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DRUG ALERTS
NEW SAFETY information has been issued for the following:
Drotrecogin (Xigris)
The product monograph for drotrecogin (Xigris) has been changed to advise against abruptly discontinuing prophylactic heparin in patients to be started on drotrecogin for severe sepsis. The XPRESS (Xigris and Prophylactic Heparin in Severe Sepsis) study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, showed that stopping low-dose heparin was associated with increased mortality and a risk of serious adverse events, including cardiac, gastrointestinal and venous thrombotic events.
The concomitant use of the two drugs did not affect mortality compared to the use of drotrecogin alone, according to new information provided by Eli Lilly Canada, the drug's maker, and Health Canada.
While the combination was associated with a significant increase in "non-serious" adverse events including bleeding events, there was no significant increase in "serious" bleeding events.
So unless it's considered medically necessary, prophylactic low-dose heparin (if it's been already started) should not be discontinued when drotrecogin is added to the treatment of patients with severe sepsis.
For more info, use the quick online link: tinyurl. com/y5wxqk.
MRI contrast agent
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public health advisory saying it...