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Medicare has done a disservice to beneficiaries by mistakenly listing pharmacies as participants in Rx discount card programs, according to two Democractic Representatives who called for changes to the program.

The FDA recently approved codeine/chlorpheniramine (Codeprex, Celltech Group) extended-release suspension (CIII) for the temporary relief of cough, as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants, and for the temporary relief of runny nose; sneezing; itching of the nose or throat; and itchy, watery eyes due to hay fever, other upper respiratory allergies, or allergic rhinitis. The product is expected to be available in retail pharmacies by the fourth quarter.

Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease with potentially serious sequelae. Fortunately, clinicians will soon be able to offer patients with this condition a new molecular entity. The FDA recently approved tinidazole (Tindamax, Presutti Laboratories) for the treatment of trichomoniasis caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in both female and male patients; giardiasis caused by Giardia duodenalis (also called G. lamblia) in both adults and pediatric patients older than three years of age; and amebiasis and amebic liver abscess caused by Entamoeba histolytica in adults and children older than three years of age. Tinidazole will be available in pharmacies sometime this month

A work group created by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy has issued guidelines for electronic messaging in pharmacy claims that it contends will improve patient safety and ease the submission process.

The average staff pharmacist earned $88,400 in base pay and annual bonus in 2003, a five percent increase over the previous year, according to a survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting.