AHFS Patient Medication Information Update – September 2016

The September update to the AHFS Patient Medication Information (PMI) database has been published. Highlights of the update include:

New PMI Monographs:

Lifitegrast Ophthalmic (Xiidra^®)
- Ophthalmic lifitegrast is used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Lifitegrast is in a class of medications called lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist. Lifitegrast works by reducing the swelling in the eye tissues.
Diphenhydramine Injection (Benadryl^®)
- Diphenhydramine injection is used to treat allergic reactions, especially for people who are unable to take diphenhydramine by mouth. It is used also to treat motion sickness. Diphenhydramine injection is also used alone or along with other medications to control abnormal movements in people who have Parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance).
Cabozantinib [advanced renal cell carcinoma] (Cabometyx^®)
- Cabozantinib (Cabometyx) is used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC; a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the kidneys) that has worsened after treatment with other chemotherapy medications.

Combined use of opioid and benzodiazepines resulting in slowed or difficult breathing and deaths
- Affected monographs:
  - Hydrocodone Combination Products, Chlordiazepoxide and Clidinium, Pentazocine, Hydromorphone Injection, Meperidine Injection, Metronidazole Injection, Morphine Injection, Fentanyl Transdermal Patch, Butorphanol Nasal Spray, Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence), Diazepam Rectal, Fentanyl, Morphine Rectal, Tapentadol, Oxymorphone, Clobazam, Fentanyl Nasal Spray, Hydromorphone Rectal, Fentanyl Sublingual Spray, Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch, Hydrocodone, Buprenorphine Buccal (chronic pain), Hydromorphone, Diazepam, Oxazepam, Flurazepam, Clorazepate, Lorazepam, Codeine, Chlordiazepoxide, Meperidine, Oxycodone, Morphine, Methadone, Clonazepam, Butorphanol Injection, Alprazolam, Temazepam, Triazolam, Estazolam, Tramadol