Alcon announces FDA approval of olopatadine Hcl (Patanase) nasal spray for seasonal allergies
A new nasal spray has been approved to help seasonal allergy sufferers.
Vaccines and inhaled insulin in, erectile dysfunction drugs out of Part D
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issues a final rule clarifying its position on the inclusion of insulin and exclusion of erectile dysfunction medications in the Medicare Part D program.
Pharmacy groups split over federal e-pedigree legislation
NACDS has come out against new federal e-pedigree legislation, while NCPA and HIDA support it
NCPA, NACDS amend AMP suit to include new CMS rule
NCPA and the NACDS have amended their average manufacturer price lawsuit to include CMS' interim final rule on multiple-source drugs
Cimzia approved for signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease
UCB receives FDA approval for certolizumab pegol (Cimzia).
Aripiprazole (Abilify) approved as adjunctive therapy for bipolar disorder
Aripiprazole receives new indication as adjunct to lithium or valproate
Wisconsin kicks off pilot on safe drug disposal
Two counties in Wisconsin are piloting a Get the Meds Out drug disposal program.
CMS proposes more marketing rules for Part D and Medicare Advantage plans
The feds have proposed more rules to tighten the marketing of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
Final NPI deadline approaching
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will require NPI numbers on claims submitted after May 23, 2008.
Atomoxetine approved by FDA for maintenance ADHD
Eli Lilly's ADHD drug Strattera is now indicated for long-term use.
New products: May 12, 2008
Aloxi has a new indication for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
CVS Caremark joins retail push for non-toxic personal care products
CVS Caremark announced a new cosmetics safety policy as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility report.
Medtronic recalling devices coated with heparin
Medical devices featuring the Carmeda BioActive surface from Medtronic are being recalled because they are made with the contaminated heparin made in China.
House resolution calls on FDA to reverse its policy on estriol for menopause
A large group of physicians, pharmacists, and patients have pressed Congress to urge FDA to rescind its policy that bars the use of compounded estriol to treat menopause.
Supermarket chain hooks expectant moms with free prenatal vitamins
A Texas grocery chain is luring moms-to-be with a free prental vitamin offer.
New smoking cessation guidelines advocate counseling and drugs
The Public Health Service releases an update to smoking cessation guidelines.
Physician dispensing vendor claims its drugs are safer than those from drugstores
Bryant Ranch Prepack, which supplies physicians who dispense with prepacked drugs, touts the safety of its products
ASHP makes available emergency preparedness plan
A multidisplinary task force has produced a resource on emergency preparedness for health professionals.
NACDS unveils its position on healthcare reform
NACDS releases a document stating its position on healthcare reform
Five Moms campaign urges more parents to keep teens from abusing cough medicines
Consumer Healthcare Products Association is expanding its Five Moms campaign to help prevent teen cough medicine abuse.
AAHomecare says DMEPOS bidding program is flawed
In testimony before a House subcommittee, a homecare organization labels the DMEPOS competitive bidding program as a train wreck.
California Pharmacists Association files suit to block reimbursement cuts
California Pharmacists Association joins other healthcare provider organizations in suit to halt Medi-Cal budget cuts.
Survey finds patients don't consult pharmacists
A new pharmacy survey from Consumers Union found wide discrepancies in drug prices and a drop in patient consultations with pharmacists.
New program drives patients to fill their first prescriptions
PharmaCentra is launching WellTouch First Fill to encourage patients to get their first prescription orders filled.
Cardinal Health mouthwash being recalled
One lot of a mouthwash from Cardinal Health is being recalled due to bacterial contamination.
NCPA and Chamber of Commerce fight drug counterfeiting
The National Community Pharmacists Association joins the United States Chamber of Commerce Global Intellectual Property Center to fight counterfeited and pirated prescription drugs.
Rite Aid takes steps to reach visually impaired
Rite Aid is making technological changes to appeal to blind customers.
Wal-Mart ups competition by offering discounts for OTCs, 90-day supplies
Wal-Mart has expanded its $4 generic offer to cover discounts for 90-day supplies and OTCs.
McKesson pays $13 million fine for violations of the Controlled Substances Act
McKesson is settling allegations that it violated federal reporting provisions relating to its handling of controlled substances at six of its distribution centers.
IDSA to take another look at long-term use of antibiotics for Lyme disease
In a settlement with the Connecticut attorney general, the Infectious Diseases Society of America agreed to evaluate its Lyme disease guidelines and use of antibiotics.
