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Approval of novel anti-HIV drug offers patients hope

Healthcare providers can now treat HIV-infected patients with an antiretroviral drug that is unlike any other. The FDA recently granted accelerated approval of enfuvirtide (Fuzeon, Roche/Trimeris) to be used in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced patients with evidence of HIV-1 infection despite ongoing antiretroviral therapy. Enfuvirtide is approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older. It is currently available in pharmacies.

Cover Story: BREATHING ROOM

New clinical developments are improving the quality of life and increasing the survival time of lung cancer patients.

Second drug approved for improving photoaged skin

The FDA recently approved tazarotene (Avage, Allergan) 0.1% cream as an adjunctive agent for use in the palliation of fine facial wrinkling, facial mottled hyper- and hypopigmentation, and benign facial lentigines in patients who use comprehensive skin care and sunlight avoidance programs. Avage became available in pharmacies in January.

Iowa R.Ph.s stepping up to plate on Medicaid services

One half of the Iowa communnity pharmacists in 117 participating pharmacies in a Medicaid program failed to provide the pharmaceutical care services they were trained to offer and two thirds of eligible patients never received the services, according to a study.

Judge kills Medicare Rx discount card

A federal judge handed community pharmacy a major victory when he ruled that the Bush Administration lacked the authority for Medicare-endorsed Rx discount cards sponosored by PBMs and issued an injunction to halt the program.

First new treatment for rosacea in a decade to debut

The FDA recently approved azelaic acid (Finacea, Berlex Laboratories) 15.0% gel for the topical treatment of the inflammatory papules and pustules characteristic of mild-to-moderate rosacea. Finacea should be available in pharmacies during the first quarter of 2003.