Health System

FDA has approved Corifact (CSL Behring), the first product intended to prevent bleeding in people with the rare genetic defect congenital Factor XIII deficiency.

The $20.1 billion acquisition of Genzyme by Sanofi-aventis will allow Sanotif-aventis to expand its footprint in biotechnology and give it an edge in the market for drugs for rare diseases, according to experts.

Swisslog, a leader in pneumatic tube manufacturing, has launched a new touch-screen control-panel design.

Recurrences of herpes zoster may be more common in immunocompetent adults than once thought, according to a study published in the February issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Newswise reported.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices announces several changes to the recommended adult immunization schedule for 2011.

Swisslog, a leader in pneumatic tube manufacturing, has launched a new touch-screen control-panel design.

Recurrences of herpes zoster may be more common in immunocompetent adults than once thought, according to a study published in the February issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Newswise reported.

Pharmacists and patients are being told to be mindful of the limited shelf life of the new anticoagulant, Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate), manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals.

Zinc, in lozenge or syrup form, is beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of the common cold in healthy people, when taken within at least 24 hours of onset of symptoms, according to a new report published in the Cochran Library.

A woman recently pleaded guilty to a charge of smuggling erectile dysfunction drugs falsely labeled as herbal dietary supplements from the People's Republic of China into this country.

At the PDS Independent Pharmacy Business Growth Conference in Orlando, Fla., Friday, Feb. 18, at 2:00 p.m. EST, a panel discussion will brainstorm what can be done to "save our industry ... and your local business."

NACDS Foundation is giving $1.5 million in pharmacy residency grants to nonprofit academic institutions over the next 2 years.

NACDS has filed a brief in support of an Orlando hospital fighting a Department of Labor ruling.

Rite Aid is getting its pharmacists involved in a number of efforts to educate consumers during American Heart Month.

CDC issued an interim guidance to reduce HIV infection among high-risk individuals in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Escitalopram at does of 10 mg/d or 20 mg/d significantly reduced hot-flash frequency and severity compared with placebo, according to a recent multi-center, double-blind study published in JAMA.

An increase in febrile seizures in children following vaccination with Fluzone warrants further investigation, according to a report from FDA.

FDA currently lists 178 drugs in short supply, up 33% from 157 in 2009. The most frequent problem of shortage relates to manufacturing or regulatory noncompliance.

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.

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.

A retired chain pharmacist reflects on the downside of a culture that values efficiency above all.

An independent drugstore in Illinois recently expanded its boutique section for breast-cancer patients to include a wide variety of medical products and clothing.

This fall Saint Joseph College School of Pharmacy will open its new 35,000-square-foot facility in the heart of downtown Hartford, Conn., to its first class of students. Its curriculum will be organized in blocks, allowing students to concentrate on one course at a time through a variety of learning activities.

An American PharmD candidate describes his trip to Istanbul, Turkey, where he was fascinated by the similarities and differences of pharmacy practice conducted among people of different culture, beliefs, and expectations.