Therapeutic advances in drug safety
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This article evaluates abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) as a method to reduce prescription drug abuse while ensuring access to vital medications for individuals with legitimate need; assesses the pros and cons of ADFs and the current state of ADF adoption in the market; and develops policy recommendations to transition the market to ADFs. Although abuse-deterrent technology is still in its nascent stages, ADFs have been proven to reduce prescription drug abuse and its consequences, and even an incremental reduction in abuse can have a significant impact on the nation by reducing the costly social, physical, mental, and public health problems resulting from abuse. ⋯ Policies must be implemented to encourage innovation and a market shift toward ADFs by ensuring any generic medication that references a branded ADF demonstrates that it does not have abuse-deterrent properties inferior to the branded ADF product. Policies must also require federal prescription drug benefit plans to cover ADFs to ensure consumers have access to such medications.
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Review
Bleeding risk with systemic thrombolytic therapy for pulmonary embolism: scope of the problem.
Acute pulmonary embolism represents a major complication of venous thromboembolism that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Guidelines recommend the rapid initiation of anticoagulation and consideration of thrombolytic therapy in select patients, including those with hypotension or at high risk of developing hypotension. Evaluation for thrombolytic therapy should only be considered after assessment of contraindications and risk for major bleeding. ⋯ When making decisions about the role of thrombolytic therapy in pulmonary embolism, clinicians must be knowledgeable about the associated risks of thrombolytic therapy and individually evaluate patient risk factors prior to determining appropriate candidacy for thrombolytic therapy. For patients considered to be at high risk of major bleeding, strategies to minimize risk should be considered, including weight-adjusted doses and catheter directed therapy. Additional research is needed specific to the acute pulmonary embolism setting to validate risk factors and strategies to minimize major hemorrhage.