Healthcare Traveler - October 2008 - (Page 45) and acetaminophen, and from preclinical studies with two years’ worth of carcinogenicity data. Concerns had arisen that use of the drug may result in statistically more heart attacks, fractures, and certain cancers. Daily Local. “FDA to allow trials for Adolor drug.” 2008. www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?news id=19831599&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id= 17779&rfi=6 (5 July 2008). Black box mandated for some antibiotics T he FDA has mandated that fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics, carry a black box warning alerting clinicians to the increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture associated with using them. The risk is greatest among patients 60 or older; kidney, heart, and lung transplant recipients; and those taking steroids. Affected drugs include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gemifloxacin (Factive), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin). The FDA also recommended that doctors advise their patients to stop taking the drugs immediately if they have any sign of tendon pain and inflammation. In those cases, patients should avoid exercising the affected area, and should contact their physician immediately. Cases of tendon rupture, most frequently in the Achilles’ tendon, have occurred up to several months after completion of fluoroquinolone therapy, the FDA says. Makers of fluoroquinolones had to develop and distribute a medication guide for patients, alerting them to the possible side effects, and to submit the label changes to the FDA by August. HealthDay. “FDA mandates black box warning for some antibiotics.” 2008. www.healthday. com/Article.asp?AID=617305 (10 July 2008). Circle Career Card No. 602 This department originally appeared in RN, a sister publication. For subscription information, call 800-284-8945 or visit www.rnweb.com. October 2008 Healthcare Traveler 45 Circle Career Card No. 655 http://www.allaboutstaffing.com http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19831599&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17779&rfi=6 http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19831599&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17779&rfi=6 http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19831599&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17779&rfi=6 http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=617305 http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=617305 http://www.rnweb.com http://www.trustaff.com http://www.trustaff.com
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