FDA Updates

Schnucks Markets plans to get customers into its pharmacy departments with the addition of EyeSite vision-screening kiosks. Thirty kiosks were recently added to its grocery stores in the St. Louis area.

More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, and at least 25 million suffer on a daily basis. A Nielson study reported early in 2009 announced that 94 percent of patients are satisfied with their OTC remedies. The study estimated that OTC medications annually save patients an average total of $174 each in office visits and medication costs. Because of fewer patient visits top physicians, the study attributes $757 million in annual savings to the U.S. healthcare system.

A survey of new Rx and new OTC

The products pharmacists discuss most often with patients are oral pain-relief products, lip balms, and cold-sore preparations, according to an exclusive Drug Topics survey of pharmacists.

A survey of new Rx, new indications, new generics, and new OTC

Walgreens recently announced the release of its Specialty Pharmacy State of the Industry report. Keep reading to find out more.

Manufacturers, promoters, and sellers of dietary supplements are prohibited by law from making claims to treat or cure illness or disease, or their symptoms. Pharmacists should encourage patients to check with medical professionals before commencing use of any dietary supplement.

A survey of new Rx; new indications; new generics; and new OTC

With the settlement of the class-action lawsuit brought against First DataBank and McKesson by third-party payors accusing the companies of conspiring to inflate average wholesale prices (AWP) of hundreds of drugs, AWP values will roll back from 1.25 to 1.20 times the drugs' wholesale acquisition cost (WAC).

Consumer shopping habits have changed in the new economy and some of those habits will have an impact on purchases of prescriptions and OTC healthcare products for the next few years.

A survey of new Rx, new OTC, new indications, and new generics

The kids are going back to school, and opportunities for exposure to head lice abound. In the U.S., an estimated 6 million to 12 million infestations occur each year among children 3 to 11 years old. This year, some new products offer relief.

Citizen petitions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) work. Sometimes.

In 2009, economic uncertainties, fear of new influenza strains, and pain are contributing to problems with sleeplessness experienced by many among the U.S. population.

Parents with some understanding of the possible dangers of OTC cold remedies often still give them to their young children.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Several new OTC products are on pharmacy shelves for seasonal sufferers seeking relief.

In a recent ceremony in Boulder, Colo., Pharmaca CEO and Chairman Barry Perzow received the Chain of the Year award from Drug Topics Editor-in-Chief Margaret Mulligan.

A survey of new Rx, new OTC, new indications, and new generics

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) is endorsing a congressional effort to crack down on the bulk sale of a cough syrup ingredient sometimes abused as a recreational drug.

A survey of new Rx, new OTC, new indications, and new generics

Muscle and joint pain: New OTC products offer relief

Boulder, Colo.-based Pharmaca, the nation's first European-style integrative retail pharmacy focuses on treating the whole person. Their successful model made them the choice as Drug Topics' 2009 Chain of the Year.

A retailer's review of best-selling OTC categories, including digestive health, vitamins and supplements, and eye and ear care.

Novation, a healthcare contracting services company based in Texas, has contracted with McKesson Corp?s OneStop Generics Program for its mutual health system customers.

A survey of new Rx, new OTC, new indications, and new generics

Drug Topics' exclusive survey on eye care offers pharmacist feedback and brand recommendations.

A San Francisco pilot program for ecological collection of consumer pharmaceutical waste is giving pharmacies nationwide the tools and training to create their own drug take-back programs.

A survey of new Rx, new OTC, new indications, and new generics