Chain Pharmacy

The California Pharmacists Association has launched what may be the nation's first employee pharmacist ombudsman program sponsored by a state association.

Patents on many small-molecule drugs, which make up some of the most popular prescription medications in the world, are set to expire during the next several years, an occurrence that is expected to cause an unprecedented shift of billions of dollars in sales to generics in the United States and other markets.

Very few state laws require a pharmacy to use a drug container that meets minimum quality-control standards. Legal metrics are needed to guard against possible patient harm resulting from an adulterated drug product caused by a "bad" container.

Technology giant Intel recently opened a health and wellness center for employees at its Jones Farm Campus in Hillsboro, Ore., that will replace many tedious trips to the doctor's office with services provided on site.

The selection of an incorrect prescriber during the prescription order entry process may have consequences long after the prescription is filled.

The skepticism of modern medicine toward the placebo effect has kept a study proving its validity hidden in the shadows of medical research instead of giving it the attention it deserves.

New guidelines in a 2010 report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases contain major updates to its 2006 report that could prove significant for the nation's pharmacies.

Recent data suggest that thrombopoietin receptor agonists are safe and effective for the treatment of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, over at least 6 years.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and 3 other healthcare industry groups are working to transform regulations to ease U.S. drug shortages.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

Launched in January, The Prevention Plan is an online health-screening and primary prevention program similar to wellness plans already being marketed to employer groups. It costs $99.

FDA is limiting the amount of acetaminophen in prescription drug products, primarily combinations of acetaminophen and opioids.

Consumer out-of-pocket cost is the leading reason for members' failure to pick up filled prescriptions (drug abandonment), according to the healthcare data company Wolters Kluwer Pharma Solutions. The firm reports that by the second quarter of 2010, the drug-abandonment rate had risen 55% in 4 years.

A new prescription drug label format is in the works. Draft standards from the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention could bring dramatic changes to Rx labels in 2012.

Niche markets offer pharmacies a way to develop revenue streams, add to their bottom lines, and enhance customer service. Just ask Mark Williams, CPhT, marketing director for the Compounding Pharmacy in Hickory, N.C., a pharmacy that grew its business by thinking outside the box.

Competition in the diabetes medication therapy and supply market is likely to intensify through 2011.

Readers speak out about healthcare team roles, pharmacy credentials, efficiency, and e-tracking.

For pharmacies in the compounding business, an attractive, centrally located clean room that is visible to patients will generate substantial return on investment, propel business growth, and market the pharmacy as an innovator.

Until recently, none of our education systems has been preparing healthcare professionals for teamwork. That is beginning to change. While more remains to be done, we must look to a future characterized by high-functioning interprofessional teams in all practice settings.

Chief executives from key pharmacy organizations met in mid-2010 to reinforce the joint message that the fight to move pharmacy into a central healthcare role has just begun.

A roundup of information on compression stockings after stroke; quality of home INR testing; and cardiovascular risk in users of clopidogrel

Sometimes pharmacists can't help judging their patients by appearances. Then they look deeper — and find a real human being looking right back at them.

There are 2 measures of success every pharmacy should post on its wall. The first indicates percentage of QREs (quality-related events) in prescription fills, and the second measures the percentage of QREs caught before they reach the patient.

In 10 of its Chicago-area stores, Walgreens is piloting a program to provide healthy food options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats and fish, eggs, and whole-grain cereals and pastas in its stores.

From arthritis to blisters to ingrown toenails, hurting feet present a huge public health concern.

Pharmacy technicians have emerged as key players in the growth of telepharmacy in both inpatient and outpatient settings in areas like North Dakota, which relies heavily on telepharmacy.

Pharmacists speak out about solutions for the poor, drug shortages, counterfeit drugs, and Plan B.

A revolutionary flu vaccine patch is likely to be developed in the course of an upcoming 5-year clinical trial. Data indicate that it is more effective in animals than are traditional injections.

A survey of new Rx, new generic, and new OTC products

The Department of Veteran Affairs is partnering with the Indian Health Services to improve prescription delivery to the federally recognized tribes of IHS, a population of about 2 million people.