Drug Formulary Review articles from May 2005

Drug Formulary Review archives from May 2005

COX-2s and NSAIDs must add warnings, patient guides to package inserts.(nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
May 1, 2005... COX-2s and NSAIDs must add warnings, patient guides to package inserts Pfizer agrees to withdraw valdecoxib (Bextra) Manufacturers of prescription cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective and nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs...

Journal Review: Aspirin effective as warfarin in treating intracranial stenosis.
May 1, 2005... Aspirin effective as warfarin in treating intracranial stenosis Aspirin showed fewer side effects Researchers in a new clinical trial say it shows for the first time that aspirin works as well as warfarin (Coumadin) in treating...

News Briefs: Bevacizumab/chemotherapy show benefits for advanced lung cancer.
May 1, 2005... Bevacizumab/chemotherapy show benefits for advanced lung cancer Preliminary results from a large, randomized clinical trial for patients with previously untreated advanced nonsquamous, non-small cell lung cancer show that those patients who...

FDA issues nationwide alert on one lot of intravenous solution.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... FDA issues nationwide alert on one lot of intravenous solution The FDA has issued a nationwide alert against the use of PharMEDium Services Magnesium Sulfate 1 g in 50 mL D5W (piggyback) IV solution, lot number 100504900049, and expiration...

FDA revises interferon beta-1a, drotrecogin alfa (activated) labels.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... FDA revises interferon beta-1a, drotrecogin alfa (activated) labels The FDA and Biogen have notified health care professionals of revisions to the warnings, precautions/drug interactions, and adverse reactions/post-marketing experience...

Arthritis patients remain confused about pain meds' safety.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Arthritis patients remain confused about pain meds' safety Many arthritis patients are suffering because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe, says a survey...

New FDA Approvals.
May 1, 2005... These drugs were recently approved by the FDA: * Pramlintide acetate (Symlin) injection by Amylin Pharmaceuticals. The FDA has approved pramlintide acetate, an injectable medicine to control blood sugar for adults with Type 1 and Type 2...

CE Questions.
May 1, 2005... CE questions Pharmacists participate in this continuing education program by reading the article, using the provided references for further research, and studying the CE questions. Participants should select what they believe to be the...