Search results for: hospital

Insights into Drug-Related Interactions in Older Adults

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP | February 9, 2017

A study showed that prior hospitalization and the use of multiple medications are risk factors for drug and drug–disease interactions…

Statins May Protect Against RA

Lara C. Pullen, PhD | February 6, 2017

A recent observational study found a link between high-intensity statin therapy and a 23% reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Although further research is needed, researchers note this study “provides robust evidence of a protective effect of high-intensity statins on the risk of RA.”

Medical Records Don’t Always Match What Patients Say

Lisa Rapaport | February 2, 2017

(Reuters Health)—Symptoms that patients describe to doctors may not always be documented in electronic medical records, a small U.S. study suggests. To test out how well the records match reality, researchers compared symptoms that 162 patients checked off on paper-based questionnaires with the information entered in patients’ electronic charts at eye clinics. Roughly one-third of…

Biosimilar Update: ACR Says FDA Draft Guidance Is Promising & Biosimilar to Humira (Adalimumab) Enters Regulatory Review

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP | February 1, 2017

The ACR has released a statement, responding positively to the release of the latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) draft guidance on biosimilar drug development. Also, BI 695501, a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab) made by Boehringer Ingelheim, has been accepted for regulatory review in both the U.S. and Europe. ACR Responds to FDA Biosimilar…

Herpes Zoster & the Risk of Stroke in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases

Arthritis & Rheumatology | January 31, 2017

Herpes zoster (HZ) infection, also known as shingles, is caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus infection generally acquired decades earlier. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the incidence of stroke immediately following HZ infection is increased in patients with autoimmune diseases compared with the incidence of stroke at later time points. Results: In patients with autoimmune diseases, incident HZ was associated with as much as a twofold increased risk of stroke. Prompt antiviral therapy was associated with lower incidence of subsequent stroke…

Principles Would Streamline Prior Authorization Processes

Carol Patton | January 30, 2017

The ACR recently partnered with the American Medical Association (AMA) and a coalition of 16 other organizations representing physicians, medical groups, hospitals, pharmacists and patients to dramatically reshape prior-authorization protocols. The coalition is urging an industry-wide reassessment of these protocols to align with a newly created set of 21 principles, called the Prior Authorization and…

FDA Update: FDA Delays Baricitinib Review & Removes Bupropion & Varenicline Warnings

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP | January 25, 2017

FDA Review of Baricitinib Delayed The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the review period for baricitinib, an investigational medication for treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1 Baricitinib is a once-daily oral Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor currently in clinical studies for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The New Drug Application (NDA) for baricitinib…

Updated EULAR Recommendations for Early Arthritis; Plus FDA Approves New Abuse-Deterrent Morphine Sulfate

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BCGP | January 25, 2017

EULAR has updated its recommendations for the management of early arthritis, outlining aspects of diagnosis and drug treatments…

Medical Paradoxes in Clinic, Lab Should Encourage Physicians to Reappraise Ideas about Health and Disease

Simon M. Helfgott, MD | January 19, 2017

Wash your hands. This most basic tenet of proper hygiene has been drummed into our heads for years. It’s an obvious infection prevention activity, yet for years, compliance among physicians and other caregivers has been lackluster. To rectify this matter, regulatory agencies began auditing hospital staff adherence to this axiom of infection prevention. Not only…

Ethics Forum: Ethical Challenges Arise for Rheumatologists Pressed to See Patients of High Social, Professional Standing Before Others

Karen Stellpflug, MD | January 19, 2017

The Case You’re working in a busy rheumatology practice with wait times of two to three months for new outpatient consultations. A hospital administrator requests that his daughter see you right away. All but one of your urgent appointment slots for the week is already filled, and there are several patients on a waitlist; these…