U.S. health regulators have approved the first low-cost versions of Roche’s blockbuster osteoporosis drug Boniva, which is used to prevent bone fractures. Boniva, known generically as Ibandronate, is taken once a month to treat or prevent osteoporosis. The Food and Drug Administration said it approved generic versions of the drug from three companies: Apotex Inc., …
Another disturbing adverse reaction has now been linked to taking antidepressants during pregnancy. Based on a new study, common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, Prozac and Celexa, have been linked to high blood pressure during pregnancy, called pregnancy induced hypertension. Pregnancy induced hypertension is sometimes linked with pre-eclampsia, a serious …
Across the country, dozens of lawsuits against generic pharmaceutical companies are being dismissed because of a Supreme Court decision last year. This decision stated that generic companies did not have control, based on a 1984 law, what their labels said, and therefore could not be sued for failing to alert patients about the risks of …
Canadian health officials have added new label warnings to a popular blood thinner, indicating the risk of bleeding events may be increased among individuals with kidney problems. Health Canada announced on March 16, 2012 that the label for Pradax (dabigatran etexilate) would be updated to include new information regarding its use in kidney patients and …
Changes are coming to the drug industry, at least for 2 pharmaceutical companies and the antidepressant industry. Drug regulators have now approved Teva Pharmaceuticals to sell a a generic version of the popular antidepressant, Lexapro, in the United States. The medicine, known as Escitalopram, was originally made by Forest Laboratories Inc. It treats depression and …
In light of the fake Avastin scandal, many are now wondering exactly how many counterfeit medications are on the market today. According to an interview with The Financial Times, one CEO says that the problem is much more wide spread than one would think. Pfizer CEO Ian Read said the company confirmed more than 50 …
Are antipsychotic medications a new way to get a better night’s rest? Why are more and more elderly unnecessarily being given the medications? And, why are children as young as 18 months taking the dangerous pills? A new wave of antipsychotic medication called atypical antipsychotics — the most popular are Seroquel, Zyprexa and Abilify — …
Acetaminophen is a common drug that is taken for many minor conditions such as headache, arthritis, fever, and pain. Acetaminophen, also known as “Tylenol,” based on the main ingredient of the brand name medication. Acetaminophen is included in many medications including over the counter (OTC) cough and cold medications. The FDA is now requiring a …
In a case that may dramatically alter the landscape of drug competition nationwide, Sanofi-Aventis has filed suit to prevent a generic version of one of the company’s top selling drugs from reaching the market. They claim the FDA lacked authority in their procedures. A win for them would create an impenetrable roadblock for the future approval of generic pharmaceuticals.
There have been sporadic cases of Januvia and Byetta causing Acute Pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by intense abdominal pain radiating to the back, extreme nausea and vomiting, and a loss of appetite. The causal link has not been established and people taking these medications do not have to worry about this side effect due to its uncommon occurrence.