Abatacept approved by FDA for use in children
Bristol-Myers Squibb granted approval for arthritis biologic Orencia.
McKesson sells McKesson Medication Management to Comprehensive Pharmacy Service
Comprehensive Pharmacy Services to buy McKesson Medication Management.
WellPoint NextRx pilots over-the-counter medication program with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island
WellPoint Next Rx pilots OTC generic program with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to help offset out-of-pocket costs for members.
New Eisai digest gives insights into seniors' opinions about pharmacy
Eisai has produced a report on how seniors feel about their pharmacy, drug plan, and related subjects.
Drug Topics survey finds most think FDA needs more resources to do its job well
A Drug Topics survey finds that most think FDA could use more funding to redress its deficiencies.
GlaxoSmithKline's Rotarix gets regulatory green light
GlaxoSmithKline's vaccine, Rotarix, receives approval for use in children.
Federal agents seize nearly $1.3 million of illegal dietary supplements marketed by LG Sciences, LLC for body builders
Federal agents seize over $1.3 million of illegal dietary supplements marketed to body builders.
Ralphs pharmacies, Fred Meyer, QFC introduce $4 generic drug programs
Several more chains launch $4 generics, including Ralphs and Fred Meyer.
Fosrenol initiative launched by Shire for chronic kidney disease patients
Shire launches initiative for chronic kidney disease patients.
Chain CEOs' compensation: Nice pay if you can get it
A listing by the New York Times shows that CVS' CEO made more than $17 million and Walgreens' CEO made more than $5 million last year.
Medicare fraud lands Miami Medicare billing service owner in jail for 10 years
Miami Medicare billing service owner sentenced to 10 years in prison for Medicare fraud.
CMS to require NPI on all claims beginning May 23
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is urging physicians, nurse practitioners, and other prescribers to get National Provider Identifier numbers before May deadline.
Advocacy groups and NACDS push Congress to pass legislation to preserve pharmacy access
Advocacy groups support NACDS in urging Congress to pass Fair Medicaid Drug Payment Act to preserve pharmacy access to medications.
New CMS rule will allow more needy Medicare patients to stay in existing plan
Disruptions in switching low-income Medicare Part D patients from one drug plan to another will be reduced as a result of a new rule issued by CMS.
New report urges DOD to shift away from retail pharmacies to curb costs
A Government Accountability Office report urges the Department of Defense to make more use of mail order to slow its drug spending.
CMS releases Part D e-prescribing final rule
Final rule establishes standards for: formulary and benefits, medication history, fill status notification, and provider identifier
Consumer Reports poll: TV drug ads should include information on how to report side effects
Consumers say they will report serious side effects to the FDA if toll free numbers and Web site information are included in TV ads.
State and federal legislation toughens rules for Internet pharmacies
Congress is considering a bill that toughens the controlled substance distribution standards that online pharmacies must meet, while Indiana passes a law to combat illegitimate Internet pharmacies.
Rite Aid pharmacists assist patients with allergy symptoms
Rite Aid pharmacists offer Allergy Guide to help patients get through allergy season.
GSK revises Relenza prescribing information to warn of abnormal behavior
GlaxoSmithKline updates Warnings and Precautions sections of zanamivir prescribing information
Oklahoma company continuing to buy independent pharmacies
Graymark Healthcare announces the purchase of two independent pharmacies, upping its store count to 14.
Nebraska health system to expand its retail pharmacies
Alegent Health is partnering with eq-Life and Fairview Pharmacy Services to grow its retail pharmacies.
NCPA, FBI, Purdue Pharma launch "Protect Your Pharmacy Now" initiative
NCPA, FBI LEEDA, Purdue Pharma L.P. program will promote improving pharmacy safety and security.
Wellness tour launched by Health Mart in key Midwest markets
Health Mart launches mobile wellness tour to provide free health screenings in Midwest markets.
Uninsured patients in New Jersey gain access to new drug discount card
A new Rx card will enable needy patients in New Jersey to get discounts of up to 50% off their prescription drugs.
John Lederer to be named chairman of the board/CEO of Duane Reade
Duane Reade names John Lederer as Chairman of the Board/CEO
Two Florida men receive prison sentence for Medicare fraud
The owners of two Miami-based healthcare corporations were sentenced to 63 and 56 months in prison for their roles in separate Medicare fraud schemes
New guidelines promote safe use of automated dispensing cabinets
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices has released new guidelines to encourage the safe use of automated dispensing cabinets.
New Web site helps seniors choose Medicare Part D plan
A pharmacist and nurse have created a Web site, Medicaresaver.com, to help seniors find a cost-effective Medicare Part D plan
Next season's flu vaccine can be pre-booked
Afluria, CSL Biotherapies flu vaccine, can be pre-booked for the upcoming flu season
