Formulary Watch |

First generic Nasonex available

FDA recently approved the first generic version of Nasonex nasal spray (mometasone furoate monohydrate, Apotex Corp).

National diabetes prevention program saves thousands

Diabetes prevention program found to improve quality and reduces healthcare costs. It will now be covered by Medicare in 2017.

FDA approves Bayer hemophilia A drug

FDA recently approved antihemophilic factor VIII (recombinant) (Kovaltry, Bayer) for the treatment of hemophilia A in children and adults.

6 facts to know about the new psoriasis drug

FDA approved ixekizumab (Taltz, Eli Lilly and Co.) injection 80 mg/mL for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.

New anthrax injection available

FDA this week approved obiltoxaximab injection, (Anthim, Elusys Therapeutics), to treat inhalational anthrax.

How FDA aims to support generic opioids

FDA issued a draft guidance to support industry in their development of generic versions of approved opioids with abuse-deterrent formulations (ADF), while ensuring that generic ADF opioids are no less abuse-deterrent than the brand-name drug.

FDA expands drug to treat NSCLC

FDA has extended approval of crizotinib (Xalkori, Pfizer) for the treatment of certain patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

FDA requires warning on opioids

A month after FDA announced several measures aimed at curbing opioid abuse, the agency said it would require a new boxed warning addressing the serious risk of misuse, abuse, addiction, overdose and death on immediate-release (IR) opioid pain medications.

Walgreens, OptumRx form pharmacy partnership

The new partnership between Walgreens Boots Alliance and OptumRx may signal that Walgreens is not looking to buy another PBM.

Brand and specialty drug spending spikes

Spending on brand name drugs spiked 16.2% in 2015 and 98.2% since 2011, according to a new report from pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Express Scripts. Plus, a third of branded products experienced price increases greater than 20% in 2015, according to Express Scripts’ annual Drug Trend Report.

6 facts about the new hemophilia B drug

FDA recently approved Idelvion [Coagulation Factor IX (Recombinant), Albumin Fusion Protein] for the treatment of hemophilia B. Here are the top 6 facts to know about Idelvion.

CDC issues opioid prescribing guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new voluntary guidelines this week for prescribing opioid medications for chronic pain, excluding cancer, palliative, and end-of-life care.

Study: Shorter hospital stays with Xarelto

US hospitals using rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen Pharmaceuticals) instead of warfarin (Coumadin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) to treat patients diagnosed with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) may save nearly $2,000 per patient and shorten a patient’s hospital stay by approximately 1.5 days, according to a new study.

FDA expands use for breast cancer drug

FDA has approved expanded indication for the use of fulvestrant (Faslodex, AstraZeneca) in combination with another therapy in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Why generic Viagra will have to wait

While FDA just approved the first generic version of sildenafil citrate (Viagra, Pfizer), the new product won’t be on the market until late 2017.

Hospital admissions slashed with diabetes software

The use of insulin management software in hospital emergency departments can decrease hospital admissions for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) by 45%, according to a new study.

Top 7 facts to know about new HIV drug

FDA has approved Odefsey (Gilead Sciences, Inc.) for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in certain patients. Here are the top 7 facts to know about Odefsey.

Leukemia drug gets US okay, struggles in UK

While FDA recently approved ibrutinib (Imbruvica, Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Pharmacyclics LLC) to treat patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), United Kingdom’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will not yet recommend the medication.

Major diabetes drug cuts heart attack risk

New data from Novo Nordisk will help its Victoza (liraglutide) for type 2 diabetes better compete against Eli Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim’s Jardiance (empagliflozin). Victoza significantly reduced the combined incidence of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular death in high-risk Type 2 diabetes patients, according to Novo Nordisk

Bad news for seniors on drug pricing

While many Americans and legislators have complained about the rising cost of medications in recent years, seniors are likely impacted more than the population at large. The average retail price among 622 prescription medications widely used by seniors doubled from 2006 to 2013, to reach more than $11,000, according to the American Association of Retired Persons’ (AARP)’s updated “Rx Price Watch” report.

Mail order boosts med adherence for stroke patients

Stroke patients were more adherent to mail order prescriptions versus picking up their medications at retail pharmacies, according to new research presented at the recent International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles, Calif.

First once-daily RA drug approved

FDA has approved tofacitinib citrate extended-release (Xeljanz XR, Pfizer) tablets for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Top 5 things to know about new lymphoma drug

FDA approved obinutuzumab (Gazyva, Genentech) for the treatment of certain patients with follicular lymphoma. Here are the top 5 things to know about Gazyva.

Will the government take action on drug pricing?

While there are rumors that President Barack Obama could use his executive authority to regulate drug pricing, analysts say that is not likely. Experts also say that the presidential candidates’ plans to reform skyrocketing drug prices won’t work.

Leading heartburn drugs linked to dementia

Seniors who regularly took leading heartburn drugs such as Nexium, Prilosec and Prevacid (Takeda Pharmaceuticals) were 44% more likely to end up with dementia, according to a new study.

Pfizer makes huge multimillion-dollar Medicaid settlement

In one of the biggest drug pricing settlements in history, Pfizer is paying $784.6 million to settle claims alleging that the practices of its Wyeth subsidiary relating to the calculation of Medicaid rebates for Protonix (pantoprazole sodium) violated the Federal Civil False Claims Act and other laws.

AstraZeneca drug a breakthrough therapy for bladder cancer

FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation for durvalumab (MEDI4736, AstraZeneca) for the treatment of urothelial bladder cancer.

FDA clears new treatment for epileptic seizures

FDA has approved brivaracetam (Briviact, UCB, Inc.) as an add-on therapy for the treatment of partial onset-seizures in patients with epilepsy.

Top 5 things to know about FDA’s Zika blood guidelines

FDA issued a new guidance recommending that individuals who have been to areas with active Zika virus transmission, who have potentially have been exposed to the virus, or have had a confirmed Zika virus infection should not donate blood. Here are the other top 5 things to know about FDA's new guidelines on Zika blood transmissions.

FDA denies claims for Zetia, Vytorin

FDA declined to approve Merck’s claim that its cholesterol-lowering drugs Zetia and Vytorin reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with coronary heart disease.