Pharmacy & Therapeutics- August 2008 - (Page 434) CONTENTS Cover: Polarized light micrograph of histamine crystals. Histamine can give rise to symptoms of many allergic conditions, including asthma. Magnification: x32 at 6 x 7 cm; x50 at 4 x 5 cm. See related article on page 454. (Credit: Alfred Pasieka / Photo Researchers, Inc.) August 2008 FEATURES Monitoring Asthma Control Using Claims Data and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures Inadequately controlled asthma can be very debilitating and costly for patients. The authors emphasize the importance of tracking symptoms, and they recommend a combined strategy in which both patient and claims data are used to identify poor asthma control. Tom James, MD, and Michael Fine, MD CASE REPORT DEPARTMENTS Editorial 438 David Nash, MD, MBA, describes the concept of “total leadership” and its value in helping people become more authentic, integrated, and creative. Medication Errors 441 In part 1 of a two-part article, Matthew Grissinger, RPh, FASCP, discusses widespread misconceptions about formularies among surveyed health care professionals. Prescription: Washington 442 Stephen Barlas discusses the possible passage of a Senate bill that would allow the FDA to approve “near copies” of biotech agents (“biosimilars”). New Drugs/Drug News/ New Medical Devices 443 From dronabinol to rosiglitazone, P&T presents the latest information about FDA approvals, new indications, recalls, and industry updates. Drug Forecast 445 The authors review etravirine (Intelence), a second-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, for HIV-1 infection. 454 Low-Dose, Off-Label Drotrecogin Alfa (Xigris) In Severe Sepsis A patient with multiple-organ failure recovered from septic shock when a low dose of drotrecogin alfa was administered. Shan Wang, PharmD, Kristina Dabovic, PharmD, and Ruth S. Spector, MD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS 469 American Society of Hypertension 23rd Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition Antihypertensive treatments include a dual receptor antagonist (PS433540) and a combination of amlodipine plus olmesartan (Azor). Reuben B. David CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT 478 The Pharmacological Management of Migraine, Part 2 Preventative Therapy Part 2 of a two-part series summarizes treatments used to prevent migraine, the most common headache complaint in clinical practice. Current prophylactic therapies include selected beta blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsant agents, NSAIDs, skeletal muscle relaxants, ACE-inhibitors, antipsychotic agents, antihistamines, botulinum, and herbal products. George DeMaagd, PharmD, BCPS 480 CE Test and Forms 488 434 P&T® • August 2008 • Vol. 33 No. 8
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