Erratum
The OxyContin and generic oxycodone monographs have been updated to correct the dosing for patients with hepatic impairment. The start dose should be decreased by 50-66% and titrated slowly in these...
View ArticleLong-term Antiplatelet Therapy FDA Medwatch Safety Alert
The FDA is reviewing preliminary data from the Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) study, which showed that long-term antiplatelet therapy following drug-eluding coronary stent implantation reduced MI and...
View ArticleOfev and Esbriet, First Drugs Approved for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
The FDA recently approved Ofev (nintedanib) and Esbriet (pirfenidone), two "first-in-class" agents for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Both drugs have been shown to slow...
View ArticleHarvoni, New Combination Approved for Hepatitis C
The FDA recently approved Harvoni (ledipasvir/ sofosbuvir), a once-daily oral combination tablet for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection. Harvoni contains ledipasvir, a...
View ArticleHydrocodone Combination Products Now Schedule II
Effective October 6, 2014, the DEA has moved hydrocodone combination products from Schedule III to Schedule II. Hydrocodone combination products are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United...
View ArticleXolair FDA Medwatch Safety Alert
A recent FDA review of a 5-year safety study found a slightly increased risk of serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular adverse events in patients treated with Xolair (omalizumab). Reported adverse...
View ArticleObesity Treatment Contrave Approved
Contrave, an extended-release combination of naltrexone and bupropion hydrochloride was recently approved for the treatment of obesity in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Contrave...
View ArticleKeytruda Approved for Metastatic Melanoma
The FDA recently approved Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for melanoma deemed unresectable or progressing after therapy with ipilimumab and/or a BRAF inhibitor. Keytruda is a first-in-class monoclonal...
View ArticleFirst-Time Generic for Precedex Available
The FDA recently approved dexmedetomidine injection, the first-time generic for Precedex. Precedex is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist approved for ICU sedation and sedation of non-intubated...
View ArticleAvastin Approved for Advanced Cervical Cancer
The FDA recently approved a new indication for Avastin (bevacizumab) as treatment for persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer when used in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin or with...
View ArticleTramadol Declared Schedule IV Drug
The DEA designated the synthetic opioid analgesic tramadol a Schedule IV substance, effective August 18, 2014. Its opioid activity and abuse potential are attributable to both the parent compound and a...
View ArticleErrata
The Delsym Cough + Cold Day Time monograph has been updated to correct the dosing for patients >12 years old to 20 mL PO q4h prn, with a maximum dose of 120 mL/24h. The Delsym Night Time...
View ArticleZydelig Approved for Three Types of Blood Cancers
The FDA recently approved Zydelig (idelalisib) for the treatment of three types of relapsed blood cancers: chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (FL), and small...
View ArticleBeleodaq Approved for Relapsed or Refractory Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
The FDA recently approved Beleodaq (belinostat), a new histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Beleodaq is given as an IV infusion...
View Articleceftriaxone (Rocephin, generic)
Updated monographs based on recent MedWatch Safety Alert regarding revisions to ceftriaxone prescribing information; revisions include new information on the risk associated with concomitant use of...
View ArticleProQuad (measles/mumps/rubella/varicella vaccine, live)
Updated monograph to reflect current availability status; vaccine will be unavailable through the remainder of 2007. Learn more at www.epocrates.com
View ArticleEpocrates ID Update
The following sections of Epocrates ID have recently been reviewed and revised: CNS, ENT, Genital, Lung, Other, Skin/Soft Tissue, Systemic, and Urinary Tract. Furthermore, there are new additions to...
View ArticleNew Vaccine Monograph for Afluria
The FDA has approved Afluria, a new influenza vaccine, for active immunization against influenza virus subtypes A and type B in individuals >18 years of age for the 2007-2008 flu season. Learn more...
View ArticleNew Drug Monograph for Xyzal
The FDA has approved Xyzal (levocetirizine) for the symptomatic relief of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and for the treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic...
View ArticleNew Lower Strength of Soma Approved
The FDA has approved a 250 mg strength of Soma (carisoprodol) for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Learn more at www.epocrates.com
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