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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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