Drug Formulary Review Archives – June 1, 2004
June 1, 2004
View Issues
-
Hospital consortium standardizes prescription writing for members
A consortium of hospital systems in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has implemented a program to standardize protocols for handwritten prescriptions. The effort integrates Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations goals for 2004 targeting the elimination of dangerous abbreviations. -
Compendia disagree on drug-drug interactions
Pharmacists may turn to drug interaction compendia for detailed information on serious drug-drug interactions (DDIs). New research, however, shows that the compendia seldom agree on which DDIs are considered to be of the highest clinical importance. In the study, researchers found that of the 406 DDIs identified in one or more of the references as having the greatest clinical severity or importance, only nine were identified as major in all four compendia. -
Journal Review: Gene mutation patients respond to gefitinib
New research shows that mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene correlate with clinical responsiveness in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib (Iressa). -
News Briefs
Few new antibiotics are in the pipeline; Pharmacy groups establish compounding accreditation board; Be aware of possible drug mix-ups for obstetrical patients; Pancreatic extract makers to submit marketing applications; Concurrent oxandrolone, warfarin use may have adverse effect. -
New FDA Approvals
These drugs recently received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Aprepitant (Emend) Formulary Evaluation
Continued from the May 1, 2004 isssue. Part 2: Clinical Trials Summary, Recommendations, and Criteria for Use.