November 2009 — It's Our Anniversary

Epocrates is celebrating 10 years!

Epocrates is stronger than ever: growing over the years to support multiple platforms, answering more than 1 billion clinicians' questions and continually ranked as a #1 medical application.

Today, we proudly provide over 900,000 medical professionals with fast, easy access to clinically relevant and continually updated information.

We couldn't have made it so far without your support and invite you to visit our anniversary website, where you can win prizes or take advantage of special device and accessory offers.

In this issue:

Anne Meneghetti, MD
Director, Clinical Communications at Epocrates

Why Is This Young Man Psychotic?

An 18 year-old man developed progressive dysarthria and abnormal limb posturing. Since age 15 he had become increasingly irritable, belligerent, and difficult to discipline. He missed school, wandering aimlessly around the city claiming to be a dynamic entrepreneur; he heard voices plotting against him. Exam revealed severe dysarthria and generalized dystonia with prominent oromandibular involvement; a diagnostic eye sign was noted. Treatment for 18 months led to considerable clinical improvement and regression of the eye abnormality. Questions: What is the eye sign shown? What clinical features and investigations can support the diagnosis? How can it be treated and what is the prognosis? Get the answers …

Seasonal Influenza Prevention & Treatment Updates

Electron micrograph of 1918 influenza virions from cell culture image by Cynthia Goldsmith Source: CDC

CDC expects both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to cause illness, hospital stays and deaths this season. As of October 3, 2009, 99% of circulating influenza viruses were 2009 H1N1 viruses susceptible to both oseltamivir and zanamivir. Based on global experience to date, 2009 H1N1 flu viruses likely will be the most common influenza viruses among those circulating in the coming season, particularly those causing influenza among younger age groups. Vaccination with 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is not expected to provide protection against seasonal influenza A / B infection, and vice-versa. Read the CDC Q&A on antivirals

FDA MedWatch Safety Alerts

FDA Authorizes Emergency Use of IV Antiviral Peramivir for 2009 H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
Acute Renal Failure/ Renal Insufficiency in Patients on Byetta
Rituximab: Case of PML in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient Not Previously Treated With TNF Antagonists

Drug Subclass Reorganization

The medical editors at Epocrates recently completed this database-wide enhancement for our members! The extensive reorganization of drug subclasses offers several benefits:

• Improved drug look-up by class and added granularity
• More relevant alternatives in “Tap here for Alternatives” when viewing formulary information
• Greatly expanded subclass look-up capabilities within Hematology/Oncology
• An entirely new Dental/Oral Care class
• Increased subclass granularity in Allergy/Cold/ENT, Cardiovascular, Endocrine/Metabolism, Antimicrobials, and Neurologics

This enhancement is included with all Epocrates mobile and online products. If you don't see the new content, simply sync your device to get the latest information.

Vote for Epocrates!

For the 5th year running, Epocrates has been nominated for the Mobile Star Awards™!  We appreciate your support. You've helped us win several awards over the years and we're asking for your help again — simply go to the Mobile Village website by November 19 and vote for Epocrates Essentials for the iPhone in the Enterprise Software: Healthcare Medical Reference category. 
Please note that in order to vote you need to be registered for “Go Mobile,” a free e-newsletter from Mobile Village, which is not affiliated with Epocrates.

Updates at a Glance

New Disease and Condition Topics Available* Anatomic penile abnormalities Cutaneous burns Dupuytren contracture Evaluation of hypertension Evaluation of post-operative fever HELLP syndrome Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic coma Laryngeal cancer Meniscal tear Minimal change disease Pterygium Premature ovarian failure Thyroid function testing *This disease information can be found in Epocrates Online, Epocrates Online Premium or Epocrates Essentials for the iPhone.	New Drugs Bepreve (bepotastine ophthalmic) carbamide peroxide otic (generic) docusate calcium Name Duraclon(clonidine) Folotyn (pralatrexate) peramivir (generic) Photofrin (porfimer) Saphris(asenapine) Stelara (ustekinumab)   Mobile CME® Headlines Psoriatic Arthritis: Optimizing Treatment Outcomes Managing Excessive Sleepiness in Primary Care NSTE ACS: Antiplatelet Update	How to Get these Updates Mobile: Update (sync) your device regularly to download free updates, including new drug monographs and MobileCME activities. If you don't have MobileCME, download it here. Add new formularies to your profile in My Account.   Online: Log in to Epocrates Online for continually updated drug information and disease content. Select new formularies in the DRUGS tab.

Epocrates held an Open House event to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. We were delighted to meet many of our local members and want to thank all who attended. A few attendees told us just how much they love their Epocrates … visit our YouTube page to listen in.

We love to hear from our members about Epocrates products, or any other topics. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, we're giving thanks for your continued support over 10 years! What are you thankful for?

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