ACE inhibitors versus ARBs for ischemic heart disease: comparative effectiveness
January 1st 2010A systematic review into the comparative effectiveness of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), or both, for patients with stable ischemic heart disease and preserved left ventricular (LV) function found that adding an ACE inhibitor to standard treatment can improve outcomes.
Drug pricing, safety, access to dominate agenda in the year ahead
January 1st 2010The new team heading up FDA will be firmly established and eager to implement new policies and programs. Payers, plans, and formulary committees will be watching key trends that will shape drug development and coverage in 2010:
Dabigatran compared to warfarin when given to patients with atrial fibrillation
January 1st 2010Dabigatran, a new oral direct thrombin inhibitor, given to patients with atrial fibrillation at a dose of 110 mg was associated with rates of stroke and systemic embolism that were similar to those associated with warfarin, as well as lower rates of major hemorrhage.
Generic drugs dominate market, look to expand into biologics
December 1st 2009Generics makers have aggressively challenged drug patents before scheduled expiration, while brand-name manufacturers have delayed generic entry through 30-month stays, citizen petitions, and deals to "authorize" generic products that are less threatening to the brand.
Fibromyalgia: A review of management options
December 1st 2009Evidence-based recommendations utilize an integrated approach that combines nonpharmacologic approaches (specifically patient education, exercise, and cognitive behavioral therapy) and pharmacologic approaches in the management of fibromyalgia.
Thiopurines increase lymphoproliferative disorder risk in IBD patients
November 1st 2009Patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving thiopurines are at increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorder, according to a French prospective observational cohort study, which was published online in The Lancet.
Bloodstream infections and contaminated prefilled syringes: issues of medication safety
November 1st 2009An investigation into a multistate outbreak of Serratia marcescens bloodstream infections (BSIs) published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found an association between the BSIs and contamination of prefilled syringes.
Travoprost: A prostaglandin analogue for the treatment of glaucoma
In August 2003, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awarded a contract for prostaglandin ophthalmic agents with travoprost as the agent of choice. Although there was no national mandate to switch patients from existing therapy, many VA facilities had agreements from their local ophthalmology and optometry departments to conduct a therapeutic interchange of patients from existing prostaglandins (eg, latanoprost) to travoprost.
Two antimalaria drugs are tolerated regimens in regions with resistance
November 1st 2009In a review published in The Cochrane Library, researchers determined that atovaquone-proguanil and doxycycline were well tolerated by most travelers and are less likely than mefloquine to cause adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes.
First-time generic drug approvals, October 2009
October 1st 2009Generic drugs approved by FDA (through October 2009): 1% clindamycin/5% benzoyl peroxide gel, triamcinolone acetonide nasal spray, clonidine transdermal system, betamethasone acetate and betamathasone sodium phosphate injectable suspension