News

Recent FDA action (through November 2012) related to, H5N1 adjuvanted influenza vaccine, Pasireotide, Digoxin immune fab, Etirinotecan pegol, OBI-1, beclomethasone 17, 21-dipropionate, Regorafenib, Trastuzumab emtansine, A4250, Sildenafil

Adverse drug events in the elderly can be prevented with appropriate monitoring, according to CDC.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) specialty drug costs now account for more than two-thirds of MS patients' total cost of care, according to a new study presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2012 Educational Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October.

Individuals with high cholesterol who stay on their statin medications over a 2-year period are healthier than comparable nonadherent individuals, but the overall cost of their care is slightly higher, according to a new study presented at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy 2012 Education Conference, in Cincinnati, Ohio, in October.

Pre-emptive therapy with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram in patients initiating interferon therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) without psychiatric risk factors reduced the risk of depression, according to a recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Recent FDA Approvals (through November 2012) related to (Tofacitinib, Pfizer, Omacetaxine mepesuccinate, Teva, rivaroxaban, Janssen, darunavir)

Topical ivermectin provided a good degree of cure in patients with head lice infection with 1 simple and easy-to-use application, according to a study published in the November 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

New molecular entity: FDA approved teriflunomide (Aubagio, Genzyme, a Sanofi-Aventis company), a pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Women who regularly took the analgesics ibuprofen or acetaminophen 2 more days per week had an increased risk of hearing loss, according to a recent study published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology.

A look at the pharmacologic agents reviewed by Formulary in 2012.

Early initiation of basal insulin did not impact cardiovascular outcomes compared to standard management of glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes or elevated fasting glucose with cardiovascular risk factors.

A low-dose contraceptive patch is comparable to combination oral contraceptive in a comparative study, according to phase 3 data presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) 60th Annual Clinical Meeting.

Stroke is declining in the elderly but increasing at younger ages, according to research published online in Neurology.

New evidence suggests that statins generate large survival and health benefits at the population level and shows that the social value of the survival gains are large and go predominantly to consumers, according to a study published in a recent issue of Health Affairs.

A look at pharmacist involvement in hospice care.

Finally, the grueling election is over and healthcare reform is here to stay.

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has updated its clinical practice guideline on use of antiplatelet drugs during heart surgery.

Several industry CEOs announce moves in 2012.

Don't fall for these three common myths about members.

BCBSTX is under fire for allegedly inflating premiums and holding a market monopoly.

States must market insurance exchanges with a cohesive brand.

Many are speculating what PPACA will mean for medical costs, but some industry experts say that costs will decrease.

The government requires Part D plans to offer MTM services and report outcomes.

Customize your provider networks to prepare for healthcare's new consumer-drive market.

Unnecessary diagnostic tests are harmful to patients and costly for health plans.

The specialty pharmacy market is currently fragmented with extreme variation in knowledge and education, patient care management, service, and outcomes.

Last month, the National Quality Forum (NQF) endorsed 10 behavioral-health quality measures

Experts are paying closer attention to medication reconciliation as a means to curb cost, but providers are finding the implementation isn't always easy.