News

Regulatory scrutiny will prevent drug plans managers from holding down costs for consumers

The new product was prompted by a recognition of the need for additional treatment options in the treatment of schizophrenia

Almost 98% of primary care physicians (PCPs), nurse practitioners, and pharmacists trust and recommend over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to their patients, according to a new survey released by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

FDA has approved aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena, Otsuka and Lundbeck) for extended-release injectable suspension for the treatment of schizophrenia.

The first interim results in HCV/HIV co-infected patients from Boehringer Ingelheim’s ongoing hepatitis C (HCV) clinical trial program, HCVerso, have become available. These results, from the phase 3 trial STARTVerso 4, were presented recently at the 20th annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in Atlanta.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has increased over the last decade and most cases of resistance are associated with healthcare exposures. To slow the dissemination of CRE infections, local and state health departments need to take the lead in prevention efforts, according to CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released on March 5.

Payers struggle against market headwinds

Stakeholders must influence individuals to become more responsible for their choices.

Benefits of ICD-10 migrations can be significant for payers.

Integrating and leveraging data will improve quality of care and decrease costs.

A tobacco cessation benefit can reduce future medical costs.

Centralized systems are likely to be the most efficient way to increase colorectal cancer screening, according to a trial published in the March 5 Annals of Internal Medicine.

FDA voted 2-12 against approval for an investigational, oral, twice-daily formulation of gabapentin (Sefelsa, Depomed) to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.

FDA has issued a second complete response letter regarding a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen) for the reduction of the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

A new study led by a researcher at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania adds support to current medical recommendations stating that screening colonoscopy substantially reduces an average-risk adult’s likelihood of being diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in either the right or left side of the colon.

National campaign aims to treat high blood pressure with evidenced-based care.

U.S. Court of Appeals rules off-label promotional speech constitutional.

The 2012/2013 seasonal influenza vaccine is moderately effective at preventing medically attended influenza. However, some vaccinated people may still become infected, so clinicians should use antivirals as recommended by CDC regardless of vaccination status, according to estimates published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), February 22, 2013.

Workers are changing their plans less often because they're offered fewer options from their employers

Inexpensive pill boxes could help at-risk members remain adherent to drug regimens and help WellPoint earn a higher star rating

Chronic care patients need reminder calls to remain adherent to treatment and show up for appointments

Plans must offer non-clinical resources to help hospitals make successful transitions

Extreme out of network fees and lack of transparency are threats to affordable care

More than $23 per member per month saved when coaches offer remote assistance

A recent study shows how much physician dispensing is costing states.

New molecular entity: Late last year FDA approved bedaquiline tablets for the treatment of pulmonary multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB).

Allergy season is almost upon us and anti-histamine agents remain the top choice. However, researchers are looking for new medications to help patients with different needs.

A high calcium intake, from diet or the combination of diet and supplements may raise the rate of mortality, especially cardiovascular (CV) mortality.