FDA approves new MS drug

FDA approved dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera, Biogen Idec) capsules for the treatment of adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), including the most common form, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), according to an FDA statement on March 27. » Full article

FDA approves first and only inhaled dry powder

FDA approved tobramycin inhalation powder (TOBI Podhaler, Novartis) for the management of cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa), a bacterium that causes lung infections. » Full article

FDA approves GERD drug for pediatric patients

FDA has approved rabeprazole sodium (AcipHex Sprinkle, Eisai) Delayed-Release capsules 5 mg and 10 mg for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children ages 1 to 11 years of age for up to 12 weeks. » Full article

CAD patients' adherence saves costs

Medication adherence not only improves patient outcomes, but can also reduce cost for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), potentially saving the healthcare system up to $868 per patient per year, according to a new review of literature published in the American Journal of Medicine. » Full article

Download Case Study: : Reduce Rx Costs and Improve Member Health

Denying high-priced Rx claims may contain costs in the short term, but this practice can lead to poor adherence and complications for patients. Download this case study to learn how health plans can reduce drug spend with more affordable medication alternatives and provider and member education.

Continuing Education

LIVE EVENT!

Medication Therapy Management for Patients with Diabetes CPE Series

Reserve the dates—May 22 or May 23—to attend an innovative 6-hour live program at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy campus. Learn motivational interviewing skills, apply medication therapy management concepts to patients with diabetes, and practice your new skills to earn 6 CPE credits and a certificate of achievement (additional 6 CPE credits are awarded for post-activity requirements) – for a total of 12 CPE credits.

Prerequisite: Completion prior to the event of the 7 knowledge-based and 3 application-based activities in this CPE series by University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and Drug Topics.

Click here for more information and to register.

Diabetes CPE Series: March activity available now

Welcome to the seventh and last knowledge-based activity in our CPE series: Medication Therapy Management (MTM) in Patients with Diabetes, which has been designed for pharmacists who take care of patients with diabetes. You can earn up to 14 credits from September 2012-March 2013 with 7 monthly knowledge-based activities. The March activity covers drug-induced hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, nonprescription medications, and complementary and alternative medicine for diabetes care.

To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to login.

New online interactive case studies available now

Welcome to Case Studies in Diabetes Care-Part 1. This is the first of three studies offering you an opportunity to apply diabetes management concepts from the knowledge-based diabetes series. Earn 1 hour of CPE credit by completing this application-based activity.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.

Pediatric treatments for allergic ocular diseases improve

Recent advances in treatments of allergic ocular diseases are available to help relieve the signs and symptoms in pediatric patients. Stephen C. Pflugfelder, MD, described those treatments in a symposium during the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, in Chicago. » Full article

• FDA approves teriflunomide for MS

• FDA panel backs tobramycin inhalation powder

• Veterans with GERD and PPIs

• Pill boxes promote adherence

RESOURCES

Drug Watch

Latest Clinical News

What can Formulary do for you?

Take our super short survey TODAY! http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1050662/Formulary-Readers