P&T Community |

Randomized controlled trials have long been the gold standard for evidence in medical product evaluation, but there is growing support for the use of real-world evidence (RWE). The authors review the benefits and limitations of RWE and discuss the implications for P&T committees.

Clarification of Drug Allergy Information Using a Standardized Drug Allergy Questionnaire and Interview

Incomplete or inaccurate drug-allergy histories can be detrimental to patient safety and lead to medication errors. The authors conducted a quality-improvement project and developed a standardized drug allergy questionnaire that can be adapted by institutions and targeted to patients at higher risk of having inaccurate allergy histories.

Variation in Generic Drug Manufacturers’ Product Characteristics

Several studies in recent years suggest that drug appearance may be an important factor in medication non-adherence. The authors characterized the range of appearances and costs of 16 oral solid generic medications in four chronic disease/drug-management conditions: hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, and hypercholesterolemia.

Pipeline Plus

Old and New Drug Classes Expanding To Include Glaucoma Treatments

Poor patient adherence is fueling keen interest in the development of drugs for glaucoma management. Several long-acting formulations of existing medications are in the early stages of development, as are new therapeutic classes such as guanylate cyclase activators.

Meeting Highlights

American Society of Clinical Oncology 2018

We review key findings in the areas of prostate cancer, non–small-cell lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemias, metastatic colon cancer, and one session on molecular profiling guidance of therapy.

Departments

Medication Errors

Ambulatory Pump Safety: Managing Home Infusion Patients Admitted to The Emergency Department and Hospital

Managing home infusion patients in the hospital and emergency department

Prescription: Washington

FDA Guidance on 503B Provides Leeway

FDA guidance on outsourcing facilities and 503A pharmacies

Drug and Device News August 2018

Approvals, new indications, regulatory activities, and more

Pharmaceutical Approval Update August 2018

Lofexidine hydrocholoride (Lucemyra) for opioid withdrawal; erenumab-aooe (Aimovig) for migraine; and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (Lokelma) for hyperkalemia

Research Briefs August 2018