6 June, 2016 AHFS

The June update to the AHFS Drug Information/Essentials database was published today. Highlights from this month’s update include:

New AHFS/Essentials Monographs

Alirocumab (Praluent^®)
- Alirocumab is used as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (i.e., statin) therapy for the treatment of patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical ASCVD who require additional reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations
Talimogene Laherparepvec (Imlygic^®)
- Talimogene laherparepvec is used intralesionally for the local treatment of unresectable cutaneous, subcutaneous, and nodal lesions in patients with recurrent melanoma following initial surgery
Elosulfase Alfa (Vimizim^®)
- Elosulfase alfa is used as replacement therapy in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis IVA (MPS IVA, Morquio A syndrome) and is designated an orphan drug by FDA for use in this condition.
Evolocumab (Repatha^®)
- Evolocumab is used as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (i.e., statin) therapy for the treatment of patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical ASCVD who require additional reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations

FDA MedWatch Alerts

Fluoroquinolones
- Serious adverse effects generally outweigh benefits for patients with sinusitis, bronchitis, and uncomplicated UTIs
- Affected monographs:
  - Moxifloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gemifloxacin
Ketoconazole
- Avoid using oral tablets to treat skin and nail fungal infections
Canagliflozin
- Increased risk of leg and foot amputations
Olanzapine
- Rare but serious skin conditions

19 May, 2016 AHFS

The May update to the AHFS Patient Medication Information (PMI) database has been published. Highlights of the update include:

Amphotericin B Liposomal Injection (AmBisome^®)
- Amphotericin B liposomal injection is used to treat fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis and visceral leishmaniasis
Dexamethasone Injection (Decadron^®& Available generically)
- Dexamethasone injection is used to treat severe allergic reactions, certain types of edema, gastrointestinal disease, and certain types of arthritis, and other diseases treated by corticosteroids
Reslizumab Injection (Cinqair^®)
- Reslizumab injection is used along with other medications to treat asthma

Aripiprazole
- Warning regarding compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex have been reported
Ticagrelor and Vortioxetine
- Brand name change for vortioxetine (Brintellix) due to name confusion with ticagrelor (Brilinta)
Olanzapine and Olanzapine injection
- Rare, but serious skin reactions
Fluoroquinolones
- Serious adverse effects generally outweigh benefits for patients with sinusitis, bronchitis, and uncomplicated UTIs
- Affected monographs:
  - Ciprofloxacin, ciprofloxacin injection, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, levofloxacin injection, moxifloxacin, moxifloxacin injection, ofloxacin

10 May, 2016 AHFS

The May update to the AHFS Drug Information/Essentials database was published today. Highlights from this month’s update include:

Ganciclovir (Zirgan^®)
- The ophthalmic gel is indicated for the topical treatment of acute herpetic keratitis in patients with dendritic ulcers

Metformin
- Revised warnings in reduced kidney function
Fluconazole
- FDA is evaluating the results of a Danish study that concluded there is a possible increased risk of miscarriage with the use of oral fluconazole for yeast infections
Aripiprazole
- Warning regarding compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex have been reported
Ticagrelor and Vortioxetine
- Brand name change for vortioxetine (Brintellix) due to name confusion with ticagrelor (Brilinta)