Drug Formulary Review Archives – December 1, 2003
December 1, 2003
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Letrozole cuts breast cancer recurrence risk
Breast cancer patients who have undergone five years of tamoxifen treatment can further limit their risk of recurrence by taking the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (Femara), according to the results of an international clinical trial. -
Patient worldview may influence drug counseling
During their education, pharmacists learn about possible barriers to counseling patients on their medications. IV poles may get in the way; background noise can distract all participants. The patient may have a physical difficulty or speak another language. -
Genetic tool gives insight into patient drug reactions
Genetic testing to identify possible drug interactions is becoming more commonplace across the country. The emerging technology is here, and such tests eventually may be given at birth, says John Lima, PharmD, director of the Nemours Center for Clinical Pediatric Pharmacology in Jacksonville, FL. -
News Briefs
Report: Off-label prescriptions can compromise safety; FDA: Difference in infections among leading RA treatments; Be aware of common dispensing errors; Researchers report bone loss from oral diabetes drug -
New FDA Approvals
These drugs recently received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): -
In the Pipeline
Cypress Bioscience is initiating its Phase III program evaluating the use of milnacipran as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia syndrome. -
Teriparatide (rDNA) origin (Forteo) formulary evaluation
Teriparatide is the first synthetic, recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34) [rhPTH(1-34)] to stimulate new bone growth and increase bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip and lumbar spine by accelerating osteoblastic activity and restore bone integrity and architecture.