Drug Formulary Review Archives – March 1, 2005
March 1, 2005
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Early, aggressive lipid management with patient tracking improves outcomes
A program that combines early, aggressive lipid management with a patient tracking and follow-up system has nearly tripled the percentage of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who achieve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL-C) lower than 100 mg/dL. And the health maintenance organization (HMO) that implemented the program is betting that it is transferable to a more open health care model. -
‘Get with the Guidelines’ offers support for treating CAD
Health system pharmacists looking for a program to help them manage patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) can consider the Get with the Guidelines program, which was initially developed through collaboration between the New England Affiliate of the American Heart Association (AHA) and Merck & Co. -
CDC changes strategy to encourage flu vaccination
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has changed its strategy to help health care providers continue to vaccinate people at risk for developing serious complications of influenza. -
Journal Review: Clopidogrel (Plavix) shows increased risk of ulcers
Patients taking clopidogrel (Plavix) have a much higher risk of recurrent ulcer bleed than those treated with aspirin plus the protion-pump inhibitor esomeprazole (Nexium), according to a new study, published in the Jan. 20, 2005, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. -
News Briefs
Survey: Hospitals improving medication safety practices; FDA renews contamination alert on IV catheter flushes; Proposed regs will support e-prescribing for Medicare; Awareness of drug programs for lower-income Americans low; FDA issues safety notices. -
New FDA Approvals
Generic Fentanyl Transdermal System (Duragesic Patch) by Mylan Technologies and Full approval for doxorubicin HCl liposome injection (Doxil) by Tibotec Therapeutics. -
Drug Criteria & Outcomes: Solifenacin Succinate (Vesicare) Formulary Evaluation
Part 1 of 2: Background, Similar Drugs, Strengths/Dosage, Mechanism of Action, Indications, Preparation and Storage, Pharmacokinetics, Dosage and Administration, Special Populations, and Adverse Drug Reactions.