News

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.

Patients treated by physicians in designated medical homes reduced overall medical costs by 21% in the first year

Will offer comprehensive information about the price and quality of healthcare services

A new survey has found that pharmaceutical companies and payers are not seeing eye to eye.

FDA has approved a new indication for antihemophilic factor VIII (recombinant),(Kogenate FS, Bayer), for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adults with hemophilia A.

There is value in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) early, according to results from a study presented during the 66th American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

Long-term use of a combination antimicrobial trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) reduces the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) by up to 80% in children with the urinary condition vesicoureteral reflux compared to placebo, according to a study published online May 4 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Health plans have been deploying transparency tools, but they are often underutilized, not intuitive or don’t provide the whole picture.

FDA approved vorapaxar (Zontivity, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck) tablets to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiovascular death, and need for procedures to restore the blood flow to the heart in patients with a previous heart attack or blockages in the arteries to the legs.