February 2012: New IDIS PEARL
New and improved? Oral anticoagulants to reduce stroke in atrial fibrillation
Recent randomized trials demonstrated the efficacy of three new oral anticoagulant drugs in reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Warfarin has historically been the main anticoagulant used for this purpose but it has a narrow therapeutic index. The three new oral agents that do not require INR monitoring are at least as effective as warfarin and do not cause more bleeding. Click here to learn more...
January 2012: New IDIS PEARL
Can an azithro a day keep COPD exacerbation away?
A recent paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine evaluated the benefits of daily azithromycin in patients who are at high risk of an acute exacerbation of COPD. The study found that daily azithromycin significantly reduced the frequency of COPD exacerbations and improved quality of life. Click here to learn more...
August 2011: New IDIS PEARL
Bad AIM? A stopped trial raises questions about niacin use
A large clinical trial known as AIM-HIGH intended to evaluate the effect of extended-release niacin on the occurrence of cardiovascular events when co-administered with a statin in patients with controlled LDL levels but low HDL. However, the trial was recently stopped early because niacin showed no benefit in preventing cardiovascular events. Click here to learn more...
July 2011: New IDIS PEARL
Rethinking the role of simvastatin: Recent cautions from the FDA
Based on findings from a large randomized trial, the FDA has recommended avoiding the use of simvastatin at high doses (80 mg per day) and has added new contraindications for its use with other medications, even at lower doses. Click here to learn more...
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