tPA: Still the underused clot-buster in stroke management
September 15th 2012Patients suffering stroke often do not seek immediate help. Just as disturbing, lack of stroke expertise in many hospitals and skepticism among ER physicians may prevent tPA from being administered to the patients who need it most.
DEA cracks down on 2 CVS pharmacies in Florida
September 13th 2012The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced yesterday that it has revoked the DEA registrations at 2 CVS pharmacies in Sanford, Fla., because of evidence of diversion of controlled substances and “imminent danger to the public safety,†according to a DEA press release.
Medications help adults quit smoking
September 11th 2012Adults are more likely to successfully quit smoking if they take bupropion, varenicline (Chantix), or a nicotine patch, than those who attempt to quit without medication, according to the results of an ongoing prospective cohort survey published by the journal Addiction.
Azilsartan medoxomil-chlorthalidone fixed combination superior at reducing blood pressure
September 11th 2012A fixed-dose combination of azilsartan medoxomil plus chlorthalidone (Edarbyclor, Takeda) was statistically superior to azilsartan medoxomil coadministered with hydrochlorothiazide at reducing and maintaining systolic blood pressure, according to the results of a phase 3 study published online August 31 in The American Journal of Medicine.
Uncontrolled hypertension provides opportunity for pharmacists to help patients
September 6th 2012Healthcare providers, including pharmacists, missed opportunities between 2003 and 2010 to help nearly 90% of U.S. adults with uncontrolled hypertension who had health insurance, according to an early report released Sept. 4 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
FDA panel backs tobramycin inhalation powder for patients with cystic fibrosis
September 6th 2012An FDA advisory panel voted 13 to 1 that there was adequate evidence of efficacy and safety to support the use of tobramycin inhalation powder (Novartis) for the management of cystic fibrosis in patients whose lungs contain bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Acetaminophen dosing guidelines needed for overweight children, study shows
September 5th 2012There is considerable discrepancy among caregivers and pharmacists regarding the appropriate dosage of acetaminophen for overweight and obese children, according to a recent study published online August 20 in the European Journal of Hospitality.
Early administration of aspirin plus alteplase does not improve outcome in stroke patients
September 5th 2012Early administration of intravenous aspirin, in addition to alteplase, does not improve functional outcome at 3 months for patients with acute ischemic stroke, but increases the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, according to a study published online August 25 in The Lancet.