Drug Topics - January 7, 2008 - (Page 6)

6 DRUG TOPICS JANUARY 7, 2008 www.drugtopics.com > > > NEWS Roundup Rx Care Ranexa’s mechanism of action added to drug label New information that helps elucidate the mechanism of action of ranolazine extended-release tablets (Ranexa, http://www.ranexa.com, CV Therapeutics) has been added to the drug’s prescribing information. Published data suggest that the medication works by inhibition of the excess sodium that flows into cardiac cells through sodium channels during an ischemic event. This inhibition has been shown to improve the mechanical and electrical function of the heart. Without inhibition, excess sodium can lead to a subsequent overload of calcium that interferes with proper contraction and relaxation of the organ. Ranolazine is currently indicated for the treatment of chronic angina in patients who have not achieved adequate response with other antianginal medications, and should be used in combination with amlodipine, beta-blockers, or nitrates. tive than estrogen, raloxifene (Evista, Lilly), or calcitonin. However, some agents are associated with strokes, blood clots, or uterine bleeding. Calcitonin, parathyroid hormone, estrogen, and five bisphosphonates – alendronate (Fosamax, Merck), etidronate, ibandronate (Boniva, Roche), risedronate, and zoledronic acid (Zometa, Novartis) – were all found to be effective for preventing spinal fractures. Alendronate, risedronate, zoledronic acid, estrogen, and parathyroid hormone were efficacious at preventing hip and other nonspinal fractures. The report also found the efficacy of calcium and vitamin D varies according to dosing, how often they are taken, and whether the patient is at high risk for fracture. Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments to Prevent Fractures in Men and Women with Low Bone Density or Osteoporosis was based on evidence found in 101 published articles and can be accessed online at www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov. Sutent study shows increased cardiotoxicity risk Results of a study published in the December 15 issue of The Lancet show cancer drug sunitinib (Sutent, http://www.sutent.com, Pfizer) may be associated with cardiotoxicity. The retrospective analysis examined the records of patients who had received treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor and found 75 recipients experienced either heart failure, myocardial infarction, or hypertension during their treatment period. Patients with pre-existing coronary heart disease were also more likely to develop cardiac problems. An increased risk of heart failure has already been linked to related drug imatinib (Gleevec, http://www.gleevec.com, Novartis), used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia. Study collaborators were from Children’s Hospital in Boston, Dana-Farber A gastrointestinal stromal tumor Cancer Institute, and Thomas Jefferson University. Sunitinib is indicated for treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Thyrogen gets nod for remnant ablation of thyroid Genzyme Corp. has received word from the FDA that its recombinant form of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen), can now be used in conjunction with radioiodine for destruction of remaining thyroid tissue following surgical removal of the gland in patients with thyroid cancer. The therapy raises the level of TSH necessary for proper uptake of the radioiodine used to ablate the thyroid tissue. Before this approval, patients had to discontinue their thyroid hormone supplements in order to naturally elevate their TSH level, but often suffered the side effects associated with hypothyroidism. Thyrogen was originally approved in 1998 as an adjunctive diagnostic tool for serum thyroglobulin testing in patients with thyroid cancer who had their thyroid gland removed. No one osteoporosis drug better than another, says AHRQ report Direct comparisons between osteoporosis therapies have not shown bisphosphonates to be superior to other therapies in preventing bone fractures, according to a new report from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). In addition, not enough evidence exists to establish whether bisphosphonates are more effec- Anticoagulate for at least one year after drug-eluting stent is put in A guideline update from the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions recommends combination therapy with both aspirin and clopidogrel for at least a year, and possibly longer, following placement of a drug-eluting stent (DES). The http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.drugtopics.com http://www.ranexa.com http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov http://www.sutent.com http://www.gleevec.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Drug Topics - January 7, 2008

Drug Topics - January 7, 2008 Contents Employers Give High Marks to PBMs Want to Be Part Owner of a Chain? Consider an ESOP Latest News Roundup

Drug Topics - January 7, 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.