How appropriate is it to switch patients from one drug to another in the same class?

November 2002

How appropriate is it to switch patients from one drug to another in the same class?

Formularies often encourage switches between statins...ACE inhibitors...angiotensin receptor blockers...etc.

Cost savings is a driving force. Rebates shift market share to a "preferred" drug. Branded drugs get switched to a related generic.

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Table of Contents

How appropriate is it to switch patients from one drug to another in the same class?
Cardiology statins EVERY OTHER DAY
Cardiology If a patient can't tolerate an ACE inhibitor, is it safe to switch them to an angiotensin receptor blocker?
Neurology & Pain methadone might cause arrhythmias
Infectious Diseases Valtrex (valacyclovir) PREVENTS transmission of genital herpes
Infectious Diseases Augmentin XR for resistant sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia
Infectious Diseases hospitals will use alcohol-based hand rubs
Women's Health Lots of women are now asking for the oral contraceptive, Yasmin, to help LOSE weight
Diabetes whether quinolones are safe for patients with diabetes
Diabetes two new diabetes combo products, Avandamet and Metaglip
OTC tooth whitening products
Natural Medicines new study showing coenzyme Q10 might slow progression of Parkinson's disease
Natural Medicines MigraSpray, a sublingual spray for migraine
Substance Use Disorder Subutex or Suboxone, two new sublingual tabs for the treatment of opioid dependence
Gastroenterology treat persistent hiccups
Practice FDA just approved Zetia