Senators Question Use of Psych Drugs in Nursing Homes
Posted on 15. Aug, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — Two high-ranking senators have urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to examine potential over-prescribing of atypical antipsychotics to nursing home residents.
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FDA Warns of High-Grade Prostate Ca Risk With BPH Drugs
Posted on 09. Jun, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — The FDA has issued a warning of an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer with the 5-alpha reductase inhibitors finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), currently approved to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.
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Rx for Secondary Prevention May Not Save Money
Posted on 21. Apr, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
(MedPage Today) — There is a lack of evidence that drugs such as statins and anti-hypertensives used to reduce risk of cardiovascular events are cost-effective treatments, according to a study from Finland published online in the BMJ.
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FDA Panel Gives Thumbs Up to Sunitinib for Pancreatic Tumors
Posted on 12. Apr, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — The FDA’s Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday in favor of approving sunitinib (Sutent) to treat advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
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Antipsychotics for Dementia Drops After FDA Warning (CME/CE, with audio)
Posted on 09. Feb, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
(MedPage Today) — A decrease in prescriptions for atypical antipsychotics accelerated after the FDA issued a black box warning about the risks of using the drugs to soothe behavioral problems in dementia patients, according to an analysis of VA system prescribing practices.
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FDA Unveils New Web Initiative
Posted on 07. Jan, 2011 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — As part of its continued push to increase transparency, the FDA has launched a new Web-based resource that industry can use to keep abreast of the regulatory status for drugs, devices, food, and cosmetics.
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FDA Targets Drugs Sold as Supplements
Posted on 15. Dec, 2010 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
(MedPage Today) — Having issued nearly 300 consumer alerts, warning letters, and other enforcement actions targeting “dietary supplements” that actually contain drug compounds, the FDA is mounting a new effort to discourage their sale and use.
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Washington Week: SGR Patch, Lots of FDA Action
Posted on 04. Dec, 2010 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — Congress passed three health-related bills this week and FDA panels weighed in on drugs for thyroid and prostate cancer, a fecal incontinence product, and a weight-loss device.
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FDA Asks for Tougher Warnings on GnRH Agonists
Posted on 20. Oct, 2010 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
WASHINGTON (MedPage Today) — The FDA has asked manufacturers of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists — a class of drugs used primarily to treat prostate cancer — to add new warnings about the potential risk for heart disease and diabetes.
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Possibly Related Blogs
Washington Week: Senators Concerned About Medicare Advantage Bids; New Rule for E-Prescribing
Posted on 05. Jun, 2010 by Dr. Ellis in News and Updates
Lawmakers urge oversight of Medicare Advantage plans as bid deadline approaches; docs will soon be able to e-prescribe controlled drugs, and the American Medical Association puts pressure on vacationing senators to stall pay cut to docts.
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