Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - (Page 7) 7 NEWS Roundup< < < Chains and Business CVS apologizes for dispensing error at New York pharmacy Viewers who continued watching Fox 5 news after the recent “American Idol” finale were told about a drug error that took place at a CVS pharmacy in Melrose, N.Y. A patient was mistakenly given mercaptopurine, a chemo drug to treat leukemia, instead of PTU (propylthiouracil) for her thyroid problem. Her liver was jeopardized and she was hospitalized for a week. She has since sued the chain for negligence. The TV reporter noted that at the pharmacy involved, three technicians were supervised by each pharmacist when state law allows only two techs. CVS has since issued a statement apologizing for the incident. It added that the pharmacist did contact the patient’s physician regarding her health condition, but deviated from company policy by failing to follow up with the patient after the incident. is detailed in 11 reports in many leading national and international scientific journals. These document the increased risk of ovarian cancer ranging from 30% to 60% from genital dusting with talc powder. In view of the strength of this evidence, a 1999 publication by a leading national expert urged that "formal public health warnings" be made against the genital use of talcum dusting powder. Rx Care New drug helps restore bowel function in hospitalized patients Hospital pharmacists will soon have a new drug they have to get trained on. It’s Entereg (alvimopan), designed to restore bowel function in adults who have undergone abdominal surgery and are on pain medication. Offered by Adolor Corp. and GlaxoSmithKline, the peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor has strict requirements that users must meet. Only hospitals that are certified can dispense the product, which should only be used for inpatients for the short term. Government & Law New study gives insights into overall satisfaction with Medicare Part D Comparing how satisfied patients, physicians, and pharmacists are with the Medicare Part D program, pharmacists seem to be the least likely to be satisfied. That’s one conclusion from a final report just issued by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago. Here are some other findings: • Physicians are more likely to change a prescription to an alternative medication than to seek a prior authorization or exemption from formulary restrictions. • Pharmacists report that the messaging from drug plans doesn’t always identify alternative drugs, which would speed the drug switching process. • No patient reported being enrolled in a medication therapy management program. The report is based on a series of 13 focus groups held in Colorado, Virginia, and Maine over several months in 2007. The study was conducted for the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). FAA bans pilots and air traffic controllers from using anti-smoking drug Chantix The Federal Aviation Administration has banned pilots and air traffic controllers from using the anti-smoking drug Chantix (varenicline, Pfizer) after a study found that it had apparently contributed to auto accidents and other problems that pose risks to both users and others. In a separate, but related development, Steven Findlay, a healthcare analyst at Consumers Union, noted that a study by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices has found numerous adverse events associated with Chantix. “In light of these preliminary findings, we urge the FDA to undertake a full review of the risks posed by Chantix," said FIndlay. "While that is underway, the FDA should ask Pfizer to immediately halt all advertising and promotion of Chantix to both doctors and consumers.” Consumers Union called for a three-year moratorium on advertising for newly approved drugs, such as Chantix, and the addition of a toll-free number in TV ads for consumers to report adverse events. Meanwhile, in response to the FAA’s announcement, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced that it is offering free nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine lozenges to all licensed pilots now through June 30. Coalition submits petition seeking a cancer warning on cosmetic talc The Cancer Prevention Coalition has submitted a petition to the Food & Drug Administration seeking a cancer warning on cosmetic talc powder products. This updates scientific information detailed in a November 17, 1994, citizen petition which was denied by the FDA. The scientific basis of the 2008 petition http://www.entereg.com http://www.chantix.com/ http://medpac.gov/documents/May08_PartDFocusGroup_CONTRACTOR_JS.pdf http://www.preventcancer.com
Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 Contents Which Drugs are Sensitive to Light and Moisture? What is Your Success Rate at Catching Drug Errors? Latest News Roundup Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Contents (Page 1) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Contents (Page 2) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Which Drugs are Sensitive to Light and Moisture? (Page 3) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Which Drugs are Sensitive to Light and Moisture? (Page 4) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Which Drugs are Sensitive to Light and Moisture? (Page 5) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - What is Your Success Rate at Catching Drug Errors? (Page 6) Drug Topics - June 9, 2008 - Latest News Roundup (Page 7)
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