I recently had the pleasure of reviewing a fascinating book, Miracle Medicines, written by Robert Shook. Coming from my managed care background, I expected another biased and colorful account of the history of the seven pharmaceutical companies and their respective drugs that they developed and released. These companies and the drugs have truly changed the [...]

Continue reading " A Drug’s Journey: From Theory to Delivery "

In this preliminary study of a two-state region, we found that physicians were taking the initiative to counsel their patients about Medicare Part D, despite the fact that they did not perceive this function to be their responsibility. Their actions, in turn, might have demonstrated a significant aspect of professionalism Q.e., altruism), because physicians were [...]

Continue reading " Physician-Patient Communication Concerning Medicare Part D: DISCUSSION "

Survey Response
The overall response rate, including two surveys completed over the telephone, was 48% (257 of 537). Of the 625 surveys mailed (excluding pediatricians), one was returned from a non-physician; 70 other addresses were deleted from the denominator (624) because correct addresses or phone numbers were not available (the physicians could not be contacted). We [...]

Continue reading " Physician-Patient Communication Concerning Medicare Part D: RESULTS "

Study Sample
A packet consisting of a survey instrument, a cover letter, and a postage-paid return envelope without any financial or other incentive was mailed to a random sample of 690 physicians (625 excluding pediatricians) who were listed as members of the Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) (n = 460; 418 excluding pediatricians) or the North Dakota [...]

Continue reading " Physician-Patient Communication Concerning Medicare Part D: METHODS "

The Medicare drug benefit, introduced in 2006, is one of the largest changes in prescription coverage to ever take place in the U.S. The Part D benefit is enormously complex, and that complexity has implications for patients and physicians as well as policymakers.

Continue reading " Physician-Patient Communication Concerning Medicare Part D: INTRODUCTION "

ABSTRACT
Background: The Medicare Part D program represents one of the largest changes in drug delivery to senior citizens in the U.S.; however, little is currently known regarding physician-patient communication about Part D.

Continue reading " Physician-Patient Communication Concerning Medicare Part D "

In clinical trials, a total of 578 patients received selegiline medication ODT. The most common adverse drug events reported, compared with placebo, were dizziness, nausea, pain, headache, insomnia, rhinitis, dyskinesia, back pain, stomatitis, and dyspepsia. Side effects that prompted discontinuation of therapy included dizziness, chest pain, accidental injury, and myasthenia.

Continue reading " Selegiline Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Zelapar): ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS "