FDA ACTIONS

FDA completes safety review of MS drug

The multiple sclerosis drug fingolimod (Gilenya, Novartis) is now contraindicated for use in patients with certain pre-existing or recent heart conditions or stroke, or who are taking certain antiarrhythmic medications, according to FDA. » More

FDA committee supports first drug for HIV prevention

FDA’s Antiviral Drugs Advisory Committee has recommended approval of once-daily oral emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada, Gilead Sciences) to reduce the risk of HIV-1 infection among uninfected adults, an HIV-prevention strategy called pre-exposure prophylaxis or PrEP. » More

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Helping your patients control persistent asthma

Working in partnership with patients and physicians, pharmacists can help ensure optimal control of this common disease.

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.

EDITOR’S PICK

ACC conference highlights latest in research, practice, technology

The American College of Cardiology's 61st Annual Scientific Session & Expo held in Chicago, provided the latest information in research, practice, and technology in cardiology, including presentations on triple-antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention; an investigational thrombin receptor that cuts the risk of second cardiovascular events; and a human monoclonal antibody that exhibits powerful reductions in LDL cholesterol. » Click here.

CLINICAL NEWS

Probiotics reduce antibiotic-associated diarrhea risk

Taking probiotics during a course of antibiotics reduces the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, according to the results of a study published May 9 in the Journal of the American Medical Association. » More

Atypical antipsychotics may help refractory depression

The use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with major depressive disorder who have not responded to antidepressant therapy substantially increased clinical response rates at 6 weeks; however the drugs are also much more costly, according to the results of an analysis published in the May issue of The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. » More

Survey

With specialty drug products representing the fastest growing component of today’s drug expenditures, which of the following would you rate as the most important service a specialty pharmacy can provide in helping to optimize the quality and cost-efficiency of specialty pharmaceutical care?

a) Waste management
b) Patient risk assessment and education
c) Managing prior authorization of specialty products
d) Outcomes monitoring, reporting, and intervention
e) Helping patients navigate financial assistance programs
f) Adherence programs

Click here and see what your colleagues think, too.

Want to see the results of our last survey regarding healthcare industry trends and which one will have the most significant impact on the ability to manage pharmacy expenditures over the next 3-5 years? Click here.

Resources

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