Medscape Alerts - What Does This Tell You?

Here is the partial content of an email I received from the WebMD supported Medscape. It demonstrates the FDA's catch-up actions to alert the sick care community about problems associated with the drugs that get approved.

Better to be fit, than drugged, IMHO.


Medscape Alerts
from the FDA

DRUGS
Two Parkinson's Disease Drugs May Cause Valvular Dysfunction CME

01/08/07
Fexofenadine HCl (Allegra) Taken With Fruit Juices May Reduce Therapeutic Efficacy CME/CE

01/03/07
Concomitant Use of Duloxetine HCl (Cymbalta) With Triptans Linked to Risk for Serotonin Syndrome CME/CE

01/03/07
Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release Tablets (Concerta) Linked to Multiple Risks CME/CE

01/03/07
Use of Gadolinium in MRI and MRA Linked to NSF/NFD in Patients With Renal Failure

01/02/07
Metoprolol (Lopressor) Contraindicated in Pheochromocytoma CME

12/27/06
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Linked to Risks for Hypersensitivity Reactions and Multiorgan Failure CME

12/27/06
Aripiprazole (Abilify) Linked to Rare Risk for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome CME

12/27/06
Levetiracetam (Keppra) Linked to Somnolence and Behavior Abnormalities in Patients With Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy

12/22/06
Ropivacaine HCl Injection (Naropin) Linked to Rare Cases of Cardiac Arrest

12/22/06
Ribavirin (Rebetol)-Based Therapy Linked to Risk for Dental and Periodontal Disorders

12/22/06
Amiodarone Tablets (Cordarone) Linked to Risk for Potentially Fatal Acute Pulmonary Injury and More CME

12/20/06
Concomitant Use of Fluoxetine HCl Products (Prozac, Symbyax) With Triptans Linked to Risk for Serotonin Syndrome CME

12/20/06
Enflurane (Ethrane) Linked to Rare Risk for Perioperative Hyperkalemia in Children CME

12/20/06
Off-Label Use of Rituxan Linked to Fatal Leukoencephalopathy CME

12/19/06
FDA Strengthens Safety Warning on Aprotinin Label

12/18/06
FDA Removes Unapproved Quinine Drugs From Market

12/13/06
Norelgestromin/Ethinyl Estradiol Patch (Ortho Evra) May Be Linked to Increased Risk for Venous Thromboembolism CME/CE

12/13/06
Bevacizumab Injection (Avastin) Linked to Risk for RPLS and Nasal Septum Perforation CME/CE

12/13/06
Abacavir/Lamivudine/Zidovudine (Trizivir) Plus Interferon-Alfa Linked to Risk for Hepatic Events CME/CE