1. News You Can Use… Megan Supple, PharmD Pete Koval, PharmD Cone Health Family Medicine March 2016

2. New Drug Approval Briviact ® (brivaracetam) gained FDA approval for adjunct treatment of partial onset seizures in patients > 16 years of age Analog of levetiracetam (Keppra) Well tolerated with low incidence of side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, N/V 2/19/2016. FDA.gov.

3. New Drug Approval Xeljanz XR ® (tofacitinib extended- release) gained FDA approval for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis after methotrexate failure First and only once-daily oral JAK inhibitor available for patients with moderate to severe RA Black Box Warning: increased risk for serious infections 2/24/2016. FDA.gov.

4. FDA Update Update to opioid policies in response to the increasing opioid abuse epidemic Expanded REMS program Encouraged development of abuse- deterrent formulations Improved access to naloxone Additional warnings and safety information added to immediate-release opioid labeling 2/4/2016. FDA.gov.

5. CDC Update New pediatric and adult immunization updates Deemphasized pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine Vaccination against meningococcus serogroup B added for patients at high risk > 10 years of age High risk: asplenia, complement component deficiencies, proximity to outbreak of serogroup B disease 2/1/2016. CDC.gov.

6. New Study RCT of 200 Swiss adults > 70 with history of fall comparing vitamin D High (60,000 IU per month ~2,000 IU daily) vs. standard dose (24,000 IU per month ~800 IU daily) High-dose Vitamin D in elderly adults: Did not improve lower extremity function Higher risk of falls within the next year (p=0.048) 1/4/2016. JAMA Internal Med.

7. New Drug Approval Odefsey ® (emtricitabine, rilpivirine tenofovir alafenamide) a new 3 drug combination gained FDA approval for the treatment of HIV-1 infection The formulation of tenofovir “alafenamide” has improved renal and bone safety with high efficacy at lower total doses Similar to Genvoya ® replacing Stribild ® (elvitegravir, cobicistat, emtricitabine, tenofovir alafenamide) 3/2/2016 FDA.gov