Formulary Watch |
All News - Page 98
Physicians unsure about new IPF drugs
February 10, 2015
While physicians laud FDA’s approval of nintedanib (Ofev) and pirfenidone (Esbriet) for treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)-the first approved medications to treat the disease in the United Sates-they don’t know how to use them.
Study: Tamiflu shortens length of flu symptoms
February 9, 2015
Antiviral drug oseltamavir (Tamiflu, Roche) shortens the length of flu symptoms by about 1 day, and reduces respiratory infections that sometimes develop by 44%, according to a study published in The Lancet.
PCORI to give $138M to disease researchers
February 9, 2015
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has issued 6 new funding announcements offering up to $138 million in support for studies comparing how well different approaches to care work for patients given their particular circumstances and concerns.
FDA approves Lucentis for treatment of diabetic retinopathy in people with DME
February 8, 2015
FDA has expanded the approved use of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) to treat diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).
First-line stroke treatment may be given by paramedics
February 6, 2015
It is possible to get treatments to stroke patients even before they arrive at a hospital, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Formulary managers can help improve vaccination rates
February 6, 2015
Managed care and hospital decision-makers are in a key position to “move the needle” at the system level on improving adult immunization coverage rates in the United States.
FDA commissioner resigns position after six years
February 5, 2015
After six years on the job, FDA commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, is resigning from her position. Her tenure has ushered in personalized medicine and faster approval of several drug classes.
Non-drug methods effectively treat delirium
February 5, 2015
Non-medication strategies were effective in hospital patients with delirium, according a new study published in the February 2 edition of the JAMA Internal Medicine.
FDA approves drug for ocular allergy itch relief
February 4, 2015
FDA has approved olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution (Pazeo, Alcon, a division of Novartis) 0.7% for the treatment of ocular itch relief related to eye allergies.
FDA approves Ibrance to treat metastatic breast cancer
February 4, 2015
Ibrance is a potent and selective inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 4 and 6, which complex with a regulatory protein, called cyclin, to control cancer cell cycling. The FDA has approved it for use in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
FDA approves first internal-use tissue glue
February 4, 2015
FDA approved TissuGlu (Cohera Medical Inc.), the first tissue adhesive approved for internal use.
Diabetic non-smokers taking metformin have lower lung cancer risk
February 4, 2015
Diabetic non-smokers taking metformin have a lower lung cancer risk compared with those who do not take metformin, according to a study published in Cancer Prevention Research.
Adoption of fast-growing biosimilars segment essential
February 3, 2015
Given the spending growth projections for biologics, successful managed care organizations must find a way to ensure appropriate adoption of biosimilars, according to a study published in Health Affairs’ February issue.
Study: Too many heart failure patients are treated with IV fluids
February 3, 2015
Many patients hospitalized with severe heart failure are receiving potentially harmful treatment with intravenous fluids, according to a Yale-led study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC): Heart Failure
FDA approves new formulation of Zohydro ER with BeadTek
February 2, 2015
FDA has approved a new formulation of Zohydro ER (Zogenix) with BeadTek.
FDA approves combined drug to improve glycemic control in diabetes patients
February 2, 2015
The first-in-class combined medication for improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes has been approved by FDA.
FDA drug approvals-February 2015
February 2, 2015
FDA actions in brief, priority review, breakthrough designations, orphan drug designations
How to develop drug formularies for pain treatment in women of reproductive age
January 31, 2015
More than one-third of reproductive-aged women enrolled in Medicaid, and more than a quarter of those with private insurance, filled a prescription for an opioid pain medication each year during 2008 to 2012, according to a recent report in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
First binge eating disorder drug approved
January 31, 2015
FDA approved lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse, Shire) Capsules (CII), the first and only medication for the treatment of moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults, shown to significantly reduce the mean number of binge days per week.
Statin treatment reduces risk of cardiovascular disease in women
January 30, 2015
Statin treatment reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in women, according to a large international study, published in The Lancet.
Once-daily opioid formulated with abuse-deterrent properties now available
January 30, 2015
Hydrocodone bitartrate (Hysingla ER, Purdue Pharma) extended-release tablets CII is now commercially available.
Antiretroviral combination tablet approved for treatment of HIV-1
January 30, 2015
FDA has approved the antiretroviral Prezcobix (darunavir 800 mg/cobicistat 150 mg, Janssen Therapeutics) for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1).
FDA expands approved use of Imbruvica for rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
January 30, 2015
FDA has approved expanded use of ibrutinib for the treatment of Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia.
FDA speeds up drug, device approvals
January 29, 2015
FDA's process for approving drugs and devices is speeding up, according to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Health Research Institute report.
People's perceptions of drug's cost may affect how much patients benefit
January 29, 2015
Patients perceptions of drug cost may affect how they benefit from the drug, even when receiving a placebo.
Anticholinergic medications linked to dementia
January 28, 2015
A large study links a significantly increased risk for developing dementia, including Alzheimers disease, to taking commonly used medications with anticholinergic effects at higher doses or for a longer time, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. Many older people take these medications, which include nonprescription diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
FDA approves new iron replacement drug
January 27, 2015
FDA approved ferric pyrophosphate citrate (Triferic, Rockwell Medical Inc.) for commercial sale as an iron replacement product to maintain hemoglobin in adult patients with hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney disease.
FDA approves first generic version of Nexium
January 27, 2015
FDA approved the first generic version of Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium delayed-release capsules, Ivax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Teva Pharmaceuticals USA) to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach.
