WSNS NEWS 
FDA MedWatch - Lamictal (lamotrigine): Risk of Aseptic Meningitis
FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients that Lamictal (lamotrigine), a medication commonly used for seizures in children two years and older, and bipolar disorder in adults, can cause aseptic meningitis. Read more (08/23/10)
FDA MedWatch: Stalevo(carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone): Possible increased cardiovascular risk
FDA notified healthcare professionals that it is evaluating clinical trial data that suggest patients taking Stalevo (a combination of carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone) may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death) compared to those taking carbidopa/levodopa (sold as the combination product, Sinemet). See more (08/23/10)
FDA MedWatch: Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters-- Risk of Adverse Events with Long Term Use
Since 2005, the FDA has received 921 device adverse event reports involving IVC filters. These types of events may be related to a retrievable filter remaining in the body for long periods of time, beyond the time when the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) has subsided. The FDA is concerned that these retrievable IVC filters, intended for short-term placement, are not always removed once a patient’s risk for PE subsides. More (08/09/10)
FDA MedWatch - Afluria Influenza Virus Vaccine: Risk of Fever and Febrile Seizure FDA updated the Warnings and Precautions sections of the Prescribing Information for Afluria to inform healthcare professionals that the Afluria vaccine has been associated with an increased incidence of fever and febrile seizure among young children reported in Australia, mainly among those less than 5 years of age. More (08/03/10)
3 New Fact Sheets on the Medicare & Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs - From Maureen Callaghan, MD
CMS has issued 3 new fact sheets about the Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive programs. These fact sheets summarize provisions in the final rule announced on July 13, 2010. Here are links to each of the July 16, 2010, fact sheets:
CMS Finalizes Definition of Meaningful Use of Certified EHR Technology See http://tiny.cc/rltri
CMS Finalizes Requirements for the Medicare EHR incentive Program See http://tiny.cc/3s5go
CMS Finalizes Requirements for the Medicaid EHR incentive Program See http://tiny.cc/yutki
Additional information on the Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs, including a link to the text of the final rule, can be found at http://www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms
(07/29/10)
FDA MEDWATCH Qualaquin (quinine sulfate): New Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy
Due to continued reports of serious side effects in patients using Qualaquin "off-label" for night time leg cramps, FDA has approved a risk management plan to warn against the use of this drug for such unapproved uses. Qualaquin should not be used for night time leg cramps. Qualaquin use may result in serious and life-threatening hematological reactions, including serious bleeding due to thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome/ thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which in some cases may result in permanent kidney damage. In some patients, adverse reactions result in hospitalization and death. See more: http://tiny.cc/vfvvy (07/15/10)
Medical Treatment Guideline for Work Related Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Labor and Industries' Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee, subcommittee on upper extremity entrapment neuropathies, has drafted a medical treatment guideline for work related neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. It is available for public comment through July 2, 2010 and you are invited to submit your comments if you wish. In the interest of gathering multiple perspectives, we are sharing this draft with you, who represent various professional associations. Please see the following link below for detailed information about reading and commenting on the guideline. If you prefer I do not include you on this distribution list, or if someone else is more appropriate to include, please let me know. (06/16/10) |
Apply for Advocacy Leadership Training with the AAN
Apply for the 2011 Donald M. Palatucci Advocacy Leadership Forum, to be held January 13 to 16 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA. Palatucci Forum graduates have successfully advocated for new stroke care centers and time-saving telemedicine initiatives and fought for patients to have access to a wider range of antiepileptic drugs, against scope of practice intrusions, and for medical liability reform. Graduates gain confidence and new skills through this comprehensive award-winning program. Check out the new video at http://www.aan.com/go/advocacy/active/palf
Palatucci graduates from Washington include Maureen Callaghan, Gwen Ford, John Henson, Lily Jung Henson, Anna Hohler, Jessica Lee, Eugene May, Maciej Mrugala, Marcus Ponce De Leon, Lynne Taylor, Brett Theeler, and Cong Zhi Zhao.
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WSNS PURPOSE
The purpose of this Society shall be:
- To promote the science and practice of neurology in Washington State;
- To advocate for neurologists and patients with neurologic disorders;
- To promote and protect the neurologic health of the public. |
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