Safety labeling changes for long-acting opioids

In hopes of decreasing opioid abuse, addictions, and overdose deaths, FDA this week announced safety-labeling changes for all extended-release and long-acting opioid analgesics used to treat pain. FDA has also added new postmarket study requirements for opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. » Full article

Pancreatic cancer drug approved

FDA expanded the approved uses of paclitaxel protein-bound particles for injectable suspension, albumin-bound (Abraxane, Celgene) to treat patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.
» Full article

Reducing ADEs

Knowing which patients are most at-risk for adverse drug events would help hospitals direct pharmacist-led counseling services to those who need it the most. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Foundation is funding research it believes will make it easier to identify those patients. » Full article

Heart disease preventable

At least one quarter of the 800,000 deaths annually attributed to cardiovascular disease could be prevented if people stopped smoking, reduced salt intake, and adopted other healthy habits, according to a report by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. » Full article

Continuing Education

New Mini-Series: Osteoporosis Care

This month, Drug Topics offers the first part of a two-part CPE series, "MTM considerations in osteoporosis care." Earn up to 2 credits by completing this application-based activity.

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 log in.

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.

VIDEO: With emergence of ACOs, P&T committees will need to re-evaluate their medication analysis to support contractual arrangements

When an ACO succeeds in both delivering high-quality care and spending healthcare dollars more wisely, it will share in the savings it achieves for the Medicare program. The overall goal of the ACO is to reduce costs by focusing on preventive care and disease management. » Full article

• FDA approves sublingual agent for treatment of opioid dependence

• FDA approves new treatment for a type of late-stage lung cancer

• Mobile app reminds patients to take their meds

• Blood pressure response to dietary sodium is reproducible over long term

SURVEY

With a third new oral agent (Tecfidera) recently introduced for relapsing-remitting MS, how will the MS market look in the next 3-5 years?

— Orals will become the most frequently prescribed products

— Injectables will continue to dominate market share

— Equal split between orals and injectables

Click Here to let us know.

RESOURCES

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