FDA approves extended-release, single-entity hydrocodone product

FDA has approved hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release capsules (Zohydro ER, Zogenix) for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. » Full article

FDA calls for tighter controls on hydrocodone combination products

FDA is recommending to the US Department of Health and Human Services that hydrocodone combination products, such as Vicodin, be reclassified as a Schedule II product, placing tighter controls on the pain medications. Hydrocodone is currently a Schedule III drug, according to an FDA announcement.
» Full article

Two-dose varicella program

Five years of the now recommended 2-dose varicella vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of chicken pox among all age groups, including among infants too young to be vaccinated.
» Full article

Medication adherence partnership

GlaxoSmithKline and Community Care North Carolina have teamed up to put medication data to good use. » Full article

Location helps determine access to affordable, quality healthcare for Americans

For healthcare consumers, low household income need not condemn them to low quality, but high income is not the panacea either. A state scorecard released in September by the Commonwealth Fund indicated that the wide differences in healthcare experiences found in a state-by-state comparison often put higher-income as well as low-income families at risk.
» Full article

• FDA approves sublingual agent for treatment of opioid dependence

• FDA approves NSAID to address dose-related safety concerns

• Older adults with shingles experience more likely to ask for vaccine

• For children, skipped medications often lead to emergency department visits

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Osteoporosis Care: Part 2 available now

Drug Topics offers the second part of a two-part CPE series, "MTM considerations in osteoporosis care." Earn up to 2 credits by completing this activity. To read and print the October article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in.

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