Patients with schizophrenia who switched from haloperidol decanoate or fluphenazine decanoate to risperidone microspheres discontinued their treatment more frequently, according to a new study published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Researchers from the University of Washington have identified a threshold concentration of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)D] that is associated with increased risk for major medical events and they say that season-specific targets may be more appropriate than static targets when evaluating health risk.
FDA has approved generic versions of clopidogrel tablets USP (Plavix, Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb), 75 mg and 300 mg.
Hospira is voluntarily recalling one lot of hydromorphone injection, USP, 1 mg/mL (C-II), 1-mL fill in 2.5-mL Carpuject, NDC 0409-1283-31, after complaints that a single Carpuject contained more than the 1-mL labeled fill volume, according to a press release posted on the FDA website.
Pharmacists need additional guidance on the handling of biosimilar products in the pharmacy when these products become more widely available following the approval of the biosimilar pathway, said Marcie Bough, senior director of government affairs, APhA, speaking at an FDA hearing last week.
FDA?s Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee has recommended approval of once-daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada, Gilead Sciences) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection among uninfected adults.
Youth diagnosed with type 2 diabetes may require a combination treatment or insulin therapy within a few years after diagnosis, according to a study published online April 29 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Bariatric surgery plus medical therapy may be a useful strategy for managing uncontrolled diabetes, according to the results of a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were at twice the risk of infection compared with children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to a study published May 1 in Arthritis & Rheumatism.
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 labels of 2 formulations of finasteride, used to treat enlarged prostate and male-pattern baldness, are being revised to indicate that additional sexual side effects may persist after the drug has been discontinued, FDA announced"
The supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has no benefit in treating multiple sclerosis, according to a clinical trial that appeared in the JAMA?s Archives of Neurology. However, researchers acknowledged the randomized controlled trial was underpowered.
A set of 11 evidence-based recommendations for managing pain with pharmacotherapy in patients suffering inflammatory arthritis were reported by an international panel online March 24 in Rheumatology.
"Phthalate metabolites, chemicals commonly used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, were linked to an increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes in the elderly, a recent study found. "
"Doctors debate whether men with elevated cholesterol who are otherwise healthy should still take statins, in a new series in JAMA, Dueling Viewpoints. "
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
