Online Pharmacy Training

FDA Approves Brilinta The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the blood-thinning drug Brilinta (ticagrelor) to reduce cardiovascular death and heart attack in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

WEDNESDAY, July 20 -- Inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease may be detectable up to two decades before problems with memory and thinking develop, according to new research. The findings are significant because by the time dementia symptoms appear, the disease has severely damaged the brain, making it nearly impossible to restore a patient's mental abilities or memories, the study authors noted.

BATH, United Kingdom & BRISTOL, United Kingdom & SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 14, 2011 - A pioneering method for fighting burn infections in children using viruses which ˜eat' disease-causing bacteria has been awarded new funding. It is hoped the project will develop a burns dressing that will prevent and treat ˜superbugs' that have become resistant to antibiotics – without the use of antibiotics or synthetic antimicrobials. Scientists from Bristol's Frenchay hospital, the University of Bath and AmpliPhi Biosciences (Pink Sheets: APHB) in Bedfordshire are harnessing bacteriophages - viruses which kill bacteria.

EDISON, N.J. , July 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Crestor and Zocor are widely-used prescription strength drugs designed to lower "bad cholesterol". Both drugs are classified as "statins", medicine which lowers blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. This group of drugs has had a controversial history, starting with Baycol, a drug similar to Crestor and Zocor, touted as a "super statin" before its recall from the market.

Haemorrhoids treatment timescale If symptoms have not improved after 1 week, patients should see their doctor. Management Symptomatic treatment of haemorrhoids can provide relief from discomfort but, if present, the underlying cause of constipation must also be addressed. The pharmacist is in a good position to offer dietary advice, in addition to treatment, to prevent the recurrence of symptoms in the future.

What Is It? In the wrist, nerves and tendons pass through a space called the carpal tunnel. Because the carpal tunnel is somewhat narrow, a major nerve called the median nerve that passes through this tight space, can become irritated or compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a combination of numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.

Haemorrhoids   Haemorrhoids (commonly known as piles) can produce symptoms of itching, burning, pain, swelling and discomfort in the perianal area and anal canal and rectal bleeding. Haemorrhoids are swollen veins, rather like varicose veins, which protrude into the anal canal (internal piles). They may swell so much that they hang down outside the anus (external piles). Haemorrhoids are often caused or exacerbated by inadequate dietary fibre or fluid intake. The pharmacist must, by careful questioning, differentiate between this minor condition and others that may be potentially more serious.

What Is It? Celiac disease (also called non-tropical sprue, celiac sprue, gluten intolerance and gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is an intestinal disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten.

Labeling changes are being made to Tamiflu oral suspension to reduce the possibility of prescribing and dosing confusion that can lead to medication errors.  The changes to the product label include:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Xarelto (rivaroxaban tablets), a novel, once-daily, oral anticoagulant for the prevention (prophylaxis) of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which may lead to a pulmonary embolism (PE) in people undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lazanda (fentanyl) nasal spray for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 years of age and older who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Lazanda Medication Guide IMPORTANT: Do not use Lazanda unless you are regularly using another opioid pain medicine around-the-clock for your cancer pain and your body is used to these medicines (this means that you are opioid tolerant). You can ask your healthcare provider if you are opioid tolerant. Keep Lazanda in a safe place away from children.

Image via Wikipedia What Is It? A bunion is a firm, painful bump that forms over a bony bulge at the base of the big toe. In most cases, the big toe joint also is enlarged and has degenerative arthritis. The toe also may be pushed toward the second toe (hallux valgus). Bunions tend to be inherited, but they also are common in the following groups: Women who wear high heels People who wear shoes that are too narrow or too pointed People with flatfeet All of these situations force the big toe to drift toward the little toes, and this can cause bunions to form.

Arcapta Neohaler is a new molecular entity in the beta2-adrenergic agonist class that helps muscles around the airways of the lungs stay relaxed to prevent symptoms of COPD, such as wheezing and breathlessness. Arcapta Neohaler is not intended to treat asthma or sudden, severe symptoms of COPD.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rectiv (nitroglycerin) Ointment 0.4 % for the treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissures. What is Rectiv? Rectiv Ointment contains 0.4% nitroglycerin in an ointment base. It is used for treatment of moderate to severe pain associated with chronic anal fissures.