MEDICATION SAFETY

Study: Furosemide-induced high urine output reduces risk of CIN

Furosemide-induced high urine output with matched hydration significantly reduced the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing a coronary procedure, according to a new study. » More

ASSERT links pacemakers with increased risk of ischemic stroke

Sub-clinical atrial tachyarrhythmias without clinical atrial fibrillation occurred frequently in patients with pacemakers and were associated with a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke or systemic embolism, according to a recent study. » More

High-normal BP in middle-aged men linked to atrial fibrillation later in life

Upper-normal blood pressures in otherwise healthy middle-aged men are long-term predictors of incident atrial fibrillation in older age, according to a study that appeared online January 17 in Hypertension. » More

Editor's Pick

Specialty tier falls out of favor because of access issues

Spending growth for specialty drugs rose 19.6% between 2009 and 2010, while growth of traditional drugs decreased by 1.4%, according to Express Scripts' 2010 Drug Specialty Report. » 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.

TECHNOLOGY

ACP groups will used cloud-based system for diabetes project

State chapters of the American College of Physicians will soon begin a diabetes pilot project using a cloud-based health system. » More

FDA ACTIONS

FDA approves ivacaftor 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 vismodegib for treating basal cell skin cancer

FDA has approved vismodegib (Erivedge, Curis and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group) for the treatment of adult patients with basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. » 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.

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