FDA approves subcutaneous formulation of abatacept for treatment of RA
August 1st 2011FDA has approved a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of abatacept (Orencia, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is the first biologic available in both SC and intravenous formulations for the treatment of RA.
Tylenol dose lowered to prevent overdose risk
August 1st 2011Johnson and Johnson has announced plans for new dosing instructions that lower the maximum daily dose for single-ingredient Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen) products sold in the United States from 8 pills per day (4,000 mg) to 6 pills per day (3,000 mg).
"Brazilian diet pills" passed off as supplements; smuggler sentenced
August 1st 2011As a result of combined investigations by FDA, the IRS Criminal Division, and the U.S. Department of Justice, Elisane Garcia was sentenced on July 25 for disguising controlled substances as "Brazilian diet pills" and smuggling them into the United States with intent to distribute. She was also convicted of 1 count of money-laundering.
IOM report recommends 8 preventive women's health services
July 26th 2011A new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends that 8 preventive health services for women be added to the services that health plans will cover at no cost to patients under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010.
FDA Safety Alert: REMS required with belatacept
July 26th 2011Patients treated with belatacept (Nulojix, Bristol-Myers-Squibb) are at increased risk of developing 2 potentially fatal complications: post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which predominantly involves the central nervous system, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, according to a recent FDA Safety Alert. The risk of PTLD is higher for transplant patients who have never been exposed to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and therefore is indicated for use only in transplant patients who are EBV seropositive.
Healthcare groups oppose PPACA's FSA requirement for Rx OTCs
July 25th 2011CVS Caremark, the National Community Pharmacists Association, and several healthcare groups are supporting a new bill that would allow patients to purchase OTC medications through flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).
FDA approves REMS for Fentora, Actiq
July 25th 2011FDA has approved the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet) [C-II] and Actiq (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate) [C-II]. Both products, manufactured by Cephalon, are indicated for management of breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer.
Longer-term use of pioglitazone associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer
July 25th 2011On June 15, 2011, FDA published an online safety communication informing prescribers and patients that pioglitazone (Actos, Takeda Pharmaceuticals America Inc) use may be associated with a 20% to 40% increased hazard of new bladder cancer.
First pharmacist-focused session coming to AHA Scientific Sessions 2011
July 20th 2011Over the past 3 decades, pharmacists have become integrated members of multidisciplinary teams. To recognize the value of the role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes and safety in cardiac care, the American Heart Association (AHA) will offer pharmacists a session devoted specifically to them at this year?s AHA Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.
CDC revises recommendations for postpartum contraception
July 18th 2011The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released revised recommendations for postpartum contraceptive use based on an assessment of new evidence, announced an article published in the July 8 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Label for Tamiflu for oral suspension revised, reflects new concentration
July 18th 2011The concentration of the influenza drug oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu, Genentech) for oral suspension has been reduced from 12 mg/mL to 6 mg/mL to reduce the possibility of prescribing and dosing confusion that can lead to medication errors, FDA announced.