Aspirin vs. Blood Thinners, a 9-Year Endo Wait Ends & Cyclospora Hits Taco Bell
Key Takeaways
- The EPCAT III trial results suggest that aspirin alone is non-inferior to a combined regimen of rivaroxaban and aspirin for preventing major blood clots in standard-risk patients following elective joint replacement.
- NICE has issued a draft recommendation to allow the use of EndoSure and Endotest, two rapid diagnostic tests for endometriosis, within the NHS as part of a real-world evidence gathering initiative.
- A significant FDA recall has been issued for over 2.5 million bottles of prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension due to sterility concerns.
- The ongoing Cyclospora outbreak has now been linked to food safety concerns at Taco Bell, highlighting the need for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for foodborne illness.
- For the latest medical news headlines, keep up with Medlines as we break down the clinical, policy, and pop-culture stories that impact your practice every week.
Friday, July 17, 2026
In today’s episode, Dr. Will Flanary / Dr. Glaucomflecken (@drglaucomflecken) and Adam Rose cover the EPCAT III trial, which found that aspirin alone was non-inferior to an initial course of rivaroxaban followed by aspirin for preventing major blood clots after elective hip or knee replacement in predominantly standard-risk patients. They examine NICE’s draft recommendation allowing two rapid endometriosis tests, EndoSure and Endotest, to enter limited NHS use while researchers gather additional real-world evidence. Plus: They discuss a recall involving more than 2.5 million bottles of prednisolone acetate eye drops, the first HAVANA Act compensation payments, the expanding Cyclospora response, and The Pitt leading the 2026 Emmy nominations with 25 nods. (00:00) Intro (01:07) Aspirin vs. Rivaroxaban After Joint Replacement (03:19) NICE Endorses Rapid Endometriosis Tests (05:30) FDA Recall of Prednisolone Eye Drops (06:07) First Havana Syndrome Payments (06:41) Cyclospora Outbreak Reaches Taco Bell (07:10) The Pitt Leads Emmy Nominations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is aspirin as effective as rivaroxaban after hip or knee replacement?
According to the EPCAT III trial, aspirin alone was found to be non-inferior to an initial course of rivaroxaban followed by aspirin in standard-risk patients following elective joint replacement.
What are the new diagnostic tests for endometriosis being evaluated by NICE?
NICE is currently evaluating two rapid diagnostic tests, EndoSure and Endotest, which may soon be used in the NHS under a conditional framework to collect real-world evidence.
Why were 2.5 million bottles of prednisolone eye drops recalled?
The recall involves prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension due to concerns regarding sterility, necessitating caution for clinicians and pharmacists handling these supplies.
What is the latest medical news on the Cyclospora outbreak?
The current outbreak has expanded to include food safety concerns involving Taco Bell, urging healthcare providers to be vigilant with patients presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms.