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The article presents the results of several studies related to chemotherapy. A retrospective analysis of a U.S. managed care database revealed that atorvastatin significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events as compared with simvastatin. A study in Canada discovered that statin therapy following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) decreases mortality rates to a lesser extent for women than for men. Another study indicated that montelukast may be beneficial for treating the common cold.

The article reports on the decision of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in consultation with Health Canada, to issue a 'Dear Healthcare Professional' letter, which cites the potential increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients treated with abacavir-containing products such as Ziagen, Kivexa and Trizivir. The decision was based on a study published in "The Lancet," which suggested an increased MI risk in patients with HIV infection who are treated with abacavir-containing products. The advice given by GSK to physicians on the use of abacavir is given.

The article discusses research being done on the effect of the use of rofecoxib and celecoxib on elderly patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI). It references a study by J. M. Brophy, L. E. Lévesque and B. Zhang published in the February 2007 issue of the journal "Heart." According to a Canadian study, elderly patients with a history of MI and who are users of rofecoxib and celecoxib may have an increased risk of acute MI.

The article reports on the adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes of thiazolidinedione (TZD) in older patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) based on the results of a study by researchers from the Canadian Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences. The study found that DM patients taking TZD are more likely to have congestive heart failure (CHF) or myocardial infarction (MI). Patients receiving TZD combination therapy were 31% more likely to develop CHF and the risk of death was increased by 24%.

The article reports on a public communication issued by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) addressing public concerns about the safety of Avandia (rosiglitazone). The public communication was endorsed by Health Canada. It details the concerns raised about the increased risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who receive Avandia. GSK has noted that patients should not stop Avandia treatment without consulting their healthcare provider.

The article discusses two studies which determines if the use of eptacog alfa is safe for treating intracerebral hemorrhage. The results of the studies from Canada and the U.S. implies that the use of eptacog alfa, or recombinant factor VIIa, appears to be associated with myocardial infarction and elevated troponin levels, and hydrocephalus, in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

The article presents information on the findings of a study conducted by researchers from Canada regarding the claim that the combination of dexamethasone plus ondansetron is more effective than ondansetron alone for prophylaxis against radiation-induced emesis. Complete control of nausea was achieved by a greater proportion of dexamethasone recipients.

The article discusses research being done on the efficacy of cardioprotective agent MC 1 in patients who have undergone coronary bypass surgery in Canada and the U.S. It references an ongoing study from Medicure Inc. The dosage of MC 1 which was found to be more effective is stated. The risk reduction for the composite of death, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke is discussed.

The article reports on a "Dear Healthcare Professional" letter and a Public Communication issued by the manufacturers of all extended-release (XR) venlafaxine products in Canada which cite new safety information on venlafaxine XR overdose, as of November 2008. Retrospective studies indicate a possible link between overdosage and an increased risk of death, compared with other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Venlafaxine XR should be prescribed in the smallest quantity to reduce the risk of overdose.

The article discusses research on efforts to increase intensive care unit (ICU) clinical trial enrollment. It references a study conducted by D. J. Cook and colleagues, published in the July 2008 issue of "Critical Care Medicine." The study sought to determine the beliefs, experiences and practices of the Canadian Critical Care Trials Group and Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society Clinical Trials Group with regards to enrolling critically ill patients into clinical trials.

This article discusses research done on a surveillance method for idiosyncratic adverse drug reactions. It references a study by F. A. Etwel, M. J. Riedel, J. R. Bend and G. Koren published in the Vol. 31, No. 2 issue of "Drug Safety" for 2008. The surveillance method developed by the researchers from Canada was based on a pemoline-associated acute liver failure model.

The article reports on barcoded medication administration (BCMA) systems which assures greater advocacy and implementation as a last line of defense against medication errors according to Doctors David W. Cescon and Edward Etchells of the University of Toronto in Canada. It states that errors in up to 2% of medication administration attempts have been detected by the BCMA surveillance function. It is predicted that 84,000 adverse drug events (ADEs) per year in the U.S. may be prevented by a BCMA implementation.

The article discusses a case of aseptic osteonecrosis induced by the use of oral bisphosphonates. Researchers from Canada has found that the overall incidence of aseptic osteonecrosis was 267 per million person-years. A total of 196 cases of aseptic osteonecrosis was reported among a cohort of elderly patients from Quebec.

The article highlights the findings of a meta-analysis in Canada which examined the effectiveness and adverse outcome of using glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) antagonists in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The researchers found that GPIIb/IIIa antagonists increased the risks of minor bleeding and thrombocytopenia. It mentions that the use of such antagonists was linked with significant reductions in the risk of all-cause mortality at 30 days but not at 7 days, 6 months or 1 year.

The article reports on the suspension of the marketing of Transylol aprotinin worldwide by Bayer until final data from a Canadian study are available following direction from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), Health Canada and other regulators. There was an increased all-cause mortality in patients receiving aprotinin based on a planned periodic analysis of data. The firm plans to work with authorities to create an aprotinin use programme.

The article reports that Canadian researchers conclude that of the antidiabetic agents, metformin is the only drug not associated with any harm in people with diabetes and heart failure (HF) and is associated with reduced mortality, according to the results of their systematic review. The eight studies assessed the relationship between treatments for diabetes mellitus (DB) and hospitalization and mortality in diabetics with HF. One study showed worse outcomes in the use of sulfonylureas.

The article reports on the decision of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to issue a 'Dear Health Care Professional' letter in consultation with Health Canada that outlines a labelling change following the rosiglitazone meta-analysis results and repeats the approved indications for the antihyperglycemic agent. The Product Monograph for Avandia is being updated for the inclusion of additional information on cardiac safety. GSK suggests physicians to consider the overall benefit-risk profiles of Avandia.

The article reports on an advisory and a notice issued by Health Canada to hospitals to advise patients and healthcare professionals about an association between the local anesthetic benzocaine and methemoglobinemia. Methemoglobinemia is said to be an uncommon adverse reaction associated with benzocaine. There are nine reports of suspected methemoglobinemia associated with benzocaine that were received by Health Canada.

Reports on the issuance of a Dear Healthcare Professional letter by Bayer HealthCare, highlighting that Bayer, Health Canada and other worldwide regulatory authorities are evaluating reports involving Trasylol (aprotinin) use. Side effects of Trasylol; Issuance of guidance by various regulatory authorities concerning the drug.

Presents an update on the pharmaceutical industry as of October 2005. Opinion received by Nabi Biopharmaceuticals Staphylococcus aureus immune globulin or Altastaph; Information on the novel epinephrine autoinjector or Twinject launched by Paladin Labs in Canada; Approval of Ranbaxy Laboratories' zidovudine tablets; Application of Valsartan from Novartis.

Discusses research being done on heart failure therapy. Reference to a study by D. S. Lee et al published in the September 2005 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Number of study participants in Canada; Correlation between drug prescription rates and patients' mortality risk.

Reports on the decision of Shire BioChem Inc. to revise the drug labelling of its attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall XR in the Canadian market in September 2005. Information on Health Canada's reassessment of the market suspension of the drug; Potential adverse effect of the drug; Overview of the revised drug labelling.

Discusses research being done on ranolazine monotherapy in patients with chronic severe angina pectoris. Reference to a study by B. R. Chaitman, S. L. Skettino, J. O. Parker, P. Hanley, MARISA Investigators et al, published in the April 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology"; Countries involved in the study including Canada and the U.S.; Effect of ranolazine on exercise duration of patients.