7.6% of the US Population Estimated to be Diabetic

QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥18 Years Ever Told They Had Diabetes* by a Doctor or Health Professional, by Race/Ethnicity† — National Health Interview Survey, United States, 2004–2008§

During 2004–2008, 7.6% of adults overall in the United States reported ever having been told they had diabetes. American Indian/Alaska Natives (17.5%), blacks (11.8%), and Hispanics (10.6%) were more likely than Asians (8.0%) and whites (6.6%) to report ever having been told by a doctor or health professional that they had diabetes.

Neurotonin – Watch Off-label Usage

Pfizer Agrees to First Neurontin Lawsuit Settlement (Update1) – Bloomberg.com

Pfizer faces more than 1,000 lawsuits accusing it of illegally promoting Neurontin for unapproved uses and helping to cause some users’ suicides. The settlement comes a week after another Boston jury ordered Pfizer to pay more than $140 million in damages to an insurer over the drug. Pfizer has denied any wrongdoing in connection with its handling of Neurontin.

High Dose Simvastatin = Muscle Injury Risk

Zocor (simvastatin): increased risk of muscle injury with high doses

FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that, based on review of data from a large clinical trial and other sources, there is an increased risk of muscle injury in patients taking the highest approved dose of the cholesterol-lowering medication, Zocor (simvastatin) 80 mg, compared to patients taking lower doses of simvastatin and possibly other drugs in the “statin” class. FDA is also reviewing data from other clinical trials, observational studies, adverse event reports, and data on prescription use of simvastatin to better understand the relationship between high-dose simvastatin use and muscle injury.