Drug Formulary Review Archives – January 1, 2005

January 1, 2005

• Study argues ACE inhibitors should not be used in some heart patients

  A new study argues that many heart patients receiving modern conventional therapy do not benefit from angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors if the patients have stable coronary heart disease and preserved left ventricular function.

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• Program improves heart patients’ outcomes

  A discharge program that placed cardiovascular patients on appropriate medications and scheduled follow-up care not only reduced the patients risk of readmission to the hospital, but also significantly decreased their risk of death.

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• JCAHO: USP/NF Chapter 797 compliance confusing

  In the April 2004 issue of its Perspectives publication, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations announced it would begin in July to survey compliance with the new chapter in the 2004 United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF), titled USP Tests and Assays Chapter 797, Pharmaceutical Compounding, Sterile Preparations.

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• News Briefs

  Report: Almost half of Americans use at least one prescription drug; FDA announces new radio- frequency ID initiative for drugs; FDA strengthens labels on two types of antibiotics.

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• New FDA Approvals

  Natalizumab (Tysabri) by Biogen Idec and Elan Pharmaceuticals and Erlotinib (Tarceva), manufactured by OSI Pharmaceuticals, and distributed by Genentech.

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• Drug Criteria and Outcomes: Duloxetine (Cymbalta) Formulary Evaluation

  Part 1 of 2: Mechanism of Action, Pharmacokinetics, Indication, Dosing, Special Populations, Safety, and Cost.

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