The two diseases with the highest avoidable noncompliance costs are hypercholesterolemia $44 billion and diabetes $24.6 billion, the study found.
via Patients average only C+ on drug compliance – amednews.com.
Pharma
Large Study Affirms Safety of Statins
The study included information from 135 randomized trials — 55 with a placebo control and 80 with an active comparator — that included a total of 246,955 participants with or without cardiovascular disease. The study initially included trials of atorvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, and rosuvastatin (Crestor); trials of pitavastatin (Livalo) were added post hoc because the protocol was already being finalized at the time the drug was approved.
Olmesartan Medoxomil – Watch for These Side Effects
FDA is warning that the blood pressure drug Olmesartan Medoxomil marketed as Benicar, Benicar HCT, Azor, Tribenzor, and generics can cause intestinal problems known as sprue-like enteropathy. Symptoms of sprue-like enteropathy include severe, chronic diarrhea with substantial weight loss. FDA has approved changes to the labels of these drugs to include this concern. Sprue-like enteropathy has not been detected with ARB drugs other than olmesartan
Vital Signs: Overdoses of Prescription Opioid Pain Relievers and Other Drugs Among Women — United States, 1999–2010
Between 1999 and 2010, OPR overdose deaths increased more than fivefold among women (a total of 47,935 OPR overdose deaths during that period).
This story was covered by all of the mainstream media outlets. Read the source article from MMWR to grasp the significance of this health issue. Scary stuff.
Risk of DM Among Patients Treated with Statins – BMJ
Conclusions – Compared with pravastatin, treatment with higher potency statins, especially atorvastatin and simvastatin, might be associated with an increased risk of new onset diabetes.
via Risk of incident diabetes among patients treated with statins: population based study | BMJ.
Poor Medication Adherence Rates Prompt Formation of Broad-Based Coalition – AAFP
Six out of 10 patients do not take their medications as prescribed by their physicians, and patients with multiple chronic conditions have the lowest medication adherence rates, according to AAFP Board member Rebecca Jaffe, M.D., M.P.H.
Sally Greenberg, executive director of the National Consumers League, the oldest consumer organization in the United States, talked about barriers to adherence, saying that “there are many reasons why patients are not adherent.”Some patients may be reluctant to remain adherent because of medication side effects, such as sleeplessness or weight gain. Others may be unconvinced about the need to take medications because they do not have symptoms associated with their chronic illness, Greenberg said.Forgetfulness is another issue for some patients, making it difficult for them to remember to take their medications. Out-of-pocket costs may be a challenge for some patients, as well, creating barriers that discourage patients from filling prescriptions, according to Greenberg.
via Poor Medication Adherence Rates Prompt Formation of Broad-Based Coalition — AAFP News Now — AAFP.
Researchers Suggest 2 Paths to get Patients Back on Statins
…statin discontinuation is common and has been linked to a greater risk of heart-related events and death in patients who have coronary artery disease, the study said.
via Researchers suggest 2 paths to get patients back on statins – amednews.com.
One out of every four Americans over the age of 45 are on a statin.
Azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) – Risk of Potentially Fatal Heart Rhythms
ISSUE: FDA is warning the public that azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax) can cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart that may lead to a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm. Patients at particular risk for developing this condition include those with known risk factors such as existing QT interval prolongation, low blood levels of potassium or magnesium, a slower than normal heart rate, or use of certain drugs used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. FDA has issued a Drug Safety Communication today as a result of our review of a study by medical researchers as well as another study by a manufacturer of the drug that assessed the potential for azithromycin to cause abnormal changes in the electrical activity of the heart.
Diabetes: Drugs only work if you take them – MayoClinic.com
It’s a common problem. According to an April 2011 Mayo Clinic Proceedings article, only about half of those who are prescribed medication take it exactly as prescribed.
via Diabetes: Drugs only work if you take them – MayoClinic.com.
Read in between the lines when reviewing medical records. Adjust your risk assessments accordingly. Decline if warranted.
France confirms Diane-35 drug deaths
French medical authorities made headlines recently over Mediator, a diabetes drug widely prescribed by doctors as an appetite suppressant, which is believed to have killed at least 500 people. The head of the French pharmaceutical firm Servier, maker of Mediator, is under formal investigation for manslaughter, and the head of France’s public health agency has resigned. The row has highlighted the links between drug regulators and lobbying drug companies in France, which has one of the world’s highest levels of consumption of prescription drugs.
via France confirms Diane-35 drug deaths | World news | The Guardian.
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