Sanofi Fights Off Competition with the Release of Toujeo

Sanofi, a drug company in France is trying to get their new insulin, Toujeo approved by the FDA before their patent for the extremely popular Lantus, expires later this year. With the patent expiring, other drug companies like Lilly, and Merck are racing to come up with a cheaper version of the Sanofi original. The popularity of Lantus has given Sanofi a 15% share in the insulin market, the largest share of any single company.

They have been having some issues with the approval of Toujeo. Physicians have said that,while this new product is an improvement on Lantus, it isn't as large of an improvement that Lantus was when it was first released. This statement, especially since it was made by physicians, will discourage the prescribing of Toujeo since it will be more costly. Therefore, the future success of this insulin will depend on what the company chooses to set the price at, and if they can get it approved before the patent expires.

NSAIDS

I read a scary article today, saying that NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), that have been used to manage pain after heart attacks are actually boosting a patient's bleeding risk. They are also leading to increased opportunities to suffer another cardiovascular outcome, including death.  Even if the medication was only taken for less than seven days. 1/3 of our population suffering from heart related issues have prescriptions for these NSAIDS. Examples of NSAIDS include ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve).

The study recommended that doctors prescribe aspirin as well as clopidogrel which are also blood thinners.

Major, Minor

Most people understand my reasons for choosing pharmacy as my major, but they have had a harder time relating to my minor, Business Administration.

For me, it was a simple choice. In order to own a pharmacy in ND you must be a pharmacist with 51% ownership. This law gives the pharmacist the challenge of serving two distinctly different roles. I wanted to be prepared to take on both roles head first. It is important for me to feel that I am prepared to run a business, and I know that with the attainment of this minor I am well on my way.

Taking my business classes at NDSU also gives me a break from the endless science classes that I have taken. They can become exhausting at times, plus my business classes are very relatable!
My minor is also leading to some brilliant adventures within the college of business, studying abroad! I will write more at a later date, but I know it will be a trip of a lifetime!

Most Wanted?

Today I got finger printed. Its required by NDSU for the pharmacy program, it is such an odd and awkward process, but really funny. I had never been finger printed before so i wasn't really sure on what the process would be like.

The worst part was letting the printer take control. I always felt like I should help him roll my finger across the paper, but he said that wasn't a good idea. It would have smudged the paper and force me to start all over. When the process began I was doing pretty well, but towards the end I had to keep telling myself to let him do his job.   :)

They sent off all of my materials, the finger prints, a background check form, and a few other things. I know they'll be clean, but for some reason I'm scared they won't be?! I'm sure its just the getting accepted nerves? Who knows?

On a side note,  a little over 2 weeks from the interview!!!

EEK

ObamaCare

The Affordable Care Act is one confusing law, that people are either for, or against. A patient's healthcare plan is in control of what medications they can get and how they pay for those medications. I have been wanting to learn more about the Affordable Care Act for my interview preparations as well as for my own knowledge.

I read up on the Affordable Care Act on several websites, but there were some that made the topic much more simple than others. Obamacare facts was the most user friendly for me. My favorite part about the website? The simple videos they provide that clear up all your questions in about 5 minutes.

I have included the two videos that I watched. I appreciate their ability to explain the content in such a basic manner so that anyone could understand!

Health Insurance Explained

Get Ready for Obamacare

No Smoking

There is a new drug being tested that is getting better than expected results.

The drug Varenicline (Chantix) was being tested in a clinical trial to help smokers reduce the number of cigarettes they were smoking in order to help them quit within the next few years. The trial was more then successful as all the users who use Varenicline stopped smoking earlier than expected and were able to continue without smoking for a longer period of time. 

While smoking rates have decreased over the past few years, it would be great if we could eliminate it in the future. With drugs like Varenicline and Bupropion, as well as nicotine patches and gum we were getting closer. 

Smoking doesn't only affect the smoker, but everyone around them. The affects start small, like secondhand smoke, but can then increase to aftermath dealing with the loss of a loved one from lung cancer. I have experienced this situation personally, and it is one I wish I could have avoided.

The Great Immunization Debate

Lately, I cannot go on Facebook or read the newspaper without seeing a new article on the outbreak of measles all over the country. The majority of the outbreak is being spread by those that haven't been immunized.

Vaccinations can be a tough sell to new parents, but the truth is, they are absolutely necessary. Vaccinations came under fire in the late 2000's for being linked to autism. Numerous studies since then have proved otherwise, yet the stigma still stands. But why? Physicians and nurses have presented the information to new patients and they still choose not to follow their caregivers' orders.

Below is an article published on the Voices for Vaccines website. I believe it is an important read.
Children don't have a say in whether or not they will be vaccinated, which can lead to a sickly future...

http://www.voicesforvaccines.org/growing-up-unvaccinated/