Drug Formulary Review Archives – February 1, 2003
February 1, 2003
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Attention turns to VIG as smallpox immunization plan is announced
Now that the initial phase of President Bushs smallpox vaccination plan is scheduled to be under way, public health officials are scrambling to make sure they have enough supply of vaccinia immune globulin (VIG), the primary product available to treat complications of the smallpox vaccinia vaccination. Here are some important facts to know about VIG. -
Another treatment option for smallpox reactions
Another drug besides vaccinia immune globulin (VIG) that may be used to treat certain serious smallpox vaccine reactions is the antiviral drug cidofovir (Vistide). -
Pharmacists unsure of role in smallpox vaccination
President Bush has announced a plan to vaccinate millions of Americans against the threat of an attack with smallpox virus. Many pharmacists, however, are not sure of their role in the plan, especially concerning how they should handle any adverse effects from the vaccine. -
News Briefs
Breast cancer survival improved by dense dosing; Adoption of medication-use technology slow; Bush will seek pediatric drug testing legislation; FDA cracks down on drug importation -
In the Pipeline
The following drugs have not yet received FDA approval. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment update: Bosentan (Tracleer) and treprostinil (Remodulin)
The purpose of this article is to review the standard therapy for Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as well as to discuss the new therapies that recently have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing this disease state. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Sustained-release morphine: An evaluation of three products
There are various morphine products available to treat moderate-to-severe chronic pain. The following facts are provided to differentiate among three sustained-release products that are currently available. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Loratadine (Claritin) vs. desloratadine (Clarinex) formulary interchange
Desloratadine (Clarinex), a major metabolite of loratadine (Claritin), is the newest medication indicated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is often a misconception that new drugs are more beneficial than their predecessors. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: New FDA Approvals
These drugs recently received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).