Taribavirin Versus Ribavirin in Treatment-Naive Hepatitis C Patients As reported in the October issue of Hepatology, a phase IIb, randomized, open-label, active-controlled, parallel- group study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of weight-based dosing of taribavirin, an oral prodrug of ribavirin. The patient population consisted of 278 treatment-naive patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C [...]
Our cases demonstrate the feasibility of endoscopic management in linear EUS-related perforations. In select patients, surgery can be avoided by using endo- scopic clipping devices to repair the defect. The success of endoclipping depends on immediate recognition and closure of the defect. Theoretically, immediate closure of intestinal perforation minimizes leakage of digestive enzymes, bile, and [...]
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an important diagnostic and interventional tool for endoscopists. Initially used for diagnostic purposes, EUS has now expanded to include interventional applications (such as fine-needle aspiration, biopsy, and injection), therapeutic drainage procedures, and neurolysis. In the hands of an experienced operator, complication rates are similar to those associated with standard upper [...]
Concentrated Insulin Confusion Extreme caution should be used when administering U-500 insulin. This concentrated form is used for patients with marked insulin resistance who would otherwise need large volumes of U-100 insulin.
The clinical impact of these shortages cannot be underestimated. According to the EIN survey, the lack of specific antimicrobial agents led to an alteration of therapy by 82% of the respondents. The survey identified sepsis, streptococcal and enterococcal endocarditis, pneumococcal meningitis, group B streptococcal infections, and neurosyphilis as those indications most likely to require alterations [...]
The events of September 11, 2001 have focused unprecedented attention on the availability of antimicrobial agents and vaccines. The potential need for large amounts of specific antimicrobials was highlighted by the subsequent use of anthrax as an instrument of terror and the depletion of stocks of canadian ciprofloxacin HCI (Cipro drug, Bayer), the preferred agent [...]
The office of the inspector general (OIG) at the Department of Health and Human Services is expected to issue draft compliance guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry any day now. Once finalized, they will have a significant bearing on the relationship between drug companies, PBMs, drugstores, and physicians.
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