News

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 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).

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).

The risk of an injury was greater among older adults in poorer health

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.

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 (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 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.

To balance priorities, consider the 2014 requirements

As payers continue to pursue narrow networks, addressing legal issues early on is critical

Funds will go toward testing models designed to deliver better care outcomes and lower costs

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.

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.

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.

Value-based payment models require collaborative efforts among stakeholders

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.

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.

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

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.

Applying a value-based design to high-deductible plans would encourage chronically ill patients not to forgo necessary services

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Plans testified to the House Energy and Commerce Committee that more than 80% of new customers had paid the monthly premiums.