November 22nd 2024
On the most recent episode of Over the Counter, James Rider, PharmD, joined Drug Topics to discuss his career journey as a chain pharmacist.
Review raises questions about why government stockpiling zanamivir, oseltamivir
January 31st 2012Zanamivir and oseltamivir (Tamiflu, Roche) can help prevent and treat the symptoms of influenza, but there is not enough information to evaluate the drugs’ safety and efficacy for preventing the spread of flu or pneumonia, according to a new review published online January 18.
Retail groups object to proposed federal limits on generic reimbursement
January 31st 2012Two key retail pharmacy groups, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association, have renewed their opposition to proposed federal upper limits for generic drug reimbursement under Medicaid.
Use of aspirin questioned as primary prevention for CVD
January 26th 2012Aspirin prophylaxis in people without prior cardiovascular disease does not appear to reduce cardiovascular death or cancer mortality, however it was associated with reductions in nonfatal myocardial infarction, according to the results of a meta-analysis published online January 9 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
New guidelines recommend blood-glucose testing for all hospitalized patients
January 26th 2012The Endocrine Society recently released new clinical-practice guidelines recommending that all patients have their blood-glucose levels tested upon admission to the hospital, even if they haven’t had a prior diagnosis of diabetes.
Remington Honor Medal to go to director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
January 24th 2012William Edward Evans, PharmD, director and CEO at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, has been selected to receive pharmacy’s highest award, the Remington Honor Medal, the American Pharmacists Association announced.
Actavis launches generic equivalent of long-acting ADHD drug, with 180-day exclusivity
January 24th 2012FDA recently approved methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules (LA) CII, USP, the generic equivalent of Ritalin LA. Actavis Group, an international generic pharmaceuticals company, received first-to-file exclusivity on the 20-mg, 30-mg, and 40-mg strengths.
Combining vitamin D, calcium supplements can reduce fracture risk for older adults
January 12th 2012A combination of vitamin D and calcium supplementation can reduce the risk of fractures in older adults, according to a study published in the December 20, 2011, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.
ISMP cautions about new acetaminophen labeling for infants
December 1st 2011Liquid acetaminophen for infants is being shipped to hospitals and drug stores in new concentrations, even though manufacturers may not be providing notice about the concentration change, according to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices.
Questions raised about prescribing atorvastatin, 180-day period costs
November 29th 2011Pfizer, Medco, and pharmacy groups are all battling to get their voices heard after a November The New York Times article raised questions about prescribing Lipitor versus Atorvastatin (the new generic form of Lipitor).
Number of patients taking dabigatran declines after first 4 months, study finds
November 29th 2011Patients using the relatively new blood thinner dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) failed to remain on the treatment 17% of the time after the first 4 months, increasing their risk of stroke, according to a new study.
Provider groups file lawsuit against DHCS, HHS over Medicaid program cuts
November 29th 2011Pharmacy and medical groups are suing the California Department of Health Care Services and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services over the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ recent approval of a 10% reimbursement rate cut in California’s Medicaid program.
AHA, ACC release updated guidelines on secondary prevention of atherosclerotic vascular disease
November 22nd 2011The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation have issued new guidelines for secondary prevention and risk reduction in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease.
FDA approves aflibercept for patients with wet AMD
November 21st 2011FDA has approved aflibercept (Eylea Injection, Regeneron), known in the scientific literature as VEGF Trap-Eye, for the treatment of patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration in patients aged 60 and older at a recommended dose of 2 mg every 4 weeks (monthly) for the first 12 weeks, followed by 2 mg every 8 weeks (2 months).
FDA revokes breast cancer indication for bevacizumab
November 18th 2011FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, announced the agency's decision to revoke the breast cancer indication for bevacizumab (Avastin), noting that the benefits do not outweigh the potentially life-threatening side effects, such as heart attack or heart failure, high blood pressure, bleeding and hemorrhaging, and the development of perforations in different parts of the body, such as the nose, stomach, and intestines.