Chain Pharmacy

Bacterial contaminants have been traced back to a robot in a Winston-Salem, N.C. health center pharmacy

Readers share their rules for getting through the day, memories of technologies past, and a call to arms

FDA is alerting healthcare professionals to the possibility that a 32-mg single intravenous dose of ondansetron (Zofran, ondansetron hydrochloride, and generics) could lead to QT interval prolongation, putting patients at risk for a potentially fatal heart rhythm known as Torsades de Pointes.

FDA has approved the marketing of the first nucleic acid test that can identify in less than 3 hours 12 different bacterial types known to cause bloodstream infections.

Comorbidity from chronic diseases and severity of illness increased the likelihood of adverse drug reactions in senior patients, according to a new study published online June 26 in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

Annual global spending on medicines will reach nearly $1.2 trillion by 2016, while U.S. spending growth is projected to soar to between $350 and $380 billion by 2016, according to a new report.

Raleigh-based Kerr Drug has promoted Mark J. Gregory, RPh, to senior vice president of store operations.

FDA recently released the results of an analysis of a limited number of samples of hydroxyprogesterone caproate active pharmaceutical ingredients and compounded hydroxyprogesterone caproate, finding no major safety concerns.

Lupin has received FDA approval to market a generic version of Lyrica (Pfizer), but the company has not yet launched it, according to Firstword Pharma.

Patients treated with olmesartan may be at risk of a severe form of spruelike enteropathy, which improves when the drug is discontinued, according to a case series study published online June 25 in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Older women with acute pyelonephritis can be successfully and safely treated with oral ciprofloxacin for 7 days, according to a study published online June 21 in The Lancet.

Vitamin D plus calcium supplementation consistently reduced mortality among elderly patients compared with vitamin D supplementation alone, according to a study published online May 17 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Brightly colored prescription warning labels applied by pharmacies fail to adequately capture the attention of older patients, suggesting that current labeling standards should be reconsidered to make them more effective, according to a study published online June 14 in PLoS ONE.

At their recent ideaShare event, McKesson highlighted its Sponsored Clinical Services Network for hundreds of independent retail pharmacy owners and community pharmacists who are focused on increasing their role in healthcare delivery, improving patient outcomes, and finding new reimbursement avenues, the company said in a release.

FDA has approved Perrigo Company’s abbreviated new drug application for a generic version of clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide 1.2%/5% gel (Duac Gel, Stiefel Laboratories), the company recently announced in a statement. The gel is indicated for the topical treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.

Urinary levels of the antimicrobial endocrine-disrupting compounds triclosan and parabens were significantly associated with allergic sensitization in children ages 6 to 18 years, according to the results of a study published online June 18 in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The National Community Pharmacists Association recently announced that nominations are currently being accepted for several awards that will recognize individual pharmacists who are contributing to independent community pharmacy and patient care.

Humana Inc. and Novo Nordisk have announced a one-year partnership aimed at identifying ways to improve the care and treatment of patients with diabetes. The companies say they will bring together researchers to study the treatment and progression of the disease in an effort to further enhance the health and well-being of people with diabetes.

Healthcare providers and pharmacists will be able to identify and intervene in cases of potential prescription drug abuse through a new pilot program launched recently by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, according to an HHS statement.

Pharmacy groups supported yesterday's approval by the U.S. House of Representatives of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act of 2012, also known as the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA).

Walgreens announced today that it has entered into a strategic transaction with Alliance Boots GmbH, creating a global pharmacy retail and wholesale business with more than 11,000 retail stores in 12 countries and more than 370 distribution centers delivering to more than 170,000 pharmacies, doctors, health centers, and hospitals in 21 countries.

The National Rural Health Association recently sent a letter to U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) in support of the bill she introduced in March, H.R. 4215, or "The Medicare Pharmacy Transparency and Fair Auditing Act."

What's different in your drug stores this month? An omega-3 product for vegetarians. A no-mess scar-diminishing serum. New, more affordable toothpastes that are gentle on sensitive teeth. An omega-3 that also contains vitamin D3. A portable grip bar for shower and bath safety. An appetite suppressant that is enhanced with antioxidants. And there are even more new over-the-counter items featured in the print edition of Drug Topics.

A participant-driven reinforcement program for diabetes self-management education can have a positive effect on self-care behaviors as well as metabolic and cardiovascular health, according to a study published recently in Preventing Chronic Disease.

A unique substance abuse program known as TROSA, Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, based in Durham, N.C., is in need of OTC medications and supplies for its residents, men and women aged 18 and older, who have entered its 2-year residential program.

Sixty-three graduates of the first class of the Touro College of Pharmacy received their doctor of pharmacy degrees in May

Joining a group purchasing organization can give an independent pharmacist the buying power of a big pharmacy chain

FDA approves Lucinactant and Peginesatide

Readers call for more foreign reports, point out that the ivory tower is nothing like retail, and inveigh against mail order

Watch out for pharmacists who have had enough: They can find some imaginative ways of registering their dissatisfaction