NACDS praises House Bill to reform DMEPOS competitive bidding
NACDS supports introduction of House Bill H.R. 6252 to reform DMEPOS competitive bidding.
Ethex recalls additional lots of morphine tablets
Ethex has voluntarily recalled additional lots of morphine tablets since they may be oversized.
OIG report: FDA review of generic ANDAs comes up short
OIG has released a report on FDA's generic drug review process.
Humana loosens its drug refill rules following natural disasters
Humana members in areas affected by flooding or fires can get their refills filled earlier than usual.
Medicare to speed up low-income subsidy eligilibity claims
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will speed up its processing of low-income subsidy eligibility claims processing.
Safeway launches generic drug discount program in Eastern U.S. and Chicago area
Safewy has launched a $4 generic prescription drug discount program in eastern U.S. and Chicago areas.
Express Scripts to purchase workers' comp business
Medical Services Co. has agreed to sell its workers' comp business to Express Scripts.
White paper explains how to prepare for Joint Commission environment of care survey
Pharmacy directors can consult a new white paper to learn how to prepare for a Joint Commission survey on environment of care.
Key Senate bill fails to make it to the floor
NCPA issued a statement regarding the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
Investigators find expired medications at drug stores in New York
An investigation by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has found expired products at many New York drugstores.
Congressional committee chair calls for action against hospital infections
Sen. Henry Waxman holds a hearing on what can be done to curb hospital infections
Safer therapeutic options emerging for atrial fibrillation
This special report takes a look at the atrial fibrillation drugs in the pipeline.
Oral treatment reduces multiple sclerosis flare-ups
The AAN annual meeting in Chicago, researchers reported advances in treatments for a variety of neurological diseases
Relistor relieves constipation of palliative care patients on opioids
Patients who are taking opioids to relieve their severe pain and who are constipated can now use the new drug Relistor.
Viewpoint: Should a pharmacist admit fault after a dispensing error?
The author has mixed feelings about whether pharmacists should apologize to patients after they make a drug error.
Pharmacists lose in final ESRD rule
A final rule from CMS makes no requirements for a pharmacist to be part of the dialysis team, creating concern among hospital pharmacists.
New products: June 16, 2008
New indications, formulations, drugs, generics and over the counter products
Technology update: Electronic medical records gain new momentum
Three new initiatives are pushing electronic medical records like never before.
How supermarket pharmacies can leverage their combination of health and food
FMI supermarket pharmacy conference attendees learn what new pharmacy services deparment's priorities are for 2008.
CMS to R.Ph.s: Beware of new nursing home guidance
A compliance guidance for nursing homes proposed by the OIG emphasizes the need for appropriate pharmaceutical care.
Has the time come for a third class of drugs?
The FDA recently held a hearing on behind the counter class of drugs. This article looks at the positions of various pharmacy associations and pharmacists.
JP at large: Pharmacy: Not a job for sissies
The author laments about the toll standing behind the counter all day takes on his feet.
Pharmacy schools getting more competitive and exclusive
Demand for pharmacists and rising salaries is fueling increased competition among pharmacy school applicants.
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia, UCB Group) approved for Crohn's disease
FDA approves new biologic to reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease
FDA approves olopatadine (Patanase) nasal spray for allergic rhinitis
Alcon Laboratories receives regulatory nod for new allergy spray.
APhA begins search for CEO
The American Pharmacists Association has already put in place plans for a smooth transition to a new chief executive officer in 2009
NACDS suggests ways to improve MedGuides to FDA
In comments to FDA, NACDS suggests several ways in which medication guides can be improved.
FDA approves alvimopan (Entereg) for the treatment of post-operative ileus
GSK and Aldolor's alvimopan is approved to improve GI recovery following surgery.
CMS reins in Medicare Advantage plans
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is proposing regulations to control selling tactics used by Medicare Advantage and Part D plans to attract new customers.
CDC recommends herpes zoster vaccine for adults over age 60
CDC updates vaccine recommendation for herpes zoster.
