Drug Formulary Review Archives – November 1, 2004
November 1, 2004
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Rofecoxib withdrawal from market shakes the pharmaceutical industry
The recent withdrawal of the popular arthritis drug rofecoxib (Vioxx) from the market has left patients scrambling for alternatives and providers looking at long-term consequences. -
The focus now shifts to COX-2 inhibitor class
Rofecoxib, celecoxib (Celebrex), and valdecoxib (Bextra) are a subclass of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that selectively block the enzyme COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). When Merck announced the rofecoxib withdrawal, it said that its study results were not necessarily applicable to others in the COX-2 inhibitor class. -
HIV management guidelines emphasize primary care
New HIV guidelines address long-term management in the context of a persons overall life and health and emphasize the importance of strategies to improve adherence to drug regimens. -
Should AIDS therapy start at higher cell counts?
New research suggests that AIDS therapy should be initiated at higher CD4 levels than current guidelines recommend. In the study, published in the Sept. 15 issue of The Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers wanted to reevaluate the optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). -
News Briefs
Oral erythromycin, CYP3A inhibitor combination risky; Many patients dont tell docs about medication underuse; Scientists find potential way to control drug-resistant bacteria; Drug shortages negatively affect patient safety, costs of care. -
New FDA Approvals
Hydromorphone hydrochloride (Palladone); New indication for duloxetine hydrochloride (Cymbalta). -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Cinacalcet HCl (Sensipar) Formulary Evaluation
Part 1 of 2: Indications, Mechanism of Action, Pharmacokinetics, Dosing & Administration, Adverse Events, amd Interactions. Cinacalcet is the first in a class of calcimimetic agents that increases the sensitivity of the calcium-sensing receptor to activation by extracellular calcium. -
In the Pipeline
MediGene AG has initiated a clinical Phase I/II trial of the drug candidate NV1020 for the treatment of liver metastases developing from colorectal cancer. -
2004 Salary Survey Results: Salary statistics and shortage data give broader picture
New salary statistics show that hospital pharmacy administrators may make $100,000 or more and work 50 hours a week or fewer. Even so, pharmacy management positions are some of the hardest to fill, according to a second survey.