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
ALLHAT and JNC 7: Health-system applications and economic considerations
January 1st 2004New Orleans-The results of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatmentto Prevent Heart Attack (ALLHAT) Trial, along with the highlights of theSeventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection,Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), were reviewedat an educational session of the recently concluded 38th ASHP Midyear ClinicalMeeting.
Clinical news updates from the 2003 AHA Scientific Sessions
January 1st 2004The American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions comprise the largest meeting of its kind held in the cardiovascular field, with several thousand presentations given each year. The recently concluded 2003 AHA Scientific Sessions included presentations of trials that evaluated potential therapeutic compounds, as well as widely used and accepted compounds in new dosages or combinations, for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. The compilation of clinical news reviewed focuses on the cardiovascular pharmacotherapy trials of greatest interest to formulary decision-makers, including: VALIANT, REVERSAL, SPORTIF V, PAPABEAR, PRIMO-CABG, and CREST.
Health-system pharmacists receive 2003 Best Practices Award
December 9th 2003New Orleans-Providing pharmacy services in nontraditional settings, implementing medication scanning technologies, and developing strategies to improve immunization rates of high-risk patients are just some of the innovations recognized by ASHP's Best Practices Award in Health-System Pharmacy.
Award and grants focus on medication safety
December 9th 2003New Orleans-ASHP honored Kevin L. Roberg yesterday for his efforts toreduce medication errors in hospitals and health systems. Roberg receivedthe society's Board of Directors Award of Honor during the opening sessionof the 38th ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.
ALLHAT and JNC 7: Health-system applications and economic considerations
December 9th 2003New Orleans-The results of the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatmentto Prevent Heart Attack (ALLHAT) Trial, along with the highlights of theSeventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection,Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7), were presentedon Dec. 9 at an educational session of the 38th ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.
JCAHO plans to assess accredited organizations on National PatientSafety Goals
December 8th 2003Rockville, Md.--As of January 1, 2004, all JCAHO-accredited organizations(hospitals and health-care facilities) will be assessed to ensure that theyare implementing JCAHO's National Patients Safety Goals. New goalsare set annually in July and take effect January 1 of the following year.
USP's hospital medication error report supports key patient safety goals
December 8th 2003New Orleans, La.--The most recent report compiled by the United StatesPharmacopeia (USP) found that high-alert medications have continued to harmhospitalized patients, according to Diane D. Cousins (pictured at left),RPh, vice president of USP's Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety.Cousins announced the results of the MEDMARX report, based on data from2002, at a press conference at the 38th ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting.
Clinical Importance of Increased Antimicrobial Concentrations
December 1st 2003Raising the antimicrobial concentration at the site of the infection has recently been identified as an important factor in combating bacterial resistance. Low in vitro concentrations of mlactams can eliminate susceptible pathogens but can augment resistant populations.
Predicting the Efficacy of Antibiotic Regimens: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Parameters
December 1st 2003Application of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of antibiotics to prescribing practices can help determine which antimicrobial to select for effective bacterial eradication and to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Focus on: Lansoprazole IV. A new delivery method for an established PPI (PDF)
December 1st 2003An intravenous formulation of lansoprazole has been developed and is under review by FDA. If approved, lansoprazole will be the second IV proton pump inhibitor available in the United States, providing an alternative to the currently available pantoprazole IV. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of lansoprazole IV have been found to be comparable to the oral form. Until more data are available the agent, if approved, should be reserved as an option for patients unable to take lansoprazole via the oral route.
Focus on: Atazanavir. A novel azapeptide inhibitor of HIV-1 protease (PDF)
December 1st 2003Atazanavir is a novel azapeptide protease inhibitor (PI) that has been approved by FDA for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents in treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced HIV-infected individuals. Atazanavir has a low pill burden consisting of 2 capsules administered once daily and it has an adverse effect profile that is not associated with clinically relevant lipid effects. In clinical studies of up to 48 weeks, atazanavir demonstrated comparable antiretroviral efficacy to nelfinavir and efavirenz in treatment-naïve patients. The most common adverse effect associated with atazanavir is a reversible dose-related increase in unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin.
Managing Antibiotic Resistance: Effective Treatment Strategies
December 1st 2003This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with theEssential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for ContinuingMedical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the DannemillerMemorial Educational Foundation and Advanstar Communications, Inc.
Considerations for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the managed care setting (PDF)
November 1st 2003The direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with multiple sclerosis are high. In the managed care setting, before treatment is initiated, these costs must be reconciled with other factors such as the epidemiological and clinical features of MS and current recommendations for pharmacologic management. Managed care organizations (MCOs) have the opportunity to improve the outcomes of MS through a system of care. MCOs can also manage the costs of the 2 first-line therapies (glatiramer and agents from the interferon class) used to treat MS by using stepped care and preferred formulary designations. In addition, improved outcomes can be achieved by establishing a disease management approach to treat MS.
Wyeth reports off-label use of venlafaxine associated with pediatric risks
October 1st 2003A recent "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter issued by Wyeth outlines the potential risks associated with the company's antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor and Effexor XR) when the drug is administered in the pediatric population. The letter, dated August 22, 2003, cites data from clinical studies in pediatric patients (aged 617 y) and details changes that have been made to the labeling for venlafaxine. Venlafaxine has been prescribed off-label in the pediatric population despite never being approved by FDA for use in children or adolescents.
Patient-based strategies encourage increased use of generic drugs
October 1st 2003As patient-based strategies promote acceptance and wider use of generic drugs, managed care organizations' (MCOs's) tools now include aggressive voucher programs that go so far as to provide preprinted prescription blanks for patients to take to their doctors.