ppp 08-04-08

Quote of the day: Ignorance is the night of the mind,

but a night without moon and star.

Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)

A couple of weeks ago Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe was in trouble because he referred to Brian Burke as a moron. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/04/lowe_burke_moron/ The press was indignant that one hockey guy should demean another hockey GM with a term used to describe the learning disabled. (Like anyone in hockey ever “plays well with others”).

The term “Moron” has been in common use since the IQ test was developed. The IQ range for “moron” was 50 to 69. “Imbecile” range was 20-49 while “Idiot” described the IQ range below 20. The use of these terms became commonly abused, even evidenced in the movies (remember the Three Stooges?) The modern terms are “Mild”, “Moderate”, “Severe” and “Profound” mental deficiency. http://www.iqcomparisonsite.com/IQBasics.aspx Even today we still see the old terms used more affectionately; such as in “The Complete Idiot’s guide to _______ (fill in the blank)” book series.

If you answered “idiots” and “morons” you are with the majority. Before you start slinging these terms at other drivers, however, remember that anyone who passes you is thinking that you are a “moron” while all those you pass consider you an “idiot”.

The FDA is in a similar situation regarding drug approvals. Those who want quick access to breakthrough drugs, idiots, feel that the FDA is moving too slowly. Those who point to side effects that surface during post marketing surveillance, morons, think that the FDA is moving too quickly. Because they are, at once, considered “idiots” as well as “morons” the FDA must be moving at the correct speed… just like we do when we drive.

ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you?" was "Here" (not the most enthusiastic but the most honest)

pps. Please note that some of the links may not be up for very long and that you should capture or print anything that you may wish to keep.

Complaints are now at 1.5 complaints per 1000 beneficiaries. Average urgent complaint took 3 days to resolve. Makes you wonder how long the less urgent problems took. (see article)

2) A valproate here, a valproate there, here a vpa, there a vps, everywhere a vpa.

Many generic forms of Depakote have been approved. Expect saving from the get go because they will all be cutting each other’s throats to get a piece of the VPA pie.

3) Home, do it yourself, medication error kit in a bottle; only $19.95 (plus S&H)

As medications become more potent and sicker people are treating themselves at home the margin of error is getting smaller. More people, who would have been treated in the hospital 25 years ago, are dying at home from medication mismanagement. A review of death certificates show 224,000 fatalities out of 50 million cases reviewed. Increase is 700% at home vs a 5% rise in hospitals.

After months of negotiation with the makers of Epogen/Procrit and Aranesp the FDA has opted to unilaterally inject new safety language into the package inserts.

New approach to Alzheimer’s disease is to dissolve the sticky tangles (beta amyloid plaques) seen in the disease. If Eli Lilly’s new drug in development, LY2062430, is approved it will be a blockbuster. Hope its ready by the time I need it, (Some would say it is already too late)

I have know several Minnesota pharmacy owners who refused to carry tobacco products voluntarily (one had lost a brother to cancer). San Francisco, that bastion of moral enlightenment, has opted to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. How a bout the rest of the San Fran retail world?... not touched!

Mice who did not exercise for 4 weeks had improved running endurance after taking the drug. Slow twitch muscle fibers, useful for endurance, are enhanced by the drug. With the Olympic games starting in a few days and the chemical available from chemical supply companies, the toxicologists have been put on notice to look for it.

Disclaimer: "Pepin's Pharmaceutical Prattle" (AKA "The Prattle") is the property of PHARMWORKS, LLC and Steven M. Pepin, Pharm. D. The opinions expressed are those of the bald-headed author. To start or stop any drug without the advice and supervision of your physician would be stupid. So don't do anything based upon what you read here without professional advice. To be added to or removed from the distribution list please e-mail your request to spepin@pharmworks.com . All insightful comments from readers are thoughtfully considered (the rest are callously discarded). Copyright 1998-2009 PHARMWORKS, LLC all rights reserved.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------