Content about Drugs

November 16, 2012

Residents in counties across the country that participate in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Discount Card Program have saved more than $500 million on their prescription medications since the launch of the program in 2004, according to data released by NACo and CVS Caremark.

WASHINGTON and WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Residents in counties across the country that participate in the National Association of Counties' Prescription Discount Card Program have saved more than $500 million on their prescription medications since the launch of the program in 2004, according to data released by NACo and CVS Caremark.

November 16, 2012

Kroger announced Thursday it will acquire the outstanding shares of Axium Pharmacy Holdings, a leading specialty pharmacy, and merge the two companies. By now, it should be clear that specialty is becoming an increasingly important part of the retail pharmacy mix, having grown more than sixfold in revenues between 2000 and 2011, with everyone from Rite Aid to Costco to Hy-Vee biting off a piece for themselves.

As Specialty Pharmacy magazine reported in its fall 2012 issue, specialty drug development is starting to play a much bigger role in drug development overall than traditional pharmaceuticals. According to the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics, seven of the top 20 drug therapy classes will be in specialty by 2016, including cancer, autoimmune disorders and antivirals, and specialty and bioengineered drugs remain one of the few growth centers in the drug industry in 2012. And according to Express Scripts, the market for specialty and bioengineered drugs is expected to grow from 2011's 17.1% to 22% by 2014.

Kroger announced Thursday it will acquire the outstanding shares of Axium Pharmacy Holdings, a leading specialty pharmacy, and merge the two companies. By now, it should be clear that specialty is becoming an increasingly important part of the retail pharmacy mix, having grown more than sixfold in revenues between 2000 and 2011, with everyone from Rite Aid to Costco to Hy-Vee biting off a piece for themselves.

November 16, 2012

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that it has joined pain care advocacy and other healthcare organizations in urging members of Congress to help address the problem of prescription drug diversion and abuse.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced that it has joined pain care advocacy and other healthcare organizations in urging members of Congress to help address the problem of prescription drug diversion and abuse.  

November 15, 2012

As part of its continuing efforts to help communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is waiving prescription co-payments, deductibles and other financial liability related to prescription medications for patients who cannot pay at selected stores in the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York City and surrounding communities.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As part of its continuing efforts to help communities affected by Hurricane Sandy, CVS/pharmacy has announced that it is waiving prescription co-payments, deductibles and other financial liability related to prescription medications for patients who cannot pay at selected stores in the hardest hit neighborhoods in New York City and surrounding communities. 

November 15, 2012

The Food and Drug Administration's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee on Friday voted against Merck's application to switch its Oxytrol patch from prescription-only to over the counter, citing concerns over use of therapy for an overactive bladder in women without a doctor's intervention.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee on Friday voted against Merck's application to switch its Oxytrol patch from prescription-only to over the counter, citing concerns over use of therapy for an overactive bladder in women without a doctor's intervention. 

The committee voted five in favor and six opposed, also citing concerns that men might inappropriately choose to use the product as well. 

November 15, 2012

Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. 


Over-the-counter medications continue to gain in popularity among consumers, who — whether as a matter of cost savings or convenience — are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. 


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November 12, 2012

Procter & Gamble and Teva Pharmaceutical on Monday gained European Union approval for a joint venture on the sale of nonprescription medicines to be called PGT Healthcare, according to published reports.

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble and Teva Pharmaceutical on Monday gained European Union approval for a joint venture on the sale of nonprescription medicines to be called PGT Healthcare, according to published reports. 

According to the reports, the joint venture didn't raise competition concerns. P&G will have a 51% stake in the venture. 

 

 

November 9, 2012

Earlier this week, DSN reported that members of a prescription drug program offered by Humana to Medicare beneficiaries will soon be able to obtain 10 generic hypertension drugs from Walmart for a penny.

It's certainly good news for people with high blood pressure, but it also has big implications for the pharmacy retail industry.

Earlier this week, DSN reported that members of a prescription drug program offered by Humana to Medicare beneficiaries will soon be able to obtain 10 generic hypertension drugs from Walmart for a penny.

It's certainly good news for people with high blood pressure, but it also has big implications for the pharmacy retail industry.

November 7, 2012

A recent University of Cincinnati study suggested adolescent males are at a higher risk of reporting longtime abuse of over-the-counter drugs, compared with their female peers.

SAN FRANCISCO — A recent University of Cincinnati study suggested adolescent males are at a higher risk of reporting longtime abuse of over-the-counter drugs, compared with their female peers. 

October 31, 2012

Watson Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday announced the sale of its Rugby over-the-counter business to the Harvard Drug Group — a distributor and provider of private-label OTCs and generic prescription products under the Major Pharmaceuticals brand — for approximately $117 million.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday announced the sale of its Rugby over-the-counter business to the Harvard Drug Group — a distributor and provider of private-label OTCs and generic prescription products under the Major Pharmaceuticals brand — for approximately $117 million.  

"I am confident that Major, with its leadership position as a marketer of OTC products, will be more strategically positioned to maximize the value of the long-known and respected Rugby name," stated Paul Bisaro, president and CEO of Watson.

October 16, 2012

Emerging multidisciplinary healthcare models, such as accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes, promise to elevate quality and lower costs by harnessing the power of provider, payer and patient collaboration. Often overlooked in the coordinated care equation, however, is the integral role pharmacists can play in delivering efficient and effective care.

Emerging multidisciplinary healthcare models, such as accountable care organizations and patient-centered medical homes, promise to elevate quality and lower costs by harnessing the power of provider, payer and patient collaboration. Often overlooked in the coordinated care equation, however, is the integral role pharmacists can play in delivering efficient and effective care.

October 9, 2012

Summit Laboratories recently launched a pair of skin care items ideal for people with diabetes. Aside from kidney and eye disorders, skin disorders are one of the top challenges for diabetics.

SUPPLIER NEWS — Summit Laboratories recently launched a pair of skin care items ideal for people with diabetes. Aside from kidney and eye disorders, skin disorders are one of the top challenges for diabetics. Summit Laboratories’ Dr. Fred Summit Type 1 & 2 Diabetic Rehydrating Cleanser and Cream provide a one-two punch to help promote proper leg and foot care. The pair of products are being merchandised as a solution for dry and itching skin associated with diabetes, and retail for $6.99 and 
$12.99, respectively.


October 1, 2012

The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association are mobilizing communities to stop prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, the groups announced Monday.

WASHINGTON — The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association are mobilizing communities to stop prescription and over-the-counter medicine abuse during National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month, the groups announced Monday.

September 28, 2012

The Food and Drug Administration has launched a campaign designed to educate consumers about online rogue pharmacies, the agency said Friday.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has launched a campaign designed to educate consumers about online rogue pharmacies, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the launch of BeSafeRx, which includes resources for patients and caregivers who might purchase medications online.

September 24, 2012

As part of CVS Caremark's sponsorship of The Partnership at Drugfree.org's The Medicine Abuse Project, which aims to prevent a half-million teens from abusing medicine over the next five years, the company now is asking its customers to take the project's pledge to learn about teen medicine abuse, to safeguard medicines in the home and to talk to teens about this issue, the company announced on Monday.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — As part of CVS Caremark's sponsorship of The Partnership at Drugfree.org's The Medicine Abuse Project, which aims to prevent a half-million teens from abusing medicine over the next five years, the company now is asking its customers to take the project's pledge to learn about teen medicine abuse, to safeguard medicines in the home and to talk to teens about this issue, the company announced on Monday.

CVS Caremark will use many of its communications channels to share with customers some key facts central to the awareness campaign, such as:

September 20, 2012

The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution naming October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month.

 WASHINGTON — The Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution naming October as National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month. The resolution was sponsored by Sens. Diane Feinstein, D.-Calif., and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and urges communities to carry out programs and activities to educate parents and youth of the potential dangers associated with medicine abuse.

September 12, 2012

Most advertisements for over-the-counter versions of drugs did contain significantly less information about the risks of the medication, compared with the ads for the drug prior to its transition to OTC status, according to new research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Most advertisements for over-the-counter versions of drugs did contain significantly less information about the risks of the medication, compared with the ads for the drug prior to its transition to OTC status, according to new research sponsored by CVS Caremark.

The research, published in this week's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, identified differences between consumer-directed advertisements for drugs when they are available by prescription only, compared with when they transition to OTC.

September 6, 2012

CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the "The Medicine Abuse Project," a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark announced that it has joined with a group of public and private sector partners and will sponsor the "The Medicine Abuse Project," a multiyear effort by The Partnership at Drugfree.org to raise awareness and curb the abuse of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines. The project's goal is to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicines over the next five years.

September 6, 2012

While regulations meant to control the prices of drugs dispensed through physician offices for injured workers can keep costs down without limiting access, employers in many states may end up paying more than twice what they would have if the workers had gone to a pharmacy instead, according to a new study.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — While regulations meant to control the prices of drugs dispensed through physician offices for injured workers can keep costs down without limiting access, employers in many states may end up paying more than twice what they would have if the workers had gone to a pharmacy instead, according to a new study.

September 6, 2012

Walgreens will offer products and other resources for women who have fertility complications due to cancer treatment, under a partnership with Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Walgreens will offer products and other resources for women who have fertility complications due to cancer treatment, under a partnership with Ferring Pharmaceuticals announced Thursday.

September 4, 2012

According to a Food and Drug Administration post Friday, the FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will be meeting Nov. 9 regarding the partial switch application from prescription to over the counter of Oxytrol (oxybutynin transdermal system), as submitted by MSD Consumer.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — According to a Food and Drug Administration post Friday, the FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee will be meeting Nov. 9 regarding the partial switch application from prescription to over the counter of Oxytrol (oxybutynin transdermal system) submitted by MSD Consumer. The proposed OTC product would be called Oxytrol for Women and would be indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder in women.

The prescription form of Oxytrol is licensed by Watson Pharma.

August 28, 2012

While the growth in healthcare costs remains a threat in the United States, the growth in drug expenditures is moderating, but numerous opportunities exist for retail, according to a speech delivered Tuesday morning at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' 2012 Pharmacy and Technology Conference in Denver by Doug Long, VP industry relations of healthcare industry research firm IMS Health.

DENVER — While the growth in healthcare costs remains a threat in the United States, the growth in drug expenditures is moderating, but numerous opportunities exist for retail, according to a speech delivered Tuesday morning at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores' 2012 Pharmacy and Technology Conference in Denver by Doug Long, VP industry relations of healthcare industry research firm IMS Health.

August 26, 2012

Customer satisfaction and pharmacy loyalty among parents increase significantly when the pharmacist can add custom flavoring to a child's medications, according to a new study.

COLUMBIA, Md. – Customer satisfaction and pharmacy loyalty among parents increase significantly when the pharmacist can add custom flavoring to a child's medications, according to a new study.

August 7, 2012

A biotech drug made by Eli Lilly for osteoporosis appeared no more or less effective than a pharmaceutical drug available as a generic in treating women with related bone fractures, but was more effective in some other measures, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial released Tuesday.

INDIANAPOLIS — A biotech drug made by Eli Lilly for osteoporosis appeared no more or less effective than a pharmaceutical drug available as a generic in treating women with related bone fractures, but was more effective in some other measures, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial released Tuesday.

July 30, 2012

How can Congress plug the leaks in the pharmaceutical supply chain and dry up the stream of gray market drugs without making the current drug shortage even worse? And can federal regulators shut down gray market profiteers without limiting “the ability of pharmacies to take care of their patients?”

How can Congress plug the leaks in the pharmaceutical supply chain and dry up the stream of gray market drugs without making the current drug shortage even worse? And can federal regulators shut down gray market profiteers without limiting “the ability of pharmacies to take care of their patients?”