Epocrates Drug Updates - Editor's Pick
May 16, 2013
Boxed Warning Added to Pradaxa
A boxed warning was recently added to the prescribing information for the oral anticoagulant, Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate). Discontinuing treatment may increase the risk of thrombotic events, including stroke. If Pradaxa must be discontinued for reasons other than pathological bleeding, prescribers are encouraged to consider coverage with another anticoagulant.
Recent Updates
May 9, 2013
MedWatch Safety Alert for Valproate Products
The FDA recently advised against the use of valproate products (valproate sodium, valproic acid, divalproex sodium; brands include Depacon, Depakene, Stavzor, Depakote) in pregnant women to prevent migraine headaches, based on evidence of decreased IQ scores in children exposed during pregnancy. These products will remain pregnancy category D for treating epilepsy and manic episodes of bipolar disorder, but will now be category X for migraine prophylaxis. Pregnant women currently taking valproate products for migraine should be tapered appropriately to discontinue the medication. MedWatch Safety Alert for Valproate Products
May 2, 2013
MedWatch Safety Alert for Potiga
The FDA recently warned about the anticonvulsant, Potiga (ezogabine), relating to reports of blue skin discoloration and pigment changes in the retina. All patients starting or taking Potiga should have a baseline eye exam with periodic eye exams thereafter. Potiga should be tapered appropriately to discontinue if ophthalmic changes are observed. If skin discoloration is observed, an alternative medication should be considered. MedWatch Safety Alert for Potiga
April 25, 2013
New Drug Monograph for Invokana
The FDA recently approved the oral drug, Invokana (canagliflozin), to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adult patients. Canaglifozin is the first in a new class of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which blocks reabsorption of glucose by the kidney, increasing glucose excretion and lowering blood glucose levels. New Drug Monograph for Invokana
April 11, 2013
New Drug Monograph for Tecfidera
The FDA recently approved the oral drug, Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate), to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis in adult patients. New Drug Monograph for Tecfidera
April 4, 2013
New Drug Monograph for Abilify Maintena
The FDA recently approved the once-monthly intramuscular injection of the atypical antipsychotic drug, aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena), to treat schizophrenia in adult patients. New Drug Monograph for Abilify Maintena
New Drug Monographs
- Simbrinza (brinzolamide / brimonidine ophthalmic)
- travoprost ophthalmic (first-time generic for Travatan Z)
- Vituz (chlorpheniramine / hydrocodone)
- Afinitor Disperz (everolimus)
- Diclegis (doxylamine / pyridoxine)
- Sirturo (bedaquiline)
- Buphenyl (sodium phenylbutyrate)
- Daysee (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol)
- Invokana (canagliflozin)
- Marqibo (vincristine liposomal)
- Prolensa (bromfenac ophthalmic)
- sodium phenylbutyrate (first-time generic for Buphenyl)
- Suclear (sodium sulfat e/ potassium sulfate / magnesium sulfate and polyethylene glycol / electrolytes)
- Allegra Anti-Itch Cooling Relief (diphenhydramine / allantoin topical)
- Allegra Anti-Itch Intensive Relief (diphenhydramine / allantoin topical)
- BAT (botulism antitoxin heptavalent (equine))
- doxorubicin liposomal (first-time generic for Doxil)
- acyclovir topical (first-time generic for Zovirax Ointment)
- Tecfidera (dimethyl fumarate)
- Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole)
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