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Several Congress members are concerned about the Department of Defense's use of the TRICARE mail-order pharmacy program administered by Express Scripts.

An ingestible sensor, formally referred to as the Ingestion Event Marker or IEM by Proteus Digital Health, that can report medication adherence and vital signs to physicians has been given the green light by FDA.

In a recent study, researchers found that rectal indomethacin significantly reduced the incidence of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in high-risk patients.

In patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, interferon beta did not alleviate the progression of the disease, according to a new study.

More effective ways of combating pertussis in young infants, such as vaccinating pregnant women, should be considered, according to the authors of a new study.

FDA 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.

FDA approved the first generic versions of montelukast sodium (Singulair, Merck) for use in adults and children to control asthma symptoms and to help relieve symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies.

Data from poison centers can be used to predict methadone overdose trends in the United States, according to a study published July 19 in PLoS One.

A recent Danish study found that exposure to the influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine during pregnancy was not associated with a significantly increased risk of major birth defects or preterm births.

Members 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.

FDA 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.

The Florida Pharmacy Association and others are suing to restore patient access to Medicaid pharmacy providers.

At 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.

FDA 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.

In a unanimous vote (10-0), an FDA advisory committee recommended approval of the 0.3-mg dose of ranibizumab injection (Lucentis, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group) for treatment of diabetic macular edema.

A new study has found that omega-6 fatty acids can help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) and that dietary saturated fat increases the risk for CHD.

The Two Sister Study, funded in part by Susan Komen for the Cure, was conducted to examine the possible risks associated with fertility drugs and breast cancer. The results were published July 6 in the Journal of The National Cancer Institute.

FDA 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.

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy issued a report last week that called for international collaboration among regulators and other public agencies to help combat the ongoing problem of the online counterfeit drug supply.

A 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 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.

During the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting in Kissimmee, Fla. in mid-July, Jill Fitzgerald, PharmD, who is Drug Topics CPE accreditor, was sworn in as chair-elect to the AACP Continuing Professional Education Section.

Walgreens and Express Scripts (ESI) have finally come to terms on a new pharmacy network agreement that includes rates and terms under which Walgreens will serve ESI's new and existing clients.

FDA recently issued a statement reminding healthcare professionals about the need to adjust the dosage of the antibacterial drug cefepime (Maxipime, Elan) in patients with renal impairment.

The results of a recent literature review suggest that only a high intake of vitamin D leads to a significant reduction in the risk of fracture.

FDA recently approved the first over-the-counter test for HIV, providing a confidential in-home testing option for the virus that causes AIDS with results in as little as 20 minutes.

A recent study suggests that modest caffeine consumption may be associated with a significantly lower relative risk of basal cell carcinoma.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its 1991 recommendations for the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected healthcare providers and students to prevent HBV transmission to patients.

FDA has approved a new risk evaluation and mitigation strategy for extended-release and long-acting opioids that requires that healthcare professionals are educated on how to safely prescribe the drugs and that patients understand how to safely use the drugs.

What’s different in your drug stores this month? A battery-powered toothbrush for sensitive teeth and gums. A pivoting shower and bath safety grip bar. The smallest size (to date) fish oil softgels. Insoles for multiple shoe styles to help take care of various foot comfort problems. A yeast-based probiotic supplement. A “fishless†omega-3 product for vegetarians. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.