Trending News Today: Study Examines Treatment Patterns in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis

A recent study on the treatment patterns of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) showed that 16% to 46% of those who started biologics or apremilast had poor overall adherence and high rates of switching, The American Journal of Managed Care reported. According to the article, the researchers examined a prescription claims database to analyze patterns of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who started therapy with 1 of 5 drugs by later status of whether they had PsA or not. The results demonstrated that patients without PsA who were treated with ustekinumab had better persistence, lower discontinuation, and lower switching, the article reported.

A new law will expand New Jersey’s medical marijuana program by increasing the number of illnesses eligible for cannabis use, boosting the amount that can be dispensed, and raising the number of cultivator permits, The Associated Press reported. According to the article, the legislation increases the limit that can be dispensed from 2 ounces to 3 ounces for 18 months after the law goes into effect. Additionally, it boosts a patient’s supply from 90 days to 1 year and allows for home delivery to patients, the article reported.

A new study found that antidepressant use can reduce mortality by 35% among individuals with diabetes, MD Magazine reported. According to the article, the researchers identified 53,412 individuals, of which 50,532 were using antidepressants and 2880 were not. After adjustment, the researchers concluded that rates of mortality decreased as total cumulative dose increased among individuals using antidepressants