Content about Drugs

October 28, 2011
GPhA shows support for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Saturday is the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, and the country's largest lobbying group representing the generic drug industry is expressing its support.

WASHINGTON — Saturday is the Drug Enforcement Administration's National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, and the country's largest lobbying group representing the generic drug industry is expressing its support.

October 20, 2011
NACDS highlights value of community pharmacy in Los Angeles Times letter to the editor

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has engaged its Rapid Response Program, issuing a letter to the editor to the Los Angeles Times to highlight the importance of maintaining prescription medication access to prevent patient health complications and the increased need for costly forms of health care.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.  — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has engaged its Rapid Response Program, issuing a letter to the editor to the Los Angeles Times to highlight the importance of maintaining prescription medication access to prevent patient health complications and the increased need for costly forms of health care.

Through the Rapid Response Program, NACDS proactively addresses media reports and other communications in the public domain in a way that raises awareness of the value of community pharmacies as the face of neighborhood healthcare.

October 20, 2011
Senate kills drug-importation amendment

The Senate voted 55-45 Thursday to scrap an appropriations bill amendment that would have allowed personal importation of prescription drugs.

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted 55-45 Thursday to scrap an appropriations bill amendment that would have allowed personal importation of prescription drugs.

The amendment had been proposed for the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Senate's vote drew applause from an organization representing retail pharmacy chains.

October 19, 2011
NACDS to Senate: Prevent move to 'personal importation' of prescription drugs

An amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that would prohibit the FDA from preventing an individual not in the business of importing a prescription drug from importing prescription drugs from Canada, has sparked concern with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — An amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that would prohibit the FDA from preventing an individual not in the business of importing a prescription drug from importing prescription drugs from Canada, has sparked concern with the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

October 13, 2011
Abusable prescription drugs easy to find for young people, survey finds

More than half of parents in Massachusetts said their children have access to prescription drugs that could be abused, according to a new survey.

BOSTON — More than half of parents in Massachusetts said their children have access to prescription drugs that could be abused, according to a new survey.

October 11, 2011
Reports: ONDCP deputy director advocates Rx-only for PSE

The debate on the prescription status of pseudoephedrine in the state of Kentucky heated up last week as the deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Benjamin Tucker on Wednesday told Kentucky lawmakers that they should mandate PSE to Rx-only status, according to reports.

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The debate on the prescription status of pseudoephedrine in the state of Kentucky heated up last week as the deputy director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy Benjamin Tucker on Wednesday told Kentucky lawmakers that they should mandate PSE to Rx-only status, according to reports.

Tucker last week was the keynote speaker at the Kentucky Drug Summit, part of the Kentucky League of Cities annual convention, and headlined a panel of federal, state and local experts to examine pill mills, meth labs and prescription drug abuse.

October 10, 2011
NCPA Digest: Fewer independents but majority operating in underserved communities

The number of new independent pharmacies and new prescriptions filled with independents were down in 2010, though the number of refilled prescriptions continued to grow slightly, according to the latest 2011 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health, released Monday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The number of new independent pharmacies and new prescriptions filled with independents were down in 2010, though the number of refilled prescriptions continued to grow slightly, according to the latest 2011 NCPA Digest, sponsored by Cardinal Health, released Monday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

Now in its 79th year of publication, the NCPA Digest reports these 2010 findings:

September 29, 2011
Pfizer, NABP launch anticounterfeiting effort

Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $5.6 million worth of illegal pharmaceutical products, a 170% increase over 2005. Meanwhile, global sales of counterfeit medicines were estimated to be more than $75 billion last year, 90% more than in 2005. In response, Pfizer and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy announced Thursday the launch of an effort to educate patients on how to safely buy medicines online and about the risks of counterfeit drugs.

NEW YORK — Last year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized $5.6 million worth of illegal pharmaceutical products, a 170% increase over 2005. Meanwhile, global sales of counterfeit medicines were estimated to be more than $75 billion last year, 90% more than in 2005.

In response, Pfizer and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy announced Thursday the launch of an effort to educate patients on how to safely buy medicines online and about the risks of counterfeit drugs.

September 27, 2011
Poll: More Americans endanger health amid tough economy

A growing number of Americans are putting their health at risk in order to save money, according to a new study.

YONKERS, N.Y. — A growing number of Americans are putting their health at risk in order to save money, according to a new study.

Consumer Reports' annual prescription drug poll found that 48% of respondents currently taking a prescription drug said they'd cut healthcare costs by putting off a doctor's visit or medical procedure, declining tests or ordering drugs from outside the United States — a 9% increase over 2010.

September 26, 2011
Senate designates October National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month

The U.S. Senate last week adopted a resolution designating the month of October 2011 as “National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month” to raise attention to the problem of prescription medicine abuse, especially by teenagers.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate last week adopted a resolution designating the month of October 2011 as “National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month” to raise attention to the problem of prescription medicine abuse, especially by teenagers.

September 13, 2011
Survey: Meth use down, thanks to services like NPLEx

Methamphetamine use is down by 50%, even as use of illicit drugs continued to climb between 2008 and 2010, according to a national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that was released last week.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Methamphetamine use is down by 50%, even as use of illicit drugs continued to climb between 2008 and 2010, according to a national survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that was released last week.

The number of current methamphetamine users decreased from 731,000 people ages 12 years and older (0.3% of the population) in 2006  to 353,000 (0.1%) in 2010.

September 6, 2011
Francesco identifies next generation of switch

Francesco International on Tuesday released a Rx-to-OTC projection report covering potential switches through 2016.

LONG BRANCH, N.J. — Francesco International on Tuesday released a Rx-to-OTC projection report covering potential switches through 2016. The potential switches include drugs prescribed for chronic use or for asymptomatic conditions — two switch hurdles that to date have not cleared the Food and Drug Administration approval process.

September 5, 2011
Crime doesn't pay; but advertising crime does

The U.S. Department of Justice may have once and for all exposed the man behind the curtain, revealing many online Canadian pharmacies for what they really are: drug pushers taking advantage of Americans in search of cheaper health care. And in doing so, the Justice Department may be uncovering a bigger issue: the creeping 15% of counterfeits worldwide that gradually are cracking the U.S. drug distribution system.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The U.S. Department of Justice may have once and for all exposed the man behind the curtain, revealing many online Canadian pharmacies for what they really are: drug pushers taking advantage of Americans in search of cheaper health care. And in doing so, the Justice Department may be uncovering a bigger issue: the creeping 15% of counterfeits worldwide that gradually are cracking the U.S. drug distribution system.

August 29, 2011
Report: Google co-founder knew about illegal pharmacy ads

Top officials at Google knew about ads for online black-market pharmacies displayed on the Internet search giant's website, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Top officials at Google knew about ads for online black-market pharmacies displayed on the Internet search giant's website, according to published reports.

Forbes magazine reported that federal investigators said Google co-founder Larry Page was aware that the ads were illegal but still allowed them to be displayed, based on documents related to the case. The article quoted a company spokesman as saying that the company had settled and was "moving on," but that it should not have allowed the ads.

August 24, 2011
Pharmacy crime: Pushing back against rising wave


Dispensing narcotics and other highly abused prescription drugs, pharmacies have always been potential targets for robbery and burglary. But a series of violent crimes over the past year and a half have thrown a spotlight on the dangers faced by pharmacy workers and customers, and have galvanized public opinion for tougher laws.



Dispensing narcotics and other highly abused prescription drugs, pharmacies have always been potential targets for robbery and burglary. But a series of violent crimes over the past year and a half — including the killing of a pharmacist, a teenage clerk and two customers in Medford, N.Y., in June, as well as the murders of a pharmacist in Trenton, N.J., and a store clerk in Sacramento, Calif. — have thrown a spotlight on the dangers faced by pharmacy workers and customers, and have galvanized public opinion for tougher laws.


August 19, 2011
NexMed gains FDA approval of Tolnaftate-D

NexMed USA on Thursday received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to market the company's first over-the-counter antifungal drug, Tolnaftate-D.

SAN DIEGO — NexMed USA on Thursday received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration to market the company's first over-the-counter antifungal drug, Tolnaftate-D.

NexMed USA's Tolnaftate-D incorporates NexACT, a proprietary drug delivery technology that transiently loosens the tight junction between the cells of the sealed skin to allow more permeation.

August 18, 2011
IMS launches biosimilar market-measurement tool

With the global biosimilars market expected to expand nearly sixfold by the middle of the decade, market research firm IMS Health is launching a market-measurement tool for drug makers interested in getting into the space, the company said.

DANBURY, Conn. — With the global biosimilars market expected to expand nearly sixfold by the middle of the decade, market research firm IMS Health is launching a market-measurement tool for drug makers interested in getting into the space, the company said.

August 11, 2011
Cardinal helps fund awareness around prescription drug abuse

The Cardinal Health Foundation on Thursday announced nearly $210,000 in grant funding to 14 nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to combating prescription drug abuse.

DUBLIN, Ohio — The Cardinal Health Foundation on Thursday announced nearly $210,000 in grant funding to 14 nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to combating prescription drug abuse.

Grant recipients were selected from five key communities where high concentrations of Cardinal Health employees live and work: Albuquerque, N.M.; central Ohio; El Paso, Texas; LaVergne, Tenn.; and Radcliff, Ky.

August 9, 2011
N.Y. state mail-order bill would raise drug costs, reduce access, FTC says

A bill awaiting a signature or veto from New York governor Andrew Cuomo that would restrict home delivery of chronic medications has attracted criticism from the Federal Trade Commission and the pharmacy benefit manager lobby.

WASHINGTON — A bill awaiting a signature or veto from New York governor Andrew Cuomo that would restrict home delivery of chronic medications has attracted criticism from the Federal Trade Commission and the pharmacy benefit manager lobby.

In a letter to New York state Sen. James Seward responding to the senator's request for comments, the FTC said New York Assembly Bill 5502-B would harm consumers and raise the prices of drugs while reducing access to them.

August 1, 2011
NABP issues new report on rogue pharmacy websites

In a report issued last week, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 96% of rogue websites analyzed continue to operate out of compliance with U.S. pharmacy laws, fuel prescription drug abuse and misuse, and provide an outlet for counterfeit medicines to enter the U.S. drug supply.

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — In a report issued last week, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found that 96% of rogue websites analyzed continue to operate out of compliance with U.S. pharmacy laws, fuel prescription drug abuse and misuse, and provide an outlet for counterfeit medicines to enter the U.S. drug supply.

Among 8,000 websites analyzed in "Internet Drug Outlet Identification Program Progress Report for State and Federal Regulators: July 2011," NABP discovered that:

July 28, 2011
NACDS outlines continued efforts in improving patient health to Senate committee

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which held a hearing Thursday titled "FDA User Fees: Advancing Public Health," outlining community pharmacy's commitment to addressing drug safety and the appropriate use of prescription medications to help improve patient health.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday that it submitted comments to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which held a hearing Thursday titled "FDA User Fees: Advancing Public Health," outlining community pharmacy's commitment to addressing drug safety and the appropriate use of prescription medications to help improve patient health.

July 14, 2011
Legislation introduced to restore OTCs as qualified FSA/HSA reimbursements

Four legislators on Thursday introduced legislation that would restore over-the-counter medicines as qualified reimbursements under health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts without a prescription.

WASHINGTON — Four legislators on Thursday introduced legislation that would restore over-the-counter medicines as qualified reimbursements under health spending accounts and flexible spending accounts without a prescription. A provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act enacted in January had created a prescription requirement in order for OTC medicines to qualify for pre-tax reimbursements. 

July 14, 2011
NACDS supports repeal of legislation requiring prescriptions for OTCs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday its support of legislation that seeks to repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires consumers to obtain a prescription to use their flexible spending accounts for over-the-counter medication purchases.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores announced on Thursday its support of legislation that seeks to repeal a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which requires consumers to obtain a prescription to use their flexible spending accounts for over-the-counter medication purchases.

The Restoring Access to Medication Act was introduced by U.S. Reps. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., and Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Sens. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ben Nelson, D-Neb.

July 8, 2011
American Regent launches generic Xalatan

American Regent has launched a generic drug for relieving pressure inside the eye, the company said.

SHIRLEY, N.Y. — American Regent has launched a generic drug for relieving pressure inside the eye, the company said.

American Regent announced the availability of latanoprost ophthalmic solution in the 0.005% strength.

The drug is a generic version of Pfizer’s Xalatan and is used to treat such conditions as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

June 29, 2011
Consumer Reports: Rx labels miss mark on providing important safety information

Important safety information often is missing from drug labels, while some pharmacies don’t include medication guides required by the federal government, according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports.

YONKERS, N.Y. — Important safety information often is missing from drug labels, while some pharmacies don’t include medication guides required by the federal government, according to a new investigation by Consumer Reports.