News

Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions may be able to close the transaction of its merger as early as next week, according to an announcement Wednesday by Express Scripts.

FDA added new label warnings for the antidepressant citalopram (Celexa, Forest Laboratories), discouraging patients with certain conditions from using the drug and lowering the dosage recommendations to 20 mg daily for patients aged 60 and older. The warning is also applicable to generic versions of Celexa.

FDA has approved peginesatide (Omontys, Affymax) to treat anemia in adult dialysis patients who have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

FDA has issued a complete response letter (CRL) to dihydroergotamine (Levadex inhalation aerosol, MAP Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of acute treatment of migraine in adults.

FDA has approved beclomethasone dipropionate (QNASL Nasal Aerosol, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries), a ?dry? nasal aerosol corticosteroid that treats year-round and seasonal nasal allergy symptoms in people aged 12 years and older.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has launched escitalopram oxalate oral solution in 5 mg/5 mL strength, the first generic of antianxiety/antidepressant Lexapro (Forest) in liquid form on the market

FDA approved the first generic versions of Boniva (ibandronate) tablets, a once-monthly product to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause

Ingenol mebutate topical gel (0.015% for face and scalp and 0.05% for trunk and extremities) was effective for treating actinic keratoses, a common precursor to sun-related, squamous cell carcinoma, according to a new study.

Diacetylmorphine, or heroin, may be a more effective treatment than methadone for people with relapsing chronic opioid dependence, according to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

A new study of patients with moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease found that extended treatment with donepezil could improve cognition and function for even severe patients; however, experts caution that the benefits of the drug were modest.

Clinical pharmacists were instrumental in reducing errors in patients' physician-acquired medication histories, according to a study published online on March 13 in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

The majority of older women in nursing homes are likely to be deficient in vitamin D during winter months, and those with the lowest levels are at a significantly increased risk of death, according to a study published online February 8, in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology.

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) is pleased that FDA is exploring the public health benefit of approving certain drugs that would otherwise require a prescription for nonprescription use under conditions of safe use, an AMCP official said in written testimony Thursday.

FDA approved the first generic versions of Boniva (ibandronate) tablets, a once-monthly product to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause.

The final rule for Medicaid eligibility in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will ensure health coverage for millions of Americans, according to Friday's announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.

The FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research released a new draft guidance on how it develops and classifies drug-safety issues.

The time from investigational new drug application filing to NDA/BLA approval by FDA of drugs for central nervous system disorders and the subsequent regulatory approval can take 35% longer than other therapeutic categories, according to a recent analysis published in the March/April Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development Impact Report.

Patients' rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improved after adding prednisone at the start of a methotrexate-based treatment strategy, according to research published in the March 6 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Postmenopausal women with a higher intake of trans fat have a higher incidence of ischemic stroke, but aspirin may reduce the adverse effects of trans fat, according to a new study.

Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq with mental health issues, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were more likely to receive high-risk opioids for pain, and those with PTSD were more likely to suffer adverse clinical outcomes, according to a new study.

An experimental diabetes drug, TAK-875, demonstrated its ability to improve blood-sugar control with a low risk of hypoglycemia, according to phase 2 study results published online February 27 in The Lancet.

A mathematical model that uses laboratory values commonly available on admission can help physicians estimate acetaminophen (APAP: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol) overdose amount, time elapsed since overdose, and potential outcome, according to a study published online February 13 in Hepatology.

FDA has approved a new indication for estradiol valerate and estradiol valerate/dienogest (Natazia, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals) tablets for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) that is not caused by any diagnosed conditions of the uterus.

Federal and state governments may soon be looking to managed care for a comprehensive solution.

With increased coverage under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), insurers are expecting an influx of enrollees.

MemorialCare Health System has announced the affiliation of Greater Newport Physicians with its MemorialCare Medical Foundation and the acquisition of Nautilus Healthcare Management Group, Greater Newport?s affiliated management services organization.

Differences in health status explain much of the regional variation in spending for privately insured people, but differences in provider prices-especially for hospital care-also play a key role.

Research indicates paying for a patient's entire care episode rather than individually for every test and treatment for certain procedures could save payers money.

Gay marriage makes headlines, but health coverage for domestic partners is quietly becoming more common as top employers seek ways to further define their corporate culture and provide attractive benefit plans.

With a year-end deadline looming, health Insurance companies who want to participate in PPACA's state-run exchanges have to be ready for anything.