For patients with schizophrenia, adherence to antipsychotic medications, as recommended by the 2009 Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT), correlates with reduced mortality.
Treatment with either glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide (once weekly) or liraglutide (once daily) leads to improvements in glycemic control, with greater improvement seen with liraglutide.
Treatment of lymphoma patients with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) triptorelin plus norethisterone does not reduce the rate of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure (POF).
Pfizer announced that the FDA has approved Xeljanz (tofacitinib citrate) tablets for the treatment of adults with moderately-to-severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have had inadequate response or intolerance to methotrexate.
Multivitamins do not reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Use of sulfonylureas for initial treatment of diabetes is associated with increased cardiovascular events and death compared with metformin.
Noncanonical Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is activated in tamoxifen-resistant tumors, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway plays a key role protecting Hh signaling molecules.
The use of a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) during pregnancy is rare and is associated with a nonsignificant increase in the risk for preeclampsia in women with autoimmune disease.
Intersect ENT announced that the FDA has approved Propel mini (mometasone furoate), a localized steroid-releasing product for patients with chronic sinusitis.
Verinata Health announced that it is expanding the verifi prenatal test capabilities to include detection of the most common sex chromosome abnormalities.
Abbott announced the launch of Ensure Complete shakes, an expansion of their Ensure product line of oral nutrition supplements for adults.
Janssen announced that the FDA has approved Xarelto (rivaroxaban), an oral anticoagulant, for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE), and to reduce the risk of recurrence of DVT and PE following initial treatment.
Combination treatment of lapatinib plus capecitabine is active in some patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer with progressive brain metastases, and warrants further study.
Overall, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) do not have an effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Combination therapy is an acceptable first-line approach for manic episodes in terms of efficacy and prevention of relapse, with an acceptable safety profile.
A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction is challenging prior practice that it is safe for pregnant women who suffer from depression to take antidepressants.
Rx Response has partnered with the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP), as well as eRx Network and RelayHealth to form the basis of the Emergency Pharmacy Status Reporting tool.
The FDA released a notice to consumers about the importance in having a plan for emergency medication and medical supplies for both people and animals.
A single 10-minute, at-home treatment with topical ivermectin lotion eliminates head lice infestations in nearly all patients by the next day.
For men with osteoporosis, a once-yearly infusion with zoledronic acid is associated with fewer vertebral fractures and improved bone health compared with placebo.
Addition of the fully human serum proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 monoclonal antibody, SAR236553, to atorvastatin is associated with greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels compared with atorvastatin alone.
LEO Pharma announced that the FDA has approved Taclonex Topical Suspension (calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate), 0.005%/0.064% for the treatment of body plaque psoriasis for up to 8 weeks in patients ≥18 years.
Teva Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Synribo (omacetaxine mepesuccinate) for Injection to treat adult patients with chronic phase (CP) or accelerated phase (AP) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with resistance and/or intolerance to two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
For children undergoing routine anesthesia for medically indicated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the metabolic signature varies with use of sevoflurane and propofol.
For patients with type 2 diabetes, following administration of a subcutaneous injection of a therapeutic dose of insulin glargine, glargine is minimally detectable in blood, and most of the plasma insulin concentration is in the form of its metabolite M1.
Antiviral treatment does significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer for patients with chronic hepatitis C infection, particularly in virological responders.
Use of hormone therapy (HT) within five years of menopause is associated with a reduction in the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), regular use of aspirin after diagnosis is associated with longer survival for those with the mutated phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide gene (PIK3CA).
For patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation with no history of antiarrhythmic drug use, there is no significant difference in the cumulative burden of atrial fibrillation over two years between the treatment strategies of radiofrequency catheter ablation or antiarrhythmic agents.
Antihypertensive medication use and blood pressure control are increasing among U.S. adults, but racial disparities still exist.
Eisai announced that the FDA has approved Fycompa (perampanel tablets) as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures in patients with epilepsy >12 years old.
Nuvo Research and Galderma Laboratories announced that the FDA has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pliaglis (lidocaine/tetracaine) 7%/7% Cream for use on intact skin in adults to provide topical local analgesia for superficial dermatological procedures (eg, dermal filler injection, pulsed dye laser therapy, facial laser resurfacing, and laser-assisted tattoo removal).
Supernus Pharmaceuticals received approval from the FDA for Oxtellar XR (oxcarbazepine extended-release tablets) for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults and in children 6-17 years of age.
Quadex Labs announced the release of Viroxyn Professional Use (benzocaine 7.5%, benzalkonium chloride 0.13%), a single application cold sore product available exclusively through healthcare professionals.
Astellas Pharma announced that Myrbetriq (mirabegron) extended-release tablets, indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency, is now available.
DARA BioSciences announced the launch of Soltamox Oral Solution (tamoxifen citrate), an alternative to tamoxifen tablets for breast cancer patients.
The CDC and FDA have confirmed the presence of Exserohilum rostratum in unopened medication vials of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/mL) from one of the three implicated lots from New England Compounding Center.
Exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is associated with an increased risk of intracerebral and intracranial hemorrhage.
Adding linezolid to ongoing background therapy for the treatment of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pulmonary tuberculosis is effective in achieving culture conversion, but patients must be carefully monitored for adverse events.
Patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease refractory to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists who receive ustekinumab induction therapy have a higher clinical response rate and, during maintenance therapy, achieve significantly higher response and remission rates compared to patients receiving placebo.
Patients with Alzheimer's disease and psychosis or agitation-aggression who initially respond to antipsychotic drugs are more likely to relapse if treatment is discontinued.
Over more than a decade of follow-up, daily use of a common multivitamin correlates with a modest reduction in the risk for total cancer occurrence among older men.
An intravaginal ring can steadily release tenofovir over 90 days, similar to or better than a clinically tested gel.
Use of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) for fluid resuscitation in the intensive care unit (ICU) is not associated with increased 90-day mortality but does correlate with increased use of renal-replacement therapy.
High-dose vitamin supplementation does not reduce HIV disease progression or death among HIV patients initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Tanzania.
Vivus announced that it has submitted an amendment to the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) capsules CIV.
Lexatumumab, an agonistic, full human monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2, is well tolerated and may lessen certain clinical symptoms in some pediatric patients with solid tumors.
Emergency room data from 2007 to 2009 indicate that illicit drug abuse is decreasing, while prescription drug abuse is increasing.
The labeling for Baraclude (entecavir; Bristol-Myers Squibb) has been updated to include data on African Americans and liver transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis B infection.
The antiepileptic drug zonisamide, at a dosage of 400mg per day, is associated with enhanced weight loss for obese patients when combined with diet and lifestyle counseling, but the incidence of adverse events is high.
Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injections are associated with a significant improvement in myofascial pain syndrome.
Hologic announced that the FDA has approved the Aptima HPV 16 18/45 Genotype Assay for genotyping human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16, 18 and/or 45 on its Tigris instrument system.
A combination of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 supplementation does not reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma among high-risk women.
Use of methotrexate for one year or more is associated with a reduction in the risk of mortality for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
In men with complete erectile dysfunction (ED), tadalafil 2.5mg and 5mg once-daily result an in intercourse success rate of 32.4% and 46.4%, respectively.
Recipients of Medicare Part D benefits have difficulty selecting the most cost-effective plan to cover their medication needs and, consequently, overpay by an average of $368 per year, with one-fifth overspending by $500 or more per year.
Genentech announced that the FDA has expanded the approved indication for Actemra (tocilizumab injection) for the treatment of adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Kidney transplant patients who receive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors after transplant have a greater probability of death or transplant failure than patients receiving calcineurin inhibitors.
Leflunomide is effective for the treatment of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in daily clinical practice.
Mission Pharmacal Company announced that Binosto (alendronate sodium) effervescent tablet for buffered oral solution is now available for the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis.
Celgene announced that the FDA has approved Abraxane (nanoparticle albumin bound [nab]-paclitaxel for injectable suspension) for the first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in combination with carboplatin, in patients who are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation therapy.
BD Medical announced the launch of BD Vystra Disposable Pen, a self-injection pen designed for use with therapies that require frequent, low-volume injections or variable dosing.
Even within an integrated Veterans Affairs (VA) system with a uniform national formulary and established criteria for drug use, there is substantial variation in the use of thiazolidinediones and long-acting insulin analogues among veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
For patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) treated with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin (P/R), drinking patterns and the amount of alcohol consumed before treatment do not impact treatment success.
Use of any analgesic or aspirin correlates with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, with the reduction significant only for use of any analgesic and serous ovarian cancer.
A new candidate vaccine designed to prevent cervical dysplasia and cancer in women already infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) serotypes 16 and 18 is well tolerated and induces a robust immune response.
Long-term aggressive treatment of patients with macular edema with ranibizumab during a third year correlates with reduced mean foveal thickness (FTH) and improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Cannabis extract (CE) is effective at treating muscle stiffness in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Belimumab is safe for long-term administration in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Dexcom announced that the FDA has approved its Dexcom G4 Platinum continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for patients with diabetes.
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) released a universal approach to the format, appearance, content, and language of instructions for medicines in containers dispensed by pharmacists.
Daily low-dose aspirin treatment may reduce global cognitive decline in older women at high risk for cardiovascular disease.
Edgemont Pharmaceuticals announced that Forfivo XL (bupropion HCl extended-release tablets) is now available nationwide for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
Bayer announced that the Contour Next EZ glucose monitor is now available.
According to the North American Menopause Society, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with low-dose oral or transdermal estrogen and cyclic monthly progesterone started soon after the start of menopause improves depression, anxiety, and cognitive function of healthy women.
Maternal mood and exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) in pregnancy affect development of the infant speech perception system.
Providing no-cost birth control, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices or implants, substantially reduces abortion rates and teenage pregnancies compared with the national rate.
An investigational drug that disrupts neurotoxic signaling pathways is safe and effective in reducing strokes in patients undergoing surgery for a brain aneurysm.
A large and unselected community-based study has confirmed the results of randomized controlled trials that have found persistent statin use to be beneficial for the primary prevention of acute cardiac events.
Among people who inject drugs, opiate substitution treatment correlates with more than a 50% reduction in the risk of HIV infection.
The FDA has reviewed new data that indicate Budeprion XL 300mg (bupropion HCl extended-release tablets; Impax Laboratories), marketed by Teva, is not therapeutically equivalent to GlaxoSmithKline's Wellbutrin XL 300mg.
_Sc22-24_Body_02.jpg&c=1&h=120&w=120 "Mexiletine Shows Promise for Rare Nondystrophic Myotonias")
There is preliminary evidence that mexiletine is effective for patients with rare nondystrophic myotonias (NDMs).
Roche announced that the COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test v2.0 is now available.
Ameritox announced the launch of their synthetic cannabinoids test.
Dominion Diagnostics announced the launch of a more sensitive and relevant test to detect synthetic cathinones or "bath salts" in urine.
Cornerstone Therapeutics announced that Spectracef (cefditoren pivoxil) tablets are now available in dose packs for conditions such as acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections.
For patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors alone, previous myocardial infarction (MI), or CAD without MI, beta-blockers are not associated with a lower rate of cardiovascular events.
BD Diagnostics announced that it has received clearance from the FDA for nasopharyngeal wash, aspirate, and swab in transport media specimens on the BD Veritor System for Rapid Detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Roche announced that it has been granted CLIA-waived status by the FDA for the CoaguChek XS Plus system, a point-of-care anticoagulation monitor that offers connectivity and data management tools to help healthcare professionals manage PT/INR (blood clotting time) testing.
Roche announced the availability of the Accu-Chek Combo system for insulin pump therapy. The Accu-Chek Combo system combines a blood glucose meter with an insulin pump, which are able to exchange data in both directions via Bluetooth technology. The user can quickly test blood glucose levels and operate the insulin pump remotely by means of a bolus advisor to determine the right amount of insulin.
Fresenius Kabi announced the launch of Acetylcysteine Solution, 20% for inhalation or oral administration.
NextWave Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release oral suspension) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Quillivant XR is the first once-daily extended-release liquid methylphenidate available for patients.
The FDA has granted Boston Scientific Corporation regulatory approval for its S-ICD System, a commercially available subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD) for the treatment of patients at risk for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Grifols announced that it has a robust inventory of HyperRAB S/D (rabies immune globulin [human]) to overcome the supply shortage caused by an increase in rabies exposures during 2012.
Stiefel, a GlaxoSmithKline company, announced that the FDA has approved a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Sorilux (calcipotriene) foam, 0.005%. The expanded indication now includes the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis of the scalp in patients aged >18 years.
In patients with giant-cell tumor of bone (GCTB), denosumab treatment causes a significant reduction in tumor giant cells and increased growth of new bone.
Onyx and Bayer HealthCare announced that the FDA has approved Stivarga (regorafenib tablets) for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have been previously treated with currently available therapies (including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy, and, if KRAS wild type, an anti-EGFR therapy).
Compared with other anti-psoriatic therapies, systemic anti-inflammatory treatment of patients with severe psoriasis with biologic agents or methotrexate is associated with a lower combined risk of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide effective pain relief for chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults.
Perioperative dexamethasone administration is not associated with more serious bleeding events in pediatric tonsillectomy patients.