Matching articles for "Neoral"
Bimekizumab (Bimzelx) for Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 22, 2024; (Issue 1694)
The FDA has approved the injectable interleukin (IL)-17A/17F antagonist bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx
– UCB) for treatment of moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis in adults who are candidates for...
The FDA has approved the injectable interleukin (IL)-17A/17F antagonist bimekizumab-bkzx (Bimzelx
– UCB) for treatment of moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic
treatment or phototherapy. Bimekizumab is the first
IL-17A/17F antagonist to be approved in the US. It
was approved in the European Union for the same
indication in 2021.
Deucravacitinib (Sotyktu) for Plaque Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 20, 2023; (Issue 1670)
The FDA has approved deucravacitinib (Sotyktu –
BMS), an oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, for
once-daily treatment of moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis in adults who are candidates for...
The FDA has approved deucravacitinib (Sotyktu –
BMS), an oral tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, for
once-daily treatment of moderate to severe plaque
psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systemic
therapy or phototherapy. Deucravacitinib is the first
selective TYK2 inhibitor to be approved in the US for
any indication.
Voclosporin (Lupkynis) for Lupus Nephritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 23, 2021; (Issue 1631)
Voclosporin (Lupkynis – Aurinia), an oral calcineurin
inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for use
in combination with the antimetabolite immunosuppressant
mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept,...
Voclosporin (Lupkynis – Aurinia), an oral calcineurin
inhibitor, has been approved by the FDA for use
in combination with the antimetabolite immunosuppressant
mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept, and
generics) and a corticosteroid for treatment of adults
with active lupus nephritis. It is the first calcineurin
inhibitor to be approved in the US for this indication.
Tacrolimus (Prograf, and others) and cyclosporine
(Neoral, and others), the other available systemic
calcineurin inhibitors, are approved for prophylaxis of
organ rejection in transplant patients.
Drugs for Atopic Dermatitis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 15, 2020; (Issue 1600)
Atopic dermatitis (AD; also known as eczema) is
frequently associated with other atopic disorders
such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy. It
commonly presents in infancy and early childhood
and...
Atopic dermatitis (AD; also known as eczema) is
frequently associated with other atopic disorders
such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, and food allergy. It
commonly presents in infancy and early childhood
and has a relapsing course, often improving by
adolescence, but sometimes persisting into (or first
appearing in) adulthood or even old age.
Drugs for Psoriatic Arthritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • December 30, 2019; (Issue 1588)
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory
arthropathy associated with psoriasis. A recent review
found that about 20% of patients with psoriasis have
psoriatic arthritis. Updated guidelines for...
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory
arthropathy associated with psoriasis. A recent review
found that about 20% of patients with psoriasis have
psoriatic arthritis. Updated guidelines for treatment
of psoriatic arthritis have recently been published.
Drugs for Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 17, 2019; (Issue 1574)
Mild to moderate psoriasis can be treated with topical
drugs or with phototherapy. Patients with moderate to
severe disease generally require systemic...
Mild to moderate psoriasis can be treated with topical
drugs or with phototherapy. Patients with moderate to
severe disease generally require systemic therapy.
Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Psoriasis (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 17, 2019; (Issue 1574)
...
View the Expanded Table: Some Drugs for Psoriasis
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 30, 2018; (Issue 1552)
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
are used for initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) to achieve clinical remission and prevent
irreversible joint damage (see Table 1). DMARDs
generally...
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
are used for initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
(RA) to achieve clinical remission and prevent
irreversible joint damage (see Table 1). DMARDs
generally do not have an immediate analgesic effect,
but over time they can control symptoms and have
been shown to delay and possibly stop progression
of the disease. Methotrexate (Trexall, and others)
is generally the drug of choice; it can be used for
patients with low, moderate, or high disease activity.
For mild disease, some clinicians prefer to start with
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, and generics) and/or
sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, and others).
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.
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.
Drugs for Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2015; (Issue 1470)
Mild to moderate psoriasis is generally treated with
topical corticosteroids. Vitamin D analogs and tazarotene
are topical alternatives that can be used in combination
with topical corticosteroids....
Mild to moderate psoriasis is generally treated with
topical corticosteroids. Vitamin D analogs and tazarotene
are topical alternatives that can be used in combination
with topical corticosteroids. Phototherapy and systemic
therapy, including biologic agents, are recommended for
patients with moderate to severe disease.
Drugs for Psoriatic Arthritis (online only)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2015; (Issue 1470)
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy
that develops in up to 40% of patients with
psoriasis. Several guidelines for treatment of psoriatic
arthritis have been...
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthropathy
that develops in up to 40% of patients with
psoriasis. Several guidelines for treatment of psoriatic
arthritis have been published.
Secukinumab (Cosentyx) for Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • March 30, 2015; (Issue 1465)
Secukinumab (Cosentyx – Novartis), an injectable
human interleukin (IL)-17A antagonist, has been
approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to
severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who...
Secukinumab (Cosentyx – Novartis), an injectable
human interleukin (IL)-17A antagonist, has been
approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate to
severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are
candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
It is the first IL-17 inhibitor to be approved for any
indication in the US.
Drugs for Lipids
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2014; (Issue 137)
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit
the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in
cholesterol synthesis. The subsequent reduction in
hepatic cholesterol leads to increased expression of
LDL...
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit
the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in
cholesterol synthesis. The subsequent reduction in
hepatic cholesterol leads to increased expression of
LDL receptors, which in turn increases uptake and
clearance of LDL-C from the blood. Statins also lower
very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C)
and triglycerides. Most statins increase high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), but only modestly.
Drugs for Acne, Rosacea and Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 1, 2013; (Issue 125)
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria...
The pathogenesis of acne is multifactorial: follicular
hyperkeratinization, bacteria, sebum production,
androgens, and inflammation all play a role. The gram-positive
microaerophilic bacteria Propionibacterium
acnes promote development of acne lesions by secreting
chemotactic factors that attract leukocytes to the
follicle, causing inflammation.
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 1, 2012; (Issue 117)
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
are now used early in the treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) to achieve clinical remission, prevent
irreversible damage to joints, and minimize...
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
are now 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 (Table 1)
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. NSAIDs have immediate analgesic and antiinflammatory
effects, but may not affect the disease
process. Oral corticosteroids can relieve joint symptoms
and control systemic manifestations, but their
chronic use can cause many complications. Judicious
use of intra-articular corticosteroids can rapidly
decrease inflammation in acute joints with few, if any,
adverse effects.
New Simvastatin Dosing Recommendations
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 8, 2011; (Issue 1370)
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or...
The FDA has announced changes in the labeling of simvastatin to reduce the risk of myopathy. These changes include limiting the use of the 80-mg maximum dose to patients who have been taking it for 12 months or more without evidence of myopathy and new recommendations for use of simvastatin with other drugs. Simvastatin is available alone (Zocor, and others) and in combination with ezetimibe (Vytorin) and with niacin (Simcor).
Colchicine and Other Drugs for Gout
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009; (Issue 1326)
Until the recent introduction of febuxostat (Uloric), no new drugs had been marketed for treatment of gout in the past 40 years. Colchicine, which has been available for decades as an unapproved drug, has now...
Until the recent introduction of febuxostat (Uloric), no new drugs had been marketed for treatment of gout in the past 40 years. Colchicine, which has been available for decades as an unapproved drug, has now been approved by the FDA (Colcrys) for treatment and prophylaxis of gout flares. It was approved earlier only in combination with probenecid (Colbenemid, and others). The goals of gout treatment are three-fold: treating acute disease, preventing flares and reducing uric acid stores.
Aliskiren/Valsartan (Valturna) for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009; (Issue 1326)
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment...
The FDA has approved the use of aliskiren (Tekturna), a direct renin inhibitor, with valsartan (Diovan), an angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), in a fixed-dose combination as Valturna (Novartis) for treatment of hypertension in patients already taking both drugs or not adequately controlled on monotherapy, and as initial therapy in those likely to need multiple drugs to control their blood pressure.
Tolvaptan (Samsca) for Hyponatremia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 30, 2009; (Issue 1326)
The FDA has approved the marketing of tolvaptan (Samsca - Otsuka), an oral vasopressin receptor antagonist, for treatment of hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia due to congestive heart failure (CHF),...
The FDA has approved the marketing of tolvaptan (Samsca - Otsuka), an oral vasopressin receptor antagonist, for treatment of hypervolemic or euvolemic hyponatremia due to congestive heart failure (CHF), cirrhosis or the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). A similar drug, conivaptan (Vaprisol) is already available for intravenous (IV) treatment of euvolemic hyponatremia in hospitalized patients. Tolvaptan was approved by the FDA for both inpatient and outpatient use, but it should be started in a hospital.
Fenofibric Acid (Trilipix)
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 4, 2009; (Issue 1311)
The FDA has approved the marketing of fenofibric acid (Trilipix - Abbott) to reduce triglycerides and increase HDL-C in patients with mixed dyslipidemia on optimal doses of a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor...
The FDA has approved the marketing of fenofibric acid (Trilipix - Abbott) to reduce triglycerides and increase HDL-C in patients with mixed dyslipidemia on optimal doses of a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) who have, or have risk factors for, coronary heart disease. It is the first fibrate approved by the FDA specifically for combined use with a statin. Trilipix is also approved as monotherapy for hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-C. The patent for Tricor, Abbott's older formulation of fenofibrate, will expire in 2011.
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.
Silodosin (Rapaflo) for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 12, 2009; (Issue 1303)
Silodosin (Rapaflo - Watson Pharmaceuticals), an alpha1a-adrenoreceptor selective antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some medications for BPH are...
Silodosin (Rapaflo - Watson Pharmaceuticals), an alpha1a-adrenoreceptor selective antagonist, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some medications for BPH are listed in the table on page 4. Alpha1 blockers are commonly used with 5a-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride, which can shrink the size of the prostate, but may take months to do so.
Drug Interactions with Simvastatin
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 20, 2008; (Issue 1297)
A recent letter to the editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine documented a single case of myopathy apparently due to an interaction between simvastatin (Zocor, and others) and green tea. Since it became...
A recent letter to the editor of the Annals of Internal Medicine documented a single case of myopathy apparently due to an interaction between simvastatin (Zocor, and others) and green tea. Since it became available generically, simvastatin has surpassed atorvastatin (Lipitor) as the best selling statin. As such, it is probably the most common cause of statin-induced myopathy, which is often a result of drug interactions.
Aliskiren/Hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT) for Hypertension
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 25, 2008; (Issue 1293)
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT -...
Aliskiren (Tekturna - Novartis), the first direct renin inhibitor for treatment of hypertension, has been approved for use in a fixed-dose combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (Tekturna HCT - Novartis). Many angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are also available in fixed-dose combinations with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).
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.
CYP3A and Drug Interactions
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • July 4, 2005; (Issue 1212)
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the...
Serious adverse interactions between drugs continue to be reported. Many of these are due to inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly CYP3A4. CYP3A is thought to be involved in the metabolism of more than 50 percent of currently prescribed drugs.2 CYP3A4, which is more abundantly expressed than CYP3A5, accounts for most CYP3A activity in vivo.
Micafungin (Mycamine) for Fungal Infections
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 20, 2005; (Issue 1211)
Micafungin sodium (Mycamine - Astellas), the second echinocandin antifungal to become available in the US, has been approved by the FDA for intravenous treatment of esophageal candidiasis and prophylaxis of...
Micafungin sodium (Mycamine - Astellas), the second echinocandin antifungal to become available in the US, has been approved by the FDA for intravenous treatment of esophageal candidiasis and prophylaxis of invasive Candida infections in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
Antifungal Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 1, 2005; (Issue 30)
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the table that begins on page 8. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the...
The drugs of choice for treatment of some fungal infections are listed in the table that begins on page 8. Some of the indications and dosages recommended here have not been approved by the FDA.
Drug Interactions with Grapefruit Juice
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • January 5, 2004; (Issue 1173)
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice...
The ability of grapefruit juice to increase serum concentrations of drugs was first discovered during a study of the effect of ethanol on felodipine (Plendil) pharmacokinetics. Double-strength grapefruit juice used to disguise the taste of ethanol resulted in higher than expected serum concentrations of felodipine (DG Bailey et al, Clin Invest Med 1989; 12:357).
Rosuvastatin - a New Lipid-lowering Drug
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • October 13, 2003; (Issue 1167)
Rosuvastatin (Crestor - AstraZeneca), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), was recently approved by the FDA for lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and raising HDL cholesterol...
Rosuvastatin (Crestor - AstraZeneca), an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (or "statin"), was recently approved by the FDA for lowering serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Rosuvastatin, like other statins, inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, but it is claimed to be more potent than the others. All of these drugs must be taken indefinitely; if they are discontinued, lipid levels return to baseline.
Drug Interactions
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • June 8, 2003; (Issue 1158)
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug...
Changes caused by one drug in the absorption, distribution, metabolism or excretion of another may lead to a pharmacokinetic adverse drug interaction (DN Juurlink et al, JAMA 2003; 289:1652). Additive drug interactions, such as vasodilation caused by both sildenafil (Viagra) and nitrates, can also have adverse effects.
Alefacept (Amevive) For Treatment of Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • April 14, 2003; (Issue 1154)
Alefacept (a le' fa sept; Amevive - Biogen) has been approved by the FDA for parenteral treatment of adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque...
Alefacept (a le' fa sept; Amevive - Biogen) has been approved by the FDA for parenteral treatment of adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
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.
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.
Sirolimus (Rapamune) for Transplant Rejection
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • February 7, 2000; (Issue 1071)
Sirolimus, whlch is structurally related to tacrolimus, has been approved by the FDA for prevention of acute renal transplant rejection. The manufacturer recommends that sirolimus be taken with cyclosporine and...
Sirolimus, whlch is structurally related to tacrolimus, has been approved by the FDA for prevention of acute renal transplant rejection. The manufacturer recommends that sirolimus be taken with cyclosporine and corticosteroids.
Generic drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • May 21, 1999; (Issue 1053)
When patents expire on brand-name drugs, generic formulations become available that often cost much less. Some physicians, however, hesitate to prescribe the less expensive drug because of concerns about the...
When patents expire on brand-name drugs, generic formulations become available that often cost much less. Some physicians, however, hesitate to prescribe the less expensive drug because of concerns about the quality of generic formulations.
New Monoclonal Antibodies to Prevent Transplant Rejection
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 25, 1998; (Issue 1036)
Basiliximab (Simulect - Novartis) and daclizumab (Zenapax - Roche), two mouse/human monoclonal antibodies that block the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on Tlymphocytes, have been approved by the FDA for use in...
Basiliximab (Simulect - Novartis) and daclizumab (Zenapax - Roche), two mouse/human monoclonal antibodies that block the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor on Tlymphocytes, have been approved by the FDA for use in the prevention of acute renal transplant rejection. Both drugs are used with cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral) and corticosteroids. An all-murine anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone OKT3), has been available in the USA for many years for treatment of transplant rejection, and has also been used with some success for prophylaxis (MI Wilde and KL Goa, Drugs, 51:865, 1996).
Two New Retinoids for Psoriasis
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • November 7, 1997; (Issue 1013)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new retinoids for treatment of psoriasis. Tazarotene gel 0.05% and 0.1% (Tazorac - Allergan) is being marketed for topical use in patients with...
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new retinoids for treatment of psoriasis. Tazarotene gel 0.05% and 0.1% (Tazorac - Allergan) is being marketed for topical use in patients with stable, mild to moderate plaque psoriasis. Acitretin (Soriatane - Roche) is being promoted for systemic use in severe psoriasis.
Mycophenolate Mofetil - A New Immunosuppressant for Organ Transplantation
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • September 29, 1995; (Issue 958)
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept - Roche) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral use in preventing organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal transplants. It is being...
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept - Roche) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for oral use in preventing organ rejection in patients receiving allogeneic renal transplants. It is being promoted as an improvement over azathioprine (Imuran) for concurrent use with cyclosporine (Sandimmune; Neoral) and corticosteroids.
Grapefruit Juice Interactions With Drugs
The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics • August 18, 1995; (Issue 955)
In a study of the interaction between alcohol and the calcium-channel blocker felodipine (Plendil), the grapefruit juice vehicle for the alcohol appeared to increase felodipine plasma concentrations....
In a study of the interaction between alcohol and the calcium-channel blocker felodipine (Plendil), the grapefruit juice vehicle for the alcohol appeared to increase felodipine plasma concentrations. Subsequent studies have found that grapefruit juice increases plasma concentrations of several calcium-channel blockers and of some other drugs as well (DG Bailey et al, Clin Pharmacokinet, 26:91, 1994).