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Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely prescribed for patients with arthritis and other conditions because of their lower risk for gastrointestinal adverse events compared with nonselective NSAIDs 1,2

Dapoxetine (Alza/Ortho-McNeil) is a novel oral medication undergoing FDA review for premature ejaculation, one of the most common disorders of sexual dysfunction in men. Dapoxetine is a fast-acting inhibitor of the serotonin reuptake transporter. It has a short half-life and is structurally related to the antidepressant fluoxetine, allowing for on-demand dosing.

A study was conducted to determine the cost and patient adher- ence rates of lipid-lowering therapy with an extended-release niacin and lovastatin (ERNL) combination agent versus a separate extended-release niacin and statin (ERN-S) combination or statin monotherapy.

The objective of this study was to track the utilization of anti-inflammatory drugs among patients with active rofecoxib prescriptions at the time of market withdrawal through retrospective analysis of pharmacy records and to assess the need for COX-2 inhibitor therapy due to gastrointestinal risk factors.

Multiple condtions cause a ripple effect

HMO pharmacy copay comparison

There are more applications for handheld devices than just formulary compliance

Prescription bottle directions, medical jargon and varied interpretation can cause unintended health problems

July DTR Analysis

New payment methods clear a path for better management

Multiple condtions cause a ripple effect

The majority Of the funding for Medicaid comes from the federal government, while the administration for the program is performed largely by the states.

HMO pharmacy copay comparison

TUBERCULOSIS (TB), a chronic bacterial infection, is one of the world's oldest infectious diseases. It spreads through the air and usually infects the lungs, although other organs may also be involved.

Best practices indicate that health benefits are continued during employee and CEO transitions

In The Sprawling Surroundings of Oklahoma City sits a microcosm of what many stakeholders want for healthcare's future. The Oklahoma Heart Hospital, a 78-bed cardiac specialty hospital, offers the latest in high-tech medicine complemented by high-touch patient care.

A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders (June 2005).

Post-operative ileus causes significant patient morbidity and is a major contributor to patient discomfort and increased length of hospitalization post-operatively. Alvimopan (Entereg, Adolor/GlaxoSmithKline), a peripherally selective opioid mu receptor antagonist with gastrointestinal (GI) tract-specific activity, is undergoing FDA review for the treatment of post-operative ileus.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatologic disease that can have a significant physical and psychological impact on affected patients.

Health plans step up to deliver effective, reliable, cost-effective communications

One plan puts Web power to work and reduces call center volume

Discover how data systems provide efficiencies in business intelligence

June DTR Analysis: Uncovering administrative barriers

CEO Don Hall leads Colorado Access, a Medicare/Medicaid plan that delivers individual management for big-picture health and lifestyle solutions. Intensive care managers help bring down costs for the neediest members.

How physician prescribing is controlled.

The accreditation process influences quality business improvement and has value beyond an organization seal of approval. Experts say the cost of low quality far exceeds the cost of the accreditation process.

Providers may want to be aware of changes published by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that substantially overhaul the appeals process, in part, to reduce the time frames for adjudicating fee-for-service Medicare claims appeals. A process that now exceeds 1,000 days must be reduced to 300 days.

Maybe we're encouraged by recent steps forward to harmonize our disconnected healthcare system (through proposed health information networks, for example) but there is still so much more to do.

The new independent Drug Safety Oversight Board (DSB) within CDER will employ a two-pronged approach to create "a new culture of openness, improved oversight, and enhanced independence," according to FDA officials.

A review of agents in late-stage development for the treatment of hepatitis (May 2005).