Clinical Connection

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a higher-dose naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray – Kloxxado™ (8 mg) – on April 30, 2021. Naloxone is indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid analgesic overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system (CNS) depression, for adults and pediatric patients. Read more...

When injured persons receive physical therapy early in the claim, multiple industry data sources show use of opioids and other pain medications and surgeries are reduced along with time away from work. Read more...

The generic formulation of Hysingla® ER, hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release (ER) tablets, was released in March 2021 according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hysingla ER is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe pain in patients who require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid analgesic treatment. Read more...

The first brand alternative of Amitiza® – lubiprostone 8 mcg and 24 mcg capsules – is now available. Endo International plc announced that lubiprostone will be marketed under one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., on January 4, 2021. Read more...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the Lucira™ COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on November 17, 2020. This is the first at-home nasal swab test kit to detect SARS-CoV-2  the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Read more...

Evzio auto-injector and naloxone auto-injector have been discontinued and will no longer be available, according to kaléo Inc. (kaléo). According to information Optum has obtained from kaléo, previously dispensed Evzio and its authorized generic are still safe to use until their expiration dates. In addition, pharmacies may dispense current stock, but future refills will not likely be available. Read more...

Subscribe today to receive notice of our latest thought leadership, articles, blogs and updates.

	New higher-dose naloxone nasal spray approved for opioid analgesic overdose May 12, 2021 · Clinical Team The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a higher-dose naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray – Kloxxado™ (8 mg) – on April 30, 2021. Naloxone is indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid analgesic overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system (CNS) depression, for adults and pediatric patients. Read more...
	New generic for Lyrica® CR – pregabalin extended-release tablet – now on the market May 07, 2021 · Clinical Team Pregabalin extended-release (ER) tablets, the generic formulation of Lyrica® CR, was released on April 13, 2021, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Read more...
	Robust proprietary provider network and integrated pharmacy care services create unique success formula for the new Optum physical therapy program May 03, 2021 · Clinical Team When injured persons receive physical therapy early in the claim, multiple industry data sources show use of opioids and other pain medications and surgeries are reduced along with time away from work. Read more...
	New generic for long-acting opioid analgesic Hysingla® ER – hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release tablet – now on the market April 28, 2021 · Clinical Team The generic formulation of Hysingla® ER, hydrocodone bitartrate extended-release (ER) tablets, was released in March 2021 according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hysingla ER is FDA-approved for the treatment of severe pain in patients who require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid analgesic treatment. Read more...
	Changes to the ODG Drug Formulary will impact skeletal muscle relaxants April 01, 2021 · Clinical Team On March 31, 2021, the ODG Drug Formulary (Appendix A) will change the status of several medications, including, but not limited to, skeletal muscle relaxants (SMR). Read more...
	First brand alternative for opioid-induced constipation medication Amitiza® – lubiprostone – now on the market February 15, 2021 · Clinical Team The first brand alternative of Amitiza® – lubiprostone 8 mcg and 24 mcg capsules – is now available. Endo International plc announced that lubiprostone will be marketed under one of its operating companies, Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., on January 4, 2021. Read more...
	FDA authorizes the first prescription at-home COVID-19 test kit November 24, 2020 · Clinical Team The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the Lucira™ COVID-19 All-In-One Test Kit under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on November 17, 2020. This is the first at-home nasal swab test kit to detect SARS-CoV-2  the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Read more...
	Evzio auto-injector and its generic equivalent have been discontinued from the market October 30, 2020 · Clinical Team Evzio auto-injector and naloxone auto-injector have been discontinued and will no longer be available, according to kaléo Inc. (kaléo). According to information Optum has obtained from kaléo, previously dispensed Evzio and its authorized generic are still safe to use until their expiration dates. In addition, pharmacies may dispense current stock, but future refills will not likely be available. Read more...

Clinical Connection

Thought leadership on the clinical impact on workers' compensation and auto no-fault.

Recent blog posts