Controlled substances: Progress in technology and e-prescribing
August 10th 2012DEA published its interim final rule on e-prescribing for controlled substances (EPCS) more than two years ago. While vendors work toward compliance, nationwide deployment of EPCS can only occur once both state and federal laws are aligned in all jurisdictions.
Metastatic colorectal cancer treatment is approved
August 6th 2012FDA has approved ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap, Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) injection for intravenous infusion, in combination with 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan (FOLFIRI), for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that is resistant to or has progressed following an oxaliplatin-containing regimen.
Southern California Rite Aid workers vote to reject contract offer; strike looms
August 1st 2012Members of seven Southern California locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers have voted to reject a contract offer from drug retailer Rite Aid and to authorize union leaders to call a strike if an agreement can't be reached.
New FDA communication, label change for MS drug
July 31st 2012FDA has announced a safety communication regarding the risk of seizures in patients with multiple sclerosis starting dalfampridine (Ampyra, Acorda Therapeutics). The safety communication stemmed from a review of post-marketing adverse event reports.
NCPA testifies at Rx drug gray market Senate hearing
July 31st 2012At a hearing held last week about the prescription drug gray market, John Coster, PhD, RPh, senior vice president of government affairs, National Community Pharmacists Association, testified that a balanced approach was necessary to address the prescription drug shortage problem and to protect patient care.
Prednisone delayed-release tablets approved for rheumatology indications
July 27th 2012FDA has approved prednisone (Rayos, Horizon Pharma) delayed-release tablets (1 mg, 2 mg, and 5 mg) to treat a broad range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
FDA approves aclidinium bromide inhalation powder to treat COPD
July 25th 2012FDA has approved aclidinium bromide inhalation powder (Tudorza Pressair, Forest Pharmaceuticals) for the long-term maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Community pharmacies may be forced to stop selling diabetes testing supplies, NCPA warns
July 24th 2012A new policy proposal by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid could force independent community pharmacies to stop selling diabetes testing supplies, and beneficiaries would not have access to the care they need from their local pharmacies, according to a statement from the National Community Pharmacists Association.
FDA approves carfilzomib for some patients with multiple myeloma
July 20th 2012FDA has approved carfilzomib (Kyprolis, Onyx Pharmaceuticals) to treat patients with multiple myeloma who have received at least 2 prior therapies, including treatment with bortezomib (Velcade, Takeda) and an immunomodulatory therapy.