tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321Thu, 22 Oct 2009 04:33:25 +0000A blog written by a registered pharmacist on current topics in pharmacy and healthcare. It is meant as practical guide or a "prescription for health" by empowering patients and practicioners to improve outcomes by the ongoing quest for knowledge about medications.http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)Blogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-5188593571204212169Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:13:00 +00002008-08-27T16:51:28.069-04:00cervical cancerCeravixHPV vaccineGardasil<!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><!-- AddThis Button for Post END -->Preventing Cervical Cancer: Tens of millions of girls and young women have been vaccinated against the disease in the United States and Europe in the two years since two vaccines were given government approval in many countries.In the United States, Merck markets its HPV vaccine as Gardasil. Gardasil has been made http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/08/preventing-cervical-cancer-tens-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-3863111954446929554Tue, 15 Jul 2008 01:44:00 +00002008-07-14T21:52:57.304-04:00FDAantibioticsfluoroquinolonetendinitis<!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><!-- AddThis Button for Post END --> The FDA is notifying the makers of fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drugs for systemic use of the need to add a boxed warning to the prescribing information about the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture in patients taking fluoroquinolones and to develop a Medication Guide for patients. This class of http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/07/new-warning-added-to-fluroquinolone.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-2039985900978830232Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:15:00 +00002008-06-19T23:20:45.994-04:00<!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><!-- AddThis Button for Post END -->Mylan Inc. today announced that the company has received tentative approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Irbesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets, 150 mg/12.5 mg and 300 mg/12.5 mg. This is the generic version of Avalide which is manufactured by http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/06/generic-avalide-receives-approval.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-7820815278347855598Mon, 19 May 2008 17:35:00 +00002008-05-19T13:55:49.573-04:00human bird fluGlaxovaccinepandemic fluThe LONDON press reports that GlaxoSmithKline has received permission to market a human bird flu vaccine. This is significant because it is the first pharmaceutical to receive a license for pre-pandemic use in all 27-member European Union states. Noteworthy to those of us living in the USA, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has ordered for 27.5 million doses.Glaxo has spent at http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/glaxo-receives-approval-for-bird-flu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-3462035787378390358Tue, 13 May 2008 21:31:00 +00002008-05-13T17:49:37.070-04:00disaster preparednessTommy Thompsonpandemic fluHow should a business plan for a disaster such as pandemic flu? An article published in the Washington Post last week pointed out that less than one-third of businesses have any type of plan. Former US Secretary of Health, Tommy Thompson points out why companies can't ignore this vital issue. I'm convinced, but as a small business owner, what resources are available to help start the planning http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/how-should-business-plan-for-disaster.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-2225221716934007462Wed, 07 May 2008 15:02:00 +00002008-05-07T11:19:30.997-04:00anthaxbiotechnologyVaxGenbioterrorismanthrax vaccineEmergent BiosolutionsAnthrax... So you haven't heard about the vaccine for a while; is the threat of bioterrorism still real?VaxGen, Inc. a biopharmaceutical company, announced today it has completed the sale of all assets and rights related to its recombinant protective antigen (rPA) anthrax vaccine product candidate and related technology to Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. Emergent BioSolutions paid VaxGen $2 million http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/anthrax-vaccine-new-developments.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-3365432427085930137Tue, 06 May 2008 17:59:00 +00002008-05-06T14:23:27.366-04:00cordaptivemerckpharmaceutical sales jobspharmaceutical manufacturerPharmaceutical manufacturer giant Merck & Company Inc. announces more bad news with the elimination of 1,200 sales jobs in its US salesforce. This news comes after a decision last week from the FDA that issued a non-approvable letter for Cordaptive which was supposed to be Merck's newest cholesterol lowering drug. Also, Merck had been notified that immediate improvements must be made at one of http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/more-dismal-news-as-merck-announces.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-3398220162019652772Mon, 05 May 2008 19:36:00 +00002008-05-05T16:01:13.035-04:00A very important nationwide Class I recall of all strengths of Digitek, a drug used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms was issued April 29,2008. Digitek(digoxin) products are distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., under a "Bertek" label and by UDL Laboratories, Inc. Digitek is being recalled due to the possibility that tablets with double the appropriate thickness may contain http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/fda-issues-class-1-recall-fda-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-2232544629807859704Thu, 01 May 2008 18:48:00 +00002008-05-01T15:09:36.425-04:00Alzheimer's diseaseDavid SchubertDiabetessalk Institute<!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><!-- AddThis Button for Post END -->In an important new study just published in the Neurobiology of Aging, investigators led by David R. Schubert, Ph.D.,have identified the probable molecular basis for the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's. interaction. Unfortunately, Alzheimer's and diabetes are increasing at an alarming rate. Alzheimer's affects one in http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-study-proves-link-between-diabetes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-8310054045403697895Mon, 21 Apr 2008 03:35:00 +00002008-04-20T23:53:26.276-04:00NIH. National Institute of AgingHealthcare and housing costsNational Istitute of Health<!-- AddThis Button for Post BEGIN --><!-- AddThis Button for Post END -->The National Institute of Health report released in March 2008 Highlights Healthcare and Housing Costs in Americans aged 65 and older. Health care costs, particularly for prescription drugs, have risen dramatically for older Americans. Between 1992 and 2004, average inflation-adjusted health care costs for older Americans http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/04/national-institute-of-aging-highlights.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-4368410284014580434Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:18:00 +00002008-04-14T21:46:53.045-04:00EDabbreviationsFDAerectile dysfunctionnatural supplementpharmacistBuyer beware: China drug manufacturer tried to market Erectile Drugs drugs as "natural supplements" Guess you could call this the case of the "Shangai Surprise."The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and U.S. Marshals seized more than 14,000 dosage units valued at more than $100,000, of Shangai Regular, Shangai Ultra, Super Shangai, Naturalë Super Plus, and Lady Shangai. Although these http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/04/fda-seizes-ed-drugs-sold-as-natural.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-4114096484567903475Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:09:00 +00002008-04-01T18:05:49.683-04:00cholesterolmicardislotrelJUPITERcrestorhealthheart diseasecardiovascular diseaseACCOMPLISHhypertensionAmerican Academy of Cardiologyheart attacksSeveral new studies were presented at the American College of Cardiology that are important to patients with hypertension and heart disease. The medications Crestor, Lotrel, and Micardis all showed positive results and the ACCOMPLISH and JUPITER trials were halted early due to such positive results. Great news for helping reduce cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.* Important new study http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/04/drug-therapy-updates-from-american.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-5415704967344949782Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:34:00 +00002008-03-27T18:16:08.155-04:00genericpharmacyAB ratinghealthcaretevausadrugstore.comtevageneric medicationsEveryone knows that healthcare spending continues to rise at warp speed, and drug costs represent a large portion of the spend. One way that patients can help keep their costs down is by using generic medications when they are available.Most savvy consumers are already on this bandwagon and realise the tremendous cost savings that generic drugs can provide. In an earlier post, I had announced http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/generic-medications-what-you-need-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-8983845663162214985Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:51:00 +00002008-03-21T16:05:47.212-04:00healthcare professionalnursemedical hero doctormedcal professionalunsung heroThe last article I wrote about detailed my personal experience with Dr Woo, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon who has made a difference in my family's life. Several people have contacted me to tell me that they were touched by the story and some related a story about a healthcare professional who touched their life.So, I decided that this would be a great time to start a series of stories about http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/do-you-know-medical-hero.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-505357065240380310Mon, 17 Mar 2008 22:59:00 +00002008-03-18T00:18:22.448-04:00scoliosisRaymund WooVEPTRShandsorthopedicsVATER syndrometitanium ribToday, I thought I would share with my readers a personal story about a very special physician who has the ability to not only repair the crooked spines of children, he gives these young patients the chance to lead a normal, active life. I am honored to introduce Dr. Raymund Woo, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon from the University of Florida Shands Medical Center.Imagine, if you can, that the http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/hero-with-stethoscope.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-8540268849298951865Fri, 14 Mar 2008 02:24:00 +00002008-03-13T22:35:04.225-04:00Raesenickserotonindepressionanti-depressantsIn breaking news that could be a new milestone in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine have discovered that a change in the location of a protein in the brain could serve as a biomarker for depression. This could mean that it will be possible to identify patients with depression with a simple laboratory test and willhttp://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/breakthrough-in-diagnosis-of-depression.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-3542697451435209270Mon, 10 Mar 2008 21:18:00 +00002008-03-10T17:35:11.210-04:00genericpharmacyprescriptionsOTChealthcareKMartToday, Kmart Pharmacy announced the launch of a new program, which offers pharmacy customers a choice of 10 over-the-counter (OTC) medications from Kmart's own private-label generic brand for only $1 with every prescription purchase.Popular OTC medications in the program include aspirin, ibuprofen, children's pain reliever, baby aspirin, nasal decongestant, cough suppressant, anti-diarrhea http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/new-otc-medications-to-cost-1-at-kmart.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-8748324107249885361Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:22:00 +00002008-03-03T21:22:08.011-05:00Official Google Blog: Google Health, a first lookhttp://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/official-google-blog-google-health.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-1233527326136242948Tue, 04 Mar 2008 02:02:00 +00002008-03-03T23:44:14.614-05:00onlinegoogle healthhealthcaregoogleportabilityLast week, Google Health announced a partnership with the very prestigious Cleveland Clinic. Most recently, key executives were at Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference in Orlando, Florida, where Eric Schmidt gave the closing keynote and offered a deeper view into their overall health strategy.According to Eric, "Google Health aims to solve an urgent need that dovetailshttp://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/03/google-health-health-records-online.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-2915460221660917696Wed, 27 Feb 2008 19:14:00 +00002008-03-31T23:06:36.926-04:00hospitalmedicarehealthcarehealtheconomistspendingThis news just in. Maybe the article should be entitled "Where's the roof in healthcare spending?" Economists are now predicting that by 2017, total health care spending will double to more than $4 trillion a year!!! That translates into one of every $5 the nation spends will be on health-related costs.This represents a 6.7 percent annual increase in spending, nearly three times the rate of http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/02/ouch-healthcare-spending-will-reach-4.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-1620926258832091083Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:20:00 +00002008-02-22T18:31:28.313-05:00pharmacypatchesfentanylpain medicationsDuragesiccancerdrug recallAnyone who has 25 mcg/hr DURAGESIC or Sandoz Inc. fentanyl patches should check the box or foil pouch for the expiration date to see if they have patches that are being recalled. If your patches have an expiration date on or before December 2009, you should return them to your pharmacy to examine and possibly exchange. If you are not sure who has made your fentanyl patch, or cannot find an http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/02/important-drug-recall-duragesic-patches.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-1268623986641279955Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:46:00 +00002008-02-08T16:09:20.996-05:00generic approvalmerckgenericalendronateWatsonosteoporosisBarrfosamaxtevaThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Fosamax (alendronate sodium tablets), used to treat osteoporosis, a condition that causes thinning and weakening of a person's bones.Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, North Wales, Pa., was approved to manufacture alendronate sodium tablets in three once-daily dosing strengths (5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 40 milligramshttp://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/02/generic-fosamax-receives-approval.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-4938064300738179080Fri, 08 Feb 2008 20:28:00 +00002008-02-08T15:38:28.302-05:00dietary supplementsherbsherbal productshealthcarenatural supplementside effectspharmacistsPatients with medical illness should not use herbs and dietary supplements without medical supervision. If you are taking herbal products, please make sure you inform your healthcare provider. However, I must add that not all physicians are well-versed and up to date on herbal products, since these are not usually part of their formal training. So make sure you know as much about the herbal http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/02/herbal-products-part-ii-what-you-need.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-7811241517746858138Tue, 05 Feb 2008 21:30:00 +00002008-02-05T18:35:23.462-05:00dietary supplementsherbsherbal productshealthcarepharmacistsLet's talk for a moment about herbal products and where they fit in to your healthcare regimen. It has been estimated that about 38 million adults in the United States use herbal products and dietary supplements. This tranlates into about 18% of the US population. Yet, rather distubingly, only one third told their healthcare provider about their use. It is important that the consumer http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/02/herbal-products-what-you-need-to-know.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4716761261005054321.post-6745771987565131835Wed, 16 Jan 2008 04:02:00 +00002008-01-15T23:03:48.544-05:00vytorin zetia zocor enhance simvastatin ezetimibe cholesterol plaqueIf you've watched the news or read the newspaper, you probably know that there is some apparent controversy about the cholesterol drug Vytorin. The results of the study nicknamed ENHANCE were just released, and the results were not as favorable as hoped. However, there is no need to panic if you're taking Vytorin; the results showed nothing harmful either.Vytorin (ezetimibe-simvastin) is a http://pharmacyinsights.blogspot.com/2008/01/vytorin-whats-patient-to-do.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Johnnie)4