Matching articles for "prednisone"

Sarilumab (Kevzara) for Polymyalgia Rheumatica

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 13, 2024;  (Issue 1702)
The FDA has approved the interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor sarilumab (Kevzara – Sanofi/Regeneron) for treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in adults who had an inadequate response to corticosteroids...
The FDA has approved the interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor sarilumab (Kevzara – Sanofi/Regeneron) for treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in adults who had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or cannot tolerate a corticosteroid taper. Sarilumab is the first biologic drug to be approved for treatment of PMR; it was previously approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2024 May 13;66(1702):77-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Gout

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 30, 2023;  (Issue 1688)
Drugs for gout are used to reduce the pain and inflammation of acute flares, decrease the frequency of exacerbations, and lower serum urate levels to prevent recurrent flares, development of tophi,...
Drugs for gout are used to reduce the pain and inflammation of acute flares, decrease the frequency of exacerbations, and lower serum urate levels to prevent recurrent flares, development of tophi, and joint damage.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Oct 30;65(1688):169-75 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Gout (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 30, 2023;  (Issue 1688)
...
View the Comparison Table: Some Drugs for Gout
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Oct 30;65(1688):e176-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Delandistrogene Moxeparvovec (Elevidys) for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 2, 2023;  (Issue 1686)
Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl (Elevidys – Sarepta), an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of ambulatory children 4-5...
Delandistrogene moxeparvovec-rokl (Elevidys – Sarepta), an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of ambulatory children 4-5 years old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who have a confirmed mutation in the dystrophin gene. It is the first gene therapy to be approved in the US for treatment of DMD. Accelerated approval was based on expression of microdystrophin in skeletal muscle, a surrogate endpoint.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Oct 2;65(1686):159-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Glofitamab (Columvi) for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 7, 2023;  (Issue 1682)
Glofitamab-gxbm (Columvi – Genentech), a bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for IV treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell...
Glofitamab-gxbm (Columvi – Genentech), a bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for IV treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, or large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL) arising from follicular lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Accelerated approval was based on response rates and durability of response. Glofitamab is the second T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody to be approved in the US for treatment of DLBCL; epcoritamab-bysp (Epkinly), which is given subcutaneously, was approved earlier. Unlike epcoritamab, glofitamab is not approved for treatment of high-grade B-cell lymphoma.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Aug 7;65(1682):e129-30 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 10, 2023;  (Issue 1680)
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), referred to collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory conditions. Guidelines for treatment of UC and...
Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), referred to collectively as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are chronic immune-mediated inflammatory conditions. Guidelines for treatment of UC and CD have been updated in recent years
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jul 10;65(1680):105-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 10, 2023;  (Issue 1680)
...
View the Table: Some Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jul 10;65(1680):e115-9 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

In Brief: Lisocabtagene Maraleucel (Breyanzi) for Large B-Cell Lymphoma (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 26, 2023;  (Issue 1679)
The FDA has approved lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi – BMS) for treatment of adults with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise...
The FDA has approved lisocabtagene maraleucel (Breyanzi – BMS) for treatment of adults with large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL), including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma, or follicular lymphoma grade 3B who have disease refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy, relapsed within 12 months of or after first-line chemoimmunotherapy, are not eligible for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation due to comorbidities or age, or have relapsed or refractory disease after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Breyanzi is an individualized cellular product prepared from the patient's own T cells, which are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and then infused back into the patient. The CAR T-cell products axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta) and tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah) are also FDA-approved for treatment of large B-cell lymphoma.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jun 26;65(1679):e104-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Epcoritamab (Epkinly) for Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 12, 2023;  (Issue 1678)
Epcoritamab-bysp (Epkinly – Genmab), a bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for subcutaneous treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell...
Epcoritamab-bysp (Epkinly – Genmab), a bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engager, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for subcutaneous treatment of relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from indolent lymphoma, and high-grade B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Epcoritamab is the second T-cell-engaging bispecific antibody to become available in the US for treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; mosunetuzumab-axgb (Lunsumio) was recently approved for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, a common subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 Jun 12;65(1678):e103-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy) for Lymphoma (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 29, 2023;  (Issue 1677)
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq (Polivy – Genentech), a CD79b-directed antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate, has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with rituximab,...
Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq (Polivy – Genentech), a CD79b-directed antibody and microtubule inhibitor conjugate, has been approved by the FDA for use in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone (R-CHP) for first-line treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS), or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL) in adults who have an International Prognostic Index (IPI) score ≥2. The drug was previously approved for use in combination with bendamustine and rituximab for treatment of patients with relapsed or refactory DLBCL, NOS, who received at least 2 prior therapies.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2023 May 29;65(1677):e89-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

A New Indication for Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Yescarta) (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 14, 2022;  (Issue 1663)
The FDA recently approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta – Kite), a CD19-directed genetically modified cellular product, for treatment of large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line...
The FDA recently approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta – Kite), a CD19-directed genetically modified cellular product, for treatment of large B-cell lymphoma that is refractory to first-line chemoimmunotherapy or that relapses within 12 months of first-line treatment. It was previously approved for treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy and for treatment of relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Yescarta is an individualized cellular product prepared from the patient's own T cells, which are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and then infused back into the patient.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2022 Nov 14;64(1663):e194-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 15, 2021;  (Issue 1637)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prevalent in 0.5% of adults in the US; it is about 2.5 times more common in women than in men. Guidelines for treatment of RA from the American College of Rheumatology were...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prevalent in 0.5% of adults in the US; it is about 2.5 times more common in women than in men. Guidelines for treatment of RA from the American College of Rheumatology were recently updated. The goal of treatment is to minimize disease activity and prevent irreversible joint damage.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Nov 15;63(1637):177-84 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ozanimod (Zeposia) for Ulcerative Colitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 20, 2021;  (Issue 1633)
The oral sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator ozanimod (Zeposia – Bristol Myers Squibb) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative...
The oral sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator ozanimod (Zeposia – Bristol Myers Squibb) has been approved by the FDA for treatment of adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. It is the first S1P receptor modulator to be approved for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Ozanimod was approved in March 2020 for use in adults with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Sep 20;63(1633):147-51 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rilonacept (Arcalyst) for Recurrent Pericarditis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 6, 2021;  (Issue 1632)
Rilonacept (Arcalyst – Kiniksa), an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist that has been available for years for treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, has now been approved by the FDA for...
Rilonacept (Arcalyst – Kiniksa), an interleukin-1 (IL-1) antagonist that has been available for years for treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, has now been approved by the FDA for treatment of recurrent pericarditis and prevention of further recurrences in patients ≥12 years old. It is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication. Anakinra (Kineret), an IL-1 receptor antagonist FDA-approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has been used off-label for years for treatment of recurrent pericarditis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Sep 6;63(1632):143-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Teprotumumab (Tepezza) for Thyroid Eye Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 31, 2021;  (Issue 1625)
Teprotumumab-trbw (Tepezza - Horizon), an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for IV treatment of thyroid eye disease. It is the first drug to be approved...
Teprotumumab-trbw (Tepezza - Horizon), an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for IV treatment of thyroid eye disease. It is the first drug to be approved in the US for this indication.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 May 31;63(1625):87-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis and Allergic Conjunctivitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 19, 2021;  (Issue 1622)
The choice of drugs for treatment of allergic rhinitis depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table...
The choice of drugs for treatment of allergic rhinitis depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021 Apr 19;63(1622):57-64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Golodirsen (Vyondys 53) for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 27, 2020;  (Issue 1603)
Golodirsen (Vyondys 53 — Sarepta), an antisense oligonucleotide, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the ~8% of patients who have mutations...
Golodirsen (Vyondys 53 — Sarepta), an antisense oligonucleotide, has received accelerated approval from the FDA for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in the ~8% of patients who have mutations of the dystrophin gene that are amenable to exon 53 skipping. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication and the third to be approved for treatment of DMD; the antisense oligonucleotide eteplirsen (Exondys 51) and the oral corticosteroid deflazacort (Emflaza) were approved earlier.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Jul 27;62(1603):119-20 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Corticosteroids in Community-Acquired Pneumonia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 13, 2020;  (Issue 1589)
Recently updated guidelines from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) address the use of corticosteroids as an adjunct to antimicrobials for treatment of...
Recently updated guidelines from the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) address the use of corticosteroids as an adjunct to antimicrobials for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2020 Jan 13;62(1589):7-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

OTC Drugs for Seasonal Allergies

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 22, 2019;  (Issue 1570)
Patients with seasonal allergies often experience nasal itching and congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy, watery eyes. Oral, intranasal, and ophthalmic preparations are widely available over the...
Patients with seasonal allergies often experience nasal itching and congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itchy, watery eyes. Oral, intranasal, and ophthalmic preparations are widely available over the counter (OTC) for relief of symptoms. Prescription products for management of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis are reviewed separately.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Apr 22;61(1570):57-60 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Gout

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 11, 2019;  (Issue 1567)
Drugs for gout reduce the pain and inflammation of acute flares and lower serum urate levels in order to prevent recurrent flares, development of tophi, and joint...
Drugs for gout reduce the pain and inflammation of acute flares and lower serum urate levels in order to prevent recurrent flares, development of tophi, and joint damage.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Mar 11;61(1567):33-7 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Gout (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 11, 2019;  (Issue 1567)
...
View the Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Gout
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2019 Mar 11;61(1567):e40-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Axicabtagene Ciloleucel (Yescarta) for B-Cell Lymphoma (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 16, 2018;  (Issue 1551)
The FDA has approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta – Kite) for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CD19+ large B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Yescarta is an...
The FDA has approved axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta – Kite) for treatment of adults with relapsed or refractory CD19+ large B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy. Yescarta is an individualized cellular product prepared from the patient's own T cells, which are genetically modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and then infused back into the patient. It is the second CAR T-cell immunotherapy to become available in the US. Tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah), a CAR T-cell product previously approved for treatment of relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in patients ≤25 years old, was recently also approved for relapsed or refractory CD19+ large B-cell lymphoma after ≥2 lines of systemic therapy.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jul 16;60(1551):e122-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 2018;  (Issue 1550)
Management of both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) is based on disease severity. Disease location (proctitis, left-sided colitis, or extensive colitis) also plays a role in drug selection....
Management of both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) is based on disease severity. Disease location (proctitis, left-sided colitis, or extensive colitis) also plays a role in drug selection. Some drugs for induction and maintenance of remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are listed in Table 1.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jul 2;60(1550):107-14 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 2018;  (Issue 1550)
...
View Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jul 2;60(1550):e117-22 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Table: Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 2018;  (Issue 1550)
...
View Table: Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jul 2;60(1550):e114 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Table: Drugs for Crohn's Disease (online only)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 2, 2018;  (Issue 1550)
...
View Table: Drugs for Crohn's Disease
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Jul 2;60(1550):e115 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Benralizumab (Fasenra) for Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 26, 2018;  (Issue 1541)
The FDA has approved benralizumab (Fasenra – AstraZeneca), a humanized monoclonal antibody selective for the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor, for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma in patients...
The FDA has approved benralizumab (Fasenra – AstraZeneca), a humanized monoclonal antibody selective for the interleukin-5 (IL-5) receptor, for add-on maintenance treatment of severe asthma in patients ≥12 years old with an eosinophilic phenotype. Benralizumab is the third anti-IL-5 antibody to be approved for treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma; mepolizumab (Nucala) and reslizumab (Cinqair), which target IL-5 itself, were approved earlier.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2018 Feb 26;60(1541):33-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Deflazacort (Emflaza) for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 11, 2017;  (Issue 1529)
Deflazacort (Emflaza – PTC Therapeutics), an oral corticosteroid, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients ≥5 years old. It has been available...
Deflazacort (Emflaza – PTC Therapeutics), an oral corticosteroid, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients ≥5 years old. It has been available outside the US for many years. Deflazacort is the second drug to be approved for treatment of DMD; eteplirsen (Exondys 51), an antisense oligonucleotide approved for IV administration in patients with mutations of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping (about 13% of DMD cases), was the first.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 Sep 11;59(1529):153-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Allergic Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 8, 2017;  (Issue 1520)
Allergic rhinitis can be classified as seasonal, perennial, or episodic. It is often associated with allergic conjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, and asthma. H1-ANTIHISTAMINES — Oral – Oral...
Allergic rhinitis can be classified as seasonal, perennial, or episodic. It is often associated with allergic conjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, and asthma.

H1-ANTIHISTAMINES — Oral – Oral second-generation H1-antihistamines are the preferred first-line treatment for relief of the itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea that characterize mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis. They are less effective for nasal congestion.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017 May 8;59(1520):71-82 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

ColciGel - A Homeopathic Colchicine Gel for Gout

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 4, 2016;  (Issue 1485)
Homeopathic drugs characteristically consist of very large dilutions of "proven" substances. Serial dilutions of 1:10 are designated by the Roman numeral X. ColciGel (Gensco), a prescription homeopathic gel...
Homeopathic drugs characteristically consist of very large dilutions of "proven" substances. Serial dilutions of 1:10 are designated by the Roman numeral X. ColciGel (Gensco), a prescription homeopathic gel containing a 10,000-fold dilution of colchicine (colchicinum 4X), is now being marketed for topical treatment and prophylaxis of gout.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2016 Jan 4;58(1485):5-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 22, 2014;  (Issue 1458)
For initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, most expert clinicians prescribe a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and add a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a corticosteroid to...
For initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, most expert clinicians prescribe a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) and add a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) or a corticosteroid to control symptoms. Methotrexate is generally the DMARD of choice...

DMARDs
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to achieve clinical remission, prevent irreversible damage to joints, and minimize toxicity associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. DMARDs generally do not have an immediate analgesic effect, but over time can control symptoms and have been shown to delay and possibly stop progression of the disease. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, and others) is generally the first DMARD prescribed; it can be used to treat mild, moderate, or severe RA. For mild disease, some clinicians prefer to start with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, and generics) and/or sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, and others).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Dec 22;56(1458):127-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 4, 2014;  (Issue 1448)
Aminosalicylates are effective for induction and maintenance of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. They are not recommended for treatment of Crohn's disease. FORMULATIONS — Oral mesalamine...
Aminosalicylates are effective for induction and maintenance of remission in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. They are not recommended for treatment of Crohn's disease.

FORMULATIONS — Oral mesalamine is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and most of the drug does not reach the colon. Pentasa releases mesalamine gradually throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Delzicol, Asacol HD, Lialda, and Apriso delay the release of the drug until it reaches the distal ileum and colon. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, and generics), balsalazide (Colazal, and others), and olsalazine (Dipentum) are prodrugs; mesalamine is azo-bonded to a second moiety and released in the colon following bacterial cleavage of the bond. Mesalamine is also available as an enema (Rowasa, and generics) and as a rectal suppository (Canasa).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Aug 4;56(1448):65-72 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Golimumab (Simponi) for Ulcerative Colitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 31, 2014;  (Issue 1439)
The FDA has approved golimumab (Simponi – Janssen), a fully human monoclonal antibody specific for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderate to...
The FDA has approved golimumab (Simponi – Janssen), a fully human monoclonal antibody specific for tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, for induction and maintenance of remission in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis who do not respond to or cannot tolerate other therapies or who require continuous treatment with corticosteroids. Golimumab was approved earlier for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is the third TNF inhibitor to be approved for use in ulcerative colitis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2014 Mar 31;56(1439):25-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma and COPD

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2013;  (Issue 132)
INHALATION DEVICES — Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) require coordination of inhalation with hand-actuation of the device. Valved holding chambers (VHCs) or spacers help some patients, especially young...
INHALATION DEVICES — Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) require coordination of inhalation with hand-actuation of the device. Valved holding chambers (VHCs) or spacers help some patients, especially young children and the elderly, use MDIs effectively. VHCs have one-way valves that prevent the patient from exhaling into the device, minimizing the need for coordinated actuation and inhalation. Spacers are tubes or chambers placed between the canister and a face mask or mouthpiece, which also avoids the need to coordinate actuation and inhalation. Both VHCs and spacers retain the larger particles emitted from the MDI, decreasing their deposition in the oropharynx and leading to a higher proportion of small respirable particles being inhaled.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2013 Aug;11(132):75-86 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Budesonide (Uceris) for Ulcerative Colitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 18, 2013;  (Issue 1412)
The FDA has approved a new extended-release formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide (Uceris – Santarus) for induction of remission in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative...
The FDA has approved a new extended-release formulation of the corticosteroid budesonide (Uceris – Santarus) for induction of remission in patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2013 Mar 18;55(1412):23 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Delayed-Release Prednisone (Rayos)

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 26, 2012;  (Issue 1404)
The FDA has approved a delayed-release oral formulation of prednisone (Rayos – Horizon Pharma). Rayos is not labeled for any specific indication, but the only published studies of the new product have been...
The FDA has approved a delayed-release oral formulation of prednisone (Rayos – Horizon Pharma). Rayos is not labeled for any specific indication, but the only published studies of the new product have been in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2012 Nov 26;54(1404):94 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 1, 2012;  (Issue 115)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally classified as either Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). More detailed guidelines on their treatment are available from the American College...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is generally classified as either Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). More detailed guidelines on their treatment are available from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Mar;10(115):19-28 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2012;  (Issue 114)
Inhalation is the preferred route of delivery for most asthma drugs. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have ozone-depleting properties, are being phased out as propellants in metered-dose inhalers....
Inhalation is the preferred route of delivery for most asthma drugs. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which have ozone-depleting properties, are being phased out as propellants in metered-dose inhalers. Non-chlorinated hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants, which do not deplete the ozone layer, are being used instead.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2012 Feb;10(114):11-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tesamorelin (Egrifta) for HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 2, 2011;  (Issue 1363)
The FDA has approved tesamorelin (Egrifta – EMD Serono), an injectable synthetic analog of growth-hormone- releasing factor (GRF), for reduction of excess abdominal fat in patients with lipodystrophy...
The FDA has approved tesamorelin (Egrifta – EMD Serono), an injectable synthetic analog of growth-hormone- releasing factor (GRF), for reduction of excess abdominal fat in patients with lipodystrophy associated with HIV infection. Growth hormone (somatropin – Serostim; EMD Serono) has been available for years for treatment of HIV wasting.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2011 May 2;53(1363):34-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Vigabatrin (Sabril) for Epilepsy

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 22, 2010;  (Issue 1332)
The FDA has approved vigabatrin (vye gá ba trin; Sabril – Lundbeck) for oral use as add-on therapy for complex partial seizures in adults who are refractory to several antiepileptic drugs and as monotherapy...
The FDA has approved vigabatrin (vye gá ba trin; Sabril – Lundbeck) for oral use as add-on therapy for complex partial seizures in adults who are refractory to several antiepileptic drugs and as monotherapy for infantile spasms. Vigabatrin has been available in other countries for many years. Because of its potential for retinal toxicity, it will be available in the US only through a restricted distribution program called SHARE (Support, Help and Resources for Epilepsy). Prescribers and pharmacists distributing the drug must register, and patients must undergo visual field testing.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2010 Feb 22;52(1332):14-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 1, 2009;  (Issue 85)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Drug selection is guided by disease type (Crohn's versus ulcerative colitis), severity and location and whether the goal is...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Drug selection is guided by disease type (Crohn's versus ulcerative colitis), severity and location and whether the goal is induction or maintenance of remission. Table 1 on page 66 lists the drugs used to treat IBD with their formulations and cost. Table 2 on page 68 lists the drugs of choice and their doses for different indications. Table 3 on page 71 lists the drugs' adverse effects and recommendations for monitoring. More detailed guidelines are available from the American College of Gastroenterology.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 Sep;7(85):65-74 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2009;  (Issue 81)
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal...
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2009 May;7(81):37-46 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 15, 2008;  (Issue 1301)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment could also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.

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Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Dec 15;50(1301):100-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2008;  (Issue 76)
No truly new drugs have been approved for treatment of asthma since omalizumab (Xolair) in 2003, but some randomized controlled trials of older drugs have been published, and new guidelines have become...
No truly new drugs have been approved for treatment of asthma since omalizumab (Xolair) in 2003, but some randomized controlled trials of older drugs have been published, and new guidelines have become available.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2008 Dec;6(76):83-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Ciclesonide (Alvesco) - A New Inhaled Corticosteroid for Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 22, 2008;  (Issue 1295)
The FDA has approved the marketing of the corticosteroid ciclesonide (Alvesco - Sepracor) in a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) metered-dose inhaler formulation for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients >12 years...
The FDA has approved the marketing of the corticosteroid ciclesonide (Alvesco - Sepracor) in a hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) metered-dose inhaler formulation for maintenance treatment of asthma in patients >12 years old. Ciclesonide is also available in the US as a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis (Omnaris), and has been available for asthma in Europe since 2003.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2008 Sep 22;50(1295):75-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Allergic Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 1, 2007;  (Issue 60)
Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis and asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2005; 3:33 and not included here), are prevalent worldwide, especially in...
Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria, anaphylaxis and asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2005; 3:33 and not included here), are prevalent worldwide, especially in industrialized countries. Pharmacologic treatment of these disorders continues to improve in efficacy and safety. In addition to using drugs to prevent and control the symptoms of their allergic diseases, patients should also be instructed to avoid, if possible, specific allergens and/or environmental conditions that trigger or worsen their symptoms.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2007 Aug;5(60):71-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Nelarabine (Arranon) for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 13, 2006;  (Issue 1228)
Nelarabine (Arranon - GlaxoSmithKline), a prodrug of the deoxyguanosine analog 9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic...
Nelarabine (Arranon - GlaxoSmithKline), a prodrug of the deoxyguanosine analog 9-β-D-arabinofuranosylguanine (ara-G), has been approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) that has not responded to, or has relapsed following, treatment with at least two chemotherapy regimens.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2006 Feb 13;48(1228):14-5 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 1, 2005;  (Issue 40)
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used...
To prevent irreversible damage to joints and minimize toxicities associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The DMARDs listed in the table on page 84 have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and have been shown to delay and possibly stop progression of the disease. The NSAIDs listed in the table on page 88 have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Oral corticosteroids can rapidly relieve joint symptoms and control systemic manifestations, but their chronic use is associated with many complications.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 Dec;3(40):83-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2005;  (Issue 33)
Patients with mild, infrequent asthma symptoms may require only intermittent, asneeded use of an inhaled short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist. Use of a short-acting beta2-agonist more than twice weekly, other...
Patients with mild, infrequent asthma symptoms may require only intermittent, asneeded use of an inhaled short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist. Use of a short-acting beta2-agonist more than twice weekly, other than for exercise-induced bronchospasm, indicates a need for anti-inflammatory treatment. Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective anti-inflammatory medication; leukotriene modifiers are less effective alternatives. If regular use of an inhaled corticosteroid in a low dose does not prevent symptoms, a long-acting beta2-agonist should be added; addition of a second drug is more effective than raising the dose of the inhaled steroid. A leukotriene modifier can also be used as the second drug. Omalizumab may be considered as adjunctive therapy for patients more than 12 years old who have allergic asthma not controlled by other drugs. A short course of oral corticosteroids may be useful for acute exacerbations. Treatment of acute severe asthma as a medical emergency is not included here; it has been reviewed elsewhere (ER McFadden Jr, Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2003; 168:740).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2005 May;3(33):33-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Allergic Disorders

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 1, 2003;  (Issue 15)
Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and anaphylaxis, along with asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2002; 1:7 and not included here), have increased in prevalence...
Allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and anaphylaxis, along with asthma (reviewed in Treatment Guidelines 2002; 1:7 and not included here), have increased in prevalence during the past 30 years and are now epidemic worldwide, especially in industrialized countries. Many safe and effective drugs are currently available for prevention and relief of symptoms in these disorders, but pharmacological treatment alone may not be sufficient. Patients should also be instructed to avoid specific allergens or environmental conditions that trigger their symptoms. Allergen-specific immunotherapy, parenteral administration of gradually increasing doses of the allergen ("allergy shots"), has been effective in allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic asthma, and also in prevention of anaphylaxis triggered by stings from bees, yellow jackets, hornets and wasps. It has not been effective in food allergy, atopic dermatitis or urticaria.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Nov;1(15):93-100 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2003;  (Issue 5)
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect...
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), listed in the table on page 26, have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. Corticosteroids can provide rapid relief of joint symptoms and control of systemic manifestations, but chronic use is associated with many complications. The "disease-modifying" anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), listed on page 29, have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and may delay progression of the disease (American College of Rheumatology Subcommittee on Rheumatoid Arthritis Guidelines, Arthritis Rheum 2002; 46:328). Interactions of anti-rheumatic drugs with other drugs are listed in The Medical Letter Handbook of Adverse Drug Interactions, 2003.
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2003 Jan;1(5):25-32 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for Asthma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 1, 2002;  (Issue 2)
New drug formulations continue to be introduced for the treatment of asthma, and new studies on older drugs continue to change our perspectives on the management of this chronic inflammatory disease. Treatment...
New drug formulations continue to be introduced for the treatment of asthma, and new studies on older drugs continue to change our perspectives on the management of this chronic inflammatory disease. Treatment of asthma in the emergency department or hospital is not addressed here. More information on the diagnosis and treatment of asthma is available from Expert Panel Report 2: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (Bethesda:NIH, 1997 and 2002 update; www.nhlbi.nih.gov).
Treat Guidel Med Lett. 2002 Oct;0(2):7-12 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs That May Cause Psychiatric Symptoms

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 8, 2002;  (Issue 1134)
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously...
Many drugs can cause psychiatric symptoms, but a causal connection is often difficult to establish. Psychiatric symptoms that emerge during drug treatment may also be due to the underlying illness, previously unrecognized psychopathology, or psychosocial factors. The withdrawal of some drugs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, psychosis, delirium, agitation or depression.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2002 Jul 8;44(1134):59-62 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs For Rheumatoid Arthritis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 10, 2000;  (Issue 1082)
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. The...
Many different drugs are now used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, but may not affect the disease process. The "disease-modifying anti-rheumatic"drugs (DMARDs) have no immediate analgesic effects, but can control symptoms and may delay progression of the disease.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2000 Jul 10;42(1082):57-64 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Rituximab for Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 19, 1998;  (Issue 1029)
Rituximab (Rituxan - IDEC Pharmaceutical/Genentech), a monoclonal antibody, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most low-grade lymphomas are B-cell...
Rituximab (Rituxan - IDEC Pharmaceutical/Genentech), a monoclonal antibody, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most low-grade lymphomas are B-cell lymphomas.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1998 Jun 19;40(1029):65-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Immune Globulin IV for Prevention of RH Isoimmunization and for Treatment of ITP

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 19, 1996;  (Issue 966)
immune globulin (human) has been available for many years in an intramuscular (IM) formulation for prevention of Rh isoimmunization in pregnant Rh-negative women (Medical Letter, 16:3, 1974). Recently, the US...
immune globulin (human) has been available for many years in an intramuscular (IM) formulation for prevention of Rh isoimmunization in pregnant Rh-negative women (Medical Letter, 16:3, 1974). Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first intravenous (IV) immune globulin preparation (WinRho SD - Univax), not only for preventing Rh isoimmunization, but also for treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in Rh-positive patients.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1996 Jan 19;38(966):6-8 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for AIDS and Associated Infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 1995;  (Issue 959)
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendation for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with...
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendation for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associated with AIDS.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Oct 13;37(959):87-94 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Pegaspargase for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 17, 1995;  (Issue 944)
Pegaspargase (peg as par jase; PEG-L-asparaginase; Oncaspar - Rh ne-Poulenc Rorer), a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate of L-asparaginase, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for...
Pegaspargase (peg as par jase; PEG-L-asparaginase; Oncaspar - Rh ne-Poulenc Rorer), a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate of L-asparaginase, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common malignancy of childhood. The new drug is recommended only for patients who have had allergic reactions to asparaginase. Asparaginase is available commercially as Elspar, which is derived from Escherichia coli. A formulation derived from Erwinia chrysanthemi is available on an investigational basis (Ogden Bioservices, 301-762-0069). Some patients who have had allergic reactions to E. coli asparaginase can tolerate Erwinia asparaginase.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1995 Mar 17;37(944):23-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Tacrolimus FK506 Organ Transplants

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 16, 1994;  (Issue 931)
Tacrolimus (Prograf - Fujisawa), previously called FK506 (Medical Letter, 33:94, 1991), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for primary prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving...
Tacrolimus (Prograf - Fujisawa), previously called FK506 (Medical Letter, 33:94, 1991), has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for primary prevention of organ rejection in patients receiving liver transplants. The drug has also been used as rescue therapy for organ graft rejection unresponsive to cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and other immunosuppressive drugs.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1994 Sep 16;36(931):82-3 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs for AIDS and Associated infections

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 3, 1993;  (Issue 904)
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendations for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associted with...
Results of recently completed clinical trials have led to some changes in recommendations for treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other infections associted with AIDS.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1993 Sep 3;35(904):79-86 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Teniposide for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 13, 1992;  (Issue 883)
Teniposide (ten i poe' side; VM 26; Vumon - Bristol), an anticancer drug that has been under investigation in the USA for 20 years, has now been approved for use in combination induction treatment of...
Teniposide (ten i poe' side; VM 26; Vumon - Bristol), an anticancer drug that has been under investigation in the USA for 20 years, has now been approved for use in combination induction treatment of refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in children. A semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, teniposide is chemically related to etoposide (VePesid - Medical Letter, 26:48, 1984).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 Nov 13;34(883):105-6 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Bone Marrow Transplants for Malignant Diseases

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 21, 1992;  (Issue 877)
Intensive chemotherapy, with or without total body radiation, followed by bone marrow transplantation is now widely used in the treatment of malignant diseases. The drugs and radiation needed to try to...
Intensive chemotherapy, with or without total body radiation, followed by bone marrow transplantation is now widely used in the treatment of malignant diseases. The drugs and radiation needed to try to eradicate the malignancy unavoidably destroy the bone marrow; intravenous infusion of bone marrow cells restores the marrow by repopulating it. Diseases for which bone marrow transplantation has been used include the leukemias and lymphomas, breast cancer, neuroblastoma, ovarian cancer, germ cell tumors, melanoma, multiple myeloma, and malignant gliomas (NC Gorin, Am J Clin On-col, 14 suppl 1:S5, 1991; Medical Letter, 33:39, 1991; G Gahrton et al, N Engl J Med, 325:1267, 1991).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1992 Aug 21;34(877):79-80 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Drugs For Treatment of Peptic Ulcers

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 29, 1991;  (Issue 858)
Drugs that accelerate healing and prevent relapse or reurrence of peptic ulcers act either by decreasing gastric acidity or by enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms. Risk factors that may cause breakdown of...
Drugs that accelerate healing and prevent relapse or reurrence of peptic ulcers act either by decreasing gastric acidity or by enhancing mucosal defense mechanisms. Risk factors that may cause breakdown of mucosal defenses include the use of aspirinor other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the presence of Helicobacter pylori bacterial in the gastric antrum (AH Soll, Engl J Med, 322:909, 1990; WL Peterson, N Engl J Med, 324:1043, 1991).
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Nov 29;33(858):111-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Fludarabine

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 20, 1991;  (Issue 853)
Fludarabine phosphate (Fludara - Berlex), an analog of vidarabine (Vira-A), was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic...
Fludarabine phosphate (Fludara - Berlex), an analog of vidarabine (Vira-A), was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The drug has not yet been marketed but is still available, as it has been for two years, through the National Cancer Institute.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1991 Sep 20;33(853):89-90 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction

Mesalamine For Ulcerative Colitis

   
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 20, 1988;  (Issue 766)
Mesalamine (Rowasa - Reid-Rowell), probably better known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and also called mesalazine in some other countries, was recently marketed in the USA as an enema for treatment of mild...
Mesalamine (Rowasa - Reid-Rowell), probably better known as 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and also called mesalazine in some other countries, was recently marketed in the USA as an enema for treatment of mild to moderate distal ulcerative colitis, including ulcerative proctosigmoiditis and ulcerative proctitis.
Med Lett Drugs Ther. 1988 May 20;30(766):53-4 | Show Full IntroductionHide Full Introduction