Drug updates and approvals: 2012 in review.

Each year, the FDA approves many pharmaceuticals and products designed to treat or improve a patient's condition. The following is a sampling of some of the most important drugs approved in 2012 that specifically apply to nurse practitioner practice.

Annual drug update: 2011 in review.

Many new medications were approved throughout 2011. This article will cover a variety of drugs that will be useful in nurse practitioner practice.

A new use for Xifaxan.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is responsible for an average of 50,000 hospitalizations of approximately 5.5 million individuals with liver cirrhosis every year. HE is a reversible complication of liver failure that causes neuropsychiatric problems. HE patients experience neurologic changes related to cognitive, psychiatric, and motor impairment. This impairment can be accompanied by a number of symptoms including decreased mental status, memory impairment, sensory changes, lack of concentration, disorientation, and coma. The exact cause of HE in patients with liver cirrhosis is unknown. However, the general consensus is that these individuals are unable to remove toxic substances, especially from ammonia-producing bacteria, from the gut via the liver. Therefore, treatment is focused on decreasing the production of these ammonia-producing bacteria, as episodes occur.

Annual drug update: 2010 in review.

In 2010, the FDA approved several new drugs and new indications for use in primary care. From new therapies for adults with rheumatoid arthritis to a combination drug for benign prostatic hyperplasia, NPs need to be aware of the latest medications now available.