JIA Worsens Quality of Life Long into Adulthood

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Adult patients with a history of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) showed poorer health-related quality of life decades later, compared with individuals who were healthy as children -- even if they were in clinical remission, reported researchers in Norway.

Lupus Hospitalizations are Common

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Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) incur substantial morbidity and complications that may lead to hospitalizations and increased cost of lupus care. Researchers from the University Health Network in Toronto have published a review of SLE hospitalizations showing thta while comm

The RheumNow Week in Review – 28 July 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews the news and articles from the past week on RheumNow.com:

Biosimilar Pricing Wars Have Begun

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Despite the approval of four anti-TNF biosimilars in 12 months, their introduction into the U.S. market has been slow and - until now - with paultry discounts compared to their introduction throughout Europe, where discounts averaged 50% and were as high as 70% (compared to the price of Remicade).

Rheumatologists and Patients Concerns over Biosimilars - RheumNow “Live Vote” Results

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The RheumNow “Live Vote” on the use, uptake and safety of biosimilars contrasts rheumatologist and patient views. Despite FDA approval and looming introduction, there is considerable concern, knowledge gaps and hesitancy regarding their uptake in the US. The survey's primary question demonstrates that less than one-third of US rheumatologists are prepared to adopt biosimilars when they are available.

Alendronate Use in Steroid Treated Patients Lowers the Risk of Hip Fracture

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Among older patients using medium to high doses of the anti-inflammatory steroid prednisolone, treatment with the osteoporosis drug alendronate was associated with a significantly lower risk of hip fracture, according to a study published by JAMA.

Pharma Pays $8.2 Billion to Physicians in 2016

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Data made public by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows that drug and device makers made nearly $8.2 billion in payments to U.S. physicians and teaching hospitals in the last year. Since 2013, CMS has been tracking physician payments as part of the Affordable Care Act.

ACR Says Senate Healthcare Bill Falls Short of Protecting Americans with Rheumatic Disease

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Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, President of the American College of Rheumatology has responded to the Senate's proposed changes to healthcare coverage in the USA.

Drug Costs Vary by 600% in Different Countries

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The Canadian Medical Association Journal has studied the costs of prescription drugs in 10 high-income countries (seven European countries, Australia, Canada and New Zealand) and found that many of these medicines varied by more than 600%.

Biosimilar Reports – May 2017

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Biosimilars continue to command a great deal of research, development and attention given the promise of significant cost savings and potentially wider use for those in need. Biosimilar Reports is an ongoing series dedicated to advances, discussions and developments in biosimilar agents intended for use by rheumatologists. 

20% Price Hike Among Pfizer Drugs

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The increasing cost of drug has been the subject of concern and review - by legislators, reporters and patients.

The Financial Times has reviewed the annual price increases for the 91 drugs in Pfizers portfolio, showing an average price increase by 20 percent in the past year.

Ohio Sues Five Pharma Companies Over Opioid Epidemic

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Ohio is suing five major drug manufacturers, accusing them of misrepresenting the risks of prescription opioid painkillers that has resulted in the current opioid epidemic.

Biologics Before Triple DMARD is Not Cost Effective in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Stepping up to biologic therapy when methotrexate (MTX) monotherapy fails was not shown to be cost effective, compared to first trying triple therapy, in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) study published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

The RheumNow Week in Review - 26 May 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush Reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:

The RheumNow Week in Review – 12 May 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush highlights the big stories, news and articles from this week at RheumNow.com.

Above-Label Dosing and Noncompliance with Biologics in Psoriatic Arthritis

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Claims data analysis of 4245 psoriatic arthritis patients on TNF inhibitors showed both higher than expected durations of noncompliance and higher than label dosing - all at an increased cost.

US Drug Spending Will Rise Steadily Thru 2021

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Reuters has reported that U.S.spending on prescription drugs in 2016 increased by 5.8 percent over 2015 levels to $450 billion based on list prices, and by 4.8 percent to $323 billion when adjusted for discounts and rebates.

Will Restricting Pharmaceutical Sales Rep Access Result in Healthcare Savings?

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A current JAMA report shows that the implementation of policies at academic medical centers that restricted pharmaceutical sales representative (PSR) detailing was associated with modest but significant reductions in prescribing of detailed drugs across six of eight major drug classes; however, c

The RheumNow Week in Review – 21 April 2017

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Dr. Jack Cush reviews highlights from the past week on RheumNow.com:

Spinal Manipulation Equal to NSAIDS for Acute Low Back Pain

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JAMA has published a review of 15 RCTs (1711 patients) analyzing the role of spinal manipulation therapy in patients with acute low back pain. The authors found modest improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with temporary minor musculoskeletal harms.