News

FDA has notified healthcare professionals and patients that the antidepressant citalopram hydrobromide (Celexa, Forest Laboratories) should no longer be used at doses greater than 40 mg per day because it can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.

Linaclotide, an investigational drug for the relief of chronic constipation, appears to be effective and safe, according to the results of two phase 3 trials published in the August issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Colchicine, a widely used drug for the prevention and treatment of gout flares, interacts dangerously with many commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals, such as antibiotics, anti-hypertensive drugs, anti-fungals, immunosuppresants and protease inhibitors, according to a study published in the August issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism. However, most patients can take colchicines safely with these medications as long as the dose is adjusted, the study indicated.

FDA has approved tapentadol extended-release tablets (Nucynta ER, Janssen Pharmaceuticals), an oral analgesic taken twice daily, for the management of moderate-to-severe chronic pain in adults when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.

Health plans that want to please employers need to understand that cost is only one factor in determining employer satisfaction.

Two independent Blues plans have announced a strategic joint investment, expecting to capitalize on future opportunities in Medicaid business.

When the Federal Trade Commission evaluates Express Scripts' intended acquisition of Medco, it might take a more meticulous look at the PBM market than it has in the past.

Regulations were designed to provide uniform federal standards to govern consumers' right to appeal denials of claims or coverage by health plans.

In a year of stalled growth for many health insurers, CIGNA has seen its international revenue grow 30%

As the focus of managed care strategy includes implementing preventative initiatives, it is critical not to overlook vaccines.

FDA issued a new draft guidance to facilitate the development and review of companion diagnostics-tests used to help clinicians determine optimal pharmaceutical use.

A number of different diets are effective in producing some degree of weight loss; the significant issue is how to maintain weight loss over time.

Premiums for small group insurance fall as size increases and companies gain economies of scale.

Today, healthcare executives are contemplating what they must do to generate sustainable, profitable growth in the new healthcare environment.

With the continuation of double-digit rate increases, employers are running scared of what might happen next.

The debt ceiling legislation finalized last month calls for significant reductions in federal spending over the next decade.

The risk-benefit ratio is in favor of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when initiated near menopause, according to new consensus statements issued by The North American Menopause Society, The American Menopause Society and the International Menopause Society and published in a recent paper in the July issue of Women?s Health.

The United States healthcare system is one of the least cost-effective in reducing mortality rates; while the United Kingdom is among the most cost-effective, according to a recent study published in the July issue of Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Short Reports.

An antidote indicated for the treatment of acute cyanide poisoning judged to be life-threatening has launched.

Once-daily oral rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Bayer), a direct factor Xa inhibitor, appears to be as effective as dose-adjusted warfarin in preventing stroke or major embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, according to a study published online August 10 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Antibacterial drug use in children is associated with a dose-dependant increased risk of acquiring community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Ca-MRSA), according to the results of a population-based, case-control study reported online August 1 in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

FDA has approved brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris, Seattle Genetics) to treat 2 types of lymphoma.

FDA has approved vemurafenib (Zelboraf, Genentech), the second melanoma drug this year to improve overall survival. Zelboraf is indicated for the treatment of patients with late-stage (metastatic) or unresectable melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

FDA has approved 2 new strengths (11.25 mg and 30 mg) for 3-month administration of leuprolide acetate for depot suspension (Lupron Depot-PED, Abbott) for the treatment of children with central precocious puberty.

FDA has approved emtricitabine/rilpivirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Complera, Gilead Sciences), a complete single-tablet regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-naïve adults.

How much do employers know regarding biologics and specialty pharmacy?

FDA has approved the first antivenom treatment specifically for a scorpion sting by the Centruroides scorpions in the United States. The new biologic treatment?called Anascorp?was designated an orphan drug and given priority review because adequate treatment did not exist in the United States, according to a consumer update and corresponding news release issued by the agency.

The American College of Physicians (ACP), American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), American Thoracic Society (ACT), and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) have issued updated recommendations to the 2007 ACP clinical practice guideline on diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The new recommendations were published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Young adults treated with a statin after a first ischemic stroke of undetermined cause were 77% less likely to suffer subsequent vascular events, according to a recent study published in Neurology.

Thirty-two products recently have had label changes to the boxed warnings, contraindications, and warnings sections, according to the FDA.