Treating asthma during pregnancy safer than not, says new guide
A new guide spells out how to treat pregnant women with asthma without hurting the mother and fetus
Use of beta-blockers for treating hypertension evolving
Traditional beta-blockers may no longer be the best choice for initial treatment of hypertension but vasodilatory beta-blockers show promise.
FDA approves new treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
New treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia approved by FDA
Pharmacists say more needs to be done to prevent pediatric medication errors
The Joint Commission issues a sentinel event alert to warn hospitals about drug errors involving kids
Letters: May 12, 2008
This installment of letters covers pharmacist salaries, drug samples, and Drug Topics' contest winners.
Lisdexamfetamine granted approval for ADHD in adults
The FDA approves simulant prodrug for treatment of adult ADHD
Irritable bowel syndrome gains new treatment
Amitiza has gained a new indication-to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in women.
Methylnaltrexone bromide (Relistor) is approved by the FDA for opioid-induced constipation
Wyeth gets regulatory nod for constipation drug
Lawsuit aims to stop Medi-Cal cuts
The largest California independent living center, two pharmacies, and two Medi-Cal recipients sued Medi-Cal to set aside plans to cut reimbursement
Alcon announces FDA approval of olopatadine Hcl (Patanase) nasal spray for seasonal allergies
A new nasal spray has been approved to help seasonal allergy sufferers.
Vaccines and inhaled insulin in, erectile dysfunction drugs out of Part D
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issues a final rule clarifying its position on the inclusion of insulin and exclusion of erectile dysfunction medications in the Medicare Part D program.
Pharmacy groups split over federal e-pedigree legislation
NACDS has come out against new federal e-pedigree legislation, while NCPA and HIDA support it
NCPA, NACDS amend AMP suit to include new CMS rule
NCPA and the NACDS have amended their average manufacturer price lawsuit to include CMS' interim final rule on multiple-source drugs
Cimzia approved for signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease
UCB receives FDA approval for certolizumab pegol (Cimzia).
Aripiprazole (Abilify) approved as adjunctive therapy for bipolar disorder
Aripiprazole receives new indication as adjunct to lithium or valproate
Wisconsin kicks off pilot on safe drug disposal
Two counties in Wisconsin are piloting a Get the Meds Out drug disposal program.
CMS proposes more marketing rules for Part D and Medicare Advantage plans
The feds have proposed more rules to tighten the marketing of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Final NPI deadline approaching
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will require NPI numbers on claims submitted after May 23, 2008.
Atomoxetine approved by FDA for maintenance ADHD
Eli Lilly's ADHD drug Strattera is now indicated for long-term use.
New products: May 12, 2008
Aloxi has a new indication for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
CVS Caremark joins retail push for non-toxic personal care products
CVS Caremark announced a new cosmetics safety policy as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Medtronic recalling devices coated with heparin
Medical devices featuring the Carmeda BioActive surface from Medtronic are being recalled because they are made with the contaminated heparin made in China.
House resolution calls on FDA to reverse its policy on estriol for menopause
A large group of physicians, pharmacists, and patients have pressed Congress to urge FDA to rescind its policy that bars the use of compounded estriol to treat menopause.
Supermarket chain hooks expectant moms with free prenatal vitamins
A Texas grocery chain is luring moms-to-be with a free prental vitamin offer.
New smoking cessation guidelines advocate counseling and drugs
The Public Health Service releases an update to smoking cessation guidelines.
Physician dispensing vendor claims its drugs are safer than those from drugstores
Bryant Ranch Prepack, which supplies physicians who dispense with prepacked drugs, touts the safety of its products
ASHP makes available emergency preparedness plan
A multidisplinary task force has produced a resource on emergency preparedness for health professionals.
NACDS unveils its position on healthcare reform
NACDS releases a document stating its position on healthcare reform
Five Moms campaign urges more parents to keep teens from abusing cough medicines
Consumer Healthcare Products Association is expanding its Five Moms campaign to help prevent teen cough medicine abuse.
AAHomecare says DMEPOS bidding program is flawed
In testimony before a House subcommittee, a homecare organization labels the DMEPOS competitive bidding program as a train wreck.
