MERGERS

FTC blocks Omnicare acquisition of PharMerica

The Federal Trade Commission turned thumbs down on Omnicare’s attempted acquisition of competitor PharMerica. The agency filed suit in federal court to block the hostile takeover. » More

MEDICATION SAFETY

Researchers warn of IV acetaminophen dosing errors

Researchers are warning pediatricians, pediatric hospitalists, and intensivists of the potential for intravenous acetaminophen dosing errors, especially in young patients under 2 years old. » More

SSRIs increase risk of falls, injuries for elderly patients with dementia

Nursing home residents with dementia who use average doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are 3 times more likely to have a fall resulting in injury compared with those who don’t use SSRIs, according a study published online January 18 in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. » More

ASSOCIATION NEWS

AMCP objects to proposed reporting requirements for Part D

The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy is not pleased with changes to the Medicare Part D reporting requirements proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. » More

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Cardiometabolic disease: The pharmacist’s tools for managing dyslipidemia and hypertension

Also known as syndrome X or metabolic syndrome, this condition can lead to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. For patients, pharmacists are an ideal source of information and support. Earn up to 2 CPE credits. » Click here to login and take the exams.

FDA ACTIONS

Ivacaftor approved by FDA to treat rare form of cystic fibrosis

FDA approved ivacaftor (Kalydeco, Vertex Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of a rare form of cystic fibrosis in patients aged 6 years and older who have the specific G551D mutation in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator gene. » More

FDA approves axitinib to treat renal cell carcinoma

FDA approved axitinib (Inlyta, Pfizer) to treat patients with an advanced kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma who have not responded to another drug for this type of cancer. » More

FDA approves tablets for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes

FDA has approved linagliptin/metformin hydrochloride (Jentadueto, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly) tablets, a new tablet that provides a single-tablet treatment option, taken twice-daily, for adult patients who need to control their blood sugar. » More

Diabetes drug dapagliflozin fails to get approval from FDA

FDA declined approval of the diabetes drug dapagliflozin (Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca), based on the recommendations of 1 of its advisory committees. » More

CLINICAL NEWS

Study: Dutasteride slows progression of prostate cancer in low-risk men

Dutasteride (Avodart, GlaxoSmithKline) delays the progression of prostate cancer in men with low-risk prostate cancer, according to a new study. » More

HEALTH SYSTEMS

Study: Emergency visits increase risk of infections for long-term care residents

There was an increased risk of acute infection among long-term care residents who visited hospital emergency departments, according to a study published online January 23 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. » More

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