FDA approves acyclovir buccal tablets for recurrent herpes labialis
October 15th 2013Patients randomized to acyclovir MBT experienced less time from prodromal symptoms to healing; more patients had abortive episodes that did not progress to vesicular lesions; and duration of abortive episodes was briefer.
7 steps for managing costs of specialty drugs
October 10th 2013Patients, employers, and health plans are continuing to be burdened by the rising costs and use of specialty drugs. However, employers and health plans can control specialty drug costs more easily with the help of Prime Therapeutics’ new report.
Flu vaccinations cut risk of pneumonia hospitalizations by almost 60%, study finds
October 10th 2013Study results were based on laboratory-confirmed hospital cases of pneumonia with and without influenza, in 2,320 children and adults. Many previous studies lacked either laboratory confirmation or vaccine status.
Community pharmacy well positioned for ACA opportunities
October 9th 2013Community pharmacists are well positioned to take advantage of new models of patient care delivery under the Affordable Care Act (ACT) as individuals enroll in the new Healthcare Insurance Marketplace and under Medicaid expansion, according to Carol Kelly, NACDS senior vice president of government affairs and public policy, on the NACDS website.
FDA addresses IV nutrition shortage with lipid injectable emulsion approval
October 8th 2013Under a priority review to help alleviate a drug shortage, FDA has approved lipid injectable emulsion, USP (Clinolipid, Baxter Healthcare) for intravenous feeding (parenteral nutrition) in adult patients, providing a source of calories and essential fatty acids for adult patients who are unable to eat or drink.
Chronic opioid use increases after bariatric surgery
October 8th 2013Chronic use of opioids among obese patients prior to bariatric surgery continues after bariatric surgery, and the dose. has been shown to be greater postoperatively than preoperatively, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Skipping antibiotic after hospital discharge leads to higher medical costs
October 4th 2013Patients who skip filling an antibiotic prescription after hospital discharge because of high out-of-pocket costs are at increased risk of rehospitalization and cost the healthcare system substantially more in the long term, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.