October 14th 2024
As health care systems and the current syndemic continue to evolve, pharmacies are poised to play a crucial role in improving public health.
October 8th 2024
The 70-plus-page lawsuit is directed at Express Scripts for its dealings with drug manufacturers in fueling the US opioid crisis.
Florida-based pharmacist Brad Phillips, PharmD, BCACP, speaks to the importance of pre-planning, emergency refills, medication storage, and post-storm safety measures to ensure medication security during hurricanes.
October 3rd 2024
Researchers suggest that vaccine champion programs could be a promising avenue to increasing immunization rates.
Many public health officials aren’t surprised by the decline in vaccine coverage, although its underlying causes present unique challenges.
Enhancing Medication Access, Addressing Health Disparities in Community Pharmacies | ACCP 2024
Findings from a collection of posters at ACCP underscore the critical role of community pharmacies in promoting health equity and providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
US Adults’ Feelings Toward Vaccination Against Respiratory Illnesses
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases released a survey regarding the feelings of US adults toward influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal disease.
Community Pharmacy Vaccine Promotions Often Neglect Vulnerable Populations
Researchers aimed to address how community pharmacies target vulnerable groups regarding the promotion of vaccinations.
FDA, CDC: E-Cigarette Use Among Youth Continues to Plummet
Initiatives such as media campaigns and legislative rulings by the agencies have likely contributed to the decline.
FTC Files Lawsuit Against ‘Big 3’ PBMs for Drug Price Inflation
In its first move since the July interim report detailing pharmacy benefit manager practices, the FTC is now suing CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx.
Prevalence of Obesity in the US Remains at All-Time High
The CDC recently released a report detailing 2023 statistics regarding adult obesity within the 50 US states.
FDA Approves First-Ever OTC Hearing Aid Software
Over 30 million American adults experience some hearing loss, yet only one-fifth benefit from hearing aids; the FDA’s approval will expand access to the technology for the patient population.
New England Ranks as Most Vaccinated Region in the US
Industry experts and physicians conducted a state-by-state breakdown of vaccination statistics for children and teenagers as well as adults and elderly individuals.
Understanding Medical Debt, Complexity of US Health Care System
Researchers looked for a better understanding of medical debt and what type of role the US government plays in lessening the burden on patients and their health care costs.
First Human Bird Flu Case Without Exposure to Infected Animal Discovered in Missouri
The CDC confirmed another human bird flu case, marking the first instance of the virus in a human without occupational exposure to infected birds or dairy cattle during the 2024 outbreak.
NCPA Calls on CMS to Establish PBM Protection for Independent Pharmacies
As Medicare open enrollment begins, the NCPA is urging CMS to facilitate appropriate PBM contracting for pharmacies in the upcoming plan year.
FDA Approves Expanded Use of ACAM2000 Vaccine for Mpox Amid Public Health Emergency
Emergent BioSolutions has announced that it will donate 50,000 doses of ACAM2000 for potential deployment across affected areas in Central Africa.
Q&A: Opill Ushers in New Era of Access to Birth Control
Stephanie Sober, MD, MSHP, investigator on the pivotal research that supported the prescription-to-OTC switch of Opill, shares insights on how the medicine is reshaping the reproductive landscape.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Program Returns as Cases Rise
The government said the tests will “detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year.”
Pharmacy Deserts Prominent in Areas of High Social Vulnerability
Researchers analyzed data from every county in the US and aimed to address the association between high social vulnerability and pharmacy deserts.
Disparities Hinder HPV Vaccine Goals in USAPI Jurisdictions
Access inequities are preventing the US-affiliated Pacific Island (USAPI) jurisdictions from meeting the WHO 2030 goal of 90% human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination series completion coverage.
Q&A: Discussing the Dangers of Buying GLP-1s From Online Pharmacies
Timothy Mackey, MAS, PhD, discusses a study that sought to determine the risk of sourcing semaglutide from online platforms.
Majority of Savings from CMS Price Negotiations Comes From 3 Drugs
Research experts at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., analyzed the savings estimates provided by CMS for its drug price negotiations and compared them with the institution’s own estimates.
Health Care Costs, Financial Scams Top List of Health Concerns Among Older Adults
Participants were asked to rate their level of concern on 26 health topics.
FDA Grants Marketing Authorization to First-Ever OTC Syphilis Test
First To Know Syphilis Tests are expected to be available at major national retailers and online in late 2024.
Despite Success of Vaccines for Children Program, Disparities Persist
A CDC report called for “increased efforts” to ensure parents can obtain all recommended vaccines for their eligible children and realize the full potential of the VFC program.
Prices Released for First 10 Drugs Selected in Medicare Negotiations
New prices will go into effect on January 1, 2026, for individuals covered by Medicare Part D prescription drugs.
Dengue Vaccine TAK-003 Confirmed to be Safe, Effective
TAK-003 could be a powerful combatant against the increasing global threat of dengue virus.
Online Pharmacies Are Illegally Selling GLP-1s Without Prescriptions
A study found that test products purchased from illegal online pharmacy operations had lower purity levels and significantly more semaglutide content than what was advertised on the label.
Trust in US Physicians, Hospitals Decreased During COVID-19 Pandemic
Researchers aimed to address the change in trust individuals exhibited regarding US physicians and hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug Expenditures Must Be Addressed for State Spending Targets to Be Useful
Industry experts explored the increase in US prescription drug spending and how state spending targets come into play regarding patients’ rising out-of-pocket costs.
Drug Advertising, Disease Awareness Misconstrue Patients’ Understanding of Pharmaceutical Benefits
Researchers aimed to determine the risks and benefits of prescription drug advertising released in tandem with disease awareness programming.
Long COVID Risk Reduced by 70% Following Vaccination
“If people think COVID is no big deal and decide to forgo vaccinations, they’re essentially doubling their risk of developing long COVID,” wrote investigators.
Rite Aid Addresses Cyberattack: 2.2 Million Customers’ Data Breached
The retail pharmacy chain issued an alert to its customers that purchasing data from 2017 to 2018 may have been breached by a third party.
Bird Flu Virus Spreads in Dairy Cattle, But Human Health Risk Remains Low
The CDC issued a report on the state of the avian influenza, or bird flu, at the end of last week.