Formulary Watch |

First-oral therapy approved for adults with active psoriatic arthritis

FDA has approved apremilast (Otezla, Celgene), an oral, selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) to treat adults with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Serious side effects may be caused by OTC cold meds

Over-the-counter (OTC) sinus and pain drugs combining phenylephrine and acetaminophen-including Tylenol Sinus, Sudafed PE Sinus, Benadryl Allergy Plus Sinus, and Excedrin Sinus Headache-might cause serious side effects such as high blood pressure, dizziness, and tremors, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Financial hardship linked to medication underuse in chronically ill

Chronically ill adults don’t have consistent access to food due to lack of financial stability were significantly more likely to report cost-related medication underuse, according to a new study published in The American Journal of Medicine. Cost-related medication underuse refers to taking less medication than prescribed, or not taking it at all because of financial concerns.

Specialty drug pricing pushing envelope for hospital pharmacies

Specialty drug pricing and generic drug pricing, especially around single-source generics during their exclusivity period, should be on the radar screens of hospital and managed care decision-makers, according to Catamaran’s 2013 Drug Trend data, which represents 25 million consumers.

Skin abscesses with MRSA: How to manage

It has been more than a decade since the clinical battle began with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and physicians are still trying to figure out how to diagnose, treat, and prevent this virulent form of staph infection, which is immune to many antibiotics.

Hepatitis C screening recommended by CMS for some beneficiaries

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is accepting public comments until April 3 on its new hepatitis C screening guidelines.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria on rise among US children

Infections caused by a specific type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise in US children, according to study published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. While still rare, the bacteria are increasingly found in children of all ages, especially those aged 1 to 5 years old, raising concerns about dwindling treatment options.

Study supports long-acting bupivacaine for postsurgical pain after joint replacement

Local infiltration with long-acting liposome bupivacaine (Exparel) as part of a non-narcotic multimodal pain management regimen for joint replacement surgeries, meaningfully improves patient and hospital economic outcomes, according to new data presented at the 81st annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Vaccine administration errors: How to avoid

Influenza, zoster, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed (DTaP) are among the most common vaccines involved in medication errors in the United States, according to a new report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). The other most common problematic vaccines include Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate, Tdap, DTaP-IPV, human papillomavirus (HPV4), and measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV).

Apixaban now approved to reduce risk of blood clots after hip, knee surgery

FDA has approved apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer) for the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which may lead to pulmonary embolism (PE), in patients who have undergone hip- or knee-replacement surgery.

Most C difficile in kids linked to antibiotics

The majority of all pediatric Clostridium difficile infections are the result of a recent course of antibiotics prescribed by a physician for some other condition, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Once-daily topiramate XR approved for refractory seizures

FDA approved once-daily topiramate (Qudexy XR, Upsher-Smith Laboratories) extended-release capsules for initial monotherapy in patients aged 10 years and older with partial-onset seizures (POS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

VTE complications reduced with perioperative statin therapy

When used in conjunction with conventional blood clot prevention therapies, statins significantly reduced the risk for venous thromboembolic (VTE) events following total joint replacement (TJR) surgery, according to research presented recently at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

Tiotropium for asthma: Appears to be effective adjunct in phase 3 studies

Phase 3 clinical trial data demonstrate tiotropium’s potential benefit as an add-on treatment for asthma patients.

Benzodiazepine prescriptions with opioids increasing

In primary care clinics not only has there been an increase in opioid prescriptions, but there is also a persistent increase in benzodiazepine prescriptions over the last decade, according to new research.

Dabigatran bleeding risk: ISMP calls for FDA action

The high risk of bleeding in patients taking the anticoagulant dabigatran (Pradaxa) has been a major problem that the manufacturer and health experts have been trying to find solutions for over the last four years. Sixteen percent of patients experienced a bleed in one year, including 3.3% who had bleeds that required emergency medical treatment, according to one clinical trial.

More US adults relying on ADHD meds

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prescriptions for US. adults have more than doubled from 2008 to 2012, according to a report by Express Scripts.

Medication therapy management program slashes medication expenses 200% with better outcomes

Penicillin ‘allergy’ label at hospital admission can lead to longer hospital stays

A penicillin "allergy" label adversely affects the quantity and quality of healthcare in hospitalized patients, according to a study in the March issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The penicillin allergy label is the most common drug "allergy" listed in medical records during hospital admissions.

[INFOGRAPHIC]: E-cigarette use tied to smoking in teens

E-cigarette use is associated with cigarette smoking among teens, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics.

FDA approves first once-weekly pen for diabetes

Bringing a new tool to the arsenal of medications to treat type 2 diabetes, FDA recently approved the only once-weekly injectable pen for adults with type 2 diabetes.

Doribax label changed because of increased death risk

Because the antibacterial drug Doribax (doripenem) has an increased risk of death and lower clinical cure rates than other drugs for pneumonia, FDA approved a new label for the medication.

Saline shortages: A 3-step action plan

Hospital pharmacists are on the frontline of intravenous (IV) saline shortages and need to prepare an action plan to ensure patient safety.

Study establishes link between oral contraceptives and MS

Researchers have found a link between women who have taken oral contraceptives and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, this does not mean women should stop taking birth control.

Expansion of MTM services in Medicare proposal supported by pharmacy groups

Pharmacy groups, representing more than 100,000 pharmacists in different pharmacy practice settings, have written to CMS Administrator Marilyn B. Tavenner to express their support for the expansion of medication therapy management (MTM) services to Medicare Part D Beneficiaries in the CMS proposal released in early January.

Guidance on off-label drug use in pediatric population updated

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued a policy statement updating its recommendations for off-label drug use in the pediatric population.

FDA: FDA approvals March 7

FDA drug approvals for the week ending March 7

Teva launches first orally inhaled drug for agitation in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries launched loxapine inhalation powder, 10 mg (Adasuve) March 3, for the acute treatment of agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar 1 disorder in adults.

Poor prescribing practices for antibiotics put patients at risk

Poor antibiotic prescribing practices are putting patients at risk for allergic reactions, super-resistant infections, and deadly diarrhea cause by Clostridium difficile, according to new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Generic morning-after pills: FDA to increase access

FDA is allowing generic sales of emergency contraceptives to be sold over the counter, without age restrictions, NPR reported.