Exclusive survey of R.Ph.s reveals their hopes, fears about generics
This article for the generic supplement highlights findings of an exclusive survey conducted by Advanstar for Drug Topics.
Will e-prescribing encourage generic utilization? Experts believe so
This story addresses the issue of E-prescibing and generic utilization.
Will FDA's efforts to approve generics open the floodgates to approvals?
Gary Buehler is the subject of this question and answer style article that addresses issues pertinent to the generic industry.
Why generic injectables are taking center stage
Generic injectable products are coming into the market. This article details the flood of new entrants.
The top 20 drug companies by retail dollars in 2007
Here is a listing of the top 20 drug firms based on their retail sales for 2007.
Treating kids with cough and cold: Filling the void
The recent FDA voluntary withdrawal of cough and cold OTCs for infants has created a void that pharmacists should fill with patient counseling.
Recent advancements in HIV / AIDS treatment
A review of the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of an HIV infection; methods of detection and diagnosis, and latest medications approved for the treatment of HIV / AIDS.
APhA and NACDS Foundation launch medication therapy management Version 2.0
American Pharmacists Association and the NACDS Foundation launch MTM Version 2.0, an improved model for medication therapy management programs.
CVS Caremark Corp. to pay almost $37 million on retail dispensing practices for ranitidine
CVS Caremark has reached a settlement agrement with Department of Jutice to resolve an investigation into the practice of dispensing the generic ranitidine in capsule rather than tablet form
Medicare Part B expands coverage for warfarin patients monitoring clotting time at home
Medicare Part B has expanded coverage for warfarin patients monitoirng clotting time at home.
Bendamustine approved by FDA for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Bendamustine has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of CLL
DMEPOS competitive bidding program logs 26% discount in first round
The feds have released the pricing for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies for the first round of competitive bidding
CMS outlines 2009 Part D plan requirements
CMS will require Medicare Advantage annd prescription drug plan sponsors in the Medicare Part D program, cover more HIV retrovirals, include more MTM data, and specify prior authorization requirements.
Walgreens expands into work site clinics with acquisitions
Walgreens is launching health and wellness division to expand into worksite health clinics and has acquired two companies, I-trax and Whole Health Management of Cleveland.
CMS issues new rule on multiple-source drugs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued a new definition of multi-source drugs
NovoNordisk NovoLog approved for use in insulin pumps by children and adolescents
Results of a 16-week trial of insulin aspart
Prevention is key in treating C. difficile infections
An effective control program includes active monitoring of antibiotic use, prescribing shorter durations, avoiding broad-spectrum drug use, using automatic stop orders, and employing antibiotic pharmacists.
Studied extensively, new drug-eluting stent said to be very safe
Endeavor provides a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart byass surgery for patients undergoing angioplasty.
Pharmacy outsourcing still much in use by hospitals
Hospital outsource for a variety of reasons.
Medication reconciliation in specialty patients poses more challenge
Communication problems, formulary structures, and compliance are some or the issues pharmacists face in medication reconciliation.
Patient Safety Organizations are mandated to look for trends and feed patient safety data back to the healthcare community
The federal government is creating independnet reporting agencies to collect data about medical errors. AHRQ is seekng public comment on proposed rules.
Pay for performance is coming to pharmacy
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will start reporting pharmacy performace as early as this fall and drug plans my start publishing reports in the near futugs.
What do the applications of nanotechnology mean to pharmacists?
Nanotechnology is in its infancy, but will revolutionize how we develop and deliver drugs in the near future.
HSE News Briefs
News briefs for hospital pharmacists
Pharmacists and physicians who used e-prescribing in pilot projects are still experiencing challenges
Aside from workflow and technology issues, pharmacists and physicians participating in pilot projects onder the Medicare Modernization Act generally supported e-prescribing.
Pharmacy directors wary of heparin shortages
Until problems with Baxter heparin are resolved, APP Pharmaceuticals has been working hard to ensure that there are no gaps in supply to hospial and dialysis units.
Viewpoint: Are state boards of pharmacy abusing their power?
John Lemberger gives his point of view about a failure to counsel citation from the Wisconsin Board of Pharmacy
New products: April 14, 2008
Brief descriptions of over-the-counter, home health, brand, and generic drug
Google offers sneak peak at electronic records initiatve
Google is testing its new open electronic health records systems, Google Health at the Cleveland Clinic.
New over-the-counter eye health products
This article highlights new over-the-counter products for eye health including eye drops and eye washes.