Federal Bill to Curb Pharmacist Control
Several states are currently deliberating legislation concerning pharmacists who refuse to fill prescriptions for drugs to which they have religious or moral objections. For example, there are several recent reports of women being denied prescription birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills (the morning after pill), due to the fact that both prevent the implantation of a fertilized egg, which some consider an abortion.
In response to these efforts, the federal government has introduced the "Access to Legal Pharmaceuticals Act". This act would prohibit pharmacists from hindering an individual's efforts to order or fill a valid prescription. Pharmacists also cannot bar the transfer of a prescription to another pharmacy or refuse to return the prescription to the patient. The act would not force individual pharmacists to personally dispense drugs to which they are opposed. However, it would force the pharmacies for which they work to have another pharmacist dispense such medications, as well as promptly reorder those that are out-of-stock.
Shift in Teen Substance Experimentation
According to an annual survey on teen drug use, 2004 marked significant changes in patterns of experimentation. Previous surveys revealed that the most popular substances abused by teens were illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine (including crack), LSD, and ecstasy. However, results of the 2004 survey showed that teens experimented with prescription drugs more than ever before.
The most popular substance in 2004 was Vicodin, used by 18% of the participants. Ten percent reported that they had used OxyContin, Ritalin, and Adderall. Forty-eight percent of those surveyed considered themselves "at high risk" for experimentation with prescription drugs. It is believed that this is mostly due to easy access to these medications-they are frequently in medicine cabinets in the home or at a friend's house.
Although marijuana is still the recreational drug choice of most teens, its usage has decreased in the past 6 years, from 42% to 37%. Ecstasy use decreased from 12% to 9% and methamphetamine use decreased from 12% to 8%.
Easier Treatment for Multiple Myeloma
An Italian study has recently found that the combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone (Thal-Dex) leads to more remissions in patients with multiple myeloma than the normally used combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (VAD). Both treatment options are indicated for pre-stem cell transplant patients.
Though VAD is effective, it is burdensome. It is administered continuously through an intravenous line over the course of 4 days. Doxorubicin can also cause heart damage. Thal-Dex is much more conveniently administered in pill form.
Two hundred myeloma patients participated in the study. Half received VAD and half received Thal-Dex. Those who were given Thal-Dex had a 76% response rate compared to a 52% response rate from those who received VAD. The Thal-Dex group harvested less stem cells than the VAD group, however it was still enough for transplantation.
Side effects were different for each therapy, however both were a concern. Twelve percent of the VAD group had seriously low blood counts while 15% of the Thal-Dex group had blood clots. Both groups experienced some common minor side effects such as constipation, infection, and tingling in the arms and legs.
Return of the Sponge
Allendale Pharmaceuticals (New Jersey) is rereleasing the over-the-counter contraceptive Today Sponge.
The sponge is a disposal device saturated with spermicide that is inserted into the vagina to block the cervix. One sponge can be used continuously for 24 hours. Studies have shown an effectiveness rate of 89% to 91%.
The Today Sponge is not new-it was previously sold between 1983 and 1994 by American Home Products (now Wyeth). However, it was taken out of production due to costly manufacturing problems. Allen-dale bought the rights to the product in 1998.
The sponge will be available in United States drugstores this summer.