Mercer survey finds pharmacists' salaries on the rise
Survey showed that salaries of retail staff pharmacists have risen 5.8% in 2008.
FDA is warning that patients should receive genetic testing before obtaining Ziagen
FDA warns about AIDS drug, abacavir, due to increased risk of potentially fatal side effects for some patients.
Beware of risks when using micro-bubble contrast agents
The FDA issued an updated alert about the dangers of using micro-bubble contrast agents for diagnosis in certain patients.
Safety summit yields ways to prevent IV drug errors
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists hosted summit to discuss drug errors and standardizing product concentrations.
Merger talks underway between Teva and Barr, Roche and Genentech
Teva plans to acquire Barr for $7.6 billion; Roche plans to take over Genentech at $89 a share
Renal community applauds new MIPPA law
Renal care community is pleased with the passage of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, because the law contains provisions related to kidney dialysis.
Diabetes educators encourage patients to talk about their insulin injections
Many diabetics who need insulin dread the injections, but they don?t tell health professionals because they don?t want to bother them.
Docs and R.Ph.s have mixed reactions to upcoming rheumatoid arthritis agents
Several biologic agents are expected to be approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the next few years.
U.S. pharmacists helping to keep banned drugs away from Beijing Olympics
The Beijing Olympics begins today, but some U.S. pharmacists have been hard at work there for days on end now.
FDA chooses three different strains for vaccines for new flu season
Six vaccines, reflecting three new strains of the influenza virus, will do battle with the flu during the 2008-2009 season.
Now there's an echinocandin antifungal to treat kids
Cancidas, previously approved for use in adults, can now be applied also to pediatric patients aged three months to 17 years.
Specialty and mail-order pharmacies can now get URAC accreditation
A third new program?on workers compensation?will become available later this year.
Ortho recalling some PROCIT vials
The recall comes in the wake of discovering cracks in the vials' necks that could keep the drug from remaining sterile.
NPI system to undergo system maintenance
It will be out of commission for system maintenance on Aug. 10.
Sav-Mor offers patients free consultation and discounts for a fee
Customers can join its rewards club at a one-time fee of $10.
FDA approves combo antihypertensives as initial therapy
This approval spares health professionals from having to start a patient on a single medication, according to Novartis.
Pharmacist lives to tell about his fight with drugs and alchohol in new book
Clean and sober for eight years now, he candidly shares details about his life and his journey to recovery.
Magazine rates blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters
The accuracy of self-monitoring kits for hypertension and diabetes can vary greatly.
Investigators nail two physicians in rogue Internet pharmacy
The physicians could face a maximum of five years in prison and $250,000 fines.
Pharmacists held in high esteem
A newspaper in the Cincinnati area ran an article listing three reasons why pharmacists are respected more than politicians and even the clergy.
FDA tightens disclosure policy
The Food and Drug Administration announced stricter limits on conflicts of interests for members of its advisory committees.
New antihypertensive targets difficult-to-treat patients
Drug is the first new IV antihypertensive treatment approved in 10 years.
MS drug linked to two new cases of brain disease
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued a position statement about the latest development.
Medication therapy management deals heat up
Rollouts expected at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' conference in San Diego this month.
Pharmacists prefer McCain to Obama
An exclusive Drug Topics survey asked, "With the presidential election coming up, whom do you plan to vote for?"
Need help with compounding? Here are some new resources
Three companies are offering resources to help pharmacists with compounding.
Rite Aid to push oral care with free resources
Rite Aid drugstores will offer patients a free Oral Care Guide and an Oral Care Tip Book.
Anemia drugs to be restricted to fewer patients
Erythropoiesis stimulating agents will bear stricter labeling.
Consumers warned not to take Viapro capsules
One lot was found to contain a potentially harmful, undeclared ingredient.
Government to pay doctors to use e-prescriptions
Move comes as part of a broader effort to encourage the adoption of health information technology.
