News

Current use of warfarin as a stroke prevention therapy in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation is associated with a lower rate of residual stroke or systemic embolism compared with previous data, according to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is warning about the severe side effects associated with infliximab for rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn?s disease, and other autoimmune disorders.

US healthcare costs associated with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) climbed from $39,400 in 2000 to $53,400 in 2009, and state Medicaid programs paid for the majority of the cases. Approximately 3.39 per 1,000 hospital births in 2009 had NAS compared with 1.20 in 2000, according to a report published online from JAMA.

Drug Watch: Multiple sclerosis

New molecular entity: FDA approved Ivacaftor, a treatment of cystic fibrosis for patients with a G551D mutation in the CFTR gene

A recent study indicated that publicly reporting quality data to CMS has not lead to a reduction in mortality.

With the aging of the US population, elective total hip and knee replacement operations have become more prevalent, and costs to the healthcare system for these procedures are increasing rapidly. This includes costs related to treatment of venous thromboembolism, which may be a consequence of these operations if appropriate postoperative thromboprophylaxis is not administered.

Recent FDA action (through April 2012) related to, Dihydroergotamine, Levadex inhalation aerosol, droxidopa, Northera, Amitriptyline 4% ketamine 2% cream, AmiKet, Afilbercept, ZALTRAP, Nav rAAV8 vector, Carbamazepine, Carbatrol, Vancomycin hydrochloride, Vancocin, Irbesartan, irbesartan-hydrochloriderothiazide, Avapro, Avalide, Fluvastatin, Lescol

Drospirenone-containing birth control pills may be associated with a higher risk for blood clots than other progestin-containing pills, according to recent FDA observational (epidemiologic) studies.

Patients with coronary heart disease who used statins were at a decreased risk of depression; whether there is a cause-and effect relationship, however, merits further research, according to a study published online February 21 in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

Apixiban (Eliquis) is an orally active factor Xa inhibitor. Its manufacturers are seeking FDA approval to market apixaban to reduce risk of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF).

New formulation: FDA approved Exenatide extended-release, a once-weekly treatment (along with diet and exercise) to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus in multiple clinical settings

Recent FDA Approvals (through April 2012) related to (Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Affymax, Takeda Pharmaceutical, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Avioq, Hope Pharmaceuticals, Novo Nordisk, Avid Radiopharmaceuticals)

A report for the American College of Cardiology's Scientific Session & Expo

Are drug-price guarantees here to stay?

The face of pharmacy benefit management continues to change in the wake of the $29.1 billion merger.

Private payers have the most experience with managing risk, but each stakeholder must achieve a perfect balance of risk and reward.

In spite of a drug pipeline that produced 34 new drugs moving to the market, U.S. spending on prescription drugs rose a negligible amount in 2011, according to a report from IMS Institute.

The "arms race" among hospitals to be more competitive has led to the trend of hospitals expanding into targeted geographic markets to capture well-insured patients.

Your members might be skipping out on their responsibilities.

Stakeholders must find common ground, according to a new survey on the subject by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Proven programs lead to better drug compliance among diabetic members.

Uncertainty remains in funding high-risk pools.

The concept of rewarding quality improvement is widely embraced, but implementation is far from perfect.

Rise of payers buying providers leads to complex legal issues.

In this new era of business-to-consumer marketing, small plans might have an advantage.

Interoperability rules go into effect soon.

No one is optimistic that Congress will make changes in benefits or outlays needed to improve the financial picture.

An increase in smartphone and e-reader use among older Americans has propelled the launch of a new health literacy initiative

Not everyone responds to incentives, so keep reminding your members to engage