Content about Medicine

March 25, 2013
CDC: Of the 105 flu-related pediatric deaths this season, 9-in-10 did not get a flu shot

An early look at this season’s reports indicates that about 90% of flu-related pediatric deaths occurred in children who had not received a flu vaccination this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

ATLANTA — An early look at this season’s reports indicates that about 90% of flu-related pediatric deaths occurred in children who had not received a flu vaccination this season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. 

The number of influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported to the CDC during the current season surpassed 100 as an additional 6 deaths were reported in FluView last week. To date, this brings the total number of influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported to the CDC to 105 for the 2012-2013 season.

March 25, 2013
Drug makers ramp up treatments for chronic conditions in the elderly, PhRMA report finds

More than 400 drugs are under development for the 10 most common chronic health conditions affecting elderly people, according to a new report by a drug industry trade group.

WASHINGTON — More than 400 drugs are under development for the 10 most common chronic health conditions affecting elderly people, according to a new report by a drug industry trade group.

March 25, 2013
FDA approves Novartis antibacterial treatment for cystic fibrosis

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for managing a type of bacterial infection in patients with cystic fibrosis.

EAST HANOVER, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for managing a type of bacterial infection in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Swiss drug maker Novartis announced the approval of Tobi Podhaler (tobramycin inhalation powder) for managing cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Pa bacteria, in the lungs.

March 25, 2013
LifeScan recalls OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters

LifeScan initiated a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

MILPITAS, Calif. — LifeScan on Monday initiated a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

March 25, 2013
Lilly, BI apply for diabetes drug approval

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly are seeking regulatory approval for an experimental drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, the companies said.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly are seeking regulatory approval for an experimental drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, the companies said Monday.

BI and Lilly announced the submission of a regulatory application to the Food and Drug Administration for empagliflozin. The drug belongs to a new drug class known as SGLT2 inhibitors, which work by removing excess glucose through the urine by blocking its reabsorption in the kidneys. The companies are testing the drug in a late-stage clinical trial for which they plan to enroll 14,500 patients.

March 25, 2013
SanMedica unveils new HGH-booster at Academy of Women's Health's Annual Congress

SanMedica International introduced its SeroVital-HGH, a new oral human-growth hormone booster formulated with women in mind, at the Academy of Women's Health's Annual Congress.

WASHINGTON —  SanMedica International on Friday introduced its SeroVital-HGH, a new oral human-growth hormone booster formulated with women in mind, at the Academy of Women's Health's Annual Congress here. 

March 25, 2013
U.K.'s Infirst Healthcare raises $30 million-plus to feed European OTC cough-cold and analgesic launches

The U.K.'s Infirst Healthcare on Monday announced it has successfully raised $32.1 million in new funds.

LONDON — The U.K.'s Infirst Healthcare on Monday announced it has successfully raised $32.1 million in new funds. The funding, from Invesco Asset Management managed funds, will be used for the launch of the company's medicines into the cough-cold and analgesic consumer healthcare markets.

March 22, 2013
Boiron owner publishes homeopathy desktop reference

Boiron founder Michèle Boiron recently published a book on homeopathy for healthcare professionals titled "Homeopathy and Pharmaceutical Care," the company announced.

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Boiron owner Michèle Boiron recently published a book on homeopathy for healthcare professionals titled "Homeopathy and Pharmaceutical Care," the company announced. In April 2013, she and co-author François Roux will host lectures in Philadelphia and New York. 

March 22, 2013
FDA commissioner calls for power to regulate compounding pharmacies

The commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration is renewing calls for legislation to give the agency more authority to regulate pharmacy compounding.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration is renewing calls for legislation to give the agency more authority to regulate pharmacy compounding.

March 22, 2013
Genzyme drug shows improvement in MS patients

Disease relapse rates and worsening of disability were low among patients taking a drug made by Genzyme for multiple sclerosis, the company said.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Disease relapse rates and worsening of disability were low among patients taking a drug made by Genzyme for multiple sclerosis, the company said.

Genzyme, a division of French drug maker Sanofi, announced results of an extension study of the drug Lemtrada (alemtuzumab). The study was a follow-up to two other late-stage clinical studies of the drug, finding that relapse rates and sustained accumulation of disability remained low among patients who had previously received the drug.

March 22, 2013
New site for diagnosing, treating UTIs speaks to rise in telehealth-type services

TreatMyUTI.com is an online service founded by a group of physicians that offers online access to physician diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections with no office visit, exam or lab test required.

This is important because it speaks to a much larger trend within health care, and that’s the continued rise of telehealth-type services as patients and providers increasingly battle a crisis of access and affordability of health care.

TreatMyUTI.com is an online service founded by a group of physicians that offers online access to physician diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections with no office visit, exam or lab test required.
 

March 22, 2013
Novo Nordisk drug produces significant weight loss in study

A drug made by Novo Nordisk for Type 2 diabetes produced a 6% loss of weight in a trial of the drug in obese patients, the company said.

BAGSVÆRD, Denmark — A drug made by Novo Nordisk for Type 2 diabetes produced a 6% loss of weight in a trial of the drug in obese patients, the company said.

The Danish drug maker announced results of a 56-week phase-3 trial to investigate the potential of Victoza (liraglutide) to produce and maintain weight loss in overweight and obese patients with Type 2 diabetes.

March 22, 2013
Re-introduced bill aims to curb hospital re-admissions through telehealth technology

Legislation to expand the use of telehealth technology under Medicare to reduce hospital re-admissions in rural and underserved communities has been re-introduced by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

WASHINGTON — Legislation to expand the use of telehealth technology under Medicare to reduce hospital re-admissions in rural and underserved communities has been re-introduced by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.

The bipartisan Fostering Independence Through Technology Act, S. 596, would create a pilot program to provide budget neutral incentives for home health agencies across the country to use remote patient monitoring to better monitor Medicare beneficiaries, improve health outcomes and reduce Medicare expenditures.

March 22, 2013
Senators introduce bill restricting sale of DXM cough-relieving ingredient to adults

Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark., on Friday introduced the Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments Act of 2013, which would require retailers to restrict the sale of dextromethorphan-containing products to adults.

WASHINGTON — Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Lisa Murkowski, R-Ark., on Friday introduced the Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments Act of 2013, which would require retailers to restrict the sale of dextromethorphan-containing products to adults. The bill also would restrict the sale of raw, bulk DXM to FDA-approved entities. 

Many retailers have age restrictions on the sale of DXM products already in place; and similar legislation to this has been enforced in California since 2012. 

March 22, 2013
Study finds improvements in cardiovascular health among South Asians who receive culturally relevant coaching

Culturally competent coaching may be effective in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease among South Asian patients, according to a new study presented as a poster at an American Heart Association conference taking place in New Orleans.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Culturally competent coaching may be effective in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease among South Asian patients, according to a new study presented as a poster at an American Heart Association conference taking place in New Orleans.

March 22, 2013
Walgreens Empire State Building store opens

Walgreens opened its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building on Saturday morning, the retail pharmacy chain said.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreens is opening its latest New York flagship store in the Empire State Building, the retail pharmacy chain said Friday.

The store, scheduled to open Saturday at 10 a.m., will include an enhanced pharmacy designed to encourage greater interaction between pharmacists and patients, a health guide to help customers find health-and-wellness products and healthcare services ranging from immunizations to health tests. An "Ask Your Pharmacist" desk, private consultation rooms and Express Rx kiosks are included as well.

March 21, 2013
Alcon launches mobile website

Alcon has launched a mobile website designed to facilitate dialogue between patients and pharmacists about eye and ear treatments, the company said.

NEW YORK — Alcon has launched a mobile website designed to facilitate dialogue between patients and pharmacists about eye and ear treatments, the company said Thursday.

Alcon announced the launch of Drops101 Web Tools, which offers access to information about two of its products: Ciprodex Otic (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone), for acute otitis externa and acute otitis media in children with tymponostomy tubes; and Moxeza ophthalmic solution (moxifloxacin hydrochloride) for bacterial conjunctivitis.

March 21, 2013
FDA advises against use of three adulterated drug products

The Food and Drug Administration advised consumers not to purchase or use three separate sexual enhancement products that are being promoted as dietary supplements because they contain undeclared and unapproved prescription-only ingredients.

BETHESDA, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday advised consumers not to purchase or use three separate sexual enhancement products that are being promoted as dietary supplements because they contain undeclared and unapproved prescription-only ingredients. 

March 21, 2013
New Chapter recalls 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement

New Chapter voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy.

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — New Chapter on Wednesday voluntarily recalled a limited number of packages of its 90-count Probiotic Elderberry dietary supplement because it may contain an undeclared allergen - soy. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product, the company stated.  

The one lot of affected New Chapter Probiotic Elderberry was distributed nationwide. It reached consumers through retail stores, mail order and direct delivery.

March 21, 2013
Study finds norovirus leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants, young children as rotavirus declines

Norovirus has emerged as the leading cause of gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach and intestines - in children younger than 5 years, according to a new study.

ATLANTA — Norovirus has emerged as the leading cause of gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and intestines — in children younger than 5 years, according to a new study.

March 21, 2013
Study: Lower levels of vitamin D linked to greater cancer risk in smokers

Lower levels of vitamin D may predispose smokers to developing tobacco-related cancer, according to research published last week by Clinical Chemistry, the journal of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry.

WASHINGTON — Lower levels of vitamin D may predispose smokers to developing tobacco-related cancer, according to research published last week by Clinical Chemistry, the journal of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Consequently, study authors suggested that vitamin D blood tests and supplements have the potential to improve smokers’ health.

March 21, 2013
University of Nebraska Medical Center implements outcome-oriented treatment model with Walgreens

In collaboration with Walgreens, the University of Nebraska Medical Center unveiled a new treatment model to help positively impact clinical outcomes for hypertension and Type 2 diabetes patients through a program made possible by a National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation grant.

KEARNEY, Neb. — In collaboration with Walgreens, the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Wednesday unveiled a new treatment model to help positively impact clinical outcomes for hypertension and Type 2 diabetes patients through a program made possible by a National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation grant. 

March 21, 2013
Use of retailer apps will continue to rise

Among users of retailer apps, 77% report they are likely to increase their frequency of use or use new features, according to a recent online survey of more than 600 AccentHealth viewers. Cost-saving seekers will continue to fuel future app usage (67%); however, significant interest in less commonly used tools today — such as live expert chatting (30%), bar code scanning (55%) and prescription regimen management (46%) — are expected to contribute to growth in app use.

Among users of retailer apps, 77% report they are likely to increase their frequency of use or use new features, according to a recent online survey of more than 600 AccentHealth viewers. Cost-saving seekers will continue to fuel future app usage (67%); however, significant interest in less commonly used tools today — such as live expert chatting (30%), bar code scanning (55%) and prescription regimen management (46%) — are expected to contribute to growth in app use.

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March 20, 2013
Doctors, public health experts want more FDA regulation of energy drinks

A group of doctors and public health professors are hoping the Food and Drug Administration will place stronger regulations on energy drinks to protect children and adolescents from what they call the harmful effects of high caffeine consumption.

NEW YORK — A group of doctors and public health professors are hoping the Food and Drug Administration will place stronger regulations on energy drinks to protect children and adolescents from what they call the harmful effects of high caffeine consumption.

March 20, 2013
HRG launches ranking system for top prescriptions by ZIP code

Hamacher Resource Group is offering pharmacists a new service that it said would allow them to get the top prescriptions dispensed in their two-digit ZIP code to ensure they are accurately and competitively pricing drugs.

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Hamacher Resource Group is offering pharmacists a new service that it said would allow them to get the top prescriptions dispensed in their two-digit ZIP code to ensure they are accurately and competitively pricing drugs.

HRG said the service, Rx Top Sellers, would provide data on the top 200, 500, 750 or 1,000 prescriptions and include cash median prices that are charged by food-drug retailers and independent pharmacies, as well as mass merchandise retailers.