Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, Oh My!

By Beth Isaac // September 28th, 2011 10:00 AM // 4 Comments

With Plavix the reigning drug treatment of choice for individuals requiring antiplatelet treatment, the list of new options hoping to rival the blockbuster drug continues to grow, giving doctors and patients more choices and flexibility. With the growing number of choices, how do you know which drug is right for you? Here are some fast facts about Brilinta and, as always, the bottom line. Read on and then chat with your doctor!

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Brilinta, a new blood-thinning drug to reduce cardiovascular death and heart attack in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).  Brilinta joins the ranks of other available blood-thinning agents, such as the blockbuster drug, Plavix, and the less widely prescribed, Effient.

What is ACS?

According to the FDA, ACS is a group of symptoms for a condition, such as angina or heart attack, which could result from a decrease in blood flow to the heart.

How Does Brilinta Work?

Brilinta prevents the formation of a new blood clot helping to maintain blood flow in the body and reducing the risk of another cardiovascular event.

How Does Brilinta Compare?

According to clinical studies, Brilinta was more effective than Plavix in preventing heart attacks and death. However, the advantage of Brilinta over Plavix was demonstrated with aspirin doses of 75 to 100 mg once daily. The downside of Brilinta is that it is less effective if patients take more than 100 mg of aspirin daily and it wears off faster than both Plavix and Effient.

The Bottom Line

  • Brilinta prevents the formation of blood clots that can block circulation to the heart and cause cardiovascular events
  • Maintenance dose is 90 mg twice daily
  • Administered with a low dose of aspirin
  • Brilinta can be taken with or without food
  • The most common side effects are bleeding and difficulty breathing
  • Brilinta is available in 90 mg tablets
  • Brilinta is manufactured by AstraZeneca
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First Avandia, Now Actos, Now What?

By Beth Isaac // August 31st, 2011 10:00 AM // 1 Comment

By now you may be thinking I sound like a broken diabetes record, but the news just keeps coming! With 26 million people in this country affected with diabetes, this information is important for me to share. This summer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made a safety announcement regarding the use of the popular diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone). I know what you must be wondering, first Avandia, now Actos, now WHAT?

Recently, the FDA announced that the use of Actos, for more than one year, may be associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The prescribing information and patient Medication Guide, for all pioglitazone-containing products, will now be updated to include the risk of bladder cancer as an addition to the Warnings and Precautions section. Here are some pioglitazone fast facts, a quick rundown of what the FDA had to say and, of course, the bottom line of what you may want to chat with your doctor about!

Pioglitazone Fast Facts

  • Used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise
  • Formulated as a single-ingredient product marketed under the brand-name Actos
  • Available as a combination product with metformin (Actoplus Met, Actoplus Met XR) and glimepiride (Duetact)

 

FDA News

  • Warning based on a review of data, from an ongoing study, which found Actos increased the risk of bladder cancer
  • Increased risk of bladder cancer was among patients taking the drug over a long period of time at the highest dose
  • Don’t take Actos if you are being treated for bladder cancer

 

The Bottom Line

  • Continue taking Actos, or other pioglitazone-containing medications, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor
  • Tell your doctor right away if you develop any symptoms of bladder cancer including blood or red color in the urine, an urgent need to urinate or pain while urinating, or pain in your back or lower abdomen
  • Talk to your doctor about the risks versus benefits of treatment with Actos, or another pioglitazone-containing medication, to determine if it is still right for you!
Posted In: FDA Updates, General Health
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Bayer Quick Release Aspirin: Pain Relief in a Flash!

By Beth Isaac // August 24th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

As a pharmacist, I often receive phone calls from friends and family as they stare in bewilderment at the overwhelming array of pain relief products available at the pharmacy today. What are the differences and which one should I choose? Why do two products, with the same ingredients, have different names and say they are used for different things? It can all be very confusing! Recently, Bayer launched a new fast-acting formulation of aspirin. If you are anything like most of my friends and family you are wondering, what’s this new product all about? Let me share some of the fast facts on the new aspirin product and, as always, the bottom line. Like any other aspirin product, it is important to follow the directions on the manufacturer’s product labeling and chat with your doctor or pharmacist before taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, especially if you take any other medications.

For those of you who have been instructed by your doctors to take a “baby aspirin” to prevent heart attack and stroke, you are likely already familiar with the name Bayer. Now, the well-known drug maker has reminded younger consumers of the basics of aspirin therapy, pain relief! Bayer recently introduced a quick-release formulation of one of the oldest pain relievers out there. The original Bayer aspirin was first introduced in 1899. According to the manufacturer, the all-new Bayer Advanced Aspirin is clinically proven to relieve pain twice as fast.

Bayer Advanced Aspirin Extra Strength Fast Facts:

  • Dissolves and enters the blood stream faster than other aspirin products
  • Provides quicker pain relief than other Bayer Aspirin tablets
  • Bayer Advanced Aspirin is the official pain reliever of Major League Baseball (MLB)
  • Should be taken with a full glass of water
  • Dose is one or two tablets every four to six hours; do not exceed eight tablets in a 24 hour period

 

The Bottom Line:

  • Quick-release aspirin formulation
  • Clinically proven to relieve pain twice as fast as compared to previous Bayer Aspirin tablets
  • Available in 500 mg coated tablets
  • For adults and children 12 years of age and older
  • Easily located on pharmacy shelves by its bright purple packaging
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Untangling Bipolar Disorder

By Shereen Abou-Gharbia // August 17th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

“Manic-depression distorts moods and thoughts, incites dreadful behaviors, destroys the basis of rational thought, and too often erodes the desire and will to live. It is an illness that is biological in its origins, yet one that feels psychological in the experience of it; an illness that is unique in conferring advantage and pleasure, yet one that brings in its wake almost unendurable suffering and, not infrequently, suicide.”

−Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., An Unquiet Mind, 1995

Bipolar disorder or manic-depression is a brain disorder that causes extreme changes in mood, from intense feelings of euphoria and/or irritability (mania) to deep depression. Bipolar disorder causes severe shifts in energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Many famous musicians, writers, and leaders of society have had bipolar disorder. About 5.7 million American adults suffer from this disorder. The condition often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years and continues throughout life. At least half of all cases start before age 25. People with the disorder are at increased risk for alcohol and other substance abuse, and are 15 times more likely than the general population to commit suicide. They are also 15 times more likely to be in the lowest category of income earners. Bipolar disorder exacts a huge financial burden on the American economy.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic, disabling illness with no cure. But adequate treatment can help manage symptoms for a healthy, productive life. Long-term treatment that combines medication and psychosocial interventions (e.g., psychotherapy) is optimal for managing this disease.

Medication is the cornerstone of treatment for bipolar disorder as it helps to minimize the highs and lows of the disease. Mood stabilizing medications with demonstrated efficacy include lithium, and anticonvulsants such as Depakote, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine. Atypical antipsychotics are all FDA-approved for the acute treatment of mania (e.g., quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone). Generally speaking, mood stabilizing medications are more effective at treating or preventing mania associated with bipolar disorder; while, other medications (e.g., fluoxetine, quetiapine, aripiprazole) have demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of bipolar depression.

Managing symptoms and preventing complications of bipolar disorder begins with a thorough knowledge of the illness. Henceforth, education is also a key component of treatment.  Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, and having a solid support system of family and friends makes all the difference in outlook and motivation.

Posted In: General Health
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New Treatment Options for Chronic Hepatitis C

By Kristen Dore // August 10th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

Did you know that Hepatitis C is the most common reason for liver transplants in the United States?

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver. Hepatitis C is transmitted through the blood.  The most common way people in the US become infected with the Hepatitis C virus is through sharing of needles or other equipment to inject drugs.  Needle stick injuries in health care settings can also cause the spread of the virus. A new baby born to a mother who is Hepatitis C positive can also become infected.  Less common ways that a person may contract Hepatitis C is by sharing personal items that have come in contact with an infected person’s blood, such as toothbrushes and razors, or having sexual contact with an infected individual.

Hepatitis C can be an acute or chronic infection. About 75% to 85% of people infected with Hepatitis C virus will develop a chronic infection. Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to liver damage, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. According to the CDC, 3.2 million people in the United States have chronic Hepatitis C infection.  Chronic Hepatitis C can lead to serious health complications and even death.

In May 2011, two new medications were approved for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C – Incivek (telaprevir) and Victrelis (boceprevir). Both medications are protease inhibitors. Protease inhibitors work by binding to the virus and preventing it from multiplying.  These medications must be used in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. Peginterferon alfa and ribivirin have been the standard of care for people with Hepatitis C infection. Unfortunately, less than 50 percent of people who use this therapy regimen for 48 weeks respond. When one of the 2 new medications is added to peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, much better response rates are seen. According to the FDA, the response rates for therapy that included Incivek were 20% to 45% higher than standard care alone. Also instead of the 48 week regimen used previously, some patients may only have to be treated for 24 weeks to achieve a response.

However, Incivek and Victrelis are not for everyone. These medications can cause birth defects, anemia (low red blood cell count), as well as other adverse effects. Incivek and Victrelis can also interact with a number of medications. If you have Hepatitis C, and want to know if either of these medications would be appropriate for you, talk to your health care provider.

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