Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are the standard of care for stroke prevention in most patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Data on the safety and efficacy of DOACS in patients with obesity are limited and, at times, contradictory. What would you recommend for a patient with a BMI>40: warfarin, which requires periodic monitoring and dose adjustments, or a DOAC, which may not be as effective?

Guest Authors: Taylor M. Benavides, PharmD, BCPS and Elizabeth B. Hearn, PharmD, BCACP

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This episode is a collaboration between the ACCP Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network (PRN) ... and iForumRx.org.

The treatment of COPD has evolved significant over the past few years. The GOLD classification system was recently changed with a greater focus on exacerbations, and the role of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) is limited to those with evidence of inflammation. Pharmacists can play a critical and positive role in the lives of people with COPD by encouraging lifestyle changes, administering vaccines to immunize against respiratory illnesses, ensuring proper inhaler technique, and assisting with medication access.

Panelists: Melissa Lipari, PharmD, BCACP; Thomas Levi Lancaster, PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM; and Rachel Basinger, PharmD, BCACP, CTTS, DipACLM

Produced by Rebecca Khaimova, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES and Anna K Love, PharmD, BCACP

Music by lemonmusicstudio from Pixabay

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of dementia; therefore, knowledge about medications and their possible impact on the development of dementia is critical. Historically, metformin has been the most frequently prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. Does metformin impact the risk of dementia? Should providers be hesitant to prescribe … or discontinue metformin therapy?

Guest Authors: Benjamin King, PharmD, BCACP, Amber Lilly, PharmD, and Jordan Cloonan, PharmD

Music by Good Talk