Clinical Connection

In January, Optum clinical programs will adopt revised morphine equivalent dose (MED) conversion factors for the opioid analgesics hydromorphone, methadone, and tramadol to correlate with CDC Guidelines. However, these modifications are predicted to have little effect on Optum risk identification and clinical review programs. Read more...

Opvee® (nalmefene) nasal spray now available for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses, but currently non-formulary on all standard formularies until review by Optum P&T Committee. One unit of Opvee will likely be allotted per year by CMS. For WCMSAs, exposure for opioid antagonists like Opvee is unlikely to be significant. Read more...

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Duexis — a single-tablet combination product containing ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and famotidine, a histamine H2–receptor blocker — will no longer be manufactured. Read more...

Earlier this year, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) published an update to the AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in older adults (65 years of age and older). Older adults are more likely to experience unwanted adverse effects and be more sensitive to certain medications. Read more...

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	FDA announces safety concern with two antiseizure medications – levetiracetam and clobazam December 06, 2023 · Clinical Team FDA warns that the antiseizure medications levetiracetam and clobazam may cause life-threatening adverse reaction. Read more...
	Optum to modify three opioid analgesic conversion factors in January 2024 November 29, 2023 · Clinical Team In January, Optum clinical programs will adopt revised morphine equivalent dose (MED) conversion factors for the opioid analgesics hydromorphone, methadone, and tramadol to correlate with CDC Guidelines. However, these modifications are predicted to have little effect on Optum risk identification and clinical review programs. Read more...
	New medication now available – Opvee® (nalmefene) nasal spray for opioid-related overdose November 17, 2023 · Clinical Team Opvee® (nalmefene) nasal spray now available for emergency treatment of opioid overdoses, but currently non-formulary on all standard formularies until review by Optum P&T Committee. One unit of Opvee will likely be allotted per year by CMS. For WCMSAs, exposure for opioid antagonists like Opvee is unlikely to be significant. Read more...
	3Q 2023 Brand-Generic Pipeline October 12, 2023 · Clinical Team The 3Q 2023 Brand-Generic Pipeline update Read more...
	The latest treatment for acute migraine: Zavzpret™ (zavegepant) nasal spray September 20, 2023 · Clinical Team Zavzpret – indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults – is now available as a 10 mg nasal spray device. Read more...
	Bid farewell to brand-name Duexis® (ibuprofen-famotidine) and several generic alternatives September 15, 2023 · Clinical Team According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Duexis — a single-tablet combination product containing ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), and famotidine, a histamine H2–receptor blocker — will no longer be manufactured. Read more...
	An update to the list of potentially inappropriate medications used in older adults September 01, 2023 · Clinical Team Earlier this year, the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) published an update to the AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in older adults (65 years of age and older). Older adults are more likely to experience unwanted adverse effects and be more sensitive to certain medications. Read more...
	FDA approves additional over-the-counter naloxone products August 11, 2023 · Clinical Team FDA approves additional over-the-counter naloxone products Read more...

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