Drug Formulary Review Archives – July 1, 2004
July 1, 2004
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Pharmacists who misfill prescriptions often share lack of working memory
The system often is blamed when pharmacists fill prescriptions incorrectly. For example, pharmacists may say they were distracted by a busy workplace, resulting in the misfilling of the orders. A new report, however, says some pharmacists are predisposed to medical errors due to individual factors, such as a lack of working memory. -
Pharmacists to assess their safety processes
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) in Huntingdon Valley, PA, is encouraging pharmacists to help conduct a self-assessment of their hospitals medication safety processes. Data from the surveys then will be compiled and analyzed so that participating hospitals can compare their results against demographically similar institutions. -
Docetaxel (Taxotere) extends life in advanced prostate cancer patients
The results of two recent Phase III clinical trials indicate that docetaxel (Taxotere) extends life in advanced prostate cancer patients who are resistant to hormone therapy, supporting the Food and Drug Administrations approval of docetaxel injection, in combination with prednisone, for the treatment of patients with advanced metastatic prostate cancer. -
News Briefs
Decision tool available on tablet splitting; Severe sufferers prefer brand name meds; Study: Medicare drug plan is confusing to elderly; Applications available for safety award. -
New FDA Approvals
These drugs recently received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). -
In the Pipeline
Guilford Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase III clinical development program for Aquavan injection, a novel sedative/hypnotic that is a proprietary water-soluble prodrug of propofol. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Iron Complex Evaluation
Iron sucrose injection (Venofer); Sodium ferric gluconate complex (Ferrlecit),referred to as iron gluconate, and Iron dextran (DexFerrum/Infed).