Look-alike names lead to drug mix-ups

Article Abstract:

Sound-alike or look-alike drug names have contributed to an average one death per year in the US. One lawsuit alleges that a physician's handwriting is to blame. The problem of naming drugs is becoming greater all the time. Organizations concerned include the FDA and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices as well as pharmacists. New methods of naming and checking the names are being used, but the problem is not completely solved. Examples include Evista/E-Vista; Premarin/Primaxin; Imferon/Interferon.

HEALTH SERVICES, Pharmaceutical Preparations, All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services, Health Problems Prevention NEC, Complications and side effects, Preventive medicine, Adverse drug reactions, Institute for Safe Medication Practices

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Parkinson's drug will carry strict safety warning

Article Abstract:

The FDA granted Hoffmann-LaRoche approval to market Tasmar to treat Parkinson's disease in January 1998; however, there have been three deaths related to the drug's use. The company and the FDA have agreed upon very strict labeling to try to ameliorate the problem rather than taking the drug off the market entirely. The drug has been used by about 20,000 U.S. patients and about 60,000 worldwide.

Anti-Parkinsons Preparations, Pharmaceutical industry, Investigations, Labeling, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Antiparkinson agents, Trihexyphenidyl

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