June 17th 2021
The COX-2 inhibitor Anjeso, a faster-acting injectable formulation of meloxicam, reduces opioid use after surgery.
November 18th 2014
June 13th 2013
June 12th 2013
Drug companies should report clinical trial results, even when they won't lead to a product
October 1st 2011Drug companies sponsoring human trials of possible new medications have ethical responsibilities to study participants and to science to disclose the results of their clinical research, even when product development is no longer being pursued.
Dapagliflozin: An emerging treatment option for type 2 diabetes mellitus
October 1st 2011Dapagliflozin is a sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitor under review for FDA approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite the availability of many antidiabetic agents in the United States, type 2 diabetes remains inadequately controlled in many patients.
Labels for TNF-alpha blockers to warn of potential for infection
October 1st 2011In a safety communication released September 7, 2011, FDA announced it is requiring the prescribing information for all tumor necrosis factor-alpha blockers to include a black-boxed warning regarding an increased risk of infection from 2 bacterial pathogens, Legionella and Listeria.
Certain DMARDs associated with an increased incidence of diabetes in patients with psoriasis or RA
October 1st 2011In patients with psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis, the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors or hydroxychloroquine, but not methotrexate, was associated with a decrease in the incidence of diabetes compared to other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Hospital admission may lead patients to unintentionally discontinue medications for chronic diseases
September 9th 2011Patients discharged from the hospital are at an elevated risk of not continuing their long-term medications for chronic diseases, and ICU admission appears to further increase this risk, according a recent study published August 24 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
FDA approves Xalkori with companion diagnostic for a type of late-stage lung cancer
September 2nd 2011FDA has notified healthcare professionals and patients that the antidepressant citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa, Forest Laboratories) should no longer be used at doses greater than 40 mg per day because it can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.
Linaclotide reduces symptoms for patients with chronic constipation, studies show
September 2nd 2011Linaclotide, an investigational drug for the relief of chronic constipation, appears to be effective and safe, according to the results of two phase 3 trials published in the August issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Study provides first evidence-based colchicine dosing recommendations
September 2nd 2011Colchicine, a widely used drug for the prevention and treatment of gout flares, interacts dangerously with many commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-fungals, immunosuppresants and protease inhibitors, according to a study published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. However, most patients can take colchicines safely with these medications as long as the dose is adjusted, the study indicated.
FDA approves first antivenom for Centruroides scorpion stings
August 19th 2011FDA has approved the first antivenom treatment specifically for a scorpion sting by the Centruroides scorpions in the United States. The new biologic treatment?called Anascorp?was designated an orphan drug and given priority review because adequate treatment did not exist in the United States, according to a consumer update and corresponding news release issued by the agency.
New guidelines for COPD diagnosis, management
August 19th 2011The American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), American Thoracic Society (ACT), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) have issued updated recommendations to the 2007 ACP clinical practice guideline on diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The new recommendations were published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA warns unapproved emergency birth control may be ineffective, unsafe
August 19th 2011FDA is warning consumers in the United States not to use an emergency birth control medicine labeled as Evital. According to a recent press release from the agency, Evital has not been approved by FDA, and the product may be a counterfeit version of the morning-after pill. It may not be safe or effective in preventing pregnancy.