MEDICATION SAFETY

MALD model helps predict death versus recovery for APAP overdose

A mathematical model that uses laboratory values commonly available on admission can help physicians estimate acetaminophen (APAP: N-acetyl-para-aminophenol) overdose amount, time elapsed since overdose, and potential outcome, according to a study published online February 13 in Hepatology. » More

Editor's Pick

Second-generation antipsychotics: A review of recently-approved agents and drugs in the pipeline

Second-generation antipsychotics are the mainstay of treatment in schizophrenia. All of these agents, with the exception of aripiprazole, have the same basic mechanism of action. However, an additional range of binding activity at other receptor sites may account for the differences in adverse effects seen between each medication in this drug class. Iloperidone, lurasidone, and asenapine are the most recently approved second-generation antipsychotics in the United States. » Click here.

ADVERTISEMENT

New Drug Price Type Announced: Webinar on March 22

Predictive Acquisition Cost (PAC) reportedly tracks true drug acquisition cost more accurately. The model combines a variety of industry inputs and updates. Potential cost savings for PBMs and health plans.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The latest FDA drug approvals: What you need to know

Of the 35 new molecular entities approved by FDA in 2011, 17 are considered groundbreaking because of their potential to make a real difference in the lives of patients.

To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to login.

CLINICAL NEWS

Soldiers with PTSD, other mental health issues, more likely to get high-risk opioids

Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq with mental health issues, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), were more likely to receive high-risk opioids for pain, and those with PTSD were more likely to suffer adverse clinical outcomes, according to a new study. » More

Study: Adding prednisone to rheumatoid arthritis treatment improves symptoms

Patients’ rheumatoid arthritis symptoms improved after adding prednisone at the start of a methotrexate-based treatment strategy, according to research published in the March 6 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. » More

Aspirin may reduce incidence of strokes in postmenopausal women with high trans-fat intake

Postmenopausal women with a higher intake of trans fat have a higher incidence of ischemic stroke, but aspirin may reduce the adverse effects of trans fat, according to a new study. » More

TAK-875 controls blood sugar, reduces hypoglycemia risk

An experimental diabetes drug, TAK-875, demonstrated its ability to improve blood-sugar control with a low risk of hypoglycemia, according to phase 2 study results published online February 27 in The Lancet. » More

Study shows CNS drugs take longer than others to develop, receive approval

The time from investigational new drug application filing to NDA/BLA approval by FDA of drugs for central nervous system disorders and the subsequent regulatory approval can take 35% longer than other therapeutic categories, according to a recent analysis published in the March/April Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development Impact Report. » More

FDA News

FDA releases draft of guidance on drug-safety issues

The FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research released a new draft guidance on how it develops and classifies drug-safety issues. » More

FDA approves first generic Lexapro to treat depression, anxiety disorder

Teva/IVAX Pharmaceuticals gained FDA approval for the first generic version of Lexapro (Forest) to treat both depression and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. The company will have 180 days to exclusively sell the product. » More

Survey

In the online New England Journal of Medicine, 2 Canadian doctors disagree with Medicare's 3-year coverage policy of immunosuppressive therapy following kidney transplantation because the annual cost of immunosuppressive therapy is $15,000 to $20,000 but the cost of dialysis after graft failure is substantially higher at $75,000. Should Medicare change its policy of 3-year coverage of immunosuppressive therapy following kidney transplantation to lifelong coverage?

Yes
No

Respond here and see what your colleagues think too.

Want to see the results of our last survey regarding who performs medication therapy management in your health system? Click here.

Resources

Digital Edition