Epocrates: PDA medical software

Recent Updates

March 3, 2010

MedWatch Safety Alert for Invirase
Based on an on-going review of clinical trial data, the FDA is notifying healthcare professionals about possible QT and PR prolongation associated with the combination of Invirase (saquinavir) and Norvir (ritonavir). Invirase and Norvir should not be used in patients already taking medications known to cause QT prolongation or in patients with a history of QT prolongation, preexisting conduction system disease, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, or underlying structural heart disease. MedWatch Safety Alert for Invirase »

February 24, 2010

MedWatch Safety Alert for Long-Acting Beta-Agonists
The FDA is issuing new safe use requirements for all long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) used to treat asthma, including Foradil Aerolizer (formoterol) and Serevent Diskus (salmeterol), based on an increased risk of severe exacerbation of asthma symptoms, leading to hospitalization and death in some adult and pediatric patients. LABAs should only be used in combination therapy for patients whose asthma cannot be adequately controlled on asthma controller medications. LABAs should be used for the shortest duration of time and discontinued, if possible, once asthma control is achieved. It is recommended that pediatric and adolescent patients who require the addition of a LABA to an inhaled corticosteroid use a combination product to improve compliance. MedWatch Safety Alert for Didanosine »

February 17, 2010

New Pediatric Indication for Benicar
The FDA recently approved the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) Benicar (olmesartan) for the treatment of pediatric hypertension in patients 6-16 years of age. New Pediatric Indication for Benicar »