Giant Eagle buys Rx21 Specialty Pharmacy
Giant Eagle last week acquired specialty pharmacy Rx21 Specialty Pharmacy in Dallas, Texas. The pharmacy will help Giant Eagle provide enhanced services to hepatitis C and organ transplant patients and providers.
Some pharmacy chains dropping tobacco products
Many pharmacists have long contended that products that kill should not be sold in pharmacies. Now some pharmacy chains agree.
U.S. measles cases nearly tripled in 2013
Although measles has been practically eliminated in the U.S, measles cases spiked in 2013 because of international travel, according to a new study.
Walgreens expanding health services in Maryland
Walgreens is expanding its consumer health screening services in Maryland to include cholesterol and other tests.
Speedie to receive APhA’s Remington Honor Medal
APhA recognizes pharmacist-educator who contributed to the profession and beyond.
Earlier, more aggressive RA treatment produces better outcomes than 20 years ago
Today's patients are more physically active and exhibit fewer psychological issues.
PTCB unveils redesigned certification exam for pharmacy technicians
Reorganized exam replaces three subject areas with nine. Testing time and number of questions remain the same.
FDA approves the first generic versions of depression drug Cymbalta
Aurobindo, Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Sun Pharma, Teva, and Torrent Pharmaceuticals all received the OK.
QIV found highly effective against moderate-to-severe flu, NEJM report says
Financial pressures from healthcare reform drive change in hospital pharmacy
Presented during the Midyear Clinical 2013 Meeting, the report, based on a survey of of 164 industry experts, outlines key trends developing in hospital pharmacy.
CVS Caremark and Cardinal Health team up to supply generic drugs
WAG–Boots–Amerisource Bergen was only the first. Here comes another behemoth.
The pharmacist’s role in medication reconciliation
An accurate medication history for hospital patients is the product of teamwork shared by pharmacists, physicians, and nurses. The pharmacist must champion this process for it to work smoothly.
One pharmacist's winning strategy to curb robberies
How St. Joseph County, Indiana, went from one pharmacy robbery every six weeks to none.
Rutgers to offer country’s first PharmD/MD degree
The program combines a doctorate in pharmacy from Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and a medical degree from Rutgers University’s Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
mHEALTH tools: A bond between patients and pharmacists
Mobile health-monitoring systems can empower the patient and strengthen the position of the pharmacist on the healthcare team.
Justice in the distribution of health resources
California governor vetoes biosimilar substitution bill
With pharmacy industry bodies, labor unions, and special interest groups arrayed against the bill, Governor Brown returned the legislation to the State Senate unsigned.
How do you hold two positions at once? Ask the FDA
Which way does the FDA spin the issue of opiate use in this country? Try both.
Dabigatran vs. warfarin in patients with mechanical heart valves
The development of target-specific anticoagulants has raised the question of their possible use in patients with mechanical heart valves.
Mismanagers I have known
Pharmacy managers who are not pharmacists manage to do one thing really well.
Tough week for pharmacy
One bunch of pharmacists won't forget National Pharmacists Week any time soon.
FDA approves new once-daily treatment option for HIV
Dolutegravir, a new, once-daily option, may allow improved personalization of a patient’s medication regimen.
Pharmacists face tougher 2014
Shrinking margins, drug shortages, ACA pose challenges for community, hospital pharmacists.
VODI-Impact: A healthy living campus in Detroit
Urban Detroit community receives outpouring of healthcare resources from pharmacists and other providers.
Six tips to boost pharmacy efficiency
As pharmacists switch from reimbursement based on a fee-for-service model to value-based care, these best practices can help maximize efficiency despite budget constraints and lean staffs.
Alzheimer’s research: Now is the time for advocates to unite
Stakeholders meeting in Washington, D.C., discussed funding, costs, challenges, and directions.
High-dose isotretinoin reduces risk of acne vulgaris relapse
Study showed lower doses less effective.
New Products
New Rx, generics, OTC, and devices
Drug Topics Voices 12-15-2013
Letters, e-mails, Facebook posts, and web comments from Drug Topics readers.
The political-medical complex
Remember President Eisenhower’s coinage “the military-industrial complex”? Here’s a contemporary analogue, spotlighted in a passionate argument by Drug Topics reader Robert L. Mabee, RPh, JD, MBA.