February 15 Pharmacy Week in Review: Psoriasis Treatment May Help Prevent Heart Disease, Unproven Products Prompt FDA Warnings

This weekly video program provides our readers with an in-depth review of the latest news, product approvals, FDA rulings, and more. Our Week in Review is a can't miss for the busy pharmacy professional.

Nicole Grassano, Host: Hello and welcome to the Pharmacy Times News Network. I’m Nicole Grassano your host for our Pharmacy Week in Review.

Mylan launched the first FDA-approved generic version of Advair Diskus from GlaxoSmithKline, a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder product, Pharmacy Times reported. Mylan’s product, Wixela Inhub, will be offered in 3 strengths at wholesale acquisition costs.

According to Mylan, its wholesale acquisition costs for Wixela Inhub are 70% less than that of Advair Diskus and 67% less than GSK’s authorized generic equivalent, which was launched on February 8, 2019. However, Mylan officials have said that its wholesale acquisition costs may not reflect the prices paid by consumers, pharmacies, or third-party payers.

The FDA has posted 12 warning letters and 5 online advisory letters issued to companies that are illegally selling more than 58 products, including capsules, oils, and tablets, that claim to prevent, treat or cure Alzheimer disease and other serious conditions, Contemporary Clinic reported.

These products, which are often sold on social-media platforms and websites, have not been reviewed by the FDA and are not proven effective and safe to treat the diseases and health conditions that they claim to treat, agency officials said in a statement.

Many of the 58 products are sold as dietary supplements, which are unapproved misbranded and/or new drugs. These products may be ineffective, unsafe, and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment, according to the FDA.

A biologic therapy used to treat severe psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions may help prevent heart disease in individuals with the condition, Specialty Pharmacy Times reported. Results of a study, published in Cardiovascular Research, found that biologic therapies used for the management of psoriasis improved coronary artery plaque similar to the effect of a low-dose statin.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, affects about 3% of the population. When severe, the disease is associated with early heart attack risk by more than 50%. Severe psoriasis is typically treated with biologic therapy, allowing the researchers to study the potential effect of biologic drugs on coronary vasculature.

Pharmacists may get more questions about Nasacort if their patients have seen a new commercial for the OTC product. In the spot, called “Field of Flowers,” allergy sufferers are being sensored (with an s), as their sense of smell, hearing, and taste are all being dulled by allergy congestion. According to the commercial, Nasacort’s nasal spray can help patients regain their senses, like a woman who is finally able to enjoy the scent of a lavender bouquet.

For more great coverage and practical information for today’s pharmacist, visit our website and sign up for our Daily eNews. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Thanks for watching our Pharmacy Week in Review. I’m Nicole Grassano at the Pharmacy Times News Network.