Review raises questions about why government stockpiling zanamivir, oseltamivir
January 31st 2012Zanamivir and oseltamivir (Tamiflu, Roche) can help prevent and treat the symptoms of influenza, but there is not enough information to evaluate the drugs’ safety and efficacy for preventing the spread of flu or pneumonia, according to a new review published online January 18.
Retail groups object to proposed federal limits on generic reimbursement
January 31st 2012Two key retail pharmacy groups, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association, have renewed their opposition to proposed federal upper limits for generic drug reimbursement under Medicaid.
Ranbaxy accepts consent decree, permanent injunction
January 26th 2012Indian drug giant Ranbaxy has accepted a consent decree filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of FDA. The decree, which must still be accepted by the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, requires Ranbaxy to fix long-standing manufacturing problems at plants in India as well as a plant in the United States.
Use of aspirin questioned as primary prevention for CVD
January 26th 2012Aspirin prophylaxis in people without prior cardiovascular disease does not appear to reduce cardiovascular death or cancer mortality, however it was associated with reductions in nonfatal myocardial infarction, according to the results of a meta-analysis published online January 9 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
New guidelines recommend blood-glucose testing for all hospitalized patients
January 26th 2012The Endocrine Society recently released new clinical-practice guidelines recommending that all patients have their blood-glucose levels tested upon admission to the hospital, even if they haven’t had a prior diagnosis of diabetes.
Study: Blood clots likely for as many as 1 in 100 following joint replacements
January 26th 2012Approximately 1 in 100 patients undergoing total or partial knee replacement surgery and 1 in 200 patients undergoing total or partial hip replacement surgery will experience a venous thromboembolism event, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, before being discharged from the hospital, according to a study reported January 18 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Remington Honor Medal to go to director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
January 24th 2012William Edward Evans, PharmD, director and CEO at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has been selected to receive pharmacy’s highest award, the Remington Honor Medal, the American Pharmacists Association announced.
Actavis launches generic equivalent of long-acting ADHD drug, with 180-day exclusivity
January 24th 2012FDA recently approved methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules (LA) CII, USP, the generic equivalent of Ritalin LA. Actavis Group, an international generic pharmaceuticals company, received first-to-file exclusivity on the 20-mg, 30-mg, and 40-mg strengths.
Combining vitamin D, calcium supplements can reduce fracture risk for older adults
January 12th 2012A combination of vitamin D and calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of fractures in older adults, according to a study published in the December 20, 2011, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Report: Pharmacy students benefit by early introduction to MTM curricula
January 12th 2012Two pharmacy organizations issued a report aimed at helping colleges and schools of pharmacy develop medication therapy management curricula. The study also emphasized the importance of students learning these lessons early.
FDA mandates enhanced safety check on TNF blockers
December 1st 2011FDA is requiring that manufacturers of tumor necrosis factor blockers perform enhanced safety surveillance in children, teenagers, and young adults, the agency said on November 3 in an ongoing safety review of this class of biologic products.
AHA, ACC release updated guidelines on secondary prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease
December 1st 2011The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation have issued new guidelines for secondary prevention and risk reduction in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease.
ISMP cautions about new acetaminophen labeling for infants
December 1st 2011Liquid acetaminophen for infants is being shipped to hospitals and drug stores in new concentrations, even though manufacturers may not be providing notice about the concentration change, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.