Liraglutide: A human GLP-1 analogue for the treatment of type 2 diabetes
May 1st 2009Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue that is currently pending FDA approval for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This agent mimics the actions of food-induced endogenous GLP-1 release, thus causing glucose-dependent increased insulin secretion, decreased glucagon secretion, and reduced appetite and gastric emptying.
Parenteral medication errors common in ICUs
April 1st 2009In a multinational prospective study published in the BMJ, investigators demonstrated that parenteral medication errors are common occurrences in intensive care units (ICUs), but the number of errors can be reduced through the use of error-reporting and electronic prescribing systems.
Modafinil has potential for abuse and addiction because of increased dopamine levels
April 1st 2009In a pilot study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators demonstrated that modafinil blocks dopamine transporters and increases dopamine levels in the brain, suggesting that this agent has the potential for abuse and addiction.
Food and drug safety crises prompt White House, congressional action
April 1st 2009The headlines about contaminated heparin and tainted peanuts have put pressure on FDA to improve its methods for detecting unsafe medical and food products and to take swift action when problems emerge. The complaints are prompting the Obama administration to provide more resources for FDA while Congress weighs expanding agency operations and enforcement authority.
Nebulized albuterol versus levalbuterol in pediatric and adult patients: A review
April 1st 2009This article reviews the similarities and differences between albuterol (ALB) and levalbuterol (LEV) to provide P&T committees a concise summary of the available literature regarding efficacy, side effects, and cost of these agents.
Clopidogrel plus PPI after hospitalization for ACS leads to increased risk of adverse outcomes
March 12th 2009A retrospective cohort study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated that concomitant use of clopidogrel and a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) after hospital discharge for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for ACS.
Rosuvastatin associated with significant stroke risk reduction in patients with high hsCRP
March 12th 2009Apparently healthy people with normal cholesterol levels but elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) demonstrated a significant relative reduction in stroke risk if treated with rosuvastatin rather than placebo in the Justification for Use of Statins in Prevention: An Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) study, according to data presented at the International Stroke Conference 2009.
Few hospitals give t-PA to patients with ischemic stroke who are covered by Medicare
March 12th 2009Two-thirds of US hospitals do not administer tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) to patients who have a stroke and are covered by Medicare, according to the results of a national study conducted between 2005 and 2007, which were presented at the International Stroke Conference 2009.
Transdermal medication patches may lead to burns during MRI scans
March 12th 2009FDA has issued a public health advisory regarding a risk of burns during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in patients wearing transdermal medication patches that contain aluminum or other metals in the backing of the patches. The patches can overheat during the scan, leading to skin burns in the area of the patch.
Intraventricular delivery of t-PA improves outcomes in intraventricular hemorrhage
March 12th 2009Catheter delivery of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) improves survival and functional outcomes at 6 months in patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), according to the final results from a phase 2b study known as Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage (CLEAR IVH).
Anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies associated with increased risk of herpes zoster
March 1st 2009In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators demonstrated an association between treatment with the anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) adalimumab and infliximab and risk of herpes zoster events in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Higher continuity of statin use associated with decreased all-cause mortality
March 1st 2009In a retrospective cohort study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, higher continuity of statin treatment was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality among patients with or without coronary heart disease (CHD).
Healthcare reformers seek greater transparency in drug prices, marketing, and research
March 1st 2009A prominent theme in health-reform efforts is the need for more transparent information about healthcare cost and quality upon which providers and patients can base their treatment decisions. Many federal agencies and state governments are expanding their requirements for pharmaceutical companies to report payments made to researchers and physicians, and for health plans to give beneficiaries more information on drug costs and coverage.
A review of common sexually transmitted diseases
March 1st 2009Although there have been significant advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and education, the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continues to increase. This article focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the most common STDs.
Ustekinumab: A human monoclonal antibody for the treatment of plaque psoriasis
March 1st 2009Ustekinumab is a novel investigational human monoclonal antibody (mAb) that is pending approval for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Subcutaneous administration of ustekinumab has demonstrated efficacy in both phase 2 and 3 trials.
FDA advisory committees recommend ban on Darvon, Darvocet
February 17th 2009At a joint meeting of FDA's Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs and Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committees on January 30, 2009, advisors voted 14 to 12 that propoxyphene and propoxyphene-containing products should be removed from the market. Propoxyphene (Darvon, Xanodyne; generic propoxyphene) and propoxyphene combinations, including Darvocet (Xanodyne), are used for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acute pain.