EMEA reviewed methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD and issued recommendations for its safer use
EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has reviewed methylphenidate for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Quoting the press release issued 22 January 2009: The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has concluded that methylphenidate-containing medicines remain suitable for the treatment of children aged six years or older and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has […]
FDA recommendations on clopidogrel (Plavix) because of decreased response and PPI interactions
Pharmamotion has now a new page containing updates on clopidogrel PPI interactions. The FDA issued today an early communication about an ongoing safety review of the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel bisulfate (Plavix). The backgroung to this is the recent evidence of: A decreased response to clopidogrel in some patients. Since clopidogrel is a prodrug, genetic polymorphisms […]
How a drug rep dealt with concerns that Zyprexa (olanzapine) causes obesity and diabetes: A video interview.
As an M.D. and pharmacology instructor I strongly believe that it’s really important that prescribers know the backstage of the pharmaceutical industry. In this video produced by PharmedOut, Shahram Ahari, a former drug rep from Eli Lilly; talks about the tactics he and his colleagues were instructed. The target was clear: to sell olanzapine (Zyprexa) […]
Animation explaining the mechanism of action of antisense drug therapy.
This new therapeutic approach brings hope to the treatment of a wide range of diseases (mostly genetic). The animation below explains clearly the mode of action of antisense therapy by comparing it to the “classical” model of pharmacologic intervention. Antisense therapy definition, according to Wikipedia: Antisense therapy is a form of treatment for genetic disorders […]
EMEA recommends new contraindications for toremifene (Fareston): long QT interval and related heart diseases
In a recent press release, EMEA made clear the new contraindications for the selective modulator (SERM) toremifene (Fareston): Completing the review of the available data during its 19-22 January 2009 meeting, the CHMP concluded that the benefits of Fareston are greater than its risks, but that its use should be restricted. The CHMP recommended that […]
EMEA public statement on the market withdrawal of Daclizumab (Zenapax)
Daclizumab (Zenapax), a monoclonal antibody to the alpha subunit of the IL-2 receptor of T cells, has been withdrawn from the market in the European Union since Since 1 January 2009. According to an EMEA press release issued 16 January 2009: On 26 February 1999, the European Commission granted a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union […]
Linezolid (an oxazolidinone): mechanism of action animation
This animation depicts the mechanism of action of linezolid (Zyvox): Further reading Gilbert, D; Moellering R (editors) “Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy”, 39th edition. Antimicrobial therapy: 2009 Hauser, A. “Antibiotic Basics for Clinicians: Choosing the Right Antibacterial Agent”.1st edition. LWW:2007 Gallagher, J. “Antibiotics Simplified”. 1st edition. Jones & Bartlett Publishers: 2008
Animation of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and fibrates mechanism of action. PPAR activation movie
This excellent animation from the Hybrid team shows in detail the process of activation of the PPAR receptor, its interaction with the RXR and the ligand. This animation is an excellent oportunity to review the drugs that act as ligands of the PPAR receptor and its subtypes (Alpha and Gamma). Novel agents that target PPAR […]
Cochrane review: Anakinra (Kineret) for reumathoid arthritis has modest efficacy
A recent Cochrane review about the use of anakinra (Kineret) for reumathoid arthritis, concludes that it is a “modestly efficacious biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis”. Authors’ conclusions Anakinra is a relatively safe and modestly efficacious biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Although head to head comparison trials have not been carried out, the amount of improvement […]
Welcome to the #36 Edition of Medicine 2.0 Blog Carnival!
Thanks to Berci Meskó for letting me host the #36 Edition of the prestigious Medicine 2.0 Blog Carnival. Quoting Berci’s explanation about what this Carnival is all about: Medicine 2.0 is a blog carnival aiming to analyze and describe the impact of web 2.0 on medicine and healthcare. We, bloggers, believe web 2.0 can change […]
Atomoxetine (Strattera) and the risk of serious hepatic damage. FDA recommendations
From the FDA Drug Safety Newsletter Vol. 2 Number 1, 2009: Atomoxetine (Marketed as Strattera): Serious Liver Injury Abstract: In 2004, the atomoxetine label was updated to include information about cases of serious liver injury. From January 2005 to March 2008, six postmarket cases of serious liver injury with atomoxetine use were reported to FDA. […]
Definition: What is a prodrug?
Prodrug definition in clinical pharmacology glossary.
Hypersensitivity reactions to Abacavir (Ziagen, Trizivir and Epzicom): FDA does not recommended skin patch for screening
FDA recommends the clinical diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to Abacavir, instead of using the skin patch testing. From the FDA Drug Safety Newsletter Vol. 2 Number 1, 2009: Abacavir (Marketed as Ziagen) and Abacavir-Combination Products (Marketed as Trizivir and Epzicom): Hypersensitivity Reaction, HLA-B*5701, and Skin Patch Testing Abstract: As of July 2008, the Boxed Warning […]
Potential new indication of beta blockers: improve wound healing
A recent article in PLoS Medicine shows that epinephrine impairs wound healing and proposes beta blockers as a potential medication. Stress-Mediated Increases in Systemic and Local Epinephrine Impair Skin Wound Healing: Potential New Indication for Beta Blockers Raja K. Sivamani1, Christine E. Pullar1¤, Catherine G. Manabat-Hidalgo1, David M. Rocke2, Richard C. Carlsen3, David G. Greenhalgh4,5, […]