Health System

FDA has notified healthcare professionals that it is aware of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reporting a small increase in cardiovascular deaths and in the risk of death from any cause in persons treated with a 5-day course of azithromycin (Zithromax) compared to persons treated with amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, or no drug.

FDA has approved generic versions of clopidogrel tablets USP (Plavix, Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb), 75 mg and 300 mg.

Warfarin fared no better than aspirin at reducing the combined risk of brain hemorrhage, stroke, or death for heart-failure patients in normal rhythm, according to the results of a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Patients with schizophrenia who switched from haloperidol decanoate or fluphenazine decanoate to risperidone microspheres discontinued their treatment more frequently, according to a new study published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

A unique study designed to gauge the impacts of polypharmacy on schizophrenia mortality produced some surprising results: The use of antidepressants or 2 or more antipsychotics was not associated with increased deaths, but the use of benzodiazepine was.

Researchers from the University of Washington have identified a threshold concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] that is associated with increased risk for major medical events and they say that season-specific targets may be more appropriate than static targets when evaluating health risk.

Accreditation standards guarantee reputation and high safety standards for compounding pharmacies.

One pharmacist argues that wanting to be called Doctor is more than just ego.

There are many forces in play that can and should "converge to support better medication management and improved adherence," according to Tom Hubbard of the New England Healthcare Institute (NEHI), but coordination and leadership will be crucial.

How much sense does it make to put employees of major drug chains on state Boards of Pharmacy? Depends on whose chickens that fox is guarding.

FDA approves Ivacaftor and Exenatide extended-release injection.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

FDA talks with stakeholders about the growing number of deaths from opioid drug overdoses.

As pharmacists and others wait to learn ACA's fate in the U.S. Supreme Court, the issue of provider status under the Social Security Act continues to worry those seeking to expand into MTM and other clinical services.

A round-up of OTC products to manage allergies

Four pharmacies have sued HHS and CMS to halt what they call a violation of federal Medicare Part D statute.

Part 2 of this article discusses assistive devices that help impaired diabetes patients self-administer medication.

Healthcare industry experts discuss the pros and cons.

New CAD/ACS antiplatelet agents a mixed bag.

Readers speak out about what got retail pharmacy where it is today; why the term "doctor" is like the curl in a pig's tail; and where the MD should put that vial of ropivacaine.

The readmission rate for congestive heart failure patients was reduced by more than 50% after Morris Hospital in Morris, Ill., implemented a pilot medication reconciliation program.

Pharmacists save the medical system millions of dollars every single day by keeping people away from the ER. They don't say thank you. And they don't even know that we're front-line money-savers.

Sanofi US recently introduced a blood glucose meter that directly connects to the iPhone and the iPod touch, and communicates results with caregivers and healthcare teams.

What's different in your drug stores this month? A children's sugar-free multivitamin drink. An organizer for patients taking multiple medications. A non-fish oil omega-6 fatty acid supplement. A smaller acetaminophen suppository for infants. Heartburn relief plus breath freshening in a single product. A convenient stain-removing strip option. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.

Pharmacists play a vital role in FDA's "new paradigm" for a third class of drugs, according to the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

Hospira is voluntarily recalling one lot of hydromorphone injection, USP, 1 mg/mL (C-II), 1-mL fill in 2.5-mL Carpuject, NDC 0409-1283-31, after complaints that a single Carpuject contained more than the 1-mL labeled fill volume, according to a press release posted on the FDA website.

Bariatric surgery plus medical therapy may be a useful strategy for managing uncontrolled diabetes, according to the results of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were at twice the risk of infection compared with children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a study published May 1 in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy wants to vet internet pharmacies that will be applying for a .pharmacy domain name and to warn about how rogue internet sites are preying on consumers' fears about drug shortages.

The Drug Enforcement Administration?s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day produced a record-breaking amount of unused medications.