Content about Drugs

July 24, 2012

Kline: Recalls, economy and FSA prescription requirement driving store-brand OTC growth

Significant product recalls and the ongoing recession have driven consumer behavior change in the OTC aisle, according to a new report published Tuesday by Kline.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Significant product recalls and the ongoing recession have driven consumer behavior change in the OTC aisle, according to a new report published Tuesday by Kline. In addition, road blocks to savings, such as reimbursement of OTC medicines under flexible spending accounts, were recently put in place with the new requirement that those medicines now to be prescribed by a physician in order to qualify for reimbursement. Approximately 1-in-5 respondents have used FSAs to purchase OTC drugs or nutritional supplements in the past, the report noted.

July 23, 2012

Electronic medication reconciliation: When the healthcare industry collaborates, everyone wins

Healthcare providers in today’s environment are committed to promoting patient safety while providing access to the most reliable and innovative treatments. Medication reconciliation, which is defined by The Joint Commission as “the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders to all of the medications that the patient has been taking,” is designed to prevent drug-related errors — including adverse interactions, overdoses or allergic reactions — and can assist healthcare providers, especially during care transitions when patients are most likely to receive new medications or alternative doses.

Healthcare providers in today’s environment are committed to promoting patient safety while providing access to the most reliable and innovative treatments.

July 18, 2012

NACDS statement to Senate reflects pharmacy's commitment to patient care, safer communities

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that it has submitted a statement to the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, detailing chain pharmacy’s engagement in the prevention of prescription drug abuse, and its commitment to maintaining patients’ ready access to medications vital for pain management and for treatment regimens.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Wednesday that it has submitted a statement to the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, detailing chain pharmacy’s engagement in the prevention of prescription drug abuse, and its commitment to maintaining patients’ ready access to medications vital for pain management and for treatment regimens.

NACDS submitted its statement for the Caucus’ hearing on “Responding to the Prescription Drug Abuse Epidemic.”

July 17, 2012

Thrifty White adopts HealthyPackRx

Thrifty White Pharmacy is carrying a new prescription drug packaging system that it said would improve adherence.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Thrifty White Pharmacy is carrying a new prescription drug packaging system that it said would improve adherence.

With the HealthyPackRx, medications are organized into individual packages labeled with the medication, date and time to be taken, with the intention of preventing patients from taking their drugs incorrectly.

July 16, 2012

Despite penalties, counterfeits continue

Prescription drug counterfeiting got significant attention in March 2011 when CBS News’ “60 Minutes” reported on the problem, including a tour of a drug counterfeiting operation. 

Another prescription drug-related crime is drug counterfeiting, which got significant attention in March 2011 when CBS News’ “60 Minutes” reported on the problem, including a tour of a drug counterfeiting operation. 

In March, the Senate passed S. 1886, the Counterfeit Drug Penalty Enhancement Act, which toughens punishments for criminals who produce and traffic counterfeit medications, drawing praise from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. 

July 16, 2012

Rx drug abuse rises in high school students

Several policy-makers and companies have sought ways to confront the problem of prescription drug abuse. Last month, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a plan — calling it the first in the country — to create an all- electronic registry that would enable doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement to track controlled substances to prevent excessive prescription and refill requests.

News broke last month that officials in the South American nation of Uruguay were planning to possibly legalize marijuana. Meanwhile, activists in Colorado have sought to legalize the drug in that state, while Chicago’s city council decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana and reduced the penalty to a ticket. 

June 28, 2012

APhA introduces acetaminophen continuing-education program for pharmacists

A new continuing-education program offered by a national pharmacist professional organization aims to prepare pharmacists to communicate with patients about the safe and effective use of the painkiller acetaminophen.

WASHINGTON — A new continuing-education program offered by a national pharmacist professional organization aims to prepare pharmacists to communicate with patients about the safe and effective use of the painkiller acetaminophen.

The American Pharmacists Association said its new CE program would allow pharmacists to outline the Food and Drug Administration's recent advisory panel meetings on the drug, communicate with patients about its appropriate use, and engage consumers in dialogue and such activities as reading labels of products containing acetaminophen.

June 20, 2012

NACDS urges Congress to pass PDUFA as final congressional vote nears

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday urged Congress to pass the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, legislation essential to the review process for new medications and that also contains important pro-patient, pro-pharmacy provisions.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday urged Congress to pass the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, legislation essential to the review process for new medications and that also contains important pro-patient, pro-pharmacy provisions.

The U.S. House and Senate passed their versions of PDUFA last month and worked to reconcile their individual bills into one final bill. Both chambers are expected to vote on the final conference report this week.

June 14, 2012

E-prescribing of controlled substances: The next generation of medication ordering

In healthcare technology circles, e-prescribing is among today’s hottest topics. A vital component of patient-centered care, it creates a connectivity platform that encourages collaboration between the physician and pharmacist who are in joint pursuit of an enhanced patient experience.

June 13, 2012

NACDS urges expansion of PDUFA provisions to ensure patient care, curb Rx abuse

As the U.S. Senate and House reconcile their versions of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday urged U.S. House and Senate leaders to expand provisions in the final bill to help ensure that Americans continue to have access to safe and effective prescription medications, while also curbing prescription drug abuse.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As the U.S. Senate and House reconcile their versions of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday urged U.S. House and Senate leaders to expand provisions in the final bill to help ensure that Americans continue to have access to safe and effective prescription medications, while also curbing prescription drug abuse.

June 11, 2012

N.Y. governor seeks to curb Rx drug abuse with new legislation

The state of New York is looking to become a national leader in curbing prescription drug abuse.

ALBANY, N.Y. — The state of New York is looking to become a national leader in curbing prescription drug abuse.

June 7, 2012

AAP sponsors prescription drug abuse education event

Government authorities are working to educate independent pharmacy owners on prescription drug abuse, an independent pharmacy network said.

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Government authorities are working to educate independent pharmacy owners on prescription drug abuse, an independent pharmacy network said.

In an event sponsored by American Associated Pharmacies in San Diego, Drug Enforcement Administration deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Diversion Control Joseph Rannazzisi discussed topics related to prescription drug abuse. Rannazzisi explained how drug abusers divert prescription drugs through doctor shopping, forged prescriptions, theft and the Internet.

May 31, 2012

House committee approves measure to restore OTC reimbursements under FSAs

The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved the Restoring Access to Medication Act (H.R. 5842), which would repeal the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that disqualified expenses for over-the-counter drugs as eligible for reimbursement under health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements without a prescription.

WASHINGTON — The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved the Restoring Access to Medication Act (H.R. 5842), which would repeal the provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that disqualified expenses for over-the-counter drugs as eligible for reimbursement under health savings accounts and flexible spending arrangements without a prescription.

May 29, 2012

House to consider repealing prescription mandate on OTCs purchased through FSAs

The House of Representatives will vote to repeal limitations on the use of tax-advantaged accounts for the purchase of over-the-counter medications as early as June 4, according to a report published online by The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based political newspaper.

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives will vote to repeal limitations on the use of tax-advantaged accounts for the purchase of over-the-counter medications as early as June 4, according to a report published online by The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based political newspaper.

The paper cited a planning memo from majority leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.

May 24, 2012

NACDS lauds prevention of 'personal importation' of prescription medications

Following the Senate’s defeat of a proposal that would have permitted “personal importation” of prescription drug medications, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores lauded the Senate’s decision to support patient safety.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Following the Senate’s defeat of a proposal that would have permitted “personal importation” of prescription drug medications, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores lauded the Senate’s decision to support patient safety.

May 21, 2012

Reports: 'Track and trace' may be part of PDUFA reauthorization

Federal and industry officials have been negotiating a federal track-and-trace system as part of a reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Federal and industry officials have been negotiating a federal track-and-trace system as part of a reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, according to published reports.

May 16, 2012

Most patients misuse Rx drugs

One of the fastest-growing drug trends in the United States isn’t teenagers smoking pot or young adults on ecstasy at dance clubs, but abuse and misuse of legal prescription drugs. 

May 15, 2012

Walgreens expands Prescription Savings Club

Walgreens on Tuesday infused greater value into its Prescription Savings Club program, which now offers discounts on more than 8,000 brand-name and generic prescriptions, thanks to the inclusion of more than 700 "value-priced" generics, which retail as low as $12 for a 90-day supply.

DEERFIELD Ill. — Walgreens on Tuesday infused greater value into its Prescription Savings Club program, which now offers discounts on more than 8,000 brand-name and generic prescriptions, thanks to the inclusion of more than 700 "value-priced" generics, which retail as low as $12 for a 90-day supply.

May 11, 2012

Amgen offers testimony at FDA biosimilars hearing

Biotech drug maker Amgen has joined the list of companies offering testimony at a Food and Drug Administration hearing on biosimilars Friday.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Biotech drug maker Amgen has joined the list of companies offering testimony at a Food and Drug Administration hearing on biosimilars Friday.

May 11, 2012

Could pet meds be the new flu shots?

The past two weeks have seen two new additions to the list of retailers selling prescription drugs for pets, showing that this space, while still small, is growing in importance.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The past two weeks have seen two new additions to the list of retailers selling prescription drugs for pets, showing that this space, while still small, is growing in importance and offers a good way for retailers to drive customer traffic.

May 11, 2012

Kalorama: Despite predictions to the contrary, OTC drug market not recession-proof

Despite predictions that consumers in recessionary times would flock to cheaper over-the-counter drugs, the world's over-the-counter drug market grew just 3.5% in the past three years, according a report released by Kalorama Information.

NEW YORK — Despite predictions that consumers in recessionary times would flock to cheaper over-the-counter drugs, the world's over-the-counter drug market grew just 3.5% in the past three years, according a report released by Kalorama Information.

May 9, 2012

Sandoz to testify at FDA biosimilars hearing

The Food and Drug Administration should apply consistent regulatory standards across all biologics, Sandoz plans to state Friday in testimony at an FDA public hearing on draft guidances related to the development of biosimilars.

HOLZKIRCHEN, Germany — The Food and Drug Administration should apply consistent regulatory standards across all biologics, Sandoz plans to state Friday in testimony at an FDA public hearing on draft guidances related to the development of biosimilars.

April 26, 2012

NACDS expresses support of 'chairman's mark' of Senate bill to reauthorize PDUFA

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores expressed its support for the legislative package that will serve as a starting point for the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act in a letter to the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores expressed its support for the legislative package that will serve as a starting point for the reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act in a letter to the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

April 4, 2012

Spending on branded, generic drugs increased in 2011, IMS report finds

People ages 65 years and older reduced their volume of prescriptions, while those ages 19 to 25 years increased their use of prescription drugs as the healthcare-reform law allowed them to remain on their parents' insurance, according to a new report by IMS Health.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — People ages 65 years and older reduced their volume of prescriptions, while those ages 19 to 25 years increased their use of prescription drugs as the healthcare-reform law allowed them to remain on their parents' insurance, according to a new report by IMS Health.

The report, "The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2011," found that per capita spending on U.S. medicines grew by 0.5% as healthcare system spending reached $320 billion and new drug launches opened new treatment options for more than 20 million Americans.

March 30, 2012

Need for self-care as cost-cutting tool will take $21 billion OTC industry higher

Even as Justice Antonin Scalia suggested that mandating all Americans buy healthcare insurance was akin to Big Government saying to Joe Consumer, "Hey, eat your broccoli," one underlying theme became apparent: Health care isn't cheap and won't be getting any cheaper — unless everybody does in fact eat their broccoli.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Even as Justice Antonin Scalia suggested that mandating all Americans buy healthcare insurance was akin to Big Government saying to Joe Consumer, "Hey, eat your broccoli," one underlying theme became apparent: Health care isn't cheap and won't be getting any cheaper — unless everybody does in fact eat their broccoli. And that makes the value inherent in self-care, the cost-savings readily associated with the use of over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements, an evergreen proposition.