For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Improving heart failure outcomes, whatever the ejection fraction
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Improving heart failure outcomes, whatever the ejection fraction
Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12:40 AM

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Consultant cardiologist Chris Ellis discusses the use of a relatively new medicine for patients with heart failure. Benefits are evident with reduced and preserved ejection fractions
Key points, Empagliflozin is funded for some patients with heart failure (NYHA class II, III or IV with ejection fraction ≤40 per cent) via a Special Authority ap, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
1. Packer M, Anker SD, Butler J, et al. Cardiovascular and renal outcomes with empagliflozin in heart failure. N Engl J Med 2020;383(15):1413–24.
2. Anker SD, Butler J, Filippatos G, et al. Empagliflozin in heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction. N Engl J Med 2021;385(16):1451–61.