Numerous studies have shown that medication adherence, or the lack of it, is a major driver of healthcare costs. As millions of consumers select health plans as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) believes they should have information on the success of individual healthcare plans in improving medication adherence.
When it comes to filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies, CVS is the top consumer choice, followed closely by Walgreens.
With this year’s enactment of a state law allowing medical marijuana sales, some Illinois pharmacists would like to own dispensaries so they too can gain a piece of the legal marijuana trade.
Continued use of statins may help prevent delirium in critically ill patients who received statins before hospital admission, according to a study published online ahead of print in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Express Scripts and CVS Caremark are expected to expand their list of non-covered drugs for the 2015 plan year, leading to challenging pricing negotiations between branded pharmaceutical companies and PBMs.
During a recent episode of his nationally syndicated television show, Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Oz suggested that rapid diagnostic tests for strep throat should be available in pharmacies.
An analysis of emergency department (ED) visits over a 10-year period found that while inappropriate antibiotic use is decreasing in pediatric settings, it continues to remain a problem in adults, according to a study published ahead of print in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.
Some people credit ACOs with lowering healthcare costs and improving quality. But a new study reveals that while ACOs are performing well in some areas, they fall woefully short in many others.
FDA is recommending healthcare professionals discontinue prescribing and dispensing prescription combination drug products that contain more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, capsule or other dosage unit.
The marketplace is flooded with antibacterial hand soaps and body washes that supposedly prevent the spread of bacteria. Problem is, according to the FDA, there’s no evidence that they work.
Aetna is launching a pilot program to test the benefits of FDA-approved, prescription weight-loss drugs combined with lifestyle support.
The direct oral factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban was found to be noninferior to well-managed warfarin for preventing strokes or systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Suppliers continue to restrict pharmacy access to controlled substances, leaving many chronic pain patients without the help they need. Contributor Steve Ariens retails the latest findings.
Letters, e-mails, Facebook posts, and web comments from Drug Topics readers.
This year’s flu season has been hard on young and middle-aged adults, with most hospitalizations involving patients 18 to 64 years old.
All pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes mellitus at 24 weeks gestation, even if they have no symptoms, according to new recommendations from the USPSTF.
MediSafe has launched a new mobile application that reminds users to refill their prescriptions as needed and enables them to do so through their mobile devices.
Drug shortages are causing medication errors, delayed or cancelled care, and prompting patient complaints, according to a survey of pharmacy directors published in the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy.
Hunger in the United States may have important health consequences, including a higher risk of low blood sugar, a new study suggested.
GSK's Mekinist and Tafinlar combination received accelerated approval after priority review.
Now you see it, now you don't . . . the big pharmacy school con
The view from another zoo.
When the cure is killing you, what's wrong with using a drug that actually helps you feel better - and maybe stay alive?
One chain used the legal system to tell its pharmacists how it really felt. They got the message.
NABP effort seeks worldwide protection for consumers and users of pharmacies online.
As hospitals face decreased reimbursements, pharmacist involvement in pre- and post-discharge medication reconciliation is more important than ever.
The law expands the powers of registered pharmacists and establishes a new category of Advanced Practice Pharmacists.
Patch treating overactive bladder in women is now available OTC.
Since the NECC-triggered outbreak of fungal meningitis in 2012, FDA has responded aggressively, inspected almost 70 pharmacies. Now it is supported by a new law, the DQSA, and many new questions arise.
Portola is pursuing accelerated approval for andexanet alfa and plans to initiate studies on a larger scale in 2014.
