Posted by James
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) dasatinib (Sprycel, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is approved for the second-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) that is resistant to imatinib mesylate (Gleevec, Novartis). Most TKIs have long half-lives, resulting in continuous target inhibition, according to Dr. Shah. Because dasatinib has a short half-life (3 to 5 hours, compared with 18 to 60 hours with other TKIs), twice-daily dosing (70 mg) was chosen to provide more consistent target inhibition in phase 2 studies of dasatinib. The adverse event of pleu-ral effusions, however, was more common with twice-daily dosing in early studies, whereas the major cytogenetic response rate with once-daily dosing was equivalent to that for patients who were treated twice a day.
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Posted by James
Cetuximab (Erbitux)
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed by most colorectal cancers. Cetuximab (Erbitux, Bristol-Myers Squib) is an immunoglobulin (IgG1) monoclonal antibody that specifically targets EGFR with high affinity. Dr. Van Cutsem presented results of the CRYSTAL trial (Cetuximab Combined with Irinotecan in First-Line Therapy for Metastatic Colo-rectal Cancer). This is the first phase 3 study to assess the combination of cetuximab plus FOLFIRI as a first-line therapy for colorectal cancer. FOLFIRI consists offormic acid (leucovorin), 5-/luorouracil (5-FU), and irinotecan (Camptosar, Pfizer).
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Posted by James
It is now well known that pain is both highly prevalent and undertreated in the elderly. Pain management is a particular problem in nursing-home patients, a vulnerable population that poses significant and unique challenges to caregivers in terms of their ability to provide adequate treatment. Some of these challenges include the misconceptions and unfounded fears about patients becoming addicted to prescription opioids.
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Posted by James
Many states have enacted legislation to mandate the reporting of medical errors and to require a form of public disclosure. It is thought that via public transparency, we can compare process-improvement strategies, thereby lowering the rate of medication errors and improving the quality and safety of health care. Among these state agencies, one has been hailed as a bellwether for the rest of the nation, namely the Patient Safety Authority (PSA) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I would like to review the early history and progress of this agency, with an emphasis on its efforts to reduce medication errors.
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Posted by James
Manufacturer: Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Oak
Island, NC
Indications: Used topically, Evithrom is a blood-clotting protein that aids hemostasis whenever oozing blood and minor bleeding from capillaries and small venules is accessible and when control of bleeding by standard surgical techniques is ineffective or impractical. It may be used in conjunction with an absorbable gelatin sponge.
Drug Class: Human thrombin is derived from human plasma obtained from carefully screened and tested U.S. donors. The product has undergone steps to reduce the risk for transfusion-transmitted diseases.
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Posted by James
Manufacturer: TopoTarget A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark
Indication: Totect is used to treat extravasation resulting from IV anthracycline agents used in chemotherapy. Anthra-cyclines (e.g., daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and epirubicin) constitute one of the cornerstones in the treatment of breast cancer and leukemia. Extravasation occurs when injected drugs leak out of the vein and into the skin.
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Posted by James
Amlodipine/Olmesartan Medoxomil (Azor)
Manufacturer: Daiichi Sankyo, Parsippany, NJ
Indication: Amlodipine medication besylate plus olmesartan medoxomil is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, alone or with other antihypertensive agents. It is not indicated for the initial therapy of hypertension.
Drug Class: This product combines the complementary actions of the calcium-channel blocker generic amlodipine, which inhibits the entrance of calcium into the blood vessel walls, and of those of olmesartan, which blocks angiotensin II receptors. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict.
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