Metformin improves outcomes for cancer patients with type 2 diabetes
December 9th 2013In cancer patients with concurrent type 2 diabetes, metformin alone or in combination with other regimens was associated with 34% reduction in overall death risk and 38% reduction in cancer-specific death risk, according to a study in the December issue of The Oncologist.
Sovaldi approved to treat chronic hepatitis C
December 9th 2013FDA has approved sofosbuvir (Sovaldi, Gilead) to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. According to FDA, Sovaldi is the first drug that has demonstrated safety and efficacy to treat certain types of HCV infection without the need for co-administration of interferon.
3 tips for becoming an exceptional pharmacy leader
December 9th 2013Do you have the qualities to become an exceptional pharmacy leader? Captain Mark E. Brouker, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, who recently retired from the U.S. Navy's Medical Service Corps after 30 years of service, outlined 3 top leadership qualities during his keynote speech at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting in Orlando.
Anti-diabetic drugs can lower cancer risk by 32%
December 9th 2013A specific type of diabetes drug can decrease the risk of cancer in female patients with type 2 diabetes up to 32%, according to a study published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. People with type 2 diabetes have a higher rate of cancer development and recurrence compared to the general population.
Simeprevir approved for hepatitis C virus
December 5th 2013FDA has approved simeprevir (Olysio, Janssen Therapeutics) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection as part of an antiviral treatment regimen in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin in genotype 1 infected adults with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis.
Compounding act becomes law with APhA support
December 2nd 2013Last week, President Obama signed the Drug Quality and Security Act into law, providing FDA with the authority and responsibility to regulate “outsourcing facilities,” compounders that make large volumes of compounded drugs without individual prescriptions. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) supported and helped with the drafting of the legislation.
Infusion site influences specialty drug spending, report shows
November 21st 2013Changing the infusion site of specialty drugs can lower costs for patients with cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and other complex diseases, according to the 2013 Specialty Trend Management Insights Report, released by CVS Caremark.