Drug Formulary Review Archives – December 1, 2005
December 1, 2005
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Drug-induced diseases have become an increasing problem
Much has been written about drugs and their adverse effects (AEs). But two pharmacists saw the need for a central source of information for an important subset of adverse effects: drug-induced diseases. -
Enrollment begins for Medicare Part D
Seniors finally had the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan beginning Nov. 15. More than half of those eligible, however, still are confused about the governments new prescription drug plan benefit, according to a Kaiser Health Poll Report conducted in August. -
FDA predicts more vaccine production than last year
Dont expect a repeat of last years shortage of influenza vaccine this winter. Do expect, however, to hear more about preparing for a possible avian flu pandemic. -
Research News: Trastuzumab trial results ‘stunning’ in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer
Results from recent published trials have shown much promise in the use of trastuzumab (Herceptin) plus adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer. -
News Briefs
The FDA has begun requiring drug manufacturers to submit prescription drug label information to the agency in a new electronic format. -
In The Pipeline
AEterna Zentaris has initiated a European multicenter Phase II trial of perifosine, a novel, first-in-class, oral signal transduction inhibitor, in combination with radiotherapy, in non-small cell lung cancer. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Entecavir (Baraclude) Formulary Evaluation
Mechanism of action, Pharmacokinetics, Dosage, Clinical studies, Strengths, Weaknesses, Drug interactions, Adverse reactions, Warnings/precautions, Monitoring, Cost comparison, Summary and recommendations -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: New FDA Approvals
Nelarabine (Arranon) by GlaxoSmithKline. The FDA has approved nelarabine (Arranon) to treat adults and children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL), whose disease has not responded to or has relapsed following at least two chemotherapy regimens.