Health System

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

Who says the pharmacist's role has changed over the years? Haven't we always helped patients with their dead sea creatures?

Pharmacists who practice cultural awareness can deliver better patient care and bring about better outcomes

The debate on CHADS2 scoring vs. CHA2DS2-VASc continues

A final ruling from CMS states that "We now believe a more targeted and less disruptive approach is warranted"

Okay, pharmacists. All together now. What's the one question you hear all day long?

Experts gave tips on helping prevent crimes focused on retail pharmacy during Protect Your Pharmacy Week in late April

Five men, five different careers: all driven by a common passion for pharmacy

A round-up of apps that can improve the pharmacy bottom line and help with patient care

Because their classification is variable, the taxation of glucose test strips varies from state to state, giving rise to massive confusion and loss of revenue

Ned Milenkovich has been reappointed to the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy for an additional five-year term

As drug reimbursement policies change, one question keeps popping up. What will replace average wholesale price?

NABP has launched an initiative to transfer prescription monitoring program information across state lines

The time has come for pharmacists to work on reforming the maximum allowable costs put forth by the pharmacy benefit managers

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

A round-up of OTC products to help manage skin problems

Connecticut's recently enacted law legalizing medical marijuana includes language ensuring that pharmacists who follow state law will be protected from prosecution

A recent study indicated that the cost of diabetes treatment could be reduced if physicians prescribed more generics

Afatinib used in lung cancer treatment helped patients live longer, according to the results of a new phase 3 clinical trial.

Men with advanced prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide (formerly MDV3100) demonstrated a significantly higher response rate in health-related quality of life, according to new data from the phase 3 AFFIRM study.

Label prescribing information for dabigatran (Pradaxa, Boehringer Ingelheim) capsules has been updated to affirm that the 150-mg twice-daily dose is superior to warfarin in reducing ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.