All News

In a phase 3 study of previously treated patients with anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer, crizotinib (Xalkori, Pfizer) more than doubled median progression free survival than when treated with standard chemotherapy, according to a study published June 1, 2013 online in New England Journal of Medicine.

An audit of two electronic prescribing systems found frequent system-related errors. But the audit, published online in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association, found that only a small percentage of those errors were serious and that e-PS prevent more errors than they create.

Nicotine replacement therapy, the antidepressant bupropion, and the drug varenicline can help smokers quit, according to a new systematic review published in The Cochrane Library.

Forty-three members of Congress are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services not to implement a new policy that prohibits independent community pharmacies from providing same-day, home delivery of diabetes testing supplies to homebound seniors.

With forecasters predicting an active 2013 hurricane season, Rx Response is reminding disaster-response officials and the public of its two programs designed to keep the pharmaceutical pipeline uninterrupted during emergencies.

FDA advised healthcare professionals not to use magnesium sulfate injection for more than 5-7 days to stop preterm labor in pregnant women.

FDA has approved dabrafenib (Tafinlar, GlaxoSmithKline) and trametinib (Mekinist, GlaxoSmithKline) for patients with advanced (metastatic) or unresectable melanoma.

Decolonization of all intensive care unit patients with antimicrobial soap and ointment significantly reduces all bloodstream infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

FDA announced May 29 its plans to permit importation of total parenteral nutrition injectable drugs that are in short supply from Norway. The drugs are used to treat premature infants, cancer patients, and gastrointestinal surgery patients who are not able to eat or drink by mouth.

Men using long-term, high dose prescription opioids for back pain were about 50% more likely to be using medications for erectile dysfunction than men with back pain who were not using opioids, according to a study published in a recent issue of Spine.

The National Community Pharmacists Association and RxWiki, Inc. have partnered to offer pharmacists digital solutions, including website services, social media, and mobile apps to deliver medication information to patients.

new study suggests prostaglandin analogues may cause droopy eyelids and other side effects that can hamper vision.

a new, evidence-based paper by the American College of Physicians Clinical Guidelines Committee suggests intensive insulin therapy does not show a consistent benefit and may lead to harm.

Cardiologists are increasingly bypassing the anticoagulant warfarin in favor of rivaroxaban, a more-expensive alternative with fewer side effects, according to the IMS NPA Weekly.

Bill to advance to Senate for vote; NCPA also testifies on compounding before House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health

California Pharmacists Association urging pharmacists to support provider-status legislation (SB 493) in the California State Senate.

Seven Tennesseans have fallen ill after receiving compounded steroid injections made by Main Street Family Pharmacy of Newbern, Tenn., according to the FDA.

Walgreens has donated three semitrailers of food, water, and first aid supplies to the American Red Cross. The company is also encouraging customers at its Oklahoma locations to make $1, $5 and $10 donations to disaster-relief efforts for Oklahoma tornado victims.

Panel splits on safety of drug at higher doses

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is urging a congressional panel to reject proposals that would force military families to use mail-order services to fill prescriptions.

Sandoz has become the first company to gain the FDA approval to produce a generic version of Atacand (candesartan cilexetil).

Two lots of Sandoz methotrexate sodium found to contain particulate matter

FDA questions safety of suvorexant at higher doses

Abbott recalls some blood glucose meters because of incorrect readings

Express Scripts report forecasts sharp increase in spending on specialty drugs.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings has introduced a bill to stop price gouging for drugs that are in short supply. H.R. 1958 is called The Gray Market Drug Reform and Transparency Act of 2013.

Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events with newly prescribed long-acting beta-agonists and long-acting anticholinergics.

The Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board will conduct unannounced surveys of compounding pharmacies seeking to renew accreditation from the group. The move is intended to further distinguish accredited compounding pharmacies from unaccredited ones.

After its recent review, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) could not recommend vitamin D and calcium supplementation for the primary prevention of fractures in healthy adults.

Actavis Inc. announced May 20 its plans to acquire Warner Chilcott in a stock transaction deal, which is worth approximately $8.5 billion. The merger is expected to create a global specialty pharmaceutical company serving the women’s health, gastroenterology, urology, and dermatology therapeutic sectors.