FDA approves gadofosveset trisodium (Vasovist) as first contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
FDA press release about the approval of Vasovist (gadofosveset trisodium), the first contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography. Dated December 24, 2008. FDA Approves First Imaging Agent to Enhance Scans of Blood Flow Helps detect possible blood vessel problems The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Vasovist Injection (gadofosveset trisodium), the first contrast imaging agent for […]
Genetic variants of cytochrome P-450 linked to decreased response to clopidogrel (Plavix,Iscover and others)
From Physician’s First Watch: Genetic Variants Linked to Decreased Response to Clopidogrel, Increased Cardiovascular Risk Polymorphisms in the gene encoding the cytochrome P-450 2C19 enzyme (CYP2C19) not only confer reduced response to clopidogrel, but also are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events, according to three studies published online by the New England Journal of […]
Quetiapine extended release tablets (Seroquel XR): efficacy, tolerability and adherence.
Information about quetiapine extended release tablets, from the National Prescribing Service RADAR “There is no evidence that extended-release tablets improve efficacy, tolerability or adherence Once-daily dosing with quetiapine extended-release tablets is equivalent to twice-daily dosing with quetiapine immediate-release tablets, e.g. quetiapine extended release 600 mg once daily is equivalent to quetiapine immediate release 300 mg […]
Romiplostim (Nplate) for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Review by Australian Prescriber
Australian Prescriber review of romiplostim, first bone marrow stimulator, for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: Romiplostim Nplate (Amgen) vials containing 375 microgram and 625 microgram for reconstitution Approved indication: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Australian Medicines Handbook Appendix A One of the causes of thrombocytopenia is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. As the platelets are destroyed by antiplatelet […]
Maraviroc (Selzentry, Celsentri), a CCR5 inhibitor for the treatment of HIV infection. An Australian Prescriber review
A review from the Australian Prescriber website of a new drug for the treatment of HIV infection: Maraviroc Celsentri (Pfizer) 150 mg and 300 mg film-coated tablets Approved indication: HIV infection Australian Medicines Handbook section 5.4 Highly active antiretroviral therapy has improved survival for patients infected by HIV, but long-term toxicity and the development of […]
Pharmacodynamics. Cross tolerance definition
The following pharmacological definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine. Cross-Tolerance: Tolerance to a drug that generalizes to drugs that are chemically related of that produce similar affects. For example, a patient who is tolerant to heroin will also exhibit cross-tolerance to morphine. The […]
Pharmacokinetics. Compartment(s) definition
The following pharmacology definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine. Compartment(s): The space or spaces in the body, which a drug appears to occupy after it has been absorbed. Pharmacokinetic compartments are mathematical constructs and need not correspond to the fluid volumes of the […]
Clinical trials. Cross-Over Experiment definition
The following pharmacological definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine. Cross-Over Experiment: A form of experiment in which each subject receives the test preparation at least once, and every test preparation is administered to every subject. At successive experimental sessions each preparation is “crossed-over” […]
EMEA: marketing authorisation of Nespo (darbepoetin alfa) withdrawed
EMEA public statement dated 16 December 2008: PUBLIC STATEMENT ONNespo (darbepoetin alfa) WITHDRAWAL OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION On 8 June 2001 the European Commission issued a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for the medicinal product Nespo, darbepoetin alfa, which had been approved for the treatment of symptomatic anaemia associated […]
EMEA: marketing authorisation of Neupopeg (pegfilgrastim) withdrawed
Public statement dated 16 December 2008: PUBLIC STATEMENT ON Neupopeg (pegfilgrastim) WITHDRAWAL OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION IN THE EUROPEAN UNION On 22 August 2002 the European Commission issued a marketing authorisation valid throughout the European Union for the medicinal product Neupopeg, pegfilgrastim, which had been approved for the reduction in the duration of neutropenia and the incidence […]
Pharmacological efficacy and safety. Clinical therapeutic index definition.
The following pharmacological definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine. Clinical Therapeutic Index: Some indices of relative safety or relative effectiveness cannot be defined explicitly and uniquely, although it is presumed that the same quantifiable and precise criteria of efficacy and safety will be […]
AHRQ Comparative Effectiveness Review. Premixed insulin analogues for adults with type 2 diabetes.
From the AHRQ newsletter, December 18, 2008, Issue # 2. Comparative Effectiveness Review. Premixed Insulin Analogues for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Premixed insulin preparations are an alternative that may permit a smaller number of daily insulin injections. Although oral diabetes medicines are used as first-line treatments in patients with type 2 diabetes, insulin is […]
Alfuzosin does not improve symptoms of chronic prostatitis- chronic pelvic pain syndrome
From JournalWatch: Alpha-Blocker Does Not Ease Symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis Alfuzosin, an alpha-adrenergic–receptor blocker, does not improve symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis–chronic pelvic pain syndrome, according to a New England Journal of Medicine study.
Pharmacology mnemonic. Inhalational anaesthetics
Inhalational anesthetics SHINE: Sevoflurane Halothane Isoflurane Nitrous oxide Enflurane Thanks to MedExcel