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Screen high-risk people for hepatitis B: USPSTF

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is taking a stand on trying to reduce the incidence of hepatitis B (HBV) by recommending that individuals who are at high risk of infection should be screened.

FDA approves new IV antibacterial drug used to treat adults with skin infections

FDA has approved dalbavancin (Dalvance, Durata Therapeutics) for injection for the treatment of adult patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Investigational drug in phase 3 study has potential to be first DMARD for knee osteoarthritis

With global disability concerns rising, Voltarra Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Menzies Research Institute at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia, have initiated a phase 3, randomized multicenter clinical trial to assess the efficacy and safety of VOLT01 for controlling knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Botulinum toxin injection may ward off postop AFib

Injecting botulinum toxin injection into the epicardial fat pads prevented recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmia in the postoperative period in patients with prior paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, according to results of a study presented at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting in San Francisco.

Afatinib shows improvement in overall survival in lung cancer patients whose tumors have the most common EGFR mutation: Study

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have the most common epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation (exon 19 deletion) lived longer if treated with first-line afatinib (Gilotrif) compared to chemotherapy, according to data presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in Chicago.

Pirfenidone reduces disease progression of IPF

Pirfenidone (Esbriet), an oral antifibrotic therapy, was able to reduce progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and reduce the risk of mortality, according to phase 3 trial results presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Diego.

FDA approves treatment for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s

FDA has approved vedolizumab (Entyvio, Takeda) injection to treat adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and adult patients with moderate to severe Crohn‘s disease.

Fixed-dose combination shows improved lung function in COPD patients: Study

The fixed-dose combination of tiotropium and olodaterol (T+O FDC) has the potential to become a viable once-daily chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment, according to data presented at the 2014 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, in San Diego.

Study: Statins don’t reduce mortality rates or days off the breathing machine in sepsis-associated ARDS

Clinicians should not start or continue statins in patients with sepsis-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), according to a study published in the May 18, 2014, New England Journal of Medicine, along with accompanying editorials evaluating the research’s goals and outcomes.

Investigational TKI nintedanib slowed lung function loss in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Nintedanib, an investigational small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), slowed lung function loss in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), according to the results of 2 pivotal phase 3 trials presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Diego.

Precision system "prints" individualized med dosages for patients

A mathematical model to predict-and a portable inkjet technology to produce-exact medication dosages tailored for specific patients, an advance in personalized medicine that could improve drug effectiveness and reduce adverse reactions, has been created by Purdue University researchers.

BMJ authors withdraw inaccurate statements on statin safety

The authors of 2 articles that were published last year in the BMJ are now withdrawing statements they made about the adverse effects of statin drugs.

Novartis heart failure drug fails to win FDA approval

FDA has decided not to approve acute heart failure drug serelaxin (Novartis).

Glucocorticoid use in RA treatment more prevalent

Consistent with treatment guidelines, more rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are starting glucocorticoids early in their disease course, according to a study published online in Arthritis Care & Research.

Asthma risk higher in children given antibiotics in their first year of life

Kids exposed to antibiotics in the first year of life had double the risk of developing early-onset childhood asthma, according to a study published online in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Shortage of IV metronidazole antibiotic prompts indication-specific alternatives

There has been a recent national backorder of iv Metronidazole (Flagyl) due to manufacturing delays with Hospira. As a result of this delay Hospira has not been able to provide a tentative timeline or estimate date of when IV metronidazole will be available to purchasers/buyers once again. While this situation plays out, there are general management strategies that might be implemented based on the facility.

FDA recommends lower starting dose for Lunesta

FDA has required the manufacturer of sleep drug eszopiclone (Lunesta) to lower the starting dose from 2 mg to 1 mg.

CDC releases guidelines for HIV preventive meds

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new set of comprehensive guidelines that recommends that physicians should consider prescribing antiretroviral medication to individuals who are not infected with HIV but are at high risk of infection.

Meds for alcohol use disorders effective, but underutilized

Several medications can help people with alcohol use disorders to maintain abstinence or to reduce drinking, when added to psychosocial interventions. Two drugs, acamprosate and oral naltrexone, have the best evidence supporting their benefits, according to an analysis of more than 100 studies examining the use of medications to treat these conditions.

Drugs in Perspective: Sovaldi (sofosbuvir)

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that causes the inflammation of the liver which can ultimately lead to a diminished liver function or liver failure. The majority of individuals who are infected with HCV do not present with any symptoms of the disease until the appearance of liver damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is estimated that approximately 3.2 million American are infected with hepatitis C and globally about 150 million people have hepatitis C. Up to 85% of those who are initially infected with HCV will not eliminate the virus and become chronically infected.

Eliminating med copays after heart attack can improve outcomes for non-white patients

Eliminating copays for preventive medications prescribed for post-heart attack patients can significantly improve medication adherence for all patients, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

Can dabigatran be used in pregnant women?

Using dabigatran anticoagulation treatment for pregnant women could potentially affect fetal blood coagulation, according to a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dabigatran may cross the placenta to the fetus.

Rx errors in HIV patients can be reduced by pharmacists

A pharmacist who is proficient at monitoring and ensuring appropriate therapy, as well as providing necessary medication counseling, will greatly enhance compliance and reduce potential adverse drug reactions and interactions in HIV-positive hospital patients, according to FormularyWatch advisor James M. Wooten, PharmD, associate professor, department of medicine, section of clinical pharmacology, University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Pharma and payers not aligned, says survey

A new survey has found that pharmaceutical companies and payers are not seeing eye to eye.

FDA approves antihemophilic factor VIII for hemophilia A

FDA has approved a new indication for antihemophilic factor VIII (recombinant),(Kogenate FS, Bayer), for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia A.

Teriflunomide delays onset of disease in those with early signs of MS

There is value in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) early, according to results from a study presented during the 66th American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

Drug combo reduces UTIs in kids by up to 80%

Long-term use of a combination antimicrobial trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) reduces the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) by up to 80% in children with the urinary condition vesicoureteral reflux compared to placebo, according to a study published online May 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

FDA approves clot-busting vorapaxar

FDA approved vorapaxar (Zontivity, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck) tablets to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death, and need for procedures to restore the blood flow to the heart in patients with a previous heart attack or blockages in the arteries to the legs.

Drug for severe hypertriglyceridemia approved

FDA approved omega-3-carboxylic acids (Epanova, AstraZeneca) as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglyceride levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL).

Statin therapy: How safe is it?

The National Lipid Association just released a report addressing six safety issues related to statin therapy, including the effects of statins on cognition, diabetes risk, liver function, muscle symptoms, interactions with other drugs, and statin intolerance. The report, published in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, is an update to a consensus report published by the organization in 2006.