FDA ACTIONS

FDA warns of Durezol/Durasal name confusion

FDA recently alerted pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to the potential for patient injury due to confusing the unapproved prescription topical wart remover Durasal with FDA-approved eye medicine Durezol. » More

Editor's Pick

Plans re-evaluate their COPD programs in light of changes

New drugs to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have increased treatment options. However, they have also caused health plans to re-evaluate their chronic-condition management strategies. » Click here.

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.

CLINICAL NEWS

Antiplatelet resistance linked to silent cerebral emboli after coronary angiography

Silent embolic cerebral infarctions occur in about 1 in 6 patients after undergoing coronary angiography, and the risk is related to the degree of platelet inhibition with aspirin and clopidogrel, a Korean study shows. » More

ACP Foundation provides tools for preventing strokes in patients with atrial fibrillation

The ACP Foundation recently published a 31-page primer, Initiative on Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke Prevention, in the hopes of improving the care of patients with atrial fibrillation within health systems. » More

Anti-infective drug shortages affect clinical care, outcomes

Welcome to the latest public health emergency: Shortages of anti-infective agents. These shortages can adversely affect clinical care and patient outcomes. » More

Risperidone effective on children, but metabolic side effects potentially serious

Risperidone (Risperdal, Janssen) may be more effective than lithium or divalproex sodium (Depakote, Abbott) for the initial treatment of childhood mania but it could lead to potentially serious metabolic side effects, including weight gain, according to a study published online January 2, in the Archives of General Psychiatry. » More

Enoxaparin may not reduce death rate for acutely ill

The use of enoxaparin on hospitalized, acutely ill patients wearing elastic stockings with graduated compression did not reduce the rate of death when compared with the use of graduated compression stockings alone, according to a study published December 29, 2011, in the New England Journal of Medicine. » More

Survey

With the recent termination of the ALTITUDE trial due to increased risk of serious adverse events (non-fatal stroke, renal complications, hyperkalemia, and hypotension) in high-risk patients receiving aliskiren in combination with an ACE inhibitor or ARB medication, which of the following best describes the actions you deem most appropriate for managing use of aliskiren-containing medications?

1)  Immediately remove all aliskiren-based products from formulary and recommend switching patients to alternative anti-hypertensive medications

2)  Maintain formulary status of aliskiren-based products, but perform RetroDUR to identify and communicate to providers of ALL patients on an aliskiren product

3)  Maintain formulary status of aliskiren-based products, but perform RetroDUR to identify and communicate to providers of only ‘high-risk’ patients on such an aliskiren combo

4)  Implement new prior authorization and/or new contingent therapy edits on aliskiren products to minimize new patient starts on such combinations

5)  Do nothing for the time-being until more definitive direction is provided from FDA

Respond here and see what your colleagues think too.

Want to see the results of our last survey regarding chronic atrial fibrillation management?
Click here.

Resources

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