Content about Health & Wellness

March 31, 2011
Report: Generic utilization can save Medicaid millions

The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research on Monday published a working paper that identified $329 million in overspending as a result of underutilization of generics.

WASHINGTON — The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research on Monday published a working paper that identified $329 million in overspending as a result of underutilization of generics.

As total spending on 20 medicines with generic equivalents totaled approximately $1.5 billion, AEI concluded Medicaid overspent by 22% ($1.5 billion versus $1.17 billion) on these pharmaceuticals.

March 31, 2011
Rite Aid's skin care tour on road again

Thousands of Rite Aid customers across the United States can get free, full-body skin cancer screenings this spring.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Thousands of Rite Aid customers across the United States can get free, full-body skin cancer screenings this spring.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour will visit more than 60 Rite Aid stores in 19 states, sponsored by the retail pharmacy chain and Aveeno. The tour has screened more than 10,000 people since 2008, according to Rite Aid, catching 3,700 potential skin cancers and precancers, including about 200 suspected cases of the deadly skin cancer melanoma.

March 31, 2011
Study finds Januvia use could help prevent diabetes

A drug used to treat diabetes also may prevent it, according to a new study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.

CLEVELAND — A drug used to treat diabetes also may prevent it, according to a new study published in the journal Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University took specially bred obese, prediabetic rats and gave them either Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin), placebo or glyburide, an older diabetes drug. Both of the diabetes drugs lowered blood-glucose levels after the rats had eaten, but only Junuvia raised the total output of insulin by the pancreas while lowering levels of glucagon.

March 31, 2011
Veteran diabetics experience less complications, study finds

Patients that have been handling their diabetes for a long time are less likely to experience complications, according to a new study conducted by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers.

NEW YORK — Patients that have been handling their diabetes for a long time are less likely to experience complications, according to a new study conducted by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers.

Among 351 participants in the "Joslin 50-Year Medalist Study," researchers found that among veteran Type 1 diabetics — who have been living with the condition for 50 years or more — 43% were free from advanced diabetic eye complications, while 87% were free from kidney disease, 39% were free from nerve disease and 52% were free from cardiovascular disease.

March 30, 2011
Heart failure patients skip meds due to cost, study finds

Many patients with heart failure skip pills due to medication costs, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Many patients with heart failure skip pills due to medication costs, according to research by the Mayo Clinic.

The study, published in the journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings, tracked the pharmacy records of 209 patients ages 60 to 86 years in Olmsted County, Minn., who were asked how often they missed doses or didn’t take their drugs at all and why.

March 30, 2011
Prestige Brands introduces new allergy product

Prestige Brands on Wednesday announced the launch of a new one-dose-per-day allergy medicine — PediaCare 24-hour allergy.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige Brands on Wednesday announced the launch of a new one-dose-per-day allergy medicine: PediaCare 24-Hour Allergy.

"We listened to what the moms were looking for: a safe and effective allergy product for their children, ages 2 years and up, that works, has only one dose per day and tastes good," stated Sherry Polevoy, PediaCare senior brand manager. "Parents don't have to worry about redosing during the day, it's dye-free and it's a flavor that kids love: grape."

March 30, 2011
Study: Nordic Naturals omega-3 effervescent absorbed faster

A research study conducted earlier this year on two Nordic Naturals arctic cod liver oil products concluded that the effervescent formulation is absorbed more rapidly than gelatin soft gels, and suggested that the effervescent form is equally palatable, making it an acceptable alternative to the soft gel form.

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — A research study conducted earlier this year on two Nordic Naturals arctic cod liver oil products concluded that the effervescent formulation is absorbed more rapidly than gelatin soft gels, and suggested that the effervescent form is equally palatable, making it an acceptable alternative to the soft gel form.

March 30, 2011
Study: Sleep, relaxation can aid weight loss

The "battle of the bulge" can be won by adding sleep and relaxation to diet and exercise, according to a new study.

NEW YORK — The "battle of the bulge" can be won by adding sleep and relaxation to diet and exercise, according to a new study.

Published in the International Journal of Obesity, a study conducted by Kaiser Permanente researchers found that among 472 obese participants with body mass indexes of 30 to 50, weight loss significantly correlated with decreased stress levels.

March 30, 2011
Wegmans puts spotlight on blood pressure

Wegmans Food Markets on Tuesday introduced new resources for patients concerned about blood pressure and how to best manage their numbers at the Wegmans pharmacy counter.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans Food Markets on Tuesday introduced new resources for patients concerned about blood pressure and how to best manage their numbers at the Wegmans pharmacy counter. Wegmans also is hosting a blood pressure page on Wegmans.com, where patients can watch seven short videos on ways toward good readings.

March 29, 2011
APhA emphasizes pharmacists' role at front of healthcare line

The American Pharmacists Association wants to ensure that pharmacists continue to play a significant role in health care, and made the pharmacist’s ever-expanding role the main focus of its annual meeting in Seattle, which ended Monday.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association wants to ensure that pharmacists continue to play a significant role in health care, and made the pharmacist’s ever-expanding role the main focus of its annual meeting in Seattle, which ended Monday.

March 29, 2011
Catalyst, Walgreens move ahead with PBM acquisition

Catalyst Health Solutions and Walgreens on Monday announced that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — Catalyst Health Solutions and Walgreens on Monday announced that the Federal Trade Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended, in connection with Catalyst’s previously announced proposed acquisition of Walgreens Health Initiatives, the pharmacy benefit management subsidiary of Walgreens.

Completion of the proposed acquisition remains subject to other closing conditions. The companies continue to expect to complete the transaction in the first half of 2011.

March 29, 2011
Changing Medicare eligibility age shifts costs to employers, younger seniors

Raising Medicare’s eligibility age from 65 to 67 years in 2014 would generate an estimated $7.6 billion in net savings to the federal government, but also would result in an estimated net increase of $5.6 billion in out-of-pocket costs for 65- and 66-year-olds, as well as $4.5 billion in employer retiree healthcare costs, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation projection of the potential change suggested by several deficit-reduction plans.

MENLO PARK, Calif. — Raising Medicare’s eligibility age from 65 to 67 years in 2014 would generate an estimated $7.6 billion in net savings to the federal government, but also would result in an estimated net increase of $5.6 billion in out-of-pocket costs for 65- and 66-year-olds, as well as $4.5 billion in employer retiree healthcare costs, according to a new Kaiser Family Foundation projection of the potential change suggested by several deficit-reduction plans.

March 29, 2011
CVS Caremark names Helena Foulkes EVP, chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer

CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has named Helena Foulkes, who is widely regarded as one of the most visionary marketers in modern drug store retailing, to the newly created position of EVP and chief healthcare strategy and marketing officer.

In the new role, Foulkes will bring together the company's capabilities in enterprise branding, communications, community relations, charitable giving, healthcare-reform strategy, government relations and marketing into one integrated organization in an effort to deliver even better business results and stronger partnerships.

March 29, 2011
Datamonitor: Global biosimilars market to reach nearly $4 billion by 2015

Any manufacturer that has the necessary resources and still is hesitating about whether to tap into biosimilars might want to go ahead and do it, if projections by British market analysis firm Datamonitor come true.

LONDON — Any manufacturer that has the necessary resources and still is hesitating about whether to tap into biosimilars might want to go ahead and do it, if projections by British market analysis firm Datamonitor come true.

The firm released a report Monday showing that the global biosimilars market, whose value stood at $243 million in 2010, will increase to $3.7 billion by 2015.

March 29, 2011
Dr. Reddy's generic Xyzal hits market

Indian generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic treatment for seasonal allergies, the company said Tuesday.

HYDERABAD, India — Indian generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic treatment for seasonal allergies, the company said Tuesday.

Dr. Reddy’s announced the launch of levocetirizine tablets in the 5-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of UCB’s and Sanofi-Aventis’ Xyzal.

Levocetirizine had sales of about $238 million during the 12-month period ended in September 2010, according to IMS Health.

March 29, 2011
Drug shortages continue to rise, report finds

For many patients, the inability to pay for drugs is enough of a problem, but what if the drugs they need aren’t available at all?

NEW YORK — For many patients, the inability to pay for drugs is enough of a problem, but what if the drugs they need aren’t available at all?

According to a new report by the Premier Healthcare Alliance, more than 240 drugs were hard to find or entirely unavailable, while more than 400 generic versions of branded drugs were backordered for more than five days. Premier said shortages had more than tripled since 2005, with the frequency and effects rising to critical levels and affecting all segments of health care.

March 29, 2011
Kerr Drug CEO honored for role in healthcare field

Kerr Drug CEO Tony Civello has received recognition for Health Care Hero Lifetime Achievement from the Triangle Business Journal, Kerr said Tuesday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug CEO Tony Civello has received recognition for Health Care Hero Lifetime Achievement from the Triangle Business Journal, Kerr said Tuesday.

The journal cited Civello’s work to refocus retail pharmacy in the healthcare field and his leadership in the retail pharmacy industry.

March 29, 2011
Rite Aid gears up to vaccinate patients ages 50 years, older for shingles

A decision by the Food and Drug Administration to lower the age at which patients can receive a vaccine for shingles opens the door for pharmacists to administer it to more patients.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — A decision by the Food and Drug Administration to lower the age at which patients can receive a vaccine for shingles opens the door for pharmacists to administer it to more patients.

Rite Aid said Tuesday that pharmacists at more than 2,100 of its stores now could vaccinate patients ages 50 years and older with Merck’s Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) thanks to the FDA’s approval of the vaccination for patients in that age group. Previously, it was only approved for patients ages 60 years and older.

March 29, 2011
Rite Aid targets allergy sufferers

In a sneeze heard around the world, allergy season is afoot, but the country’s retail pharmacies are on call to help the estimated 60 million Americans whose sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and congestion will drive them to wit’s end this year.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — In a sneeze heard around the world, allergy season is afoot, but the country’s retail pharmacies are on call to help the estimated 60 million Americans whose sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and congestion will drive them to wit’s end this year.

March 29, 2011
Watson confirms generic OxyContin patent challenge

Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first to market a version of a popular opioid painkiller.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is hoping to become the first to market a version of a popular opioid painkiller.

Watson said it had filed applications with the Food and Drug Administration seeking approval for a generic version of Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin (oxycodone) extended-release tablets in the 10-, 15-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 60- and 80-mg strengths.

March 28, 2011
APhA announces 25 companies participating in Project Impact: Diabetes

The American Pharmacists Association Foundation announced Monday the selection of 25 companies, community health departments and other organizations — collectively known as “communities” — that will take part in the foundation’s initiative to improve care for people disproportionately affected by diabetes across the United States.

WASHINGTON — The American Pharmacists Association Foundation announced Monday the selection of 25 companies, community health departments and other organizations — collectively known as “communities” — that will take part in the foundation’s initiative to improve care for people disproportionately affected by diabetes across the United States.

March 28, 2011
NACDS president opines about the cost of medication nonadherence

Looking to further communicate the important role pharmacy plays in the healthcare delivery system, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson ran an opinion column in a "Medication Non-Adherence" supplement published Monday by Mediaplanet and distributed in The Washington Post.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Looking to further communicate the important role pharmacy plays in the healthcare delivery system, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson ran an opinion column in a "Medication Non-Adherence" supplement published Monday by Mediaplanet and distributed in The Washington Post.

March 28, 2011
OTC/Rx Industrial Drug Test Standards to get a makeover

The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention last week announced that it is working with the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to update quality standards for widely used medicines and ingredients. Updated test methodologies are crucial to help counter economically motivated adulteration — in which less expensive and potentially harmful ingredients are substituted for genuine medicines or their ingredients — and also to address the challenge of impurities that may go undetected with older, nonspecific assays and tests.

ROCKVILLE, Md. — The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention last week announced that it is working with the Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association to update quality standards for widely used medicines and ingredients. Updated test methodologies are crucial to help counter economically motivated adulteration — in which less expensive and potentially harmful ingredients are substituted for genuine medicines or their ingredients — and also to address the challenge of impurities that may go undetected with older, nonspecific assays and tests.

March 28, 2011
Pfizer recalls two drugs

The generics division of drug maker Pfizer is recalling supplies of two drugs due to possible mislabeling.

PEAPACK, N.J. — The generics division of drug maker Pfizer is recalling supplies of two drugs due to possible mislabeling.

Greenstone announced Saturday that it would voluntarily recall 100-count bottles of citalopram 10-mg tablets and 90-count bottles of finasteride 5-mg tablets with the lot number FI0510058-A on the label. The company said a third-party manufacturer may have placed incorrect labels on the bottles. No other lots are affected.

Citalopram is used to treat depression, while finasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

March 28, 2011
Program encourages pharmacists to prevent misuse of prescription medicines

The Cardinal Health Foundation and the American Pharmacists Association on Monday announced a partnership to encourage pharmacists and student pharmacists to take an active role in preventing the abuse and misuse of prescription medications.

SEATTLE — The Cardinal Health Foundation and the American Pharmacists Association on Monday announced a partnership to encourage pharmacists and student pharmacists to take an active role in preventing the abuse and misuse of prescription medications.

With funding support from the Cardinal Health Foundation, APhA will encourage its pharmacist and student pharmacist members to join the fight to prevent prescription drug abuse by tapping into two communication toolkits developed by the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and funded by the Cardinal Health Foundation.