New drug added to breast cancer prevention guideline

The new update to the 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on the pharmacologic interventions for breast cancer risk reduction now lists aromatase inhibitor exemestane (Aromasin, Pfizer) as an option for postmenopausal women for primary risk reduction that are at an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer. » Full article

FDA approves new cancer drug

FDA has approved afatinib (Gilotrif, Boehringer Ingelheim) for patients with late-stage (metastatic) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express specific types of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test. » Full article

Drug importation regs

With 40% of drugs in this country coming from other nations and 80% of active ingredient manufacturers located outside the United States, last year Congress gave FDA new powers to oversee those products. » Full article

Mobile app medication reminder

According to the World Health Organization, only 50% of patients living with a chronic illness take their medication on time as directed. An American dies every 19 minutes from skipping medication or taking meds incorrectly, costing US hospitals more than $100 billion every year. » Full article

Continuing Education

Pain Management: New July CPE activity available

Welcome to our CPE series: Pain Management Considerations for Medication Therapy Management, which has been designed for pharmacists who take care of patients who need pain relief. You can earn up to 10 credits by completing our April 2013 through August 2013 monthly knowledge-based activities and 2 credits from September 2013 to October 2013 with 2 monthly interactive online case studies.

The July activity covers regulatory and ethical issues in pain management.

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 log in.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.

The current state of HIV therapy [INFOGRAPH]

Incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has decreased dramatically since its emergence in the early 1980s, but it remains a worldwide epidemic. There is a reduction in newly diagnosed patients, but prevalence is increasing due to a longer life expectancy, which is attributed in part to highly effective antiretroviral therapies. Newly approved and investigational antiretroviral therapies provide additional options for the healthcare team to prevent progression of disease as well as transmission of HIV. » Full article

• Women at highest risk for breast cancer benefit most from preventive therapy

• Aveo receives CRL for RCC agent

• Supreme Court rules against “pay-for-delay”

• Compliance with Rx guidelines

SURVEY

With a third new oral agent (Tecfidera) recently introduced for relapsing-remitting MS, how will the MS market look in the next 3-5 years?

— Orals will become the most frequently prescribed products

— Injectables will continue to dominate market share

— Equal split between orals and injectables

Click Here to let us know.

RESOURCES

Drug Watch

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