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New Products: Over-the-counter Zyrtec® and Zyrtec-D® 12 Hour
New Treatment Option for Type 2 Diabetes: Januvia™ (sitagliptin phosphate) tablets
New Product: Gardasil® [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinant Vaccine]
New Product: Daytrana™(methylphenidate) Transdermal Patch
New Product: Exubera® (recombinant human insulin [rDNA]) for oral inhalation
New Product: Angeliq® (estradiol and drospirenone)
New Product: Rozerem™ (ramelteon)
New Product: BiDil® (isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hydrochloride)
New Product: Byetta™ (exenatide injection)
New Product: Asmanex® Twisthaler® (mometasone inhalation powder)
New Product: Fosamax Plus D™(alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)
Pfizer, Inc., Suspends Sales and Marketing of Bextra®
New Product: Cardura®XL (doxazosin extended release)
New Product: Symlin® (pramlintide acetate injection)
New Product: Enablex® (darifenacin)
New Product: Lunesta™ (eszopiclone)
New Product: Lyrica™ (pregabalin)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Committees' Recommendations for Arthritis Drugs
New Product: Tricor®
New Product: Factive®
Merck Voluntarily Withdraws Vioxx®
New Product: Vytorin®
New Product: Cymbalta®
New Products: Over-the-counter Zyrtec® (cetirizine HCL) and Zyrtec-D® 12 Hour (cetirizine HCL 5 mg/pseudoephedrine HCL 120 mg) to be available January 2008
Manufacturer: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc.
In November 2007, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the manufacturer of over-the-counter (OTC)
Zyrtec® and Zyrtec-D® 12 Hour, announced that it received approval from the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for Zyrtec
to be used without a prescription in its original-prescription strength. Pfizer, the manufacturer of brand-name prescription Zyrtec®,
plans to discontinue the production of the medication once there is an adequate supply of the OTC version available. A nonsedating antihistamine,
Zyrtec helps relieve the symptoms of indoor and outdoor upper respiratory allergies, often triggered by dust, mold, and pet dander, tree pollen, weeds and grasses.
Both forms of OTC Zyrtec offer adults and children* an affordable and convenient option to help alleviate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, as well as itching due to hives. In addition, Zyrtec-D 12 Hour is indicated to help relieve nasal congestion.
*The FDA has approved OTC status for all Zyrtec indications, except for the treatment of children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years, which still requires a prescription.
Although it’s generally well tolerated, common side effects associated with Zyrtec include drowsiness, tiredness, and dry mouth. OTC Zyrtec will be available without a prescription at most retail stores and pharmacies on January 24, 2008. For more information, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or visit www.ZyrtecOTC.com.
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New Treatment Option for Type 2 Diabetes: Januvia™ (sitagliptin phosphate) tablets
Manufaturer: Merck & Co., Inc
On October 16, 2006, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) extended the treatment options for type 2 diabetes with the approval of a novel agent, Januvia™ . This is the only medication available to date in a new class of blood glucose-lowering agents known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (PDD-4) inhibitors. Januvia works by inhibiting the body's incretin system, so that there is more insulin present in the body to break down the sugars in foods.
Januvia is indicated for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes, either as single therapy or in combination with other blood glucose lowering agents. Januvia will be supplied in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets. The recommended dose is 100 mg daily, and can be taken with or without food.
The most common side effects of Januvia include upper respiratory infection, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache. Januvia may occasionally cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. For more information, please talk to your doctor or visit www.januvia.com.
The drug name Januvia is the property of Merck & Co., Inc.
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New Product: Gardasil® [Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (Types 6, 11, 16, 18) Recombinant Vaccine]
Manufacturer: Merck & Co., Inc
On June 8, 2006, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved Gardasil®, the first and only vaccine to prevent—but not treat—cervical cancer and other diseases, including genital warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Gardasil is a recombinant vaccine containing HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. A major advancement in women's health, Gardasil helps protect against the majority of HPV-related diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18; HPV types 16 and 18 account for approximately 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Gardasil works best when given before a female has any contact with certain types of HPV, and is approved for females between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine is administered in the upper arm as three, separate intramuscular injections, over a six-month period. Common side effects related to the administration of Gardasil are mild and include pain, swelling, redness of the skin, and itchiness at the site of the injection. Fever can also occur. Gardasil may not fully protect everyone who gets the vaccine and does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening. Also, Gardasil will not protect against other sexually transmitted diseases. For more information please talk to your doctor, or visit www.gardasil.com.
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New Product: Daytrana™(methylpheni date) Transdermal Patch
Manufacturer: Shire
On April 6, 2006, Daytrana™, the first and only transdermal patch for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A medication that could only be administered orally until now, Daytrana™ is a once daily transdermal patch formulation of methylphenidate. The patch delivers medication directly into the bloodstream via the skin, which provides consistent drug release throughout the day. In clinical trials, wearing Daytrana™ for nine hours provided lasting effects for up to 12 hours.
Daytrana™ has shown to be safe and effective in children ages 6 to 12 years old. The patch's design will allow children to participate in normal, daily activities which include swimming, exercising, and bathing.
The side effects of Daytrana™ are similar to that of oral methylphenidate. Side effects are mild, improve over time, and include decreased appetite, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, tics, and mood swings. The patch will likely be available in pharmacies by mid-2006 in dosage strengths of 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. If you are currently being treated for ADHD, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether the Daytrana™ transdermal patch is an appropriate treatment option for you. For more information see www.daytrana.com.
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New Product: Exubera® (recombinant human insulin [rDNA]) for oral inhalation
Manufacturer: Pfizer
On January 27, 2006, the first ever oral inhaled insulin formulation was approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Exubera is a self-contained inhaler device, similar to metered-dose inhalers, indicated for the treatment of adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Exubera contains insulin in a dry-powder capsule, which is punctured and aerosolized by the device, for inhalation by the patient. Dry-powder insulin capsules will be available in 1 mg and 3 mg strengths. One milligram of Exubera dry powder is equivalent to three units of subcutaneously delivered regular or lispro insulin. This new insulin formulation may be more desirable to patients seeking to avoid painful injections. However, Exubera will only replace short-acting insulin. Many patients will still require long-acting, injectable insulin. Patients who smoke or who have stopped smoking in the last six months should not use the product. Exubera is not recommended for anyone with pulmonary disease (asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Product labeling and patient information for Exubera is not yet available. Pfizer is expected to launch and market the product in the summer of 2006.
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New Product: Angeliq® (estradiol and drospirenone)
Manufacturer: Berlex
Angeliq® is as new prescription medication used for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, itching and burning. Angeliq contains two kinds of hormones, estrogen and progestin. Angeliq is the first hormone replacement therapy that contains a new progesterone called drospirenone. This progesterone is currently available in a popular birth control pill called Yasmin®. The most common side effects seen with Angeliq are headache, breast pain, irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, nausea and vomiting, and hair loss.
Angeliq will come in a one strength tablet, and should be on the market in the middle of 2006. The usual recommended dose of Angeliq is 1 tablet every day. Angeliq is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated or wish to be treated for menopausal symptoms, you may wish to discuss whether hormone replacement therapies such as Angeliq are an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Rozerem™ (ramelteon)
Manufacturer: Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Rozerem is a new prescription medication used to treat patients who have trouble falling asleep. Rozerem is the first prescription sleep aid that is not a controlled substance. (A controlled substance is a medication controlled by the government because of its addictive potential.) It works to maintain the patient's normal sleep/wake cycle. Studies have shown that Rozerem does not carry any risk of abuse, withdrawal, or dependency and has a minimal risk for next-day "hangover" effects. The most common side effects seen with Rozerem are dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue.
Rozerem will be available as a single-strength tablet when it comes on the market in late September 2005. The usual recommended dose of Rozerem is one tablet within 30 minutes of going to bed; it should not be taken with or immediately after a high-fat meal.
Rozerem is not an appropriate medication for everyone. If you are currently being treated for insomnia, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Rozerem is right for you.
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New Product: BiDil® (isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine hydrochloride)
Manufacturer:NitroMed Inc
BiDil® is a new prescription medication used in the treatment of heart failure in self-identified black patients. It is unknown how BiDil works in heart failure, but a study has shown that it improves survival, increases time to hospitalization for heart failure, and improves patients' ability to participate in day-to-day activities. Patients participating in this study were already taking appropriate medications for heart failure, and BiDil was added to their current drug therapy. The most common side effects seen with BiDil are headache, dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and low blood pressure.
BiDil is currently available as a single tablet containing 20 mg of isosorbide and 37.5 mg of hydralazine. The usual recommended starting dose of BiDil is one tablet, three times daily. BiDil is not an appropriate medication for everyone. If you are currently being treated for heart failure, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether BiDil is right for you.
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New Product: Byetta™ (exenatide injection)
Manufacturer: Amylin
Byetta is a new prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes only when blood sugar is not controlled with metformin or a sulfonylurea. It belongs to a new class of medications—called incretin mimetics—that work to increase insulin levels when blood glucose is high, such as with meals. Studies have shown that Byetta is effective in improving control of blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who have not achieved adequate control on metformin and/or a sulfonylurea. The most common side effects experienced with Byetta are low blood sugar levels, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and headache.
Byetta is manufactured as a prefilled pen injector containing 250 mcg/mL that will deliver 60 doses. The usual recommended treatment with Byetta is 5 mcg administered subcutaneously twice daily up to 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals; after one month the dose may be increased to 10 mcg twice daily. The dose of sulfonylurea may have to be lowered to help minimize the risk of low blood sugar. Byetta is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for type 2 diabetes, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Byetta is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Asmanex® Twisthaler® (mometasone inhalation powder)
Manufacturer:Schering
Asmanex Twisthaler is a new prescription medication used for the treatment of asthma as preventative therapy. It belongs to a class of medications—called inhaled corticosteroids—that work by reducing the inflammation present in the lungs. Studies have shown that Asmanex Twisthaler improves lung function, reduces the need for rescue medications (inhaled medicines used for an asthma attack such as albuterol), reduces nighttime awakenings, and improves daytime symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. Asmanex Twisthaler also reduces the need for corticosteroids in pill form. The most common side effects experienced with Asmanex Twisthaler are headache; allergy symptoms; sore throat; nausea; and sinus, oral, and respiratory infections.
Asmanex Twisthaler will be available in the fall of 2005. The usual recommended dose is one inhalation once daily. It is not to be used as a rescue medication since it will not relieve an asthma attack. Asmanex Twisthaler is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for asthma, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Asmanex Twisthaler is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Fosamax Plus D™(alendronate sodium/cholecalciferol)
Manufacturer: Merck
Fosamax Plus D is a new formulation of Fosamax, a prescription medication used to treat osteoporosis (thinning of bone), combined with vitamin D. It belongs to a class of medications—called bisphosphonates—that work by reducing the breakdown of bone and increasing bone mass. Studies have shown that Fosamax Plus D is effective in reducing the number of hip and spine fractures experienced by people with osteoporosis. The most common side effects experienced with Fosamax Plus D are abdominal, bone, joint, and muscle pain; and nausea, vomiting, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Currently available, Fosamax Plus D comes in tablets of 70 mg of Fosamax combined with 2800 IU of vitamin D. The usual recommended treatment with Fosamax Plus D is one tablet once every week. The tablet must be swallowed with six to eight ounces of plain water immediately upon rising for the day and at least 30 minutes before one’s first food, beverage or medication of the day. After swallowing Fosamax Plus D, patients should not lie down for at least 30 minutes and not until after consuming their first food of the day. Fosamax Plus D is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for osteoporosis, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Fosamax Plus D is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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Pfizer, Inc., Suspends Sales and Marketing of Bextra®
As your plan’s pharmacy benefit manager, Walgreens Health Initiatives would like to share some very important information with you about Bextra (valdecoxib).
On April 7, 2005, Pfizer announced a suspension in sales and marketing of Bextra. This decision, which is effective immediately, is based on a request to Pfizer by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to voluntarily withdraw Bextra from the market. All dosage strengths and formulations of Bextra are affected by this withdrawal.
According to information posted on the FDA’s web site, the FDA has requested Bextra’s removal from the market due to the following:
- Lack of long-term cardiovascular safety data and increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events in short-term use in coronary artery bypass surgery patients.
- Reports of serious and potentially life-threatening skin reactions in patients using Bextra.
- Lack of any clinical advantage for Bextra compared with other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
If you are currently taking Bextra, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss possible treatment alternatives. Patients and healthcare professionals can obtain more information from pfizer.com and bextra.com.
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New Product: Cardura®XL (doxazosin extended release)
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Cardura XL is a new formulation of doxazosin, a medication used to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It belongs to a class of medications—called alpha-blockers—that work to increase urine flow and decrease symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, nighttime urination, and incontinence associated with BPH. The most common side effects experienced with Cardura XL are low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Although not yet available, Cardura XL will come in 4 mg and 8 mg tablets. The usual recommended treatment with Cardura XL is 4 mg once daily with breakfast, which may be increased to 8 mg once daily with breakfast. Tablets should be swallowed whole, not crushed or divided.
Cardura XL is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for BPH, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Cardura XL is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Symlin® (pramlintide acetate injection)
Manufacturer: Amylin
Symlin is a new prescription medication used for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is indicated only for those patients who cannot control their blood sugar adequately despite optimal treatment with insulin. Symlin belongs to a new class of medication—called amylin analogs—that is a manmade version of a human hormone made in the pancreas. In studies, patients used less mealtime insulin and lost weight compared to insulin alone. The most common side effects are low blood sugar, nausea, and vomiting.
Symlin will become available in June 2005 in 5 mL vials for injection. The usual recommended treatment with Symlin in persons with type 1 diabetes is 15 mcg, which may be increased up to 60 mcg; and in persons with type 2 diabetes is 60 mcg, which may be increased to 120 mcg. Each dose is self-injected subcutaneously at mealtime. Symlin is to be used in combination with insulin, but cannot be mixed in the same syringe with insulin. Blood sugars will need to be checked more frequently when starting Symlin.
Symlin is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for diabetes with insulin, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Symlin is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Enablex® (darifenacin)
Manufacturer: Novartis
Enablex is a new medication used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency. It belongs to a class of medications called voiding agents that reduce inappropriate bladder contractions, allow the bladder to fill, and reduce urge incontinence. The most common side effects experienced with Enablex are dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision.
Currently available, Enablex comes in 7.5 mg and 15 mg tablets. The usual recommended treatment with Enablex is 7.5 mg once daily, which may be increased to 15 mg once daily. Enablex is not appropriate for everyone. If you are currently being treated for overactive bladder, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Enablex is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Lunesta™ (eszopiclone)
Manufacturer: Sepracor Inc.
Lunesta is a new prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It belongs to a class of medications called hypnotics, which work in the brain to induce sleep. Studies have shown that Lunesta is effective in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the total sleep time. Unlike other prescription sleep medicines that are generally indicated for up to seven to 10 days of use, Lunesta has been studied for longer-term use and is therefore not limited to short-term use. The most common side effects experienced with Lunesta include unpleasant taste, headache, cold-like symptoms, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Lunesta will be available in 2005. The usual recommended treatment with Lunesta is 2 mg to 3 mg for adult patients (ages 18 to 64) and 2 mg for older adult patients (ages 65 and older). In older adult patients who primarily have difficulty falling asleep, the dose would be 1 mg. Lunesta is not appropriate for everyone. If you are currently being treated for insomnia, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Lunesta is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Lyrica™ (pregabalin)
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Lyrica is a new prescription medication used to treat neuropathic—or nerve—pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage from conditions such as diabetes or shingles. Lyrica belongs to a class of medications known as anti-seizure drugs, which have also been found to be useful for conditions other than seizures. Studies have shown that Lyrica is effective in reducing nerve pain. The most common side effects associated with Lyrica are dizziness, sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating.
Lyrica is expected to be available in 2005. The recommended treatment doses are not yet available from the manufacturer. Lyrica is not appropriate for everyone. If you are currently being treated for neuropathic pain, you may wish to discuss with your doctor whether Lyrica is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Committees' Recommendations for Arthritis Drugs
A committee that advises the FDA met February 16 to 18, 2005, to discuss the recent issues concerning the drugs called COX-2 inhibitors (for example, Celebrex®, Vioxx®, Bextra®, and others under investigation) and NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as naproxen and others).
The committee recognized that there is a risk of heart attack and stroke for patients using COX-2 drugs, and decided the following:
- For now, COX-2 drugs should stay on the market.
- Using naproxen plus a drug that protects the stomach (for example, drugs such as Prevacid®, Prilosec®, and others) should be tried first before a COX-2 drug.
- A strongly worded, strict warning should be added to the labeling of COX-2 drugs regarding the risks of heart attack and stroke.
- Advertising for these drugs should be stopped.
- Educational materials should be added both for doctors and for patients who are taking the drugs.
- The higher doses of COX-2 drugs should be eliminated and only the lower doses should be used.
- Using a COX-2 drug with aspirin to reduce the heart attack and stroke risk is not recommended.
- Strict warnings should also be added to labeling of NSAIDs, with each drug receiving an individualized warning based on the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The spotlight will likely continue to be on these medicines as their risks and benefits are further considered.
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New Product: Tricor® (fenofibrate)
Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories
A new formulation of Tricor, a prescription medication used to treat high cholesterol, is now being dispensed in pharmacies. It belongs to a class of medications called fibric acid derivatives that cause the body to eliminate bad cholesterol and make good cholesterol. Bad cholesterol includes triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Studies have shown that Tricor is especially effective in lowering TG levels. The most common side effects experienced with Tricor are indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and mild diarrhea.
Tricor is available in 48 mg and 145 mg tablets. The usual recommended treatment with Tricor is 48 mg to 145 mg once daily. This new formulation of Tricor can be taken with or without food and was created to replace the old Tricor tablets, which had to be taken with food. Tricor is not for everyone. If you are currently being treated for high cholesterol, you may wish to discuss with your physician whether Tricor is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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New Product: Factive® (gemifloxacin)
Manufacturer: Oscient
Factive is a new prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate community-acquired pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. It belongs to a class of medications—called quinolones—that inhibit (reduce the action of) two specific enzymes within the bacteria causing these illnesses and make them unable to reproduce. Studies have shown that Factive had excellent success rates in patients with pneumonia and chronic bronchitis. Common side effects experienced with Factive are diarrhea, rash, and nausea.
Currently available in pharmacies, Factive comes in tablet form. The usual recommended treatment with Factive is:
- one 320 mg tablet taken for five days for pneumonia.
- one 320 mg tablet taken for seven days for chronic bronchitis.
You may wish to discuss with your physician whether Factive is an appropriate treatment option for you.
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Merck Voluntarily Withdraws Vioxx®
As a result of Merck’s decision to withdraw Vioxx, Walgreens Health Initiatives’ (WHI) will no longer process Vioxx prescriptions.
As your plan’s pharmacy benefit manager, Walgreens Health Initiatives (WHI) would like to share some very important information with you about Vioxx (rofecoxib).
Merck & Co., Inc. announced September 30, 2004, a voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx. Merck stated this decision is based on new data from a three-year clinical study. This study indicated an increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, such as heart attack and stroke, in patients taking Vioxx 25 mg compared to those taking a placebo (sugar pill). While the incidence of CV events was low, there was an increased risk beginning after 18 months of treatment. The cause of the clinical study result is uncertain.
Merck is notifying physicians and pharmacists of its voluntary withdrawal of Vioxx, and has informed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of this decision. Merck stated that it is taking this action because, in light of the recent data, it believes instituting this voluntary withdrawal best serves the interests of patients.
Patients who are currently taking Vioxx should contact their healthcare provider to discuss discontinuing the use of Vioxx and which possible alternative treatments may be more appropriate for them. Alternatives on the WHI Preferred Medication List are Celebrex® (celecoxib [Pfizer]) and Bextra® (valdecoxib [Pfizer]). Other potential alternatives may be over-the-counter or generic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
All dosage strengths and formulations of Vioxx are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. Merck may reimburse you for unused Vioxx. Patients and healthcare professionals may obtain more information about this from merck.com and Vioxx.com, or by calling Merck at 1-888-368-4699. In addition, information can be obtained from the Patient Product Information for Vioxx also found at the Vioxx.com website.
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New Product: Vytorin® (ezetimibe/simvastatin)
Manufacturer: Merck/Schering-Plough
Vytorin is a new drug that is a combination of Zetia® (ezetimibe) and Zocor® (simvastatin),
two medications used to lower cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering medications are the most prescribed
medications in the U.S. It is estimated that more than 105 million Americans have high cholesterol.
Vytorin is the first combination drug that works by a dual mechanism: It blocks an enzyme called HMG-CoA
reductase that is needed to make cholesterol in the liver, and it reduces the amount of cholesterol
absorbed from the digestive tract. Studies have shown moderate doses of Vytorin to be as effective as
the highest doses of Lipitor® and Crestor®, two other cholesterol-lowering medications.
Common side effects associated with Vytorin are headaches, and upper respiratory tract infections.
Currently available in pharmacies, Vytorin comes in tablet form with multiple dosing combinations.
If you are being treated for high cholesterol, you may wish to discuss with your physician whether
Vytorin is an appropriate treatment option for you. Patients should not take Vytorin if they have active
liver disease or are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are nursing.
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New Product: Cymbalta® (duloxetine)
Manufacturer: Eli Lilly
Cymbalta, a new oral prescription medicine for the treatment of major depressive disorders, helps to
restore the balance of two naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Research suggests that depression is related to an imbalance of these two chemicals.
Common side effects associated with Cymbalta are nausea, dry mouth, and constipation. Patients should
not take Cymbalta if they also are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if they suffer from
uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Currently available in pharmacies, Cymbalta comes in 20 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg capsules. If you are being
treated for depression, you may wish to discuss with your physician whether Cymbalta is an appropriate
treatment option for you.
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