Valproate use during pregnancy increases risk of autism
April 29th 2013Prenatal exposure to valproate significantly increased the risk of autism spectrum disorder and childhood autism in the offspring of mothers who took the anti-epileptic agent, according to a study published in the April 24 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Negative perceptions of statins lead to abandonment of initial Rx fill
April 26th 2013Patients who fail to fill a new prescription for statin therapy have a number of reasons, including negative perceptions about the medication, a preference for lifestyle modifications, concerns about side effects, drug interactions, polypharmacy, and a perception that they do not need the drug, according to a study published by The American Journal of Managed Care.
INFOGRAPHIC: How does the U.S. compare with other countries when it comes to healthcare costs?
April 23rd 2013The United States continues to have the highest prices for both medical procedures and prescription drugs, according to the “2012 Comparative Price Report,” released by the International Federation of Health Plans.
FDA approves combination glaucoma drop without beta-blocker
April 23rd 2013FDA approved a new fixed-dose combination ophthalmic suspension of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (brinzolamide 1.0%) and an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist (brimonidine tartrate 0.2%), which is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
FDA approves first oral agent for OIC in adults with chronic noncancer pain
April 23rd 2013FDA has approved a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for lubiprostone (Amitiza, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals) 24 ?g twice daily as the first oral medication for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic, noncancer pain.
Community pharmacists must continue to innovate, Wasson says
April 22nd 2013To reach their full potential in healthcare delivery, community pharmacists must continue to participate, innovate, and communicate through the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) for continued advancement, according to Gregory D. Wasson, chairman of the board of NACDS.
Glutamine, antioxidants not useful in critically ill patients, study shows
April 19th 2013For critically ill adults with multiorgan failure, early supplementation with glutamine or antioxidants does not improve clinical outcomes, and glutamine may increase the mortality rate of this patient population, according to a study published in the April 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.