Most people who smoke don’t quit on their initial attempt. What’s the best course of action, then, if an initial smoking cessation attempt fails? Results from a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network found that for individuals who did not quit after being treated with varenicline, increasing the dosage enhanced abstinence. For nonabstainers who were initially treated with combination nicotine replacement therapy, a dosage increase or a switch to varenicline enhanced abstinence.

Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed legislation that expands pharmacists’ scope of practice in the state. The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature on May 1.

A new initiative from the American Heart Association (AHA) aims to educate and engage pharmacists in caring for patients with AFib.

A study of more than 11,000 U.S. adults suggests an association between acid-suppression therapy, including PPIs, H2RAs, and generic antacids, and an increased risk of migraine and severe headaches compared with people who do not take these medications. The risk was 70% higher for those using PPIs, 40% higher for those taking H2RAs, and 30% higher for generic antacids.

Authors of a research letter in JAMA Cardiology report that declines in heart failure–related mortality from 1999 to 2012 have been entirely undone by reversals from 2012 to 2021.