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An updated consensus statement on the management of hypertension among blacks places a major emphasis on a comprehensive assessment and appropriate risk stratification of individual patients with hypertension, according to a report published online Oct. 4, 2010 in Hypertension, HealthDay News reported.

A collaborative effort between physicians and pharmacists appears to result in improved blood pressure control in hypertensive patients, and continued education in smoking cessation counseling may help physicians, according to two articles published Oct. 11, 2010 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, HealthDay News reported.

A collaborative effort between physicians and pharmacists appears to result in improved blood pressure control in hypertensive patients, and continued education in smoking cessation counseling may help physicians, according to two articles published Oct. 11, 2010 in the Archives of Internal Medicine, HealthDay News reported.

In a new randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the October 13, 2010 Journal of the American Medical Association, trial investigators demonstrated that the use of buprenorphine implants (Probuphine, Titan Pharmaceuticals) could reduce opioid use over a 24-week study period.

Amgen of Thousand Oaks, Calif., the maker of denosumab (Prolia) announced at a global conference last month the results of 2 integrated analyses of head-to-head pivotal phase 3 trials comparing the drug to zoledronic acid (Zometa, Novartis Pharmaceuticals), the current standard of care in the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with advanced malignancies involving bone.

FDA has approved saxagliptin and metformin extended-release (XR) (Kombiglyze XR, AstraZeneca/Bristol-Myers Squibb) tablets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. Kombiglyze XR is the first and only once-a-day metformin XR plus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor combination tablet offering strong glycemic control across glycosylated hemoglobin levels, fasting plasma glucose, and postprandial glucose

FDA has approved acetaminophen injection (Ofirmev, Cadence Pharmaceuticals), the first intravenous (IV) formulation of acetaminophen for the management of mild-to-moderate pain, moderate-to severe-pain with adjunctive opioid analgesics, and the reduction of fever.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: More than a child's disorder; Focus on lurasidone; Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Lurasidone, a new-generation atypical antipsychotic, has been approved by FDA for the treatment of schizophrenia and is under investigation for the treatment of bipolar disorder. This article will discuss the clinical pharmacology, clinical trials, adverse events, drug interactions, dosing and administration, and formulary considerations.

The protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir, in phase 3 development, are poised to become a new therapeutic category of medications to be added to the current standard of care to increase sustained virologic response rates and prevent liver disease in patients with hepatitis C.

Recent FDA action (through, October 2010) related to Qnexa, Linjeta, JZP-6, Bydureon, Zalbin, Staccato loxapine, Tapentadol extended-release oral analgesic, AVP-21D9, 1% tenofovir vaginal gel, AFM 13, hGH-CTP, Rozrolimupab, Nefecon, SB1518 JAK2 inhibitor.

FDA has issued a complete response letter (CRL) for lorcaserin's (Arena and Eisai) New Drug Application. Lorcaserin is intended for weight management, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, in some patients who are obese or patients who are overweight (and have at least 1 weight-related co-morbid condition.

OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan) has been approved by FDA as prophylactic treatment of headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It is the first clinically studied prophylactic treatment to receive FDA approval specifically for this debilitated patient population.

Dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) has received FDA approval for the prevention of stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. It is the first replacement for warfarin to win FDA approval.