Propylthiouracil (PTU) side effects: FDA warned about risk of hepatotoxicity

The FDA warned prescribers about the risk of serious liver injury associated with the use of the anti-thyroid drug propylthiouracil (PTU). FDA’s warning highlights: There is an increased risk of liver injury with propylthiouracil (PTU) when compared to methimazole. Monitor for symptoms and signs of liver injury when propylthiouracil is chosen as anti-thyroid therapy. This […]

Experts comment the JUPITER trial in the latest NEJM issue

Experts around the globe comment the JUPITER trial in the correspondence section of the March 5, 2009 issue of the  NEJM. I collect here some of the most relevant and interesting correspondence to the editor. “JUPITER is notable for the unacknowledged exclusion of a population that may be at increased risk for dose-related adverse effects […]

Endocrine drugs flash cards

Endocrine pharmacology flash cards by Department of Pharmacology at University of Utah.Bisphosphonates,insulins, antidiabetic agents, antithyroid drugs.

FDA updated information about a safety review of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin), Ezetimibe (Zetia), and Simvastatin (Zocor)

FDA updated yesterday ( January 8, 2009) information related to their review of the ENHANCE trial: On January 25, 2008, FDA announced that it would be reviewing data from the ENHANCE trial (Effect of Combination Ezetimibe and High-Dose Simvastatin vs. Simvastatin Alone on the Atherosclerotic Process in Patients with Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia). (http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/early_comm/ezetimibe_simvastatin.htm). Preliminary results from this […]

Ibandronic acid (Bondronat) for the treatment of hypercalcaemia and bony metastases. Australian Prescriber review

From Australian Prescriber: Ibandronic acid Bondronat (Hospira) vials containing 6 mg/6 mL Approved indications: hypercalcaemia, bony metastases of breast cancer Australian Medicines Handbook section 10.3.1 Bisphosphonates can reduce the hypercalcaemia of malignant disease by inhibiting the resorption of bone. Clodronate, pamidronate and zoledronic acid are already available for this indication. They are now

Paricalcitol (Zemplar): a vitamin D analogue for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Australian Prescriber review

From Australian Prescriber: Paricalcitol Zemplar (Abbott) 1 microgram, 2 microgram and 4 microgram capsules 5 microgram/mL in 1 mL and 2 mL ampoules Approved indication: secondary hyperparathyroidism Australian Medicines Handbook section 10.3.2 In chronic renal failure there is reduced production of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. This affects calcium homeostasis and leads to […]

CHMP positive opinion for lasofoxifene (Fablyn), a new SERM

Press release about the positive opinion of the CHMP for Fablyn (lasofoxifene): COMMITTEE FOR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN USE  SUMMARY OF POSITIVE OPINION for FABLYN International Nonproprietary Name (INN): lasofoxifene On 18 December 2008  the Committee for Medicinal Products  for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion, recommending to grant a marketing authorisation for the […]

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