Safe disposal of pharmaceuticals a growing concern
June 15th 2010A growing public health concern is the presence of potentially harmful pharmaceuticals in drinking water, due to improper disposal of waste prescription drugs. At least 20 states now have collection programs for unused medications. The greater use of such programs requires the reeducation of the community to raise awareness of the dangers and of the solutions to the problem of waste pharmaceuticals. The more convenient the options for disposal of most medications, the more likely they will be disposed of properly.
OTC genetic tests: Coming soon to a pharmacy near you (maybe)
June 15th 2010On May 11th the news that Walgreens, partnering with Pathway Genomics, was going to offer customers a genetic testing kit made headlines almost as fast as a world peace announcement. Then Pathway received a letter of inquiry from the FDA, and Walgreens decided to halt the initiative until more clarity was reached. However, when genetic testing kits do become available at retail outlets, there will be a need for plenty of patient education, which pharmacists can best provide.
CVS faces probes by FTC, HHS, DEA; CEO Ryan to retire
June 15th 2010Both the FTC?s consumer protection and competition bureaus are spearheading an investigation into CVS Caremark?s alleged monopolistic practices. HHS is investigating possible false Medicare claims. DEA is investigating charges of improper sale of pseudoephedrine in 2007 and 2008. And the SEC has received complaints of insider trading.
Industry pioneer Benet receives premier pharmacology prize, honorary doctorate
May 14th 2010Pharmacology pioneer Leslie Z. Benet, PhD, who established the foundation for much of what is now known about the rate at which drugs are metabolized in the body, was honored with the premier prize from the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
NACDS elects new board chairman and awards scholarships
May 14th 2010The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) elected a new chairman of the Board of Directors at its 2010 annual meeting in April in Palm Beach, Fla. In addition, the NACDS Foundation awarded nearly $300,000 in scholarships to pharmacy schools during the meeting.
NCPA backs legislation to rein in PBM practices, preserve seniors' access to diabetes supplies
May 14th 2010The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has endorsed two legislative bills that are aimed at controlling healthcare costs by requiring greater transparency of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) and ensuring that Medicare patients with diabetes can continue to obtain their medical supplies from their local community pharmacies, during its 42nd annual National Legislation and Government Affairs Conference held in Washington last week.
Study results confirm safety of shingles vaccine in older patients
May 14th 2010In a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that evaluated the general safety of the live herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax, Merck) in adults aged 60 or older, the safety profile of ZOSTAVAX was similar to that of placebo with respect to serious adverse events.
Bruce Roberts leaves NCPA for a PBM with a difference
May 5th 2010Even though Bruce Roberts strongly criticized pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) during his tenure as executive vice president and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), he is enthusiastic about the prospect of heading up a type of PBM.
Pharmacists termed innovators, leaders for improving healthcare quality
May 5th 2010The American Pharmacists Association annual meeting opened in Washington just days before the big March vote on healthcare reform, and a number of people from the political realm were there to praise pharmacists and ask for their support.