Xarelto Bleeding Risks Equal to Warfarin

A French study shows that the risk of life threatening or uncontrollable bleeding events in patients using Xarelto are no greater than that in patients using Warfarin. However, the study warns that the fact that no reversal agent exists for the effects of Xarelto does not make it safer than Warfarin.


Final Ex-Executives Plead Guilty over West Virginia Chemical Spill

Charleston U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said that his agency was focused on pursuing prison time for the former executives as a stronger deterrent than financial penalties. Goodwin said, “Executives are used to writing checks. It sends a stronger message if they have to trade their three-piece suits for a prison jumpsuit.”


Valeant Buys Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Maker of Just-Approved Female Libido Medication

Valeant’s purchase of Sprout will include $500 million cash up front as well as $500 million when the deal is closed, which is expected to be in early 2016. In addition, Valeant has agreed to give Sprout a portion of future revenues if certain milestones are met, although neither party would discuss specifics. Sprout CEO Cindy Whitehead will join Valeant and lead the division responsible for Addyi.



DUMPED! Hackers Reveal Ashley Madison User Info Online

Although many have likely shrugged or scoffed upon hearing news of the data dump, the ramifications of the disclosures run far deeper than just major relationship troubles. Over 10,000 of the compromised email addresses had .gov extensions with an estimated 5,000 more having .mil (military) suffixes. Adultery is punishable up to a year in prison in the military and can lead to a pension-forfeiting dishonorable discharge.



“Female Viagra” Drug, Flibanserin Approved by FDA on Third Attempt

Unlike its counterpart medications for male erectile dysfunction like Viagra or Cialis, Addyi will not be taken on an “as needed” basis. Citing differences in sexual function between men and women, clinical sex therapist Judy Kuriansky said, “Women’s sexuality is very complicated. It’s not a matter of just taking that pill, by the way, and then all of a sudden the lights go on.” Kuriansky added, “You have to feel good about your body. You have to feel good about yourself. You have to feel the guy really loves you. It’s complex.




Duodenoscope Sterilization a Focus as FDA Warns Three Device Makers

The regulator sent the letters to the Olympus, Fujifilm, and Pentax as part of an effort to fight against a wave of deadly bacterial infections attributed to the insufficient cleaning and sterilization of the devices. Duodenoscopes are reusable flexible tubes that go down the throat in order to treat gastrointestinal tract ailments.