IV Sodium Valproate vs Phenytoin for Status EpilepticusIV Sodium Valproate vs Phenytoin for Status Epilepticus
Sodium valproate has been used to treat status epilepticus successfully, but its role as the first-line drug is still controversial. Is it as effective as I.V. phenytoin? BMC Neurology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - September 18, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Neurology & Neurosurgery Journal Article Source Type: news
Drug Reaction in a Patient on Phenytoin and LevetiracetamDrug Reaction in a Patient on Phenytoin and Levetiracetam
This case report highlights a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction -- the DRESS syndrome -- associated with a variety of medications, especially anti-epileptics. Journal of Medical Case Reports (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Source: Medscape Today Headlines - May 17, 2013 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Emergency Medicine Journal Article Source Type: news
FDA Updates Atazanavir Sulfate Capsule Labeling
“Recently [February 4, 2013] FDA approved changes to the Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) capsule labeling to include the following changes.
“Section 5 Warnings and Precautions was revised to include cholelithiasis ...
“In section 6 Adverse Reactions: Postmarketing Experience, interstitial nephritis was added.
“In section 7 Drug Interactions: information regarding coadministration with boceprevir, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, lamotrigine and voriconazole was added.”
The updated labeling will be available at the FDA website.
More information is available:
FDA: Press rele...
Source: AIDSinfo At-a-Glance: Offering Information on HIV/AIDS Treatment, Prevention, and Research, A Service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) - February 12, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news
BMJ letter: 'Another loophole exploited by the drug industry
Source: BMJ
Area: News
The author of this letter praises a recent analysis of the methods used by drug companies to maximise profits, but comments that a new tactic was omitted. This tactic exploits a loophole whereby the Department of Health is not involved in negotiations about the price of generic drugs, as these are usually driven down by market forces.
In September 2012 Pfizer sold the marketing rights of Epanutin® (phenytoin) to Flynn Pharma. Although the drug is identical (right down to the Epanutin stamp on the capsules), it is packaged under a different name and therefore can be described as generic....
Source: NeLM - News - February 4, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news
