Itraconazole and amphotericin B have at least equivalent efficacy as empirical antifungal therapy in neutropenic patients with cancer. However, itraconazole is associated with significantly less toxicity.

This study demonstrates the noninferiority and safety of piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy, compared with cefepime, for the empirical treatment of high-risk febrile neutropenic patients with cancer.

In 2012, Canadian pharmacies experienced a shortage of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole tablets. Drug shortages may result in unintended clinical consequences such as infection with pathogens against which the alternative medication is ineffective. This is highlighted in the present article, which describes a case of brain abscess due to Nocardia species that developed while receiving dapsone as an alternative for prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in a highly immune-suppressed patient. Clinicians should be cognizant of these issues when prescribing alternative agents.