Drug Class Overview - Managed Healthcare Executive
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Drug Class Overview

ACE inhibitors, ARBs control CHF

October 1, 2009

Group Health cuts CHF readmission rate with care transition program, while patients stick to diet, exercise and medication plans

Inhaled corticosteroids are first line control for asthma

July 1, 2009

Inhaled corticosteroids best for asthma control, while SABAs are best for immediate relief of acute symptoms

Bisphosphonates effective in treatment of osteoporosis

May 1, 2009

Vitamin D, calcium and exercise are helpful in preventing falls and injury, while bisphosphonates are first-line drug treatments

Triptans lead options for migraine

March 1, 2009

Group sessions can also empower patients to cope with recurrence of painful headaches

Peptic ulcers respond to acid-reducer medications

December 1, 2008

PPIs and H2 -receptor blockers are standard treatment for peptic ulcers and GERD, but lifestyle changes and OTC products can help

Statins, fibrates valuable in heart disease treatment

July 1, 2008

Statin medications lower cholesterol levels and have an anti-inflammatory effect. They should be used in combination with lifestyle changes to reduce heart disease risk.

Bronchodilators can be effective in reducing COPD symptoms

February 1, 2008

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), airways in the lung are partially obstructed. It's often a mixture of two diseases, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The condition is marked by a progressive decline in lung function.

Psychotherapy, social support essential to treat depression

October 1, 2007

Clinical depression is a major problem in the United States, affecting an estimated 5% to 10% of all adults. Costs for medical care and lost productivity related to depression are estimated at more than $40 billion per year.

Second-generation antipsychotics offer mixed results: Finding most effective antipsychotic drug can be trial and error process

June 1, 2007

Antipsychotics are the fourth largest group of medications prescribed in the United States today, with a collective cost of approximately $10 billion. Newer, second-generation medications represent 90% of the current market, and they cost considerably more than older antipsychotics.

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