FDA approves Amitiza

FDA has approved a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for lubiprostone (Amitiza, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals) 24 μg twice daily as the first oral medication for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in adult patients with chronic, noncancer pain. » Full article

No glutamine, antioxidants to critically ill

For critically ill adults with multiorgan failure, early supplementation with glutamine or antioxidants does not improve clinical outcomes, and glutamine may increase the mortality rate of this patient population, according to a study published in the April 18 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. » Full article

Dietary fiber lowers risk of first stroke

Greater dietary fiber intake is significantly associated with lower risk of first stroke, according to a recent study published in Stroke.

» Full article

FDA approves Alcon’s Simbrinza Suspension

FDA approved a new fixed-dose combination ophthalmic suspension of a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (brinzolamide 1.0%) and an alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist (brimonidine tartrate 0.2%), which is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. » Full article

Continuing Education

New CPE Series: Pain Management Considerations

Welcome to a new CPE series: Pain Management Considerations for Medication Therapy Management, which has been designed for pharmacists who take care of patients who need pain relief. You can earn up to 10 credits from April 2013-August 2013 with 5 monthly knowledge-based activities and 2 credits from September 2013-October 2013 Drug Topics with 2 monthly interactive online case studies. The April activity covers concepts and definitions of pain management.

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.

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.

New online interactive case studies available now

The second case study, Case Studies in Diabetes Care-Part 2, is available, offering you an opportunity to apply diabetes management concepts from the Drug Topics knowledge-based diabetes series. Earn 1 hour of CPE credit for completing each individual application-based activity.

Log in: www.drugtopics.com/casestudies
To begin Part 1, click on Course Catalog ID: 2013-02-2.
To begin Part 2, click on Course Catalog ID: 2013-03-2.

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.

CMS final Sunshine Act Transparency Rule: Managed care and hospital impacts

On February 1, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released new regulations about the reporting of fees, meals, travel expenses, and other transfers of value for the implementation of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act. These new regulations require that data on the payments and gifts that drug and medical device companies make to physicians will become available publicly in a searchable database beginning in September 2014. » Full article

• FDA approves Linzess to treat certain cases of IBS and constipation

• Calcium intake: increase CVD risk in men, but not women

• Higher long-term mortality risk seen after young-adult stroke

• Pediatric treatments for allergic ocular diseases improve

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SURVEY

Which of the following do you see as the biggest gaps in care for the patient on specialty/biologic drugs today?

– Adherence to therapy
– Transitions in care support
– Coordination/communication of care across HC continuum
– Inadequate efficacy/outcomes monitoring
– Safety/comobidity screening

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