Drug Formulary Review Archives – August 1, 2003
August 1, 2003
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Congress pushes toward $400 billion Medicare reform package
Congress focused on Medicare reform in June, with both the House and Senate passing their own versions of a Medicare prescription drug program. -
Senate generic bill more rigorous than FDA regs
In addition to the Senate bill, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced regulations in mid-June that would streamline the process for making generic drugs available to consumers. -
PBM finds generic drug use increasing
Growth in prescription drug spending for the first quarter of 2003 slowed in part to increased usage of generic drugs, says pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts of St. Louis. -
Senate panel supports pharmacy education aid act
In other legislation favorable to pharmacists, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions recently passed a bipartisan bill that would provide two student loan repayment programs for certain pharmacists. The bill now moves on to the Senate floor for consideration. -
Finasteride reduces prostate cancer incidence
A recent study shows that finasteride (Proscar) prevents or delays the appearance of prostate cancer. The drug, however, also shows sexual side effects and an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. -
News Briefs
Omeprazole (Prilosec) approved for OTC heartburn treatment; Recall includes all repacked atorvastatin products; Paroxetine (Paxil) should not be used in children; FDA announces pilot program to post warning letter responses -
FDA Notifications
These drugs recently received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Almotriptan Formulary Evaluation
Almotriptan malate (Axert) a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine1B/1D (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist, otherwise known as a triptan, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in May 2001. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: In the Pipeline
In the Pipeline