Paliperidone (Invega) manufacturer withdraws application for its use in bipolar disorder
Reproduction of EMEA’s press release about the Janssen-Cilag International application withdrawal for an extension of indication for Invega (paliperidone): PRESS RELEASE Janssen-Cilag International N.V. withdraws its application for an extension of indication for Invega (paliperidone) The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has been formally notified by Janssen-Cilag International N.V. of its decision to withdraw its application […]
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): FDA requires warnings about suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality)
The FDA will require manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) to inclued a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours when using these drugs. This is a transcript of the original press release dated Dec. 16, 2008: FDA Requires Warnings about Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior for Antiepileptic Medications The U.S. Food […]
Pharmacology mnemonic. Beta 1 and beta 2 receptor location.
Beta-1 vs Beta-2 receptor location “You have 1 heart and 2 lungs”: Beta-1are therefore primarily on heart Beta-2 primarily on lungs Thanks to Medexcel
Pharmacokinetics topics. What is a generic drug?
This generic drugs definition has been taken from the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Department Glossary at Boston University School of Medicine . Generic Drugs: Drug formulations of identical composition with respect to the active ingredient, i.e., drugs that meet current official standards of identity, purity, and quality of active ingredient. Drug dosage forms considered as […]
Pharmacodynamics topics. What is intrinsic efficacy (intrinsic activity)?
A definition of the pharmacodynamic concept of intrinsic efficacy (intrinsic activity).
Video animation on renal physiology and diuretics mechanism of action.
Mechanism of action of loop diuretics ( Source: Bertram Katzung, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, Mc Graw Hill Medical, 2007): Pharmacodynamics These drugs inhibit NKCC2, the luminal Na+/K+/2Cl– transporter in the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop. By inhibiting this transporter, the loop diuretics
Pharmacology mnemonic. Thrombolytic agents
Thrombolytic agents USA: Urokinase Streptokinase Alteplase (tPA) Thanks to MedExcel
Thiazolidinediones (glitazones) may increase the risk of fracture in women
From the excellent blog “Prescribing Advice for GPs“: “The Journal of the Canadian Medical Association (CMAJ) has published the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis that aimed to quantify the fracture risk associated with glitazone therapy. There is also an accompanying editorial. This study has also reached the general media (BBC). The analysis examined data […]
An FDA advisory panel voted to ban formoterol (Serevent) and salmeterol (Foradil)
From JournalWatch: FDA Panel Votes to Ban Two Drugs for Asthma An advisory panel to the FDA voted Thursday to ban two long-acting beta agonists, Serevent (salmeterol) and Foradil (formoterol), for treating asthma in adults and children. When taken without an inhaled corticosteroid, these drugs can
NSAIDS risks and benefits podcast
This week Therapeutics initative podcast deals with NSAIDS: NSAIDS: Considering the Risks and Benefits (Therapeutics Initiative Podcast – December 10th) In our 33rd episode we follow-up our discussion of osteoarthritis by examining the risks and benefits of oral anti-inflammatories including Cox-2 inhibitors. We review the effects on pain relief and the theory of anti-inflammation. We […]
Pharmacology mnemonic. Propylthiouracil (PTU) mechanism of action.
Propylthiouracil (PTU) mode of action It inhibits PTU: Peroxidase/Peripheral deiodination Tyrosine iodination Union (coupling) Thanks to Medexcel
EMEA’s opinion to designate new orphan drugs
ORPHAN MEDICINAL PRODUCT DESIGNATION The COMP adopted six positive opinions recommending the following medicines for designation as orphan medicinal products to the European Commission: For the following medicines the EMEA review began on 12 September 2008 with an active review time of 90 days.
Pharmacology Mnemonics. Warfarin: action, monitoring, MOA
Warfarin: action, monitoring WePT: Warfarin works on the extrinsic pathway and is monitored by PT. Warfarin: metabolism SLOW : _ Has a slow onset of action. _ A quicK Vitamin K antagonist, though. Small lipid-soluble molecule Liver: site of action Oral route of administration. Warfarin Thanks to MedExcel
FDA: statins do not increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
From FDA’s patient safety news website: Statin Use and the Risk of ALS A recent FDA analysis provides new evidence that using statins does not increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease also known “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” Cholesterol-lowering statins such as Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) and Zocor (simvastatin) have been shown to […]