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Security standards and safeguards

The FDA recently approved codeine/chlorpheniramine (Codeprex, Celltech Group) extended-release suspension (CIII) for the temporary relief of cough, as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants, and for the temporary relief of runny nose; sneezing; itching of the nose or throat; and itchy, watery eyes due to hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, or allergic rhinitis. The product is expected to be available in retail pharmacies by the fourth quarter.

Breaking News for July 26, 2004

Speakers at BIO annual meeting in San Francisco denounce importation of drugs from Canada

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease with potentially serious sequelae. Fortunately, clinicians will soon be able to offer patients with this condition a new molecular entity. The FDA recently approved tinidazole (Tindamax, Presutti Laboratories) for the treatment of trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in both female and male patients; giardiasis caused by Giardia duodenalis (also called G. lamblia) in both adults and pediatric patients older than three years of age; and amebiasis and amebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica in adults and children older than three years of age. Tinidazole will be available in pharmacies sometime this month

Xifaxan treats travelers' diarrhea

Toxicities associated with propylene glycol

A work group created by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy has issued guidelines for electronic messaging in pharmacy claims that it contends will improve patient safety and ease the submission process.

The antipsychotics, SSRIs, should carry stronger warnings for pregnant patients, according to experts.

This installment looks at drug errors involving Lotrisone.

The average staff pharmacist earned $88,400 in base pay and annual bonus in 2003, a five percent increase over the previous year, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.

The pharmacy industry is arming itself with new programs to combat theft

Breaking News for July 12, 2004

Many factors go into how drug companies determine the pricing of their new products.

Two political parties continue bickering over merits of Medicare discount cards.

Average wholesale price (AWP) is being replaced by average sales price (ASP).

Tips for enjoying the summer safely. New products for plant allergies, athletic injuries, insects, and pointers for camping.

Clinicians will soon be able to offer postmenopausal women transdermal estrogen therapy that delivers half the dose of the lowest currently available dose of transdermal estrogen. The FDA recently approved estradiol transdermal system (Menostar, Berlex) 14 mcg/d for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The product will be available later this summer.

The FDA recently approved timolol (Istalol, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) ophthalmic solution 0.5% for the treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The product will be available within the next several months.

FFF Enterprises Inc. claims to have launched the fist verified electronic pedigree system to track drugs throughout the pharmaceutical industry supply chain.

Only 26% of pharmacists think imported drugs are unsafe but 90% think buying drugs on the Internet should be better governed, according to a NOP World survey.

A study found that less than 2% of 406 major drug-drug interactions were listed in all four national drug compendia and 71% were listed in only one of the expert sources.

USP Column - Improving patient identification

New technologies assist in therapeutic decisions

This installment defines terms used in HIPAA's new security standards

Stockchecker on cough and cold

Pharmacists need to be sure they are culturally competent when counseling patients across barriers of language, customs, and beliefs.

Doctor insists on DAW1, despite the cost

With an eye to improving patient safety, some hospital Pharm.D.s conduct chart reviews looking for clues that an adverse drug event or error may have occurred based on 24 triggers, such as STAT orders for diphenhydramine or Vitamin K.

Breaking News for June 21, 2004