FDA has approved prednisone (Rayos, Horizon Pharma) delayed-release tablets (1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg) to treat a broad range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In a unanimous vote (10-0), an FDA advisory committee recommended approval of the 0.3-mg dose of ranibizumab injection (Lucentis, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group) for treatment of diabetic macular edema.
A new study has found that omega-6 fatty acids can help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) and that dietary saturated fat increases the risk for CHD.
The Two Sister Study, funded in part by Susan Komen for the Cure, was conducted to examine the possible risks associated with fertility drugs and breast cancer. The results were published July 6 in the Journal of The National Cancer Institute.
FDA has approved aclidinium bromide inhalation powder (Tudorza Pressair, Forest Pharmaceuticals) for the long-term maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy issued a report last week that called for international collaboration among regulators and other public agencies to help combat the ongoing problem of the online counterfeit drug supply.
A new policy proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid could force independent community pharmacies to stop selling diabetes testing supplies, and beneficiaries would not have access to the care they need from their local pharmacies, according to a statement from the National Community Pharmacists Association.
FDA has approved carfilzomib (Kyprolis, Onyx Pharmaceuticals) to treat patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior therapies, including treatment with bortezomib (Velcade, Takeda) and an immunomodulatory therapy.
During the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting in Kissimmee, Fla. in mid-July, Jill Fitzgerald, PharmD, who is Drug Topics CPE accreditor, was sworn in as chair-elect to the AACP Continuing Professional Education Section.
Walgreens and Express Scripts (ESI) have finally come to terms on a new pharmacy network agreement that includes rates and terms under which Walgreens will serve ESI's new and existing clients.
FDA recently issued a statement reminding healthcare professionals about the need to adjust the dosage of the antibacterial drug cefepime (Maxipime, Elan) in patients with renal impairment.
The results of a recent literature review suggest that only a high intake of vitamin D leads to a significant reduction in the risk of fracture.
FDA recently approved the first over-the-counter test for HIV, providing a confidential in-home testing option for the virus that causes AIDS with results in as little as 20 minutes.
A recent study suggests that modest caffeine consumption may be associated with a significantly lower relative risk of basal cell carcinoma.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its 1991 recommendations for the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected healthcare providers and students to prevent HBV transmission to patients.
FDA has approved a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for extended-release and long-acting opioids that requires that healthcare professionals are educated on how to safely prescribe the drugs and that patients understand how to safely use the drugs.
What’s different in your drug stores this month? A battery-powered toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums. A pivoting shower and bath safety grip bar. The smallest size (to date) fish oil softgels. Insoles for multiple shoe styles to help take care of various foot comfort problems. A yeast-based probiotic supplement. A “fishless†omega-3 product for vegetarians. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.
FDA has approved once-daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada, Gilead Sciences), in combination with safer sex practices, to reduce the risk of sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in adults at high risk.
The Office of Inspector General has issued a report implicating more than 2,600 pharmacies in Medicare Part D fraud
FDA says no to rivaroxaban for ACS. ACCP updates DVT evidence. Fatal bleeds from dabigatran have tapered off
The business of pharmacy is crushing the profession. The bean counters are running the Prescription Mill right into the ground. And if we don't stop them, who will be left to do our jobs?
Pharmacy associations offered a range of comments after the Supreme Court ruling that upheld key elements of the Affordable Care Act
We've already felt the pain. When will we go for the gain? How many physical breakdowns, ruined home lives, and professional traumas is it gonna take before we finally say enough is enough and ORGANIZE?
In a competitive profession and an age of limits, the formula for success is still pretty simple: Sell yourself - and then deliver!
A round-up of OTC products to treat eye and ear problems
CMS is assessing genetic testing for the older population
Recent changes to Medicaid's reimbursement rules raise many confusing questions. Drug Topics' senior legal columnist sets out to clarify some key points
Adding pharmacists to the hospital discharge process is shown to have a positive effect on combating hospital readmission rates
Maybe the best way to change the environment in pharmacy is to have an old-fashioned '60s-style protest
FDA approves avanafil and tafluprost