Physicians prescribing novel dosages of old drugs remains a problem

States are cracking down on so-called physician dispensing of prescription drugs, or creating novel dosages of old drugs to get around cost controls on traditional ones, reports The New York Times.

"The regulations stimulated this innovation," said Richard A. Victor, executive director of the Workers Compensation Research Institute, according to the story. Studies also show that physicians are finding ways to generate added income by dispensing medical foods and compounded drugs. 

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“Now more than ever, we must recognize that our country’s leadership in groundbreaking medical research spurs scientific innovation, improves public health and creates new innovations that save and improve lives nationwide,” Joseph C. Wu, MD, PhD, explained in a statement. 

The technology used to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular disease is always evolving, keeping FDA officials quite busy. But have the agency's standards been slipping in recent years? A cardiologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center explored that very question.

No devices need to be returned at this time. However, the FDA warned, using these heart pumps without reviewing the updated instructions could result in "serious injury or death.”