Formulary Watch |

How hospitals can cope with IV drug shortages

Because of the impact of Hurricanes Maria and Irma on Puerto Rico’s infrastructure and drug manufacturing, hospitals face an ongoing shortage of IV fluids manufactured there.

FDA approves first pill that can be tracked when ingested

FDA approved the first drug in the United States that has a digital ingestion tracking system, which records when the medication was taken.

FDA issues warning over marijuana products claiming cancer cure

FDA warned 4 companies, which are claiming that their products containing cannabidiol, can treat or cure cancer.

Game-changing hep B vaccine gets FDA nod

The first 2-dose hepatitis B vaccine, which was recently approved by FDA, is expected to be commercially available in early 2018.

FDA: Risk of blindness from compounded eye drug

FDA warns that this compounded eye drug could lead to a disease that causes blindness.

First Zika test for blood donations wins nod from FDA

ISMP issues insulin pen warning after patient death

More education is needed for diabetic patients after a patient died from incorrectly using an insulin pen, according to a new warning from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

New diabetes drug set to rival Trulicity

If it is approved by FDA, an investigational drug to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes will likely be a strong competitor to Eli Lilly’s dulaglutide (Trulicity).

Shingles vaccine wins approval

FDA approved the herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix, GlaxoSmithKline) to treat shingles in adults aged 50 years and older.

Activists: drugmakers, distributors liable for opioids abuse

Soon after President Donald Trump declared the opioid abuse crisis a “public health emergency," shareholder activist groups said they aim to hold drug manufacturers and distributors liable for their part in the crisis.

FDA advisors recommend 2 opioid use disorder drugs

Two opioid use disorder drugs have been recommended for approval by FDA committees.

FDA okays unique injectable for type 2 diabetics

FDA approved a new once-weekly, single-dose autoinjector device to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Drug shortages likely after hurricanes

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, said that the United States is likely to see shortages on certain drugs because after Hurricanes Irma and Maria knocked out power to the islands.

New drug offers hope to advanced breast cancer patients

FDA approved a new treatment for certain breast cancer patients who are not responding to treatment.

Novel device helps diabetics avoid stress linked to glucose testing

FDA approved the first continuous glucose monitoring system that allows for diabetes treatment decisions without requiring a fingerstick.

Cholesterol drug misbranded, company pleads guilty

Pharma maker pleads guilty that one of its major drugs was misbranded in a federal court case brought by FDA and the US Department of Justice.

FDA approves generic Tamiflu, plus 2 other new drugs

FDA approved the first generic version of oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu, Roche) for oral suspension to treat influenza A and B, plus 2 other noteworthy therapies.

FDA alters stance on opioid addiction drugs

FDA is advising that these 2 opioid addiction medications should not be withheld from patients taking benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system.

FDA okays biosimilar for several cancers

While FDA has approved a handful of biosimilar drugs, the agency just approved the first biosimilar that treats a variety of types of cancer.

FDA warns Pfizer’s Meridian over EpiPen flaws

FDA warned about an injunction or seizure if Meridian Medical Technologies, a division of Pfizer, does not correct its problems with the EpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector).

FDA warns about deaths in cancer drug trials

An increased risk of deaths for patients in clinical trials receiving this cancer drug and two other drugs led FDA to stop the clinical trials.

Blockbuster diabetes drug earns heart indication

A top-selling diabetes drug has gained a cardiovascular indication from FDA.

Will new biosimilars hurt blockbuster autoimmune drug?

New biosimilars may harm the sales of this autoimmune blockbuster.

FDA okays targeted leukemia treatment

FDA approved a targeted new drug to treat adults with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

FDA eyes opioids in kids' medicines

An FDA committee will review prescription opioid products containing hydrocodone or codeine to treat coughs in children.

Groups praise lawsuit against Walgreens, CVS

Pharmacy and medical organizations lauded a new class action lawsuit against CVS Health and Walgreens, alleging the two pharmacy chains colluded with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to drive up the cost of generic drugs.

FDA warns about contaminated drugs, dietary supplements

FDA warned consumers and health care professionals not to use a certain brand of drugs and dietary supplements that are contaminated.

DEA wants to slash opioid production

The Drug Enforcement Administration wants to slash the production of opioid painkillers by 20% in 2018.

FDA approves novel leukemia, hepatitis C drugs

FDA approved the first treatment for patients with a certain type of acute myeloid leukemia, as well as 2 new drugs to treat hepatitis C.

Popular insulin meets target in real-world study