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.
Two Congressional bills support right of community pharmacists to negotiate with PBMs
July 15th 2011The National Community Pharmacists Association expects U.S. legislators to get behind 2 new bills that would allow independent pharmacists to negotiate insurance contracts with pharmacy benefit managers.
Summer self-care products help keep eyes bright and ears sharp
July 15th 2011Outdoor sports, a day at the beach, backyard sunbathing, and gardening all can leave eyes exposed to a steady onslaught of dust, wind, sand, pollution and the sun's rays. For first aid and maintenance, new products offer relief.