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FDA has approved lorcaserin (Belviq, Arena Pharmaceuticals and Eisai) as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients who are overweight or obese and have at least one weight-related comorbid condition. It is the first prescription weight-loss treatment approved by FDA in 13 years.

When most of our pharmacy practice acts were first promulgated, our profession consisted mainly of independently operated community pharmacies, and the pharmacists who ran them volunteered to operate the state Boards of Pharmacy. Things are different now.

Urinary levels of the antimicrobial endocrine-disrupting compounds triclosan and parabens were significantly associated with allergic sensitization in children ages 6 to 18 years, according to the results of a study published online June 18 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The National Community Pharmacists Association recently announced that nominations are currently being accepted for several awards that will recognize individual pharmacists who are contributing to independent community pharmacy and patient care.

FDA issued a complete response letter for a New Drug Application for apixaban (Eliquis, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Humana Inc. and Novo Nordisk have announced a one-year partnership aimed at identifying ways to improve the care and treatment of patients with diabetes. The companies say they will bring together researchers to study the treatment and progression of the disease in an effort to further enhance the health and well-being of people with diabetes.

Healthcare providers and pharmacists will be able to identify and intervene in cases of potential prescription drug abuse through a new pilot program launched recently by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, according to an HHS statement.

The University of Southern California School of Pharmacy has received the largest grant the school has ever received, for a massive medication adherence project.

The Kentucky Pharmacists Association has named Joseph L. Fink III, professor of pharmacy law and policy at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, as Professor of Leadership.

FDA issued a complete response letter regarding a supplemental New Drug Application for rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen Research & Development) for the reduction of the risk of secondary cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Pharmacy groups supported yesterday's approval by the U.S. House of Representatives of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, also known as the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

U.S. Senate and House negotiations on the Food Safety and Innovation Act (S. 3187) have resulted in the proposal that 26 synthetic drugs be newly regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.

House and Senate leaders announced final agreement June 18 on legislation that authorizes industry user fees to support FDA regulatory programs.

Walgreens announced today that it has entered into a strategic transaction with Alliance Boots GmbH, creating a global pharmacy retail and wholesale business with more than 11,000 retail stores in 12 countries and more than 370 distribution centers delivering to more than 170,000 pharmacies, doctors, health centers, and hospitals in 21 countries.

The National Rural Health Association recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) in support of the bill she introduced in March, H.R. 4215, or "The Medicare Pharmacy Transparency and Fair Auditing Act."

What's different in your drug stores this month? An omega-3 product for vegetarians. A no-mess scar-diminishing serum. New, more affordable toothpastes that are gentle on sensitive teeth. An omega-3 that also contains vitamin D3. A portable grip bar for shower and bath safety. An appetite suppressant that is enhanced with antioxidants. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.

A participant-driven reinforcement program for diabetes self-management education can have a positive effect on self-care behaviors as well as metabolic and cardiovascular health, according to a study published recently in Preventing Chronic Disease.

A unique substance abuse program known as TROSA, Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, based in Durham, N.C., is in need of OTC medications and supplies for its residents, men and women aged 18 and older, who have entered its 2-year residential program.

Republicans in the House of Representatives have published a report blaming the current increase in drug shortages mostly on FDA under the current administrator.

FDA has approved the first combination vaccination for use in children aged 6 weeks through 18 months for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y and Haemophilus influenza type b, according to an FDA statement.

Sixty-three graduates of the first class of the Touro College of Pharmacy received their doctor of pharmacy degrees in May

Joining a group purchasing organization can give an independent pharmacist the buying power of a big pharmacy chain

FDA approves Lucinactant and Peginesatide

Readers call for more foreign reports, point out that the ivory tower is nothing like retail, and inveigh against mail order

Watch out for pharmacists who have had enough: They can find some imaginative ways of registering their dissatisfaction

Who says the pharmacist's role has changed over the years? Haven't we always helped patients with their dead sea creatures?

Pharmacists who practice cultural awareness can deliver better patient care and bring about better outcomes

The debate on CHADS2 scoring vs. CHA2DS2-VASc continues

A final ruling from CMS states that "We now believe a more targeted and less disruptive approach is warranted"

Okay, pharmacists. All together now. What's the one question you hear all day long?