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WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. Merck is expanding its patient assistance program, the drug maker said Wednesday.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT While the advisory committee vote of 15 opposed and nine in favor of scheduling the all-too-common cough-relieving ingredient dextromethorphan as a controlled substance might seem like a healthy indicator as to which direction the Food and Drug Administration will act on this issue, make no mistake: it is by no means a certainty. This still may be an issue for cough-cold season 2011-2012.

SALT LAKE CITY Walgreens is teaming up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association to administer flu shots to those who need them most, according to published reports.

The MDA is handing out vouchers for free flu shots at Walgreens to those affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases, according to ABC4News in Salt Lake City.

Voucher requests can be submitted here.

NEW YORK Against a backdrop of continued economic uncertainty, employer healthcare costs for active employees are projected to rise 8.2% after plan changes to an average annual cost of $10,730 in 2011, according to a recent survey of 466 large and midsize employers conducted by Towers Watson.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT It’s about time.

(THE NEWS: NACDS, NCPA in joint statement praise CMS' move to withdraw provisions of AMP rule currently blocked by injunction. For the full story, click here)

ALEXANDRIA, Va. National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson and National Community Pharmacists Association acting EVP and CEO Douglas Hoey issued a statement praising the proposed rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would withdraw existing provisions of the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement formula under the average manufacturer price model.

NORTH WALES, Pa. Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic treatment for epileptic seizures.

The world’s largest generic drug maker announced Wednesday the launch of diazepam rectal gel, a generic version of Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ Diastat AcuDial. The drug is administered via rectal syringe and is available in 2.5-mg, 10-mg and 20-mg strengths.

MUMBAI, India A generic drug maker has received regulatory approval for its version of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' subsidiary has received approval to market its generic version of Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules), an ADHD drug for children ages 6 years and older, as well as teens and adults. Strattera is made and marketed by Eli Lilly.

Annual sales of branded and generic atomoxetine hydrochloride capsules are estimated to be more than $530 million.