Nationwide "Gi Nurses & Associates Day" Celebrates Contributions Of Gastroenterology And Endoscopy Professionals

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 22 Mar 2009 - 1:00 PDT

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The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA), the premier society representing nursing professionals in gastroenterology and endoscopy, and Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals Inc. (P&GP), makers of the ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment Asacol® (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, are proud to support "GI Nurses & Associates Day," a day marked to honor the achievements of certified gastroenterology (GI) and endoscopy professionals. In recognition of "GI Nurses & Associates Day," GI and endoscopy practices across the nation are identifying nurses and associates in their local offices to recognize these individuals for their dedication to patients and the larger GI community.

"The Asacol brand, on behalf of P&G Pharmaceuticals, proudly recognizes the crucial role GI and endoscopy nurses and associates play in patient care and the advancement of the GI field," said David Lacy, GI category director at P&G Pharmaceuticals. "We are pleased to draw the public's attention to these individuals, who are heroes to the patients that rely on their guidance and personal care. The Asacol brand's support of 'GI Nurses & Associates Day' is part of P&G's ongoing commitment to serve healthcare providers and patients alike."

Top Nurses Compete For National Award

Today's local award recipients were selected by their peers for their ability to demonstrate leadership, professionalism, integrity, dedication to teamwork, effective communications skills and superior clinical skills. Local winners are also eligible to be nominated for SGNA's national "Proud to be GI" award, which will be announced at SGNA's 36th Annual Course in St. Louis, Mo., this May. Local GI offices can nominate local winners for the national award by completing the national award application found in the GI Nurses & Associates Day Kit. These kits can be obtained by GI professionals through SGNA Headquarters, by visiting www.sgna.org or through their local P&GP representative.

"As GI and endoscopy nurses and associates ourselves, we have a profound understanding of the diverse demands of our field and the passion with which we serve the needs of our patients," said Lisa Heard, BSN RN CGRN, president of SGNA. "We are excited that 'GI Nurses & Associates Day' gives the public and the GI/endoscopy fields a chance to recognize the outstanding commitment of these individuals, and we encourage all local units and facilities to submit their winners to SGNA for national consideration."

In addition to its well-known consumer brands, Procter & Gamble develops and markets a gastrointestinal platform that extends across pharmaceutical and over-the-counter brands. One of these brands is Asacol® (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, available by prescription only, and currently celebrating more than 16 years as a trusted therapy. Asacol is indicated to treat mild to moderate UC, a form of inflammatory bowel disease, and to maintain remission of UC. Asacol is the number one most-dispensed oral mesalamine.1 More information about Asacol can be found by visiting http://www.Asacol.com.

About the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates

The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA) is a professional organization of more than 8,500 nurses and associates dedicated to the safe and effective practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing. SGNA carries out its mission by advancing the science and practice of gastroenterology and endoscopy nursing through education, research, advocacy and collaboration, and by promoting the professional development of its members in an atmosphere of mutual support. For more information, visit http://www.sgna.org.

About Asacol® (mesalamine) Delayed-Release Tablets 400 mg

Asacol is indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active UC (the indicated dosage is two 400 mg tablets tid for 6 weeks) and for the maintenance of remission of UC (the indicated dosage is 1.6 g/day in divided doses).

Asacol was well-tolerated in clinical studies. Overall, the incidence of adverse events with Asacol was comparable to placebo. In pivotal clinical studies of mildly to moderately active UC, the most frequent adverse events reported for Asacol and placebo, respectively, were headache (35 percent vs. 36 percent), abdominal pain (18 percent vs. 14 percent), eructation (16 percent vs. 15 percent), pain (14 percent vs. eight percent) and nausea (13 percent vs. 15 percent); for the maintenance of remission of UC, the most frequent adverse events were headache (50 percent vs. 50 percent), rhinitis (42 percent vs. 36 percent), diarrhea (35 percent vs. 50 percent), abdominal pain (32 percent vs. 44 percent) and flatulence (24 percent vs. 30 percent). You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Asacol is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to salicylates. Caution should be exercised when using Asacol in patients with known renal dysfunction or history of renal disease. It is recommended that all patients have an evaluation of renal function prior to initiation of Asacol tablets and periodically while on Asacol therapy. Serious adverse events may occur with Asacol. Please visit http://www.asacol.com/pdf/us-asacol.pdf for full prescribing information.

About Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG)

Three billion times a day, P&G brands touch the lives of people around the world. The company has one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Actonel®, (risedronate sodium) tablets, Asacol® (mesalamine) delayed-release tablets, Enablex® (darifenacin) extended-release tablets, Prilosec OTC®, Metamucil®, Fibersure®, Align®, Pepto-Bismol®, Vicks®, PUR®, Crest® and Oral-B®. The P&G community consists of over 135,000 employees working in over 80 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G and its brands.

1 This information is an estimate derived from the use of information under license from IMS National Prescription Data for the 12 month period ending July 2008. IMS expressly reserves all rights, including rights of copying, distribution and republication. This statement does not imply superior efficacy or safety.

Source
Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates

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