Formulary Watch |
All News - Page 214
Zomig (Zolmitriptan nasal spray) AstraZeneca
November 1, 2003
Migraine therapy available in a nasal spray formulation
Namenda (Memantine) Forest
November 1, 2003
First approved treatment for moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease
Wyeth reports off-label use of venlafaxine associated with pediatric risks
October 1, 2003
A recent "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter issued by Wyeth outlines the potential risks associated with the company's antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor and Effexor XR) when the drug is administered in the pediatric population. The letter, dated August 22, 2003, cites data from clinical studies in pediatric patients (aged 617 y) and details changes that have been made to the labeling for venlafaxine. Venlafaxine has been prescribed off-label in the pediatric population despite never being approved by FDA for use in children or adolescents.
Patient-based strategies encourage increased use of generic drugs
October 1, 2003
As patient-based strategies promote acceptance and wider use of generic drugs, managed care organizations' (MCOs's) tools now include aggressive voucher programs that go so far as to provide preprinted prescription blanks for patients to take to their doctors.
Eszopiclone: A novel cyclopyrrolone with potential benefit in both transient and chronic insomnia (PDF)
October 1, 2003
Benzodiazepines are the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia. However, because of their potential for pharmacologic dependence and withdrawal reactions upon discontinuation, they are neither recommended or FDA-approved for chronic use. The novel cyclopyrrolone eszopiclone (es zoe pik? lone) (Estorra, Sepracor) is a stereoselective isomer of the agent zopiclone, which has been available in Europe for more than a decade. Clinical trials in patients with chronic insomnia suggest the medication may help manage both transient and chronic insomnia with minimal side effects. The most commonly reported side effect with the agent is a bitter taste. The apparent efficacy and favorable side effect profile together with its potential for obtaining the first indication for the management of chronic insomnia in the United States make eszopiclone an attractive therapeutic option. If the drug is approved by FDA, a key issue for formulary decision-makers will be whether to make it openly available or through prior authorization for specific clinical situations. Eszopiclone?s pricing may ultimately determine its use by clinical psychiatrists and reimbursement by insurers.
Experience Brief: How to create a therapeutics committee that is scientifically and economically sound (PDF)
October 1, 2003
One of the primary goals in today?s medical environment is to find treatments that provide positive clinical outcomes but also satisfy pressures on healthcare professionals and hospitals to deliver care as cost effectively as possible. To attain this goal, a hospital must have a pharmacy and therapeutics committee that is both scientifically and economically sound. Based on the experience of over 25 years each of the former chairman of the pharmacy and therapeutics committee (R. Quintiliani) and the director of Drug Information Services (R. Quercia) at Hartford Hospital, a large tertiary hospital in Connecticut, this article addresses ways to accomplish this goal, with particular attention given to anti-infective agents.
Valtrex (Valacyclovir) GlaxoSmithKline
October 1, 2003
Indicated to reduce heterosexualtransmission of genital herpes
Factive (Gemifloxacin) Genesoft
October 1, 2003
First antibiotic approved for CAP due to multidrug-resistant S pneumoniae
Abilify (Aripiprazole) Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka
October 1, 2003
Maintenance therapy for schizophrenia
Seasonale (Levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol (0.15 mg/0.03 mg) Barr
October 1, 2003
First extended-cycle oral contraceptive approved
Cubicin (Daptomycin for injection) Cubist
October 1, 2003
First approval in a new class of antibiotics
Statins linked to reduced risk of cancer
September 1, 2003
Users of statins were 20% less likely to have cancer (adjusted odds ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.660.96) in a case-control study from the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands, that was presented at the 39th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Fondaparinux effective and well-tolerated for prevention of VTE in acutely ill patients
September 1, 2003
Fondaparinux (Arixtra, Organon/Sanofi-Synthelabo) given once daily significantly reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in acutely ill, hospitalized patients, according to data from the Arixtra for ThromboEmbolism prevention in a Medical Indications Study (ARTEMIS).
Treatment for male pattern baldness delays prostate cancer
September 1, 2003
Finasteride (Propecia, Merck), an inhibitor of 5a-reductase, prevents or delays the appearance of prostate cancer by 24.8% (P<.001), according to researchers from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.
Cardiovascular benefit of 'polypill' evaluated in BMJ
September 1, 2003
Three different drugs at half the standard dose are estimated to reduce the risk of stroke by 63% and ischemic heart disease (IHD) events by 46% for those aged 60 to 69 years, according to a study in BMJ. Another study published in the same issue recommends that those with known occlusive vascular disease and everyone aged 55 years or older take a "polypill," including the combination of blood pressure-lowering drugs, a statin, folic acid, and aspirin.
Crestor (Rosuvastatin)
September 1, 2003
New statin approved for the treatmentof various lipid disorders
Performing a pharmacoeconomic analysis of a disease management pathway or guideline
September 1, 2003
In these tight economic times, hospitals and managed care organizations are looking to eliminate unnecessary costs.
The treatment of acute severe asthma in the adult: an overview
September 1, 2003
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways affecting 5%–7% of the US and European populations. It accounts for nearly 400,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths per year. Acute asthma comprises those asthmatics with severe symptoms, despite attempts at appropriate control. Typically these patients will present to a local emergency department for evaluation and treatment. This review examines the pharmaceutical treatment options made available to these patients in emergency settings, including their risks, benefits, side effects and overall effectiveness. (Formulary 2003;38:537–543.)
Lumiracoxib A COX-2 inhibitor for the treatment of arthritis and acute pain
September 1, 2003
Lumiracoxib (Prexige, Novartis) appears to be the next COX-2 specific inhibitor that will be marketed in the United States. Currently, lumiracoxib is being studied for the treatment of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute pain. Lumiracoxib has been shown in vitro to be more selective for the COX-2 isoenzyme compared to rofecoxib and celecoxib, but clinical head-to-head studies between these agents are lacking. Small controlled trials, presented in abstract form, have shown lumiracoxib to have comparable efficacy to diclofenac and celecoxib in osteoarthritis. It has an adverse effect profile similar to other COX-2 inhibitors and superior to traditional NSAIDs concerning gastrointestinal safety, but cardiovascular and renal safety data are still not available. While existing clinical data on lumiracoxib are minimal and only published in abstract form, research is ongoing, including comparing lumiracoxib to ibuprofen and naproxen in the largest arthritis trial undertaken to date. When the results of this study are published, lumiracoxib?s efficacy and safety profile will be better understood. (Formulary 2003;38:528?536.)
Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
August 1, 2003
Antiepileptic approved for long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder
Bexxar (Tositumomab and iodine I 131 tositumomab)
August 1, 2003
New treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Estrogen plus progestin therapy increases the risk for probable dementia
August 1, 2003
Estrogen plus progestin therapy does not prevent mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in women aged 65 years and older, and it increases the risk for probable dementia in this group, according to researchers from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS).
