Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 12-27-2004

Quote of the day:  Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.  Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine

Good morning! 

Out with the old, in with the new.

 This is the time of year when we all make "resolutions". Seems like we all want to break bad habits. This may work for awhile but then we fall into the same old patterns. I believe that the trick is not so much to break the bad habits but also to replace bad habits with good ones. If you resolve to get more exercise you could develop the habit of parking at the end of the parking lot at work and when shopping. You'll get more exercise and fewer "door dings". I'm sure you can imagine other potential examples. Send them to me and I could mention it in a weekly newsletter. (No prizes just the thrill of seeing your suggestion in print).

 I'm sure you could point out a few of my bad habits to break (hitting send before completely spell checked) or good one to develop (like proof reading the newsletter an "extra" time.) This is just a quick request for any and all suggestions for improvement of this weekly newsletter.

All our best wishes for peace, prosperity and a happy New Year.

 Although sophomoric, I can't help myself…. "See you next year!"

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ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you?" was "Terrific!" 

 1) Zegerid and Roy?

After all of the holiday goodies you may feel like a tiger is tearing away at your stomach lining. This newly approved drug, Zegerid, may tame that tiger. The new powder formulation of omeprazole (the first PPI) appears to give rapid relief from gastric acid. … just in time for New Year's day.

 http://www.pharmacyonesource.com/members/work/daily_news/article.asp?category_id=5&record_id=134075

 2) Not "disable-x" but Enablex…. for overactive bladder.

Another drug was approved at the end of November (see item number 2 at http://www.pharmworks.com/ppp_11_29_2004.htm) and now this. Baby-boomers: you're not be getting older…. you're just getting leakier.

Due to the potential for mental side effects I would hold these drugs in reserve until absolutely necessary. (Most people who start these only take them for about 3 months due to the degree of efficacy and presence of unacceptable side effects).

 http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/98/104950.htm

3) FDA statement on Naproxen ( Study showed problems with OTC drugs)

For those of you taking prescription strength naproxen: As you see from the FDA statement, “unless a physician directs otherwise”, you are within the guidelines. If you are really concerned, then your physician is the one to ask because s/he will know your other risk factors and health condition. (More concern should be placed on stress, smoking, diet, and exercise than the naproxen)

 An alternative to Naproxen is good, old-fashioned aspirin which has been show to help those prone to heart attacks. If you have a history of stomach ulcers then you may need to be careful, but naproxen has about the same effect on the stomach. (More questions…. ask your physicians)

 http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/news/2004/NEW01148.html

4) FDA busy before the holiday… new directive on COX II's

The FDA called together a panel of experts about 1 month ago but they won't meet until February. This will likely be enough time for the dust to settle on the data. For now: heart problems- avoid COX IIs but if you have "bleeding ulcers" and still need pain relief then COX IIs might still be a good idea. I can hardly wait until the experts meet.

http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2004/ANS01336.html

 5) Your worst nightmare: A clone of Michael and Elliott!

Pharma companies issue internal memos that employee approached by the media or FILM-MAKERS should refer them to the communications department. The tendency when asked a question is to try to answer it. When it comes to these guys I think that Cookie Monster summed it up… "THAT DUMB THING!"

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-12-26-michael-moore-warning_x.htm

6) Philadelphia lawyers having fits….Democrats back them

Legislation to limit liability will take the jingle out of lawyer's pockets and they are less likely to fill the Democratic coffers with coin.

If you want to understand how things truly work… follow the money.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/10497841.htm?1c

7) Pasteurized? Macugen

Maybe this one got "past your eyes"… a new drug for "wet" macular degeneration of the eye. The macula is the "sweet spot" of the retina that makes up the center of your visual field. The newly approved, Macugen, offers some hope to the elderly who develop this malady. Laser cautery is often used in some forms of macular degenerations if caught early. This is the first drug with this indication. Don't expect this to hit any pharmacy budgets directly due to the mode of administration: a physician must inject the drug into the eyeball every 6 weeks. (And the handy home administration kit is likely a LONG way off).

http://yahoo.reuters.com/financeQuoteCompanyNewsArticle.jhtml?duid=mtfh40987_2004-12-18_01-21-39_n17556333_newsml

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