Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition characterized by fat buildup in the liver. MAFLD can evolve in severity to noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is chronic, progressive, and potentially life-threatening. Current practice guidance recommends lifestyle interventions and medications for managing comorbidities. In 2024, resmetirom became the first FDA-approved treatment for adults who have noncirrhotic MASH with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating resmetirom's safety and efficacy in patients with cirrhosis. The pharmacist's key responsibilities when engaging with patients who are prescribed resmetirom for MASH include encouraging healthy lifestyle changes, educating about potential side effects, identifying and counseling on potential drug interactions, and facilitating drug accessibility.
HIV continues to be a major public-health concern more than 4 decades after the first U.S. case was reported in 1981. The CDC recently updated its 2013 guidelines for managing occupational exposures to HIV. The 2025 recommendations include new antiretroviral drug regimens for postexposure prophylaxis (PEP); a shortened duration of follow-up HIV testing after exposure; elimination of routine laboratory tests for antiretroviral drug toxicity; and PEP considerations when the source patient has an undetectable viral load. The preferred PEP regimen includes an integrase strand transfer inhibitor plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. PEP should be started as soon as possible up to 72 hours following an HIV exposure. Certain clinical scenarios in exposed healthcare personnel warrant the guidance of an HIV expert.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory infection that can result in hospitalization in children and older adults. As it progresses, it can lead to hypoxemia and significant distress. Management of RSV is primarily supportive care with oxygenation and hydration since no effective antiviral therapy exists. There have been recent advances in RSV vaccination and prevention options for infants, pregnant women, and older adults. In 2023 and 2025, respectively, Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) and Enflonsia (clesrovimab-cfor) were approved as long-acting monoclonal antibody products for RSV prevention.
Viral hepatitis infections are caused by five distinct viruses that differ in epidemiology, natural history, transmission, and clinical outcomes. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E represent a significant global health burden, contributing to acute illness, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and premature death. From administering and promoting vaccines to managing complex antiviral therapies and counseling patients on preventive behaviors, pharmacists are integral to comprehensive hepatitis care. To reduce disease burden, their role reaches beyond patient encounters to include advocacy for policy initiatives, public-health surveillance, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Effective anticoagulation counseling is a key responsibility in community pharmacy practice, especially given the widespread use of anticoagulants and their narrow therapeutic windows. Practical, evidence-based strategies can help pharmacists improve patient education, support adherence, and reduce the risk of adverse events. Tailoring counseling for vitamin K antagonists versus direct oral anticoagulants is essential, as it enables pharmacists to emphasize proper dosing, highlight important drug-drug and drug-food interactions, and identify symptoms that require urgent medical attention. In addition, understanding how to manage therapy transitions, such as perioperative management or switching between anticoagulants, further reinforces the pharmacist's critical role in promoting safe and effective anticoagulation therapy in daily practice.
