(2/8/2012, 12:10 p.m.)  --  An acid reflux drug frequently prescribed for children with poorly controlled asthma does not improve asthma control if the child has no symptoms of acid reflux, according to a recent study published in JAMA: the Journal of the American Medical Association. In such cases, the treatment actually increases the risk of sore throat, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. "The study demonstrates that this recently advocated treatment is not effective and reminds us to focus on evidence-based practice in real-world settings," said family physician Kurt Elward, M.D., of Charlottesville, Va., the Academy's liaison to the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program. More

(2/8/2012, 3:40 p.m.)  --  A packaging error has prompted New York-based Pfizer Inc. to recall multiple lots of oral contraceptives after an investigation by the company indicated the error could leave women "without adequate contraception and at risk for unintended pregnancy." In a Jan. 31 press release, Pfizer, which manufactures the products, said that it recalled 28 lots of tablets because some of the blister packs may contain an inexact count of inert and active ingredient tablets. In addition, said Pfizer, the tablets might be out of sequence. More