A combination of sumatriptan and naproxen sodium is well-tolerated for menstrual migraines; the treatment may elevate risks of cardiovascular events, MI, and stroke, and of GI side effects.

The FDA has lifted its clinical hold on a new application for alvimopan (Entereg), preivously approved for chronic opioid bowel dysfunction, for cases of postoperative ileus in patients who had undergone bowel resection.

The FDA has mandated black-box warnings for fluoroquinolone antibiotics to alert clinicans to increased risk of tendonitis and tendon rupture.

The FDA has approved duloxetine (Cymbalta) for fibromyalgia pain.

Tests with a combination of two drugs to target cancer cells in acute lymphocytic leukemia resulted in death of more than 90% of cancer in human tissue cultures.

Clonidine transdermal patches often omit the name or strength of the drug, which can lead to errors. The maker suggests labeling the patch cover or adding the drug code to the profile in pharmacy records.

The FDA has approved varenicline (Chantix) as a smoking cessation drug despite its recent links to depression and suicidal behavior. Doctors are urged to ask about patients' psychiatric histories prior to prescribing and to monitor them closely for changes in mood and behavior while on the medication.

The world's largest randomized study to address perioperative cardiac complications shows traditional guidelines for beta-blocker use should be reconsidered.

Traditional and second-generation antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops relieve summertime allergies and allergic rhinitis.