ISMP calls for FDA action on dabigatran bleeding risk
March 14th 2014The high risk of bleeding in patients taking the anticoagulant dabigatran (Pradaxa) has been a major problem that the manufacturer and health experts have been trying to find solutions for over the last four years. Sixteen percent of patients experienced a bleed in one year, including 3.3% who had bleeds that required emergency medical treatment, according to one clinical trial.
NCPA advocates for Iowa drug pricing transparency bill
March 14th 2014The National Community Pharmacists Association is asking Iowa’s Gov. Terry Branstad to sign into law H.F. 2297 legislation that would provide a level of transparency for how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) determine reimbursement for multiple source generic drugs. The legislation would give the insurance commissioner authority to request information from PBMs in Iowa, according to a March 11 letter from NCPA to the governor.
Pharmacist must repay Medicaid $1 million
March 13th 2014After pleading guilty to unlawful importation of drugs, a San Diego pharmacist has been ordered to repay Medicare $1 million.William Burdine, 65, owner of the Alvarado Medical Plaza Pharmacy in San Diego, was also sentenced to eight months of home confinement, 240 hours of community service, five years of probation, and a $10,000 fine.