neck, and it is true that the neck scar after surgery was burdensome. For this reason, a method of concealing the wound through a robot or endoscope was developed, but this also penetrated the tunnel to access the thyroid gland located in the center of the neck, so there were many difficulties in choosing a surgical method due to disadvantages such as poor skin sensation and extensive adhesion after surgery. In this situation, minimally invasive thyroidectomy (Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy), which operates by inserting a small incision of about 3 cm on the side rather than the center of the neck, has recently been developed and is attracting attention. Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy is a method that maintains the advantages of the existing traditional incision method and supplements the disadvantages, drawing attention from many thyroid cancer patients. Currently, Professor Jang Ho-jin of Gangnam Severance Hospital is performing the most, and Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy accounts for more than 95% of the 1,000 surgeries he performs annually. The Dailypharm met him. -How was Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy developed? In any case, if the incision was made in the center of the neck, the scar would remain for a long time, and especially for those with hypertrophic scars or keloids, the scars would become thick and unsightly. This is a method developed by his teacher, Professor Park Jeong-soo, to prevent this. At the time, it was a minimal incision method in which only the incision was made small and the neck muscles were cut to access the thyroid gland. As a result, other disadvantages such as adhesion to the wound site and muscle atrophy occurred. Therefore, Minimally Invasive Thyroidectomy is a method that has been supplemented and developed by approaching between the neck muscles (strap muscles, SCM muscles) without cutting the neck muscles without using the minimal incision method. -If the incision is made on one side only, the thyroid gland is a symmetrical butterfly-shaped organ. Is it impossible to remove the entire thyroid gland on the opposite side? No, even if the incision is made on one side, a total resection is also possible to remove the thyroid gland on the opposite side. In addition, even in the case of lateral neck lymph node metastasis, a minimally invasive method other than the traditional incision method is also possible. In general, traditional incisional lymph node surgery inserts a long incision of about 10 cm, whereas minimally invasive incision is limited to the side neck area and only about 5 to 6 cm incision is made. -I think it's definitely more eye-catching than the traditional incision method. Then, what is the difference between surgery time and recovery period after surgery? If the surgical method is more difficult, the operation time and hospitalization period are likely to be longer. Not really. In the case of a half-resection (one side of the thyroid gland), the operation time is about 30 minutes. In the case of hemisection, the discharge tube is usually not required, so the patient is discharged the next day. -Are you saying that recovery after surgery is fast? As the name of the surgical method suggests, it reduces the impact of normal tissues other than the thyroid by reducing the invasion range of not only the skin but also the subcutaneous fat and muscle layer. Recovery is quick because it makes the impact range that our body receives from the outside small. -Are there any side effects or complications of this operation? The three major complications of thyroid cancer surgery are postoperative hemorrhage, voice change due to vocal cord nerve paralysis, hypocalcemia (numbness in the hands and feet) due to parathyroid function decline, and damage to the airway and esophagus. The probability of such a complication is around 1%, and it can be seen that minimally invasive thyroidectomy is similar.
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- 9 of 10 pediatric patients are prescribed off-label drugs
- by Kang, Shin-Kook Aug 18, 2023 05:20am
- Over 9 out of 10 patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at university hospitals were found to have been prescribed drugs off-label. The joint research team of the Department of Pharmacy at Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, and Gachon University’s College of Pharmacy studied the 6,183 medications that were prescribed to 502 patients admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at the Seoul National University Hospital for 1 year from July 2019 (median age 1.7 years). The results were released on the 15th, and published in a recent issue of the international pharmaceutical journal, Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal. Off-label medications are drugs that were approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety but are being used for an indication, age, or dose that is not listed in the approved label for the drug. Drugs are mainly used off-label in children, pregnant women, elderly patients, patients with rare diseases, and cancer patients for whom separate clinical trials had not been conducted during the approval process. The report showed that pediatric patients in the PICU received a median of 12 drugs per patient, 9 of which were off-label prescriptions. 99.6% of the 500 patients received one or more off-label prescriptions during their time in the PICU. In other words, most drugs that are prescribed to severe pediatric patients were being prescribed at the doctor’s discretion based on their adult indications and doses. The drugs that were most often used off-label were sedatives, followed by digestives, antibacterial, then cardiovascular-related drugs. By category, the labeling changes were most often made on the dose (67.8%), followed by age (50.1%), then indication(31.5%). During the study period, 67 adverse drug reactions were identified in 5.4% (27 patients) of the patients from off-label use. The research team estimated that the incidence of moderate or severe adverse drug reactions from off-label drug use was 69.0%, much higher than the 38.9% that arise from on-label drug use.
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- Discontinued muscle painkillers in heavy demand
- by Kim JiEun Aug 03, 2023 05:35am
- The aftermath of some pharmaceutical companies’ tricking pharmacies into believing ‘there is not much stock available for order’ An ironic situation has occurred where a drug that pharmaceutical companies have given up manufacture and sales of due to the inability to demonstrate its effect is in heavy demand at pharmacies. On the 1st, in drug online malls used by pharmacists, many muscle pain relievers that are fixed-dose combinations of chlorzoxazone 250mg + acetaminophen 300mg, are out of stock, or can only be ordered in small quantities. The issue arose after it was recently confirmed that pharmaceutical companies that manufacture and distribute related products voluntarily withdrew their products or did not apply for renewal of the product licenses. The stock shortage occurred because some pharmacies are trying to stockpile the drug to sell within the expiration date as the pharmaceutical industry as well as the pharmacist society believe the drug will be naturally removed from the market. As pharmaceutical companies have voluntarily withdrawn or did not apply for renewal within the deadline, pharmacies can only sell those in stock until the expiry date of the currently distributed products. According to pharmacists, most of the muscle pain relievers that contain chlorzoxazone 250mg + acetaminophen 300mg are used at pharmacies and the combination is one of the steady sellers at pharmacies. As a result, some pharmacies trying to stock as much as possible and sell the product until possible. In addition, the fact that some pharmaceutical companies implemented a sales policy of “imminent closing” had also partially affected the out-of-stock phenomenon of related products. In the case of pharmaceutical company A, immediately after applying for voluntary withdrawal of related products, it sent a text message to pharmacists using its online mall to encourage them to order related products. A sales representative of the pharmaceutical company encouraged pharmacies to buy the product, sending the message that “manufacture will be discontinued and the current stock is our last. Those in stock can be sold until the expiration date. Therefore, it would be good to order as much as possible.” It is known that the number of orders that can be ordered per pharmacy has been limited to 300 for each specific time, but orders poured in in a very short period of time. Some pharmacists said it was regrettable that over-the-counter products with certain ingredients, which are in constant demand in pharmacies, are being removed. It seems necessary to look at the overall situation to see if the system is being excessively applied or whether related pharmaceutical companies are being complacent.” A pharmacist in Seoul said, “Most pharmacies have one or two products with the combination, and the demand for them is quite high, it is unfortunate that relevant products are being withdrawn from the market. It seems that the related pharmaceutical companies need to look at the overall situation to see if they are being complacent.”
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- Series of non-face-to-face medical care platforms close down
- by Jung, Sae-Im Jun 16, 2023 05:55am
- More than 30 platforms that were created while temporary non-face-to-face medical care was allowed, initiated self-restructuring. With the government starting a non-face-to-face medical care pilot project under the ‘only allowed for returning patient’ rule rather than allowing the first-time visits requested by the platforms, companies have not only closed down their non-face-to-face medical care services but are undergoing restructuring. According to industry sources, CheKIT, which has been providing non-face-to-face treatment for women and STD tests, has stopped providing its non-face-to-face services. As of 0:00 on the 8th, CheKIT closed down their non-face-to-face STD testing, non-face-to-face medical care, and drug delivery services, and officially announced the service termination on its app on the 12th. CheKIT said, "We would like to thank our customers who have used CheKIT’s non-face-to-face STD testing and non-face-to-face medical care services. Under the government guidelines, we can no longer provide non-face-to-face medical care or drug delivery services from June, which is why CheKIT also will be ending its non-face-to-face medical care service." The company worked to maintain its service during the 3-month guidance period, however, the service was terminated as it became clear that it will be difficult to provide the non-face-to-face STD testing service. Regarding the end of the non-face-to-face medical care service, the company said, "We were only able to provide the non-face-to-face medical care service to our customers due to the temporary lift of restrictions allowed due to the severe COVID-19 situation in February 2020. However, as of May 17, the COVID-19 alert has been eased from ‘serious’ to ‘risk,’ and the temporary grant was also converted into a pilot project. Companies that had been providing the temporary service were given a 3-month guidance period to conform to the new rules, including restricting the users to those who are revisiting the same hospital within a month. Under the new rules, patients who have no record of visiting the hospital will virtually be unable to receive non-face-to-face medical care. We tried our best to operate the service during the guidance period, but with patient registration itself blocked, we decided to end the service to avoid further confusion.” However, CheKIT plans to continue to provide services such as vaginal microbiome testing, lactic acid bacteria recommendation, and non-face-to-face STD disease test kits that do not require a doctor's consultation. The discontinuation of CheKIT’s non-face-to-face medical care service follows the closedown of Sirs (operated by Trust Labs) and Fadacs (operated by Impact Station). With a series of non-face-to-face medical care platforms ending their services one after another, other relevant industries are also closely watching the situation with bated breath. A platform official said, “Other platforms are also considering closing down their non-face-to-face medical care services. That only people who have previously visited medical institutions can receive non-face-to-face treatment, is like a death sentence to the platform industry. We are all treading lightly.” Although a guidance period of 3 months was given until August 31, the MFDS recommended that medical institutions should personally check whether patients are eligible for the pilot projects. Most companies have to realistically consider business sustainability. Another official said, “It is an inevitable ordeal. After experiencing a tsunami, there some will discontinue relevant businesses, and the industry will be sorted out naturally. Even larger platform companies have been reducing their workforce.”
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- Prof Seong-Hoon Kim's research team reveals the mechanism
- by Jung, Heung-Jun May 30, 2023 05:33am
- From left, Yonsei University Prof. Seong-Hun Kim, Korea University Prof. Hwang Kwang-Yeon, Yonsei University Dr. Ina Yoon It is expected that domestic researchers will speed up the development of a new fibrosis treatment by uncovering the mechanism of action of Bersiporocin, which is being developed as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Yonsei University Professor Seong-Hoon Kim and Dr. Ina Yoon's research team conducted joint research with Professor Kwang-Yeon Hwang (Department of Biotechnology) of Korea University to identify the molecular mechanism that can explain the efficacy and safety of Bersiporocin at the same time. The research results were published in the world-renowned medical journal ‘EMBO Molecular Medicine’ on the 22nd (local time). Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an incurable disease in which collagen is abnormally accumulated in the lungs and the function of the lungs is lost. It is a fatal disease with a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of only 40% after diagnosis. In particular, the existing approved treatments have severe side effects, so the development of new treatments is urgently needed. Bersiporocin inhibits the activity of prolyl-tRNA synthetase 1 (hereinafter referred to as PARS1), which is in charge of collagen synthesis and exhibits therapeutic effects. In the meantime, many researchers around the world have tried to treat fibrosis by regulating the activity of PARS1, but since PARS1 is an essential enzyme for maintaining life, excessive inhibition of PARS1 activity can cause side effects, making it difficult to develop new drugs. Suppressing the activity of PARS1 at a level that is safe for patients while exhibiting therapeutic effects has been the most important technology for new drug development. PARS1 exists in the form of a pair of two enzymes, and through this study, it was found that Bersiporocin binds asymmetrically to the pair of enzymes, thereby preventing excessive activity inhibition, thereby minimizing the side effects of the drug while exhibiting efficacy. Professor Kim Seong-Hoon said, “In order to realize precision medicine and secure the ability to develop new drugs at a global level, it is urgent to discover new drug targets with new mechanisms.” It is of great significance to prove that it is possible.” Bersiporocin is a first-in-class drug being developed by Daewoong Pharmaceutical as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
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- The expansion of OTC medicine at convenience stores
- by Kim JiEun May 24, 2023 05:32am
- As safe household medicines enter their 10th year of introduction, public opinion is forming that the items and places where they can be used should be expanded with the weapon of ‘resolving the gap in medicines and strengthening access rights’. Starting with the application for a special case for demonstration of safe household medicine unmanned vending machines last year, organizations are moving in earnest to improve access to medicines, such as expanding household medicine items, based on public opinion. Currently, an application for the installation of an unmanned vending machine for safety and emergency medicine is being applied for in the regulatory sandbox of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, and an expert advisory meeting and deliberation are ahead. After going through the first expert advisory committee meeting at the end of last year, it is pending, and if the second expert meeting is held, the possibility that the pilot project will be passed at the plenary meeting cannot be ruled out. Recently, an association of civic groups calling for the expansion of safety and household medicine items has been created and is attracting attention. The group, which started its activities under the name of ‘Citizens’ Network for Safe Household Medicines’, plans to begin its official activities on the 30th, starting with the ‘Press Conference to Announce the Results of Public Demand Survey for Safe Household Medicines in Convenience Stores’. The demand survey to be announced on this day was conducted in advance by a civic group called 'Consumer Public Interest Network', which participated as a safety deliberation member on behalf of civic groups at the 2018 Safety Household Medicine Designation Deliberation Committee. It was also the organization that claimed it. In addition, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which has consistently insisted on the need for remote dispensing and drug delivery, is also conducting a public opinion poll to improve drug access. The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced that after the revision of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, which allowed the sale of household medicines at convenience stores, sales of safe household medicines nearly tripled. The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry argues that it is necessary to improve access to medicines in order to strengthen the right to public health, and as a solution in this survey, ▲extended operation of pharmacies until 9:00, ▲Introduction of unmanned vending machines for safe household medicine, ▲Expansion of installation of remote video dispensing machines, ▲Designation of 24-hour pharmacies as regional bases, etc. also presented. The Korean Pharmaceutical Association is closely watching these movements of organizations that have set out to form a public opinion with accessibility and convenience as their weapons. An official from the pharmaceutical association said, “We are currently aware of the related content and are discussing countermeasures.” The official also said, “With regard to the application for a special case for demonstration of an unmanned vending machine for household medicine, there has been no special progress since the deliberation was suspended.”
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- Diabetes Association also paid attention to 'zero' drinks
- by Choi, sun May 18, 2023 05:45am
- Possible inhibition of glycemic response and increased risk of cardiovascular events This year, while the American Diabetes Association recognized intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating as part of a meal pattern based on research results that help reduce weight and improve blood sugar, the Korean Diabetes Association also reviewed low-carbohydrate diets and non-nutritive sweeteners. The Diabetes Association acknowledged the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet, which have accumulated some evidence, while asking for a cautious approach in that non-nutritive sweeteners have mixed results. On the 12th, the Korean Diabetes Association held a spring academic conference at the Kimdaejung Convention Center in Gwangju, and disclosed the results of the review of evidence and revision work conducted by the Food and Nutrition Committee of the society. Professor Lim Jeong-hyeon, Seoul National University Hospital, Food and Nutrition Division (Cancer Committee, Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition) Numerous studies have already shown that healthy eating habits, including the Mediterranean, vegetarian, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, and DASH (salt-restricted diets designed to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension), improve blood sugar, reduce weight, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. being confirmed Because of this, the American Diabetes Association and other major treatment guidelines recommend individualizing various dietary patties and using them appropriately. In particular, according to the research results that time-restricted meals are helpful for weight loss and blood sugar improvement, in 2023 the American Diabetes Association included intermittent fasting and time-restricted meals as one type of meal pattern, and whether or not this was reflected in Korea has emerged as a matter of interest. This month, the Korean Society for Obesity published guidelines for low-carbohydrate diets that limit carbohydrate intake to 10-45% of total energy intake. situation you are doing. In the midst of this, the Korean Diabetes Association also presented an appropriate answer. The revised guidelines of the Korean Diabetes Association are largely divided into ▲ intake of carbohydrates in a form rich in dietary fiber ▲ refrain from sugar-sweetened beverages to minimize the intake of added sugars ▲ limited use of non-nutritive sweeteners for a short period of time. “The 2021 recommendation did not recommend an extreme diet method that did not prove long-term benefits,” said Lim Jeong-hyun, professor of nutrition at Seoul National University Hospital (Cancer Committee of the Korean Society of Clinical Nutrition). The method was observed and reflected in the 2023 recommendation.” "Mediterranean, vegetarian, low-fat, DASH, and low-carbohydrate eating patterns have demonstrated long-term benefits," he said. "Therefore, these eating patterns can be adapted according to goals and preferences (limited recommendations)." He said, “The American Diabetes Association revised the carbohydrate section of medical nutrition therapy in 2022 to emphasize the quality intake of carbohydrates. We presented the rationale for this and added an ultra-low-carbohydrate diet to the dietary pattern session.” In fact, as a result of analyzing 10 RCTs involving 1376 type 2 diabetes patients, it was found that glycated hemoglobin and body mass index decreased according to carbohydrate restriction. Professor Lim said, "In a 2022 meta-analysis study of 50 RCTs for patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing carbohydrate intake to less than 45% of total energy intake showed improvements in several indicators such as body weight, lipids, and glycated hemoglobin." For each 10% reduction, A1C decreased by 0.2%, FPG by 0.34mmol/L, and body weight by 1.44kg, and all serum lipid indicators were improved.” He said, "Up to 6 months, the rest of the indicators showed a linear decrease in the 40% carbohydrate diet, but triglycerides and LDL cholesterol showed a U-shaped shape." Although they decreased, their weight showed a U-shaped pattern." "Because a meal is a combination of various foods, there can be many patterns in a weight control diet," he said. It is important to increase individual compliance, such as using a Mediterranean diet or Mediterranean diet, and to allow patients to choose individually according to their goals and preferences, and to provide evidence for that.” In view of the consistent increase in the risk of developing diabetes when consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, the society recommended refraining from sugar-sweetened beverages while urging caution against consuming beverages that have been replaced with non-nutritive sweeteners. Professor Lim said, “The risk of diabetes rises by 51% when you consume one or more sugary drinks a day, and a 10% reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage intake consistently reduces the risk of diabetes.” It should be recommended to replace it with coffee.” He said, “The problem is that the effect of replacing sugar-sweetened beverages or sugar-sweetened beverages with artificial sweeteners is inconsistent. "I haven't made a clear statement," he said. He said, “In a 2021 study, sucralose and saccharin inhibited the blood sugar response, and a study published in NATURE this year showed that erythritol increased the risk of major cardiovascular events.” For this purpose, the use of non-nutritive sweeteners for a short period of time can be considered on a limited basis.”
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- Olumiant set the first milestone for circular hair loss
- by Hwang, byoung-woo Apr 20, 2023 05:58am
- As Olumiant is listed as a treatment for severe alopecia areata in adults for the first time in Korea, expectations are growing as to how much impact it will have. Experts say that there are many positive factors, such as increased interest in hair loss disease, as it is a treatment that has already been in high demand. However, some point out that future tasks such as a clear distinction between mild and severe in alopecia areata and the establishment of guidelines must be preempted in order for new indications to quickly take root. According to the pharmaceutical industry on the 4th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety approved Lilly's oral JAK inhibitor Olumiant as the first treatment for severe alopecia areata in adults in Korea. A specific target is severe alopecia areata in adult patients aged 18 years or older. It is true that there was no approved treatment for alopecia areata before the approval of Olumiant. Previously recommended treatments had limited evidence to support their effectiveness. Professor Kim Moon-beom (Pusan National University Hospital, Dermatology), president of the Korean Hair Society, said, "Severe alopecia areata has suffered from treatment limitations due to the low public awareness of alopecia areata and the absence of approved drugs for patients with alopecia areata." The society has already started efforts to improve the treatment environment for patients with severe alopecia areata through the revision of the treatment guidelines since last year.” Won Jong-hyeon, public relations director of the Hair Society (Seoul Asan Medical Center, Dermatology Department) said, "It is a drug that has been in standby demand for patients with severe hair loss, so it is expected that prescriptions and intake will become active with approval." It is positive that it has become a new hope for hair loss patients or patients who have experienced side effects for which the existing immunosuppressive treatment was not easy.” Olumiant's approval for severe alopecia areata in adults was based on the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 clinical trials BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2. Both studies included Korea. The primary endpoint of the BRAVE-AA1 and BRAVE-AA2 studies was the proportion of patients achieving a SALT score of 20 or less (more than 80% hair-covered scalp) at week 36. Olumiant 2mg and 4mg showed superiority to placebo in terms of hair regrowth effect at 36 weeks. In BRAVE-AA1, the rates of achieving a SALT score of 20 points or less at week 36 of the Olumiant-administered group were 38.8% (4mg) and 22.8% (2mg), which were statistically significantly higher than 6.2% of the control group (placebo). If so, can Olumiant's indication for severe alopecia areata in adults leads to immediate prescription as long as there was a waiting demand? In the clinical field, in order for new drugs to take root more quickly, it is the view that a clear distinction between severe and mild conditions in alopecia areata and the establishment of a treatment guide should be given priority. According to the guideline for the treatment of alopecia areata published last year by the Hair Society, oral JAK inhibitors are systemic immunosuppressive agents (systemic steroid ± oral cyclosporine therapy) or diphenylcyclopropenone, DPCP and It is recommended as a first-line treatment agent. Regarding this, PR director Won said, "For future prescriptions, it is expected that the risk of side effects, including age, tumor occurrence, and presence of comorbidities, will be considered." The aspect of being able to do so will also be a consideration in the prescription,” he explained.
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- Prescription of flu Txs rise with the spread of influenza A
- by Kang, Hye-Kyung Apr 05, 2023 05:48am
- Pharmacies are busy dispensing treatments due to the resurgence of influenza A, which has become prevalent again after December last year. Although a flu outbreak in March, the start of the new school year, is common, due to the lifting of the mask-wearing regulation and the varying temperature in the spring season, the adeno, rhino, paraviruses, and pneumonia are spreading at the same time, and turning into a full-blown epidemic. Flu prescriptions have been increasing with the spread of influenza A According to the pharmaceutical industry, prescriptions for flu treatments (oseltamivir phosphate) have been increasing with the resurgence of influenza A. In addition, the number of patients visiting hospitals for colds and high fevers has also increased, leading to an increased number of prescriptions and dispensing for those patients. Pharmacist A who owns a pharmacy near an otolaryngology hospital said, “We started to receive flu prescriptions one by one since last week, and the number of prescriptions has been increasing. There are cases where 4-5 students from one class is being diagnosed with the flu. So we are using the flu treatments that I had set out to one side to return.” According to the pharmacist, patients are being prescribed oseltamivir alone or with cold medicines. The pharmacist said, “Although some of the suspension powders are out of stock, we have stockpiled some drugs during the flu epidemic last year, and we also have 30mg and 45mg formulations in stock, so I don’t think there will be a stock shortage situation.” Another pharmacist, B, said, “This season’s flu is characterized by chills, headache, muscle pain, cough, sore throat, etc. along with high fever. I think respiratory diseases are spreading due to the lifting of the mask-wearing regulation and the varying temperature in the spring season. In addition to the flu, the adeno, rhino, parainfluenza viruses, and pneumonia are also spreading.” According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the proportion of suspected influenza patients (patients with suspected symptoms) was 13.2 per 1,000 outpatients, which is an increase from 11.7 in the previous week, and 2.7 times higher than the epidemic standard of 4.9. Also by pathogen detection rates, 4.9% of the patients were detected with influenza, 16.4% with rhinovirus, and 10.4% with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Among hospital inpatients with acute respiratory infections, 31.9% were reported with rhinovirus, 27.9 with RSV, and 15.9% with parainfluenza virus. New patients with severe acute respiratory infections also increased, with influenza at 3.5% and pneumonia at 52.1%. Care Insight (www.careinsight.co.kr), an on-site pharmacy data analysis service, analyzed the number of flu prescriptions from March 26th to April 1st this year and found that the amount increased by 3.3% compared to the previous week. Pharmacist B said, “Students from the same class are leaving early or submitting a leave of absence due to the flu, and the wait time at otolaryngology clinics increased to exceed an hour in general.” Due to this spread of respiratory diseases in schools, local governments have been recommending influenza vaccination to children and pregnant women "Children that go to school as well as pregnant women who may have an increased risk of complications such as premature birth and childbirth of underweight infants with infection, should be vaccinated. Children aged 6 months to 13 and pregnant women are eligible for free vaccinations by April 30, therefore, if you are eligible, it’s not too late. Visit a designated medical institution and get vaccinated."
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- No. of Paxlovid prescriptions drop at pharmacies
- by Jung, Heung-Jun Apr 05, 2023 05:47am
- Contrary to the government’s plans to expand the number of pharmacies in charge of COVID-19 treatments to 6,000, the number has not increased from 4,000 due to reduced prescriptions. Moreover, pharmacies handling the COVID-19 treatments are predicting that more pharmacies would be applying to cancel their designation from the second half of the year. As the disease control and prevention authorities plan to stop providing free COVID-19 treatments in the first half of next year, pharmacies that currently supply the drugs will also have to set up an exit strategy. Pharmacy A from Seoul said, “Prescriptions are at most 1-2 a day. In the meantime, the government increased the number of pharmacies, and hospitals reduced their prescriptions. So there is no reason to increase the number of pharmacies. Some pharmacies may wish to immediately drop their supply, but many are keeping their stockpile just in case patients come.” The proportion of COVID-19 patients over the age of 60 who are eligible to use oral treatments has also been gradually decreasing. According to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the daily average number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remained in the 10,000 range, and the proportion of confirmed patients over the age of 60 decreased from 26.2% in the first week of March to 21.7% in the fourth week. Both the number of confirmed cases and the proportion of patients over the age of 60 are declining (Source: KDCA) 7,981 patients over the age of 60 were prescribed oral COVID-19 treatments in the second week of this month. When making simple calculations and dividing it by the 4,000 pharmacies, this is equivalent to each pharmacy dispensing two courses of oral COVID-19 treatments a week. With the prescription rate not rising as expected, there have been talks about providing incentives to prescribing doctors. In March, Gi-Seok Jeong, Director-General of the Special Response of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, requested the government to consider providing a separate fee for COVID-19 prescriptions. Although the degree may vary depending on the pharmacy, pharmacies have been experiencing a sharp drop in prescriptions of COVID-19 treatments in general. Pharmacy B in Gyeonggi Province said, “In the past, patients from far away came or reached me for prescriptions, but due to an increase in pharmacies that supply the treatments, I haven’t seen any patients for quite some time.” Pharmacy C in Seoul said, “The number of prescriptions decreased much and is rare these days. With the number of contraindicated drugs increasing, hospitals now do not seem to be actively prescribing them if they are not necessary, he said. "However, no pharmacy in our region has canceled their designation yet." The treatment will be supplied free of charge until this year. Patients will be charged a fee from the first half of next year. (Source: KDCA) Also, the authorities recently announced their plan to offer free treatment only until the second half of this year under a phased program. Under the program, COVID-19 treatments will be applied health insurance from the first half of next year. However, since oral COVID-19 drugs are expensive and cost around KRW 900,000, the key question is how much of the actual cost should be borne by the patients. Pharmacies expect a steeper drop in prescriptions when free supply is discontinued. Pharmacy A said, "An increasing number of pharmacies will stop supplying them before an insurance copayment rate is set, and I expect that will be around the end of the year."
