Combination treatment for BPH approved
Tamsulosin and dutasteride combination approved by FDA.
CMS settles Medicare Part D class action LIS suit
In settling a class action suit, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has agreed to make changes to the low income subsidy program for Medicare Part D.
Pentacel combination vaccine is approved by FDA
Sanofi-Pasteur's new Pentacel vaccine is cleared to protect against five childhood diseases.
PhRMA's 2009 code sets restrictions on drug companies' promotional activities
One change involves prohibiting drug companies from distributing noneducational items to healthcare providers.
More chains partner with Microsoft to store drug records electronically
This capability enables patients to store and access their health records securely.
Senate passes bill to delay AMP implementation
Bill would also reward physicians for acquiring and using electronic prescribing technology.
Pharmacy mistake blamed for heparin overdoses at Texas hospital
At least 17 babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, were given overdoses of the blood thinner heparin.
New agent offers image of liver lesions
This is the first organ-specific magnetic resonance imaging contrast agent approved in this country in more than a decade.
Stater Bros. offering $4 generics
More than 300 generics will be available.
New Jersey Blues to fund e-medication records in area hospitals
Certain hospitals in Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey's network can pull electronic medication histories of patients in real time.
Fluoroquinolones will now require Medication Guide
Pharmacists must give out a Medication Guide when dispensing these antimicrobial drugs.
McKesson launches new products and services at its trade show
One new program helps independents buy or sell a pharmacy.
APP Pharmaceuticals and Fresenius to go down the aisle
The acquisition price is estimated at up to $5.6 billion.
Court sides with Medi-Cal against pharmacies
California Pharmacists Association is upset with ruling.
CVS donates money, products, and services to flood-ravaged Iowa
Charity arm of CVS also donates cash to Red Cross for state efforts.
Many drugs are not reconciled when patients leave hospitals
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority reviews more than 800 hospital reports.
Houston company accepting larger quantities of used syringes by mail
Company claims mailing back used syringes is cost effective.
Two identical everolimus-eluting stents are approved
Both stents are designed to treat coronary artery disease.
Dietary supplements voluntarily recalled
Supplements pulled due to undeclared ingredient.
Novartis to appeal decision in Alabama drug pricing suit
Suit was brought by the Alabama Attorney General against 73 pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Message to new APhA leader: This is what we want you to do
As John Gans steps down from his role with the American Pharmacists Association, all eyes are on successor's role.
Calif. and N.Y. R.Ph.s smarting from Medicaid reimbursement cutbacks
Medi-Cal slashed reimbursement for prescription drugs in California by 10%, effective July 1.
MemberHealth's Part D drug plan named best in customer satisfaction
An independent healthcare consumer research firm honors MemberHealth for second straight year.
SureScripts and RxHub agree to merger to boost e-prescribing
To date, getting physicians to order medications electronically has been slow to take off.
NCPA urges judge to review amended settlement in First DataBank suit
The National Community Pharmacists Association objects to the new settlement proposed in the suit against First DataBank.
Roche revises CellCept's prescribing information
Changes have been made to the Warnings and Adverse Reactions sections to the immunosuppressant.
FDA clears first generic for Risperdal
FDA cautions that the labeling of the generic risperidone may differ from that of Risperdal.
Kmart Pharmacy expands generic prescription drug savings program
More than 500 commonly prescribed generic medications are now available from Kmart Pharmacy.
Feds issue final rule on Medicare billing privileges
CMS issues a final rule specifying how providers can appeal when their Medicare billing privileges are denied or revoked.
CVS Caremark and Microsoft team up to help people manage their health
CVS Caremark and Microsoft are joining forces to help consumers manage their health.
