Zoster Risk is Similar Among Different MOA Biologics

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The risk of new H zoster infection was studied among nearly 30,000 new biologic starts and compared rates seen with abatacept, adalimumab, rituximab, infliximab, etanercept, tocilizumab, certolizumab or golimumab initiation.

Patient perspectives in the management of psoriasis and PsA

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A psoriasis population survey finds psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in 1.4%-3.3% of North American and European households.  Many (27-53%) rated their disease as “severe”.

AS vs. SpA Responses with Combination Treatment

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Patients in a large Swedish registry with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) who started a TNF inhibitor were followed for comedication use and TNF inhibitor survival.

Comorbidities Abound in Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is a highly prevalent disorder with different studies and populations showing a prevalence of 2.1% to 6.4% in the general population.  A retrospective review from Olmstead county revealed that among 1

The Prevalence of Ankylosing Spondylitis

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A retrospective study of the national register in Sweden identified a total of 11,030 cases with an ankylosing spondylitis (AS) diagnosis (as of 2009) were identified in the National Patient Register, giving a point prevalence of 0.18% in 2009. Men had a higher prevalence of ankylo

Communication is the Best Medicine

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Patients rate communication as one of the most important factors in choosing and sticking with a physician. The end product in at least 2/3 of visits is the prescription, yet prescription adherence is substandard in half of our patients. The key is communication.

The Risk of Listeriosis in RA

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In the mid-1990s, our Rheumatology Division at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School became involved with an early trial of a brand new TNF inhibitor.

House Bill Threatens CME Exemption from Sunshine Act Reporting

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Current Sunshine Act disclosures do not apply to CME certified educational activities for either the participants or the presenters. CMS has debated and waffled on whether companies would be required to report payments to doctors who speak at, or attend, CME seminars.

Is There a Standout When Comparing Novel Therapies?

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Randomized clinical trials are needed to show efficacy and safety, and are needed to back up the claims and indications for a particular drug. The issue of treatment choice has become challenging, especially when choosing to start or augment therapy.

Medical Marijuana for Osteoarthritis in Illinois

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An advisory board has recommended osteoarthritis and a host of disorders for inclusion in the Illinois new medical marijuana program.

Most Prescribed Branded Drugs Through March 2015

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In the last 12 months, levothyroxine (Synthroid) was the most prescribed drug in the USA  with 21.6 million prescriptions. Adalimumab (Humira) had 8.3 billion in sales, followed by etanercept (Enbrel) at nearly $6 billion. 

Who Should Pay for Drug 'Take-Back' Programs

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Unused pills and prescriptions pose a significant safety risk in the home and may contribute to dosing errors or inadvertent drug use. The issue has led the DEA to sponsor national drug disposal programs and local municipalities have followed with similar programs. At issue is who shoul

FDA Outlines its Guidance for Biosimilars

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The FDA has released its guidance document on biosimilar development, stating that this represents its current thinking and may not be the final document. The document was published last week and will be instrumental in the development of biosimilar products in this country. In the

Time for a New War on Drugs (Their Prices, That Is)

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Adjuvant Herpes Zoster Subunit Vaccine is 97% Effective in Adults

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Drug-Induced Lupus is Rare with TNF inhibitor Therapy

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Real World Biologic Success in Systemic JIA

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A retrospective review of 77 SoJIA patients revealed that 50-70% achieved inactive disease or remission when treated with IL-1 inhibitors (anakinra, canakinumab). Good responses were seen with tocilizumab or abatacept, but only 8% responded to etanercept.

Medicare Spends $2.5 billion on Prescription Nexium in 2013

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Medicare released its list of the most costly medicines presribed in 2013.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month

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Lyme disease is a multisystem disease caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. The organism is transmitted through the bite of certain species of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes spp.).