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The FDA recently approved cetuximab (Erbitux, ImClone Systems) for use in combination with irinotecan (Camptosar, Pfizer) for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor-1 (EGFR-1)-expressing, metastatic CRC in patients who are refractory to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. Cetuximab was also approved for use as monotherapy for the treatment of EGFR-1-expressing, metastatic CRC in those who are intolerant of irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

Hospitals given deadline for reporting their quality of care or else face consequences

The National Community Pharmacists Association is seeking government approval to issue a Medicare-endorsed Rx discount card that offers access to local pharmacists with no mail order pharmacy component.

Judge makes reimbursement decision favorable to pharmacists in California

How pharmacists can use the media to tell and sell pharmaceutical care

Authors present a case that illustrates the importance of patient counseling to avoid drug errors.

USP safety page

How hospitals are complying with JCAHO standards on abbreviations

Democrats relent on overtime regs. R.Ph.s reaction to regulations that are going to exempt pharmacists from getting paid overtime

The politics of Canadian drug importation has muzzled pharmacy boards in states where governors and mayors are gung-ho for bringing in lower priced medications to score points with voters.

The FDA recently approved tiotropium (Spiriva HandiHaler, Pfizer/Boehringer-Ingelheim) inhalation powder for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with COPD, including bronchitis and emphysema. In the airways, tiotropium inhibits muscarinic (M3) receptors at the smooth muscle, leading to bronchodilation. The manufacturer anticipates that tiotropium will be available in pharmacies by mid-year.

What PhRMA plans to do in this presidential election year

Ertaczo is an antifungal used for the treatment of athlete's foot.

Debate shows pros and cons on the issue of drug reimportation

List of 85 drugs that were offered as generics for the first time in 2003

New low carb/no carb entries provide profitable niche for pharmacies

Some patients just won't listen to their pharmacist's advice when it conflicts with what they believe in

In the furor over drug counterfeiting, small wholesalers have ended up as tar babies

Breaking News for Feb. 9, 2004

The Medicare-endorsed discount card program is going to complicate state discount card programs

Medicaid prescription reimbursement rates by state --2003

NACDS and Express Scripts recently announced they are jointly seeking endorsement of a national Medicare discount card from CMS.

NCPA objects to cuts in payment for Medicare Part B drugs

States are up in the air about their discount card programs following the passage of the Medicare drug benefit legislation, which has a provision for an Rx card program

All eyes are glued to ACPE to see whether it will require national standards in tech education

More state pharmacy boards enacted various regulations governing pharmacy technicians last year, according to the 2003-2004 NABP Survey of Pharmacy Law.

Some experts believe that the pendulum has swung too far--not all drug errors should be blamed on systems

Archives of Neurology article offers recommendations for pharmacological management of neuropathic pain.