Pharmacy & Therapeutics - April 2008 - (Page 188) CONTENTS Cover: Sickle cell anemia, colored scanning electron micrograph (x2,500 at 6 x 4.5 cm). Normal rounded red blood cells and an elongated sickle-shaped cell with other irregular-shaped cells are shown. See related article on page 238. (Credit: Dr. Gopal Murti / Photo Researchers, Inc.) April 2008 FEATURES Letters to the Editor Topics include Medicare Part D, informatics, and the paper edition of P&T. Jacob Hutti, PharmD; Joseph A. Catapano, MD, FACC, MMM; and Teri Luebbering, RPh, CGP, FASCP HEALTH CARE AND LAW 200 DEPARTMENTS Editorial 193 David Nash, MD, MBA, reviews Slaves to Medicine, a controversial book by Dr. George Beauchamp that addresses the runaway economy in health care today. Medication Errors 194 Matthew Grissinger, RPh, FASCP, offers tips for preventing confusion of morphine with hydromorphone, both potent narcotics. Prescription: Washington 199 Stephen Barlas explores the increase in deaths from prescription drugs, especially from narcotic overdoses, as in the recent case of actor Heath Ledger. New Drugs/Drug News/ New Medical Devices 203 From Arcalyst to Zotarolimus, P&T presents the latest information on FDA approvals, new indications, recalls, and industry updates. Drug Forecast 212 The authors review the selegiline transdermal system (Emsam) for major depressive disorder. The FDA’s New Guidance for Off-Label Promotion Is Only a Start Dr. Field presents the case for and against the FDA’s proposed new limits for pharmaceutical manufacturers in marketing and promoting off-label uses of drugs. Robert I. Field, JD, MPH, PhD 220 Skin and Skin Structure Infections And Control of Hemostasis During Surgery Presentations cover comparisons of daptomycin (Cubicin for Injection) and vancomycin (Vancocin) for skin infections and recombinant human thrombin versus bovine-derived thrombin for controlling hemostasis during surgery. Walter Alexander 223 Pharmaceutical Approval Update Topics include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) for major depressive disorder in adults; rilonacept (Arcalyst) in treating inflammatory syndromes; and levocetirizine (Xyzal Oral Solution) for symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and hives. Marvin M. Goldenberg, PhD, RPh, MS CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT 233 Pharmacological Management of Sickle Cell Disease The authors discuss current and investigational therapies for this debilitating illness, the adverse events associated with its treatment, and some protocols for preventing stroke and infection. Uche Anadu Ndefo, PharmD, BCPS; Angie Eaton Maxwell, PharmD; Huong Nguyen, PharmD Candidate; and Tochukwu L. Chiobi, PharmD 238 CE Test and Forms 244 188 P&T® • April 2008 • Vol. 33 No. 4
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.