FDA approves tapentadol ER for neuropathic pain associated with DPN
August 29th 2012FDA has approved the supplemental New Drug Application for tapentadol extended-release tablets (Nucynta ER, Janssen), an oral analgesic taken twice daily, for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in adults when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.
Use of ALBC implants may lead to kidney injury
August 23rd 2012Aminoglycoside-loaded bone cement implants, frequently used in orthopedic surgery, may result in systemic effects that raise aminoglycoside serum concentrations and lead to acute kidney injury, according to a study published July 3 in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy.
FDA approves first generic Actos to treat type 2 diabetes
August 17th 2012FDA approved Mylan Pharmaceutical's 15-mg, 30-mg, and 45-mg pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, the first generic version of Actos (Takeda), along with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Online prescription drug monitoring program available in Texas
August 16th 2012At the urging of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Department of Public Safety developed the Prescription Access in Texas program, which provides controlled substances dispensing history to authorized healthcare and law enforcement professionals.
HHS partners with pharmacies to educate Medicare beneficiaries about new health benefits
August 16th 2012The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created partnerships with several pharmacies to help patients learn about new Medicare benefits available under the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare reform legislation that was upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court in late June.
Medication reconciliation important to avoid errors
August 16th 2012It’s important to put processes in place to be sure a patient’s medication list at discharge from the hospital is the same information that is provided to the primary care physician to avoid medication errors, according to a recent study published online July 24 in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy.
FDA warns of possible fatalities from codeine use in some children after surgical procedures
August 15th 2012FDA has issued a Drug Safety Communication concerning three children who died and one child who experienced a nonfatal but life-threatening case of respiratory depression after taking the pain-reliever codeine following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy.