From staff reports

Statins may have a protective effect against the development of colorectal cancer, according to results from a retrospective case-control study published in BMC Gastroenterology.

FDA approved enzalutamide (Xtandi, Astellas Pharma U.S. Inc. and Medivation) to treat men with late-stage (metastatic) castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread or recurred, even with medical or surgical therapy to minimize testosterone.

FDA issued a Drug Safety Communication on sildenafil (Revatio, Pfizer), following the observation in a long-term extension of a clinical trial in pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension of an increase in mortality with increasing Revatio dose.

FDA approved linaclotide (Linzess, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals and Forest) to treat chronic idiopathic constipation and to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation in adults.

Children with cystic fibrosis who are taking ivacaftor (Kalydeco) may be at potential risk for cataracts, according to an FDA notification.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently published recommendations for the 2012-2013 influenza season.

Higher starting doses of allopurinol to treat gout may increase the risk for allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome, according to a study published in the August 2012 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

California hospitals are doing a better job of controlling methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and central-line associated bloodstream infections, according to a new report.

FDA has approved the supplemental New Drug Application for tapentadol extended-release tablets (Nucynta ER, Janssen), an oral analgesic taken twice daily, for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in adults when a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.

At its Pharmacy and Technology Conference, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores presented Doug Long with the prestigious Harold W. Pratt Award.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has announced the inaugural class of their Faculty Scholars Program.

Mallinckrodt, the largest U.S. supplier of opioid pain medications, plans to purchase Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals’ Roxicodone (oxycodone hydrochloride tablets USP) in 5-mg, 15-mg, and 30-mg dosage strengths.

Individuals taking statins are at higher risk of developing cataract at an earlier age than those not taking them, according to a study published in the August issue of Optometry and Vision Science.

Walgreens is expanding its electronic health record program to all of its stores by the summer of 2013.

In a letter to Pennsylvania state lawmakers, the National Community Pharmacists Association urged the leaders to support legislation concerning pharmacy audits.

FDA has approved Watson's lidocaine topical patch 5%, the first generic version of (Endo) for the relief of pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone shows favorable effects on cognition in older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment, according to a study published in the Archives of Neurology.

Caffeine may offer promise to patients with Parkinson disease by easing movement symptoms, according to a small study published August 1 in Neurology.

Aminoglycoside-loaded bone cement implants, frequently used in orthopedic surgery, may result in systemic effects that raise aminoglycoside serum concentrations and lead to acute kidney injury, according to a study published July 3 in The Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

Vitamin D deficiency in critically ill children may make them more vulnerable to severe illnesses, according to two new studies published ahead of the print September issue of Pediatrics.

FDA has approved buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals) sublingual film in the 4-mg and 12-mg strengths for the maintenance treatment of dependence on prescription opioid painkillers and heroin.

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has launched authorized generics of products indicated for use with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Certain Rite Aid pharmacies are taking part in a pilot project designed to make patient medication information easier for consumers to understand.

What's different in your drug stores this month or coming very soon?

The FTC has filed an amicus curiae brief on the issue of “pay-for-delay†actions in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, as part of an antitrust lawsuit between Wyeth and Teva Pharmaceuticals.

FDA approved Mylan Pharmaceutical's 15-mg, 30-mg, and 45-mg pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets, the first generic version of Actos (Takeda), along with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Seattle-based Bartell Drugs and the Space Needle are set to launch back-to-school promotion.

At the urging of the Texas Legislature, the Texas Department of Public Safety developed the Prescription Access in Texas program, which provides controlled substances dispensing history to authorized healthcare and law enforcement professionals.

Healthcare delivery in the United States has evolved as more patients visit their neighborhood retail clinics for acute and preventive care.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created partnerships with several pharmacies to help patients learn about new Medicare benefits available under the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare reform legislation that was upheld as constitutional by the Supreme Court in late June.