Recent News
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Another Fentanyl Recall (Actavis and Abrika) Fentanyl patches were recalled for the second time in a week because of a problem that could cause patients or caregivers to overdose on the potent drug inside.
Sold in the United States by Actavis South Atlantic, the newly recalled patches have both this name and the company's former name, Abrika Pharmaceuticals, on their packaging. The old name is on the pouches that contain the patches and the new name is on the outer carton.
This recall includes 25-microgram-per-hour, 50-microgram-per-hour, 75 microgram-per-hour and 100 microgram-per-hour patches with expiration dates of May through August 2009.
What's wrong with the patches?
Several of the patches may have a defect that can cause them to leak. This would put both patients and caregivers at risk of coming into direct contact with the powerful drug inside the patch. This could result in difficulty breathing and a potentially fatal overdose.
February 15, 2008
Vytorin: Depression Added as a Side Effect The FDA has approved a change in the product labels for cholesterol drugs Vytorin and Zetia, adding depression as a possible side effect of the drug.
In letters to the drugs' co-marketers, Schering-Plough Corp. (SGP) and Merck & Co. (MRK), the FDA said depression would be added to the section of the drugs' package insert concerning adverse reactions in post-marketing experience. The new language also will be included in a section of the patient package inserts listing possible side effects of the drugs.
Vytorin is a combination of Zetia and simvastatin. Simvastatin is available generically and is marketed by Merck under the brand Zocor.