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Responsible use of drugs could save $200B annually

Delays in treatment and medication non-adherence are the major reasons behind avoidable costs in the healthcare system, according to a new study released this week.

Patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of cardiovascular events have high rates of additional cardiovascular events

It is well known that type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A recent epidemiologic study conducted in the United Kingdom assessed the time to first major cardiovascular event in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a large real-world population.

Once weekly exenatide is an alternative treatment to daily basal insulin

Typically, basal insulin is chosen as the add-on treatment in patients with severe hyperglycemia. However, it has been questioned whether it is the best option, according to research presented in June at American Diabetes Association 73rd Scientific Sessions, in Chicago.

Concomitant control of BP, cholesterol is difficult

Many patients suffer from both hypertension and high cholesterol, putting them at greater risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Controlling the hypertension and high cholesterol would reduce CHD risk by 50% or more, but less than a third of patients have achieved adequate control of both, according to an online study in Circulation.

Study finds that dapagliflozin produces similar glycemic efficacy to glipizide

When metformin cannot maintain glycemic control, sulfonylureas are often used as add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes; however, risks include weight gain and hypoglycemia. Dapagliflozin is an SGLT2 inhibitor and increases urinary glucose excretion and reduces hyperglycemia independently of insulin secretion or action.

International study finds that dapagliflozin has metabolic benefits

An international study has found that dapagliflozin has sustained metabolic benefits compared with glipizide. Benefits included stable weight loss and low rates of hypoglycemia. Additionally, therapy was well-tolerated by patients.

Lower risk of heart failure and stroke with exenatide than with insulin

In patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with exenatide has shown beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors. A recent study used the GE Healthcare database to evaluate the risk of heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke in 2,795 patients taking exenatide twice daily and in 51,547 patients taking insulin in routine clinical practice.

Adherence varies across market segments

The US healthcare system could avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in medical costs if medication adherence rates improved, according to a CVS Caremark report.

Triptans widely prescribed for migraine but contraindicated in patients with CV conditions

Almost 5 million Americans with episodic migraine (EM) should not be prescribed a triptan, the only class of acute medications FDA approved and developed for migraine, because of the presence of cardiovascular contraindications, according to results from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study.

Patients treated with weekly exenatide have better glycemic control and weight loss than patients treated with insulin glargine

A recent international, open-label, randomized, controlled study of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared once-weekly exenatide to titrated insulin glargine.

Study finds that dapagliflozin demonstrates glycemic responses similar to other oral agents

Dapagliflozin produces larger reductions in HbA1c in individuals who have higher baseline levels.

Guideline adds aromatase inhibitor for breast cancer prevention

The new update to the 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on the pharmacologic interventions for breast cancer risk reduction now lists aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin, Pfizer) as an option for postmenopausal women for primary risk reduction that are at an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

Unauthorized prescribers bill Part D $5 million

Estimates of the cost of fraud in the Medicare system range broadly from $17 billion to $90 billion. However, there are no estimates of-or methods to detect-how much of the wasted money is attributable to old-fashioned human error rather than blatant crime.

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Blood pressure response to dietary sodium is reproducible over long term

Blood pressure (BP) response to changes in dietary sodium and potassium is reproducible over the long term and may help identify potential candidates at risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease, according to a study published in the journal Hypertension.

Long-term use of CCBs may increase risk of breast cancer

Long-term use of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) may increase the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women, but additional research is needed to confirm, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine, published online August 5.

FDA approves first rapid diagnostic test to detect HIV-1 antigen, HIV-1/2 antibodies

FDA has approved the first rapid Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) test for the simultaneous detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen as well as antibodies to both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in human serum, plasma, and venous or fingerstick whole blood specimens (The Alere Determine HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo, Orgenics, Ltd. (an Alere, Inc. company) was approved.

Examining medication reconciliation from a perspective of safety

Oral oncolytics: assessing value of newer agents versus current standards of care as part of P&T processes

Oral oncolytics are relatively new to the field of cancer therapy. However, they now make up about 25% of the oncology market and their use is continually expanding. The current insurance system is not efficiently equipped to handle their rapid entry into the market.

Ample vaccine supply key to combatting unpredictability of flu season

The only predictable aspect of the influenza season is its unpredictability, according to experts.

Study finds Rx abuse among teens is a big problem

More than a third of young people believe prescription stimulant abuse is a big problem among their peers, according to a new survey.

Kidney disease: Early diagnosis and analytics are key

Approximately 90,000 Americans die every year as a result of kidney disease. This disease produces no symptoms until it is in the advanced stages, so people in the early stages are not likely to know they have it unless they are tested.

Rise in mortality risk seen in hysterectomized women aged 50 to 59 not using estrogen therapy

A severe decline in the use of estrogen therapy (ET) due to misunderstanding the findings of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Estrogen Plus Progestin Trial has particularly affected hysterectomized women in their 50s, leading to excess mortality, according to a study published online in the American Journal of Public Health.

Medtronic recalls MiniMed insulin infusion sets

FDA sent out a MedWatch warning, on July 12, 2013, after Medtronic recalled its MiniMed Paradigm insulin infusion sets.

Statins offer 30% lower risk of COPD exacerbation

A new retrospective case-control study among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found a 30% decreased risk of COPD exacerbation with any statin use.

New oral anticoagulants increase risk for GI bleeding: Study

Patients taking the new generation of oral anticoagulants (nOACs) are associated with a significantly higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), according to a new study.

FDA advisers recommend easing Avandia restrictions

FDA advisers recommended in early June the easing of restrictions on the diabetes drug rosiglitazone (Avandia, GlaxoSmithKline), following an independent re-examination of GSK’s RECORD study conducted by Duke Clinical Research Institute.

Telmisartan and valsartan present lower risk of heart attack and strokes in diabetes patients

Telmisartan and valsartan, used to reduce blood pressure in people with diabetes, are associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, according to a study published on the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Dosage errors common with HumuLIN R U-500 insulin

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) continues to receive reports of dose measurement confusion with HumuLIN R U-500 concentrated insulin injection, according to a recent safety alert from the agency.