Health System

Following FDA?s expanded indication for rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) in February, the drug?s producer now plans to extend the market for the drug by offering it as a preventive measure to people who do not have cholesterol issues.

Patients taking oral antidiabetes drugs who switched from exenatide twice daily to liraglutide once daily experienced further reductions in hemoglobin A1c and weight loss, according to the results of a clinical study.

Galderma Laboratories has received FDA approval for adapalene lotion, 0.1% (Differin), a first-of-its-kind lotion formulation of the retinoid adapalene for treating acne.

Carglumic acid tablets (Carbaglu, Orphan Europe) for treatment of a rare genetic condition characterized by excess ammonia in the blood have received FDA approval.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD, addressed health leaders worldwide who represent industry, academia, government, and advocacy to help kick off a global consortium to fight tuberculosis (TB). She recently spoke at a press conference in Washington.

Following the FDA Amendments Act of 2007 that enabled the agency to mandate REMS for drugs and biologics that pose greater risks, a new document finds that REMS may be effective if FDA uses the proper approach and incorporates new technologies (e.g., genetic testing, electronic medical records).

A final rule requiring pharmacies participating in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program to electronically submit their Part D prescriptions to patients? Medicare plan sponsors or their intermediaries was published by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the Federal Register, reported Health Data Management.

A pharmacist's most important job is to see that the right drug in the right strength with the right label reaches the right patients.

As the years went by, it became evident just how much of a stamp the first person to get hold of you professionally will put on your career.

As graduation nears for many pharmacists, most will be making a six-figure salary. However, they will also carry a six-figure debt. Success may well depend on how that debt is handled.

As pharmacists search for ways to serve patients more effectively, technology is becoming increasingly important.

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

If you don't like the "reality" you're looking at, you can change the person who's doing the looking.

While approximately 40% of patients with schizophrenia have been partly or entirely nonadherent with antipsychotic medications, patient adherence improved dramatically when Veterans Affairs pharmacy staff coordinated these patients' medications, according to a new study.

In a down economy where many people are out of work, out of benefits, and out of luck, pharmacists can be thankful that their profession generally offers good compensation and benefits, job security, and respect.

Richard J. Bertin, RPh, PhD, RADM, is this year?s recipient of the PPSI/Stan Hartman Special Distinguished Person of the Year award, which will be presented at a breakfast to be held Sunday, March 27, at the Sheraton Seattle hotel, Willow A room, Seattle, Wash., concurrently with the American Pharmacists Association 159th annual meeting.

Pharmacists speak out about the pharmacist shortage and professional organizations.

FDA recommended drastic changes limiting the way long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists are used to treat asthma.

Efforts to improve treatment of all physical conditions and patients' self-care are futile if comorbid depression is not controlled first.

After four decades of practice, the author offers some observations about the search for professional satisfaction and meaning in pharmacy.

REMS for opioids may present some tough challenges for pharmacists.

Whether mail-order pharmacy is a blessing or a bane depends on whom you ask.

A survey of new Rx and new OTC

How to understand the difference between term and permanent life insurance.

Walgreens' planned acquisition of Duane Reade signals further advances into pharmacy and drugstore retailing for the smaller chain.

While the government deems that marijuana has a "high potential for abuse" and "has no currently accepted medical use," some states have undertaken initiatives to pass legislation permitting its use for pain control and for control of nausea and vomiting by cancer patients.

The Institute of Medicine says more research is necessary comparing the advantages of different sites for vaccination.

Technology now exists that can verify the contents of a drug vial or syringe, benefiting retailers, hospitals, and manufacturers.

George Barrett of Cardinal Health discusses the future of independent pharmacists.

Pharmacy and Therapeutics committees around the country are taking a second look at what they're using for pediatric rehydration and how much they're willing to pay.