Effects of Funding Policy Changes and Health Warnings on the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents [Original Contributions]

Effects of Funding Policy Changes and Health Warnings on the Use of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents [Original Contributions]

Purpose:
To characterize the effects of formulary changes and governmental safety warnings on use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients with cancer.

Patients and Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional time-series analysis using health administrative data from Ontario, Canada. From January 1997 to December 2009 we identified all ESA initiations among patients diagnosed with cancer. We explored the effects of two formulary changes that progressively liberalized coverage for ESAs, first by rescinding the requirement for blood transfusion in 2003 and then by removing all restrictions in 2007. We also explored the effect of US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada warnings issued in the second quarter of 2007. To assess regional variability in ESA use, we determined prescription rates for each of Ontario's 14 regional cancer centers.

Results:
After the first formulary change, the ESA initiation rate increased to 1.66 new users per 1,000 patients with cancer, 374% more than predicted (P < .001). After the second formulary change, the initiation rate increased to 3.97 new users per 1,000 patients with cancer, 73% more than predicted (P < .001). After the safety warnings, this rate declined 81% by study end (P < .001). We found significant regional variation in ESA use.

Conclusion:
Formulary access and safety warnings had significant impacts on the new use of ESA drugs in patients with cancer. This suggests that both are effective means of influencing the use of these drugs. Variable ESA prescription rates across our region may reflect a lack of consensus regarding their utility.

UPDATE: New Website Selling Miracle Mineral Solution Sodium Chlorite Solution Not Authorized for Oral Consumption by Humans

 Blogger's Note: the website is still active as of the date of this positing

UPDATE: New Website Selling Miracle Mineral Solution Sodium Chlorite Solution Not Authorized for Oral Consumption by Humans

Information Update
2012-74
May 18, 2012
For immediate release
OTTAWA - Further to our previous communications, Health Canada is advising Canadians that a new website has been identified selling "MMS", also known as Miracle Mineral Solution or Miracle Mineral Supplement. The website is http://www.buymms.biz
When new websites or retailers are identified, Health Canada will continue to update our current list of MMS products. Canadians are advised to monitor this list of affected products for any possible updates.
Health Canada continues to remind Canadians that there are no therapeutic products containing sodium chlorite authorized for oral consumption by humans. MMS may cause serious health problems that include poisoning, kidney failure and harm to red blood cells that reduces the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. Additional health problems may also include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Consumers should consult their health care practitioner if they have used or are using MMS products and report any adverse reaction to Health Canada.
Health Canada has notified distributors identified to date that the sale of sodium chlorite for human consumption is in contravention of the Food and Drugs Act. We have also requested that identified distributors remove product from the Canadian market. As such, this website (http://www.buymms.biz) may or may not be operational. (Blogger's Note: is active)

Health Canada Warns Canadians about Buying Prescription Drugs Online from www.globalpharmacycanada.com - Health Canada Advisory 2010-07-27

Note: if your server (ISP) is from Canada then you are blocked from the globalpharmacycanada link

Health Canada is informing Canadians about the potential dangers of buying
prescription drugs online from www.globalpharmacycanada.com. The company
responsible for the website recently removed Canadian access to it, but
Canadians may have purchased from this website in the past.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_127-eng.php