The Department of Health Services (DHCS) releases monthly Drug Utilization Review (DUR) articles which provide timely and relevant information impacting providers and their patients. Links to a selection of DUR releases are provided below.
Drug Safety Communication: Risks with Sudden Discontinuation of Opioids
Released April 30, 2019
On April 9, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that it has received reports of serious harm in patients who are physically dependent on opioid pain medicines when these medicines are suddenly discontinued or the dose is rapidly decreased.
View the Drug Safety Communication: Risks with Sudden Discontinuation of Opioids article (dured_27847).
Drug Safety Communication: Updated Adverse Effects from Fluoroquinolones
Released March 29, 2019
On December 20, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that fluoroquinolones administered orally or intravenously may increase the risk of ruptures of an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissections. This safety announcement provides an update.
View the Drug Safety Communication: Updated Adverse Effects from Fluoroquinolones announcement (dured_27740).
Clinical Review Update: Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose
Released February 28, 2019
The article describes MEDD and summarizes best practices for prescribing opioids and identifies resources for responsible opioid prescribing.
View the Clinical Review Update: Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (dured_27703).
Alert: New Naloxone Regulations Effective on January 1, 2019
Released January 31, 2019
Assembly Bill 2760 required prescribers to offer a prescription to a patient for either naloxone or another drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when certain conditions are present.
View the Alert: New Naloxone Regulations (dured_27623).
In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists Furnishing Nicotine Replacement Products
Released March 30, 2018
This is a review of California State Board of Pharmacy regulations for pharmacists to furnish nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, which have been in effect since January 2016.
View In the Pharmacy: Pharmacists Furnishing Nicotine Replacement Products (dured_26694).