July 25
IN THIS ISSUE / JULY 25, 2018
- FDA takes steps to address, prevent drug shortages
- Distinction between inflammatory, neuropathic pruritus relevant for care
- Melanoma underreported among dermatopathologists
- Drugmakers rescind price hikes after California law takes effect
FDA takes steps to address, prevent drug shortages
In a recent statement, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, announced the creation of a new Drug Shortages Task Force to address the causes of drug shortages and develop long-term solutions. “When shortages occur, practitioners are forced to ration supplies or substitute alternate drugs that in some cases compromise patient care. We need to pursue more enduring solutions,” said Dr. Gottlieb.
Dr. Gottlieb specifically addressed the challenges of certain drugs, including sterile injectables. “I believe long-term solutions must include those that encourage companies to invest in more capacity to make these important medicines, and to produce them with robust manufacturing processes that ensure consistently available quality products.”
According to the statement, one of the solutions being explored are regulations coupled with financial incentives to market critical access drugs to encourage investment in manufacturing — a solution supported by the AADA. Stay tuned to the September issue of Dermatology World that will take a look at drug shortages.
Related Links:
- What local anesthesia use is supported by evidence? – Dermatology World (March 2016)
- Running on empty – Dermatology World (July 2012)
- AADA resource: Prior authorization appeal letter generator
Distinction between inflammatory, neuropathic pruritus relevant for care
According to an analysis of survey data published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, when treating patients with pruritus, clinicians should be aware of distinctions between inflammatory and neuropathic forms of the disorder to help guide diagnostic workups, treatment plans, and medication choices.
With neuropathic pruritus, no significant difference was found between patients taking or not taking neuromodulator medications. While with inflammatory pruritus, patients taking neuromodulators reported significantly greater pain associated with itch. The investigators concluded that inflammatory pruritus may be more strongly associated with nociceptive symptoms than neuropathic pruritus.
Learn more about new guidelines on chronic itch in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- The itchy scalp – Dermatology World (December 2017)
- Itching for relief: Dermatologists take aim at pruritus – Dermatology World (February 2015)
- Academy product: Pruritus (Itch) Pamphlet
- For your patients: How to relieve itchy skin
Melanoma underreported among dermatopathologists
Survey findings published in the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology show that only about two-thirds of dermatopathologists consistently reported melanoma diagnoses to state cancer registries. State laws require melanoma diagnoses to be reported to these registries so that states can identify disease trends, track disease outbreaks, and aid in preventive measures. However, most dermatopathologists surveyed who did not report melanoma diagnoses, were unaware of the legal responsibility to do so.
Underreporting of melanoma likely leads to significant underestimation of melanoma incidence as reported by the United States Cancer Statistics. Also, check out the latest statistics on melanoma incidence in Dermatology World.
Related Links:
- A heavy lift: Highlighting the implications of the 2016 Burden of Skin Disease Report – Dermatology World (June 2017)
- Volunteer: SPOT me® Skin Cancer Screening Program
- AAD product: Compliance pack
Drugmakers rescind price hikes after California law takes effect
Several large drugmakers are rescinding or reducing previously announced price hikes on at least 10 drugs following a new California drug pricing transparency law and continued political pressure, reports Bloomberg. The drugmakers sent notices to California health plans cancelling or reducing price increases on several drugs, including secukinumab for psoriasis.
The California law ― which went into effect earlier this year ― requires drugmakers to provide insurers, the government, and drug purchasers at least 60 days notice before price increases of more than 16% during a two-year period. The law is being challenged in court by the drug industry’s lobbying group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
What’s happening with drug prices? Read more in Dermatology World.
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