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Triple antihypertensive combination therapy offers greater blood pressure reductions compared with dual treatments

Results of a new study found that the investigational triple combination therapy of olmesartan medoxomil (OM), amlodipine besylate (AML), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), demonstrated significantly greater mean reductions at week 12 in blood pressure.

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Interventions can help curb adverse drug events

Overall, 70% of adverse drug events are considered preventable. Since managed care companies are always looking to improve patient care and prevent adverse outcomes, it is no wonder that patient safety is a concern in this healthcare environment.

Specialty pharmacy management strategies continually updated

Costs for specialty pharmaceuticals continue to increase at double-digit rates. Therefore key stakeholders such as pharmacy benefit management companies, health plans, specialty pharmacies, employers/groups, and physician specialists, are looking for ways to most efficiently manage these products for patients.

Formulary Digital Edition, June 2010

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Bridging the gap between efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness; Lorcaserin: A novel, selective 5-HT2C-receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity; Vaccine agents in late-stage development.

GnRH agonists' safety profile under FDA review for diabetes, CVD risks

FDA notified providers and patients that they are continuing to review available data suggesting an increase in the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death in men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists as androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension: Bridging the gap between efficacy, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive condition characterized by abnormal proliferation and remodeling, vasoconstriction, and thrombosis of the pulmonary vasculature, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, increases in peripheral vascular resistance, and ultimately to right heart failure and death. Recently, the therapeutic armamentarium for PAH has expanded.

Lorcaserin: A novel, selective 5-HT2C-receptor agonist for the treatment of obesity

Obesity is a prevalent disease that has reached epidemic proportions in both the developed and developing world. In the United States, it is estimated that 66% of the adult population is overweight or obese. There are several available pharmacologic treatments for obesity used as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. However, weight loss with these agents is modest and usually reversible when the drug is discontinued, and novel, more-effective anti-obesity agents are desperately needed.

Low-dose colchicine found to be as effective as high-dose regimen for early gout flares

Low-dose oral colchicine is just as effective as high-dose colchicine in reducing pain associated with early acute gout flare, but with a safety profile statistically indistinguishable from placebo, according to a study published in the April issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the official journal of the American College of Rheumatology.

Some anticonvulsants may raise suicide risk

Anticonvulsant agents have important therapeutic benefits. However, both the healthcare provider and patient need to remain cognizant of associated risks, according to results of a study published in the April 13, 2010, edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

FMCP tabs winners of P&T and poster competition

The Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Managed Care Pharmacy (FMCP), the educational and philanthropic arm of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), announced the winners in the 10th Annual AMCP/FMCP National Student Pharmacist Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Competition, and FMCP Best Student Pharmacist and Best Resident or Fellow Poster Contests.

Niacin superior to ezetimibe in decreasing CIMT

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or CHD equivalent on stable statin monotherapy treated with the addition of extended-release niacin have significant decreases in carotid intima-media thickness compared with those who had ezetimibe added to their stable statin treatment, according to a study published online April 14 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, as reported by HealthDay News.

Lamotrigine may be most effective antiepileptic drug

Of 10 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) studied in older adults with epilepsy, lamotrigine closely followed by levetiracetam is the most effective, as measured by 12-month retention and freedom from seizures, while oxcarbazepine is consistently less effective than other AEDs, according to research published in the April issue of the Archives of Neurology, as reported by HealthDay News.

Cotrimoxazole tied to bleeding in older patients on warfarin

In older patients treated with warfarin, the use of cotrimoxazole is associated with a higher risk of upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage than other common antibiotics, according to research published in the April 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, as reported by HealthDay News.

Your response to healthcare reform

Since Congress passed healthcare reform legislation in March, Formulary has continued to ask for your feedback. Here is your response.

Guideline-specific management of atrial fibrillation

Each pharmacologic management strategy for atrial fibrillation has limitations and more research is needed to determine which agents are equally effective, yet safer alternatives. Providing thromboprophylaxis to decrease risk of ischemic stroke is a well-validated approach. However, deciding between rhythm or rate control may not be as straightforward.