FDA Warning re Bayer Aspirin

The FDA has issued a warning about two over-the-counter (OTC) products made by Bayer.

The FDA is considering the 2 products, Bayer Aspirin with Heart Advantage & Bayer Women's Low Dose Aspirin + Calcium, to be new drugs and that they need to go through the FDA approval process. Additionally, the FDA is concerned because Bayer is selling these over-the-counter, but that they need physician's supervision, and that the included usage instructions are misleading and contradictory.

The FDA recommends that consumers taking either of these types of aspirin contact their doctor to find an approved alternative.

Read the entire press release.

FDA Alert

In response to news stories about China's contaminated infant formula, the FDA has issued an advisory.

Basically, the advisory states that the formula made for sale in the U.S. is safe, but that formula manufactured in China may be contaminated and should be avoided.

If you are interested in learning more, or to read the full-text of the advisory, click here.

Cover the Uninsured Week

Next week, April 27 through May 3, 2008 is Cover the Uninsured Week.

Cover the Uninsured Week is a 5 year old project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to promote awareness of the problem, support SCHIP, and to point the uninsured to resources and organizations that can help. Partners include the AFL-CIO, the American Medical Association, the Amercan Nurses Association, AARP, and many more.

For more information:

• Visit the website, or go directly to the CTUW's page for California
• Read the CTUW's Guide to Finding Health Insurance Coverage
• Spanish speakers may like to browse the CTUW's Spanish section, Recursos para indiduos

NY Times story on Aetna

Today's NY Times includes a story describing how in 2008, Aetna will follow the lead of Humana and WellPoint; they will no longer reimburse patients/doctors for the use of the anesthetic propofol during colonoscopies.

This change is set to take effice April 1 2008. Doctors should look for the notice from Aetna in the next 1-2 weeks, as the letter is set to be sent out today.

Read the entire article (free registration may be required for access).


--With thanks to HealthLeaders Media for pointing out the story.

In the Literature / Current Awareness

From the NEJM: "Flu vaccine is effective in community-dwelling elderly"

The October 4th issue includes the results of a study that confirms that influenza vaccinations reduce hospitalization and death rates for the elderly in the community.

• Abstract
• Full-text

[NEJM. 2007;357:1373-1381]

With thanks to MD Consult eNews. Learn more or subscribe to eNews, MD Consult's weekly email newsletter.

Flu Vaccine: Facts & Myths

The October issue of the ANA Nursing Insider highlights new influenza resources available on their website:

• A poster from the CDC that debunks some common myths about flu vaccinations: "Flu Vaccine: Facts & Myths"
• The 2007-2008 Flu Backgrounder, which details the current recommendations from the ANA and the CDC.

Men's Health Week

June 11 - 17 2007 is National Men's Health Week.

National Men's Health Week is observed each year "to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys."

Men's Health Week is sponsored by the Men’s Health Network.

For more events, educational resources, and other information, please visit the website www.menshealthweek.org.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month

Local events include:
Seminar and Training -- Special Needs Network is sponsoring a free event for parents, with seminars and training (childcare, breakfast, and lunch will be provided for free) in Downtown LA. For more details, see the event listing at ExperienceLA here.

"Stand UP for Autism" -- Fundraiser produced by the Autism Society of America - Los Angeles Chapter at the Hollywood Improv. The $70 admission includes stand up by Alonzo Bodden, dinner, a separate silent auction fundraiser will be held as well. For more information, see the event website here.

Resources

Clinical Health Resources (for Healthcare providers)

eMedicine - Autism Resource Center

MD Consult
-The Harriet Lane Handbook
-Handbook of Medical Psychiatry
-Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development - Autism Website

National Guideline Clearinghouse - Autism


Consumer Health (for patients and parents)

Autism Society of America
-Autism Source^TM (ASA's listing of Autism resources including support and provider services; many free materials are available.)

MedlinePlus - Autism

National Autism Association

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - Autism Factsheet (Spanish)