AHA MEETING COVERAGE

Rivaroxaban helps lower risks in acute coronary syndrome patients, study finds

Rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen Pharmaceuticals), an oral anticoagulant that directly inhibits factor Xa, reduced the risk of death, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome, according to a report presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2011, Orlando, Fla. » More

Pharmacists' collaboration with primary care did not improve outcomes in heart failure patients, study finds

Consultation with non-specialist pharmacists did not improve rates of hospitalization or death for patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (heart failure), according to the results of a large-scale, long-term prospective randomized trial conducted by the National Health Service and reported at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2011 in Orlando, Fla. » More

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Resource Center: Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation afflicts more than 2.3 million persons in the United States and is expected to increase 2.5-fold by 2050. To find risk stratifying tools and articles on emerging oral anticoagulant therapies, click here.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Update on REMS associated with long-acting opioids

In carrying out Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies associated with long-acting opioids, the pharmacist plays a multidimensional role in this effort, which includes educating patients, prescribers, and the community at large, being vigilant to signs of overprescribing or abuse, and recognizing the biopsychosocial factors that put pain patients at risk for substance abuse. » Click here to login and take the exams.

IMMUNIZATIONS

CPhA, PrescribeWellness partner on “One Million More” flu shot campaign

The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) and PrescribeWellness, a healthcare digital communication solutions provider, are partnering on the “One Million More” flu shot campaign to increase the yearly influenza vaccination rate. » More

Survey

President Obama’s executive order to take action on the public health crisis of prescription drug shortages includes directing FDA to broaden reporting of potential shortages, expedite regulatory reviews, and increase staffing resources for the FDA’s Drug Shortages Program. Do you agree with his executive order?

a) Yes, it will definitely make a difference to the prescription drug shortages.
b) Yes, but it will take more than the order to fix the prescription drug shortages.
c) No, Congress should be enacting legislation to fix the prescription drug shortages.
d) No, the order will do little to help the prescription drug shortages.

Respond here and see what your colleagues think too.

Want to see the results of our last survey about the implications of the possible Express Scripts/Medco merger? Click here.

FDA ACTIONS

FDA approves cetuximab to treat late-stage head and neck cancer

FDA has approved cetuximab (Erbitux, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for use with chemotherapy to treat patients with late-stage (metastatic) head and neck cancer. » More

CLINICAL NEWS

Contraceptive implant now available in U.S.

Merck has announced in a prepared statement that its contraceptive implant (Nexplanon) is now available in the United States. » More

TECHNOLOGY

Health app downloads stagnate among cell phone users during past year, survey finds

About 11% of U.S. adult cell phone users downloaded an application (or app) that “helped them track or manage their health” in August 2011, according to a survey by Pew Research Centers’ Internet & American Life Project. » More

OTC PRODUCTS

OTC Product News

In this section we showcase products and product news that ran up against space limitations or fell outside the parameters of recently featured categories in the print edition. » More

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