Uro-Oncology

Providers and payers benefit from efficient scheduling,vbalanced utilization and adequate staffing

Vardenafil (Levitra, Bayer AG/GlaxoSmithKline) is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) currently under review by FDA for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). If approved, vardenafil will become the third PDE5 inhibitor to be marketed in the United States and the fourth oral agent approved for the treatment of ED. Vardenafil has been studied in subjects of various ages (<45 and >65 years of age), with different etiologies and different baseline severity of ED. Studies evaluating vardenafil have determined it to be safe and effective at doses of 5 mg to 40 mg, including subjects with diabetes mellitus and subjects who have undergone radical prostatectomy. Vardenafil has a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer). The drug appears to be well tolerated. In clinical trials, headache, dyspepsia, and flushing were the most common adverse effects reported by subjects taking vardenafil. No adverse hemodynamic or visual effects have been reported during clinical trials of vardenafil; however, further investigation, including post-marketing surveillance, will be required. Further research and clinical experience with the newer PDE5 inhibitors (vardenafil and tadalafil [Cialis, Lilly/ICOS]) will be needed before their roles in the treatment of ED can be determined.

Ranked by total of all payers, 2001

Expert analysis of a debate on cancer screening reveals 63 permutations on points of view. Is it any wonder, then, that the nation has trouble achieving consensus on health care policy?

...then bring the doctors to the men. An on-site screening program at Lockheed addressed that reluctance.

Some tips on deciding which plan or network will consistently produce better outcomes in specialized care.

Addendum questionnaire to June Focus On: Tadalafil

Tadalafil (Cialis) was recently deemed approvable for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). When approved, it will join the widely used PDE5 inhibitor sildenafil citrate as an oral therapy for ED management. Among tadalafil?s characteristics are its rapid onset of action, a duration of action of up to 24 hours, and lack of food influence on the drug?s pharmacokinetics. In this Focus article, the pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and therapeutic aspects of tadalafil are reviewed and compared, when possible, with sildenafil and another investigational agent, vardenafil.

Healthcare still has high hopes for the elusive technology

A roundtable discussion with Vincent T. Andriole, MD, Chairperson; Paul B. Iannini, MD; Lionel A. Mandell, MD, FRCPC; Charles H. Nightingale, PhD; Lance R. Peterson, MD

Product Profile

New tools that include IS, Internet processing, ASPs and outsourcing help manage transactions and free resources to focus on core competencies

New formulation: Monthly SC injection form of GnRH agonist for advanced prostate cancer

NME: 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for treatmentof benign prostatic hyperplasia

Fluoroquinolones and nitrofurantoin have surpassed trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) as the most frequently prescribed antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women, according to a new national analysis. This is despite well-established recommendations (from the Infectious Disease Society of America and others) that TMP-SMZ is the drug of choice for UTIs due to cost and concerns about antibiotic resistance.

MCOs implement multi-tier benefit to slow drug-spending growth, but future fiscal controls could limit access

Worksite education about overactive bladder needn't be elaborate or expensive to be of great value for employees who endure the condition, care for an affected family member or stigmatize symptoms.

People with overactive bladder, incontinent or not, often think they must tolerate symptoms, but that&s a terrible mistake. Therapy is safe, effective, and uncomplicated.

People with overactive bladder, incontinent or not, often think they must tolerate symptoms, but that&s a terrible mistake. Therapy is safe, effective, and uncomplicated.

Government and private organizations offer a wealth of helpful information. Surf the net, send a letter or make a call.

Current estimates indicate that overactive bladder is a widespread disorder. Yet, these figures only capture people willing to admit to symptoms.

Think overactive bladder is just a nuisance? Many studies prove that it severely diminishes quality of life, including the ability to work productively. The cost is in the billions.

How diabetes works and who it targets.

Ranked by total of all payers, 2000

HIPAA compliance will help, but frequent use of disclaimers also can short-circuit some serious legal ramifications