Asthma and allergies drug Singulair as generic version approved

FDA approves first generic versions of Singulair to treat asthma, allergies – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic versions of Singulair (montelukast sodium) for use in adults and children to control asthma symptoms and to help relieve symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies.

Zaltrap for metastatic colorectal cancer approved by FDA

FDA approves Zaltrap for metastatic colorectal cancer – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept) for use in combination with a FOLFIRI (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan) chemotherapy regimen to treat adults with colorectal cancer.

Qsymia approved for chronic weight management

U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate extended-release) as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise for chronic weight management.

Truvada approved to reduce HIV infection risk in uninfected

FDA approves first drug for reducing the risk of sexually acquired HIV infection — Evidence-based approach enhances existing prevention strategies – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Truvada (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), the first drug approved to reduce the risk of HIV infection in uninfected individuals who are at high risk of HIV infection and who may engage in sexual activity with HIV-infected partners.

Belviq lorcaserin approved to treat overweight or obese adults

FDA approves Belviq to treat some overweight or obese adults – Belviq (lorcaserin hydrochloride) is approved as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, for chronic weight management. This obesity drug is approved by US FDA for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater (obese), or adults with a BMI of 27 or greater (overweight) and who have at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol (dyslipidemia).

High blood pressure risk rising in US kids

More hospitalizations, higher charges, for kids with high blood pressure – Hospitalizations for children with high blood pressure and related charges dramatically increased during 10 years ending in 2006, according to a study published in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension. This nationally-based study is the first in which researchers examined hypertension hospitalizations in children.

Migraine linked to increased risk of depression in women

Migraines linked to depression in women — Risk of depression appears to stay elevated even if the pain stops, research finds – Women who have migraine or have had them in the past are at an increased risk for developing depression compared to women who have never had migraine. This new study is linking depression in women to migraine in women.

Migraine in mom may increase baby’s risk of colic

Moms with migraines twice as likely to have baby with colic — Study shows moms who suffer migraines more likely to have colicky babies – Mothers who experience migraine may be more likely to have a baby with colic than mothers without a history of migraine. Colic is defined as excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant.

Prevnar 13 vaccine approved for people ages 50 and older

FDA expands use of Prevnar 13 vaccine for people ages 50 and older – Prevnar 13, a pneumonia vaccine, is approved for people ages 50 years and older to prevent pneumonia and invasive disease caused by the bacterium, Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Pfizer new drug could provide a new treatment option for postmenopausal women

Pfizer new drug BZA/CE could provide a new treatment option for symptomatic postmenopausal women with a uterus – Pfizer Inc. will announce new one-year results from the Selective estrogens, Menopause, And Response to Therapy [SMART]-5 Phase 3 study of the safety and efficacy of the investigational tissue selective estrogen complex (TSEC) bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens (BZA/CE) at the 22nd annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), September_21-24 in Washington, D.C.