(from Drug News Weekly) 

The FDA has made the following approvals:

• Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate/vilanterol) inhalation powder for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. It is also approved to reduce exacerbations of COPD in patients with a history of exacerbations.
• Liptruzet (ezetimibe/atorvastatin) as an adjunct to diet for the treatment of high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary or mixed hyperlipidemia.
• Actemra (tocilizumab) injection for the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years and older.

The FDA has notified health care providers that the use of the incorrect generic name for Kadcyla (ado-trastuzumab emtansine) in some medication-related electronic systems poses a risk of confusion with Herceptin (trastuzumab), resulting in potential medication errors and harm to patients due to different dosing and treatment schedules.

The FDA is adding a new Black Box Warning for Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) concerning an increased risk of stroke when discontinuing use in patients without adequate continuous anticoagulation.

The FDA is advising health care providers that valproate sodium and related products valproic acid and divalproex sodium are contraindicated in pregnant women for the prevention of migraine headaches.

In the March 2013 issue of Nurse Advise-ERR, ISMP gives the following recommendations to avoid errors when switching from insulin pens to insulin vials in the hospital:

• Alert staff to the upcoming change and re-educate regarding proper medication preparation and administration.
• When possible, have pharmacy prepare and dispense insulin doses. For rapid-acting insulin dosing, have pharmacy dispense a vial (preferably 3 mL) for specific patient.
• Stock the smallest vials to help avoid any catastrophic dosing errors.
• Stock appropriate syringes.
• Label all vials and syringes.
• Don’t leave insulin vials on counters or on top of medication carts; return them to the appropriate storage location.
• Anticipate and address problems that may arise with this transition.