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United States Pharamacopei'a Center for the Advancement of Patient Safety releases report on drug errors in hospitals as a result of improper administration techniques.

Business Outlook 2003: Chains

CVS settles overtime lawsuit with Alabama R.Ph.s.

Patients with type II diabetes now have therapeutic options that combine two medications in one convenient pill. Persons following complex treatment regimens can take fewer pills, and may incur lower copay costs. The FDA approved Metaglip (glipizide/metformin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) and Avandamet (rosiglitazone/metformin, GlaxoSmithKline) two months ago.

Patients with schizophrenia now have a therapeutic option with a novel mechanism of action and favorable adverse effect profile. Last month, the FDA approved aripiprazole (Abilify, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of schizophrenia. Aripiprazole is currently available in pharmacies.

CMS posts nursing home quality on the Web, drawing criticism from GAO, who says it's premature.

Complying with HIPAA

Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvani pass laws allowing pharmacists to initiate and modify drug therapy

In order for things to evolve, they must change, and hopefully for the better. This is certainly true of pharmacy. Although there have been many changes in the way pharmacists are reimbursed for their services, marking their increased acceptance as healthcare providers, many more changes need to happen.

Providers can expect insurers to put the squeeze on them over the increasing costs for specialty pharmaceuticals

Hospitals should be prepared for JCAHO surveys on pain management

A shortfall of up to 157,000 pharmacists by 2020 is predicted by attendees at Pharmacy Manpower Project conference. More pharmacists will be needed to deliver the patient care services aging baby boomers are going to need, conference attendees concluded.

Brighter lighting and quieter workplaces could cut dispensing errors in community pharmacies, according to an Aburn University School of Pharmacy study.

Generic biologics

Generic supplements zero copay programs

Blues and generic drugs

JCAHO to survey hospitals by six patient safety goals in 2003

Ken Barker study shows 19% drug error rate in hospitals

Patients whose hypertension remains inadequately controlled despite the availability of several classes of antihypertensive drugs will soon have a therapeutic option with a unique mechanism of action. Eplerenone is the first agent that selectively binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor and blocks the binding of aldosterone.

On September 20, the FDA approved adefovir dipivoxil (Hepsera, Gilead Sciences) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in adults with evidence of active liver disease. Adefovir dipivoxil is the first nucleotide analog to be approved for the treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis B. Adefovir dipivoxil is an acyclic analog of deoxyadenosine monophosphate.

Morris Weinberger study on pharmaceutical care among asthma patients

Once again, readers nominated pharmacists they considered a cut above the rest.

outstanding pharmacists of the year 2002 list of nominees

Bowl of Hygeia award

HHS issues final rule on Medicare-endorsed drug card program

OIG report draws alarm from R.Ph.s

Five pharmacies are pilot testing paperless patient inserts in a system developed by Thomson Healthcare and Health Information Designs as rival Etreby Computer Co. gears up it's web-based e-solution.

An exclusive,nationwide survey gives a candid view of pharmacists' attitudes toward drug companies