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Angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) appear to be associated with a modest increase in risk of a new cancer diagnosis, according to research published online June 14 in The Lancet Oncology, reported HealthDay News.

A neurology-focused specialty pharmaceutical company has launched diclofenac potassium for oral solution (Cambia, Nautilus Neurosciences Inc.) for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in the United States. FDA approved the prescription medication in June 2009.

In women with type 2 diabetes, long-term metformin (Glucophage, Merck Serono) use is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes Care, as reported by HealthDay News.

The use of regular aspirin by individuals aged 40 and older who have been newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is a cost-effective treatment strategy, according to a study in the June issue of Diabetes Care, as reported by HealthDay News.

In patients with type 2 diabetes, a once-weekly formulation of exenatide (Byetta, Amylin Pharmaceuticals) is associated with sustained improvements in glycemic control and body weight over 52 weeks, and patients who switch from a twice-daily to a once-weekly regimen have further improvements in hemoglobin A1C and fasting plasma glucose, according to research published in the June issue of Diabetes Care, as reported in HealthDay News.

The use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by healthy people is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, but naproxen (Aleve, Bayer Consumer) appears to have a safer cardiovascular risk profile, according to a study published online June 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, as reported by HealthDay News.

The use of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by healthy people is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death, but naproxen (Aleve, Bayer Consumer) appears to have a safer cardiovascular risk profile, according to a study published online June 8 in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, as reported by HealthDay News.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) skin patches containing low doses of estrogen carry less risk of stroke than oral therapy and may represent a safer alternative, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Lady Davis Research Institute of the Jewish General Hospital, published June 4 in the British Medical Journal.

A new post-hoc study of rosiglitazone and cardiac events in patients with type 2 diabetes is adding to the controversy surrounding the thiazolidinedione (TZD) agent. Lead author Richard Bach, MD, associate professor of medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Mo., presented the new data during a late-breaking clinical study symposium Tuesday morning at the 70th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, taking place in Orlando, Fla.

Hemophilia: Etiology, complications, and current options in management; Rifaximin: A nonabsorbable, broad-spectrum antibiotic for reduction in the risk for recurrence of overt hepatic encephalopathy; Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of female and male cancers

Generic drugs approved by FDA (through June 2010): Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, Meropenem for injection, Adapalene 0.1% gel, Aztreonam for injection, Oxaliplatin for injection

On June 11, 2010, FDA announced in a drug safety communication that the agency was currently evaluating whether the use of the angiotensin II receptor blocker olmesartan (Benicar, Daiichi Sankyo) (also sold in combination with hydrocholorothiazide as Benicar HCT) was associated with increased cardiovascular mortality.

A recent landmark phase 3 trial in patients in remission from recurrent hepatic encephalopathy demonstrated that rifaximin at a dose of 550 mg twice daily is significantly more effective than placebo in maintaining remission and reducing the risk of hospitalization. Rifaximin's approval by FDA in March 2010, offers clinicians the first pharmacologic treatment for hepatic encephalopathy in more than 30 years.