Health System

Cuts in state Medicaid payments for product reimbursements and dispensing fees are forcing pharmacists to cut services and turn away Medicaid patients.

Two counties in Wisconsin are using a reverse-distributor to round up unwanted drugs. The program, called Get the Meds Out, helps consumers in Waukesha and Winnebago Counties make free returns.

Pharmacists need to get ready now to help patients make the government-mandated switch from toxic CFC-driven MDIs to environmentally friendly HFA inhalers.

Pharmitas and U. of Washington will work together to create a medication therapy management program.

CVS Caremark acquires Longs Drugs, a California-based chain of 521 stores, for $2.9 billion.

The products will be stocked in the retail chain's digestive section.

Mandate comes in regard to the risk of invasive fungal infections.

Drug may become the first approved once-daily therapy to treat advanced kidney cancer.

Thirty-one percent of pharmacists surveyed said PhRMA's new marketing code is long overdue.

The groups have signed a two-year agreement.

The drug is marketed in Japan to treat low blood pressure.

FDA scrutinizes Byetta, a diabetes drug from Eli Lilly and Amylin, following reports of deaths.

California was directed by the Federal District Court in Los Angeles to stop the 10 percent cuts in Medi-Cal reimbursement payments to healthcare providers.

The study investigated whether individuals in low-income areas are more strongly influenced by rising prescription drug co-payments than individuals in higher income areas.

The collaboration will study genetic testing and the impact of genetics on the efficacy of prescription drugs.

BGS Pharmacy Partners will receive an initial $10 million growth capital commitment from DW Healthcare Partners.

Degree will prepare students to take the national certification examination.

They're working together to create an innovative medication therapy management program (MTM) for payers, retailers, pharmacists, and consumers.

Group contends CMS is promoting a less expensive generic substitute.

Students can gain work experience assisting pharmacists with prescriptions and answering patient questions.

CVS is already the largest drug chain in the country.

The purchase is expected to expand the enrollment of the campus by up to 400 students.

That's one of the conclusions of a new survey report by Decision Resources.

The school and sports physicals cost $25.

Publications are designed to improve management skills, enhance pharmacists' image, and help reduce stress.

A pending Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report, expected later this year, may settle the decade-old dispute as to whether authorized generics are legal. With billions of dollars at stake, the loser will undoubtedly challenge the government's decision.

Traditionally, generics industry executives are tight-lipped about their business plans. But Drug Topics managed to corral five industry leaders who opened up about their hopes, fears, and challenges:

Are $4 generics the future of pharmacy? Perhaps so, as the consumption of generic drugs soars and their costs drop. Wal-Mart, which beat a thorny path to what many pharmacists believe is loss-leader pricing, says $4 was a great move. It is very popular-and good for business.

MIPPA law delays implementation of Medicaid's average manufacturers price for generic drugs until Oct. 1, 2009.

The evolution of MRSA has led to reduced efficacy of vancomycin therapy.