Drug Formulary Review Archives – August 1, 2004
August 1, 2004
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Protocol reduces anti-rejection medication for lung transplant patients
Surgeons at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have reduced the number of anti-rejection pills that some lung transplant patients receive and the patients seem to be tolerating the change well. -
NovoSeven shows promise for hemorrhagic stroke
New research is showing that recombinant factor VIIa [rFVIIa] (NovoSeven) shows promise in the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The Phase IIb study demonstrated that the use of the hemophilia drug in ICH patients led to a significant reduction in hematoma growth when given within four hours of onset. -
Researchers examine the issue of patient compliance
Researchers who recently studied the working memory of pharmacists are now turning to the issue of patient compliance. Indicators show that pharmacists who make medication errors and patients who do not adhere to their medication regimens may share several individual characteristics, such as a lack of organizational skills and working memory. -
Be aware of common food-drug interactions
Various food-drug interactions can result in an increase or decrease in the effectiveness of the object drug. Thats why pharmacists need to know the most potentially important food-drug interactions and the appropriate way to manage the interaction. -
News Briefs
Cost-related underuse of heart meds may have adverse outcomes; Many consumers do not favor off-label drug use; Medicare extends access to self-administered drugs; Pfizer expands access to its prescription medications; Pharmacists are critical link to people with pain. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Telithromycin (Ketek) Formulary Evaluation
Telithromycin is the first of the ketolides, a new class of antibacterial drugs that are derived from macrolide antibiotics. Part 1: Mechanism of Action, In Vitro Activity, Resistance Profile, Pharmacokinetics, Indication, and Dosage. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: In the Pipeline
Chiron Corp. has initiated a new Phase II study of aldesleukin (Proleukin) interleukin-2 (IL-2) plus rituximab in rituximab-naive patients with low-grade non-Hodgkins lymphoma to determine the combinations potential in patients receiving rituximab for the first time.