Content about Methadone

May 3, 2013
Expansion of in-store health kiosks setting stage for pharmacy web of improved-outcome solutions

Kinney Drugs, with its almost-100 locations located primarily in upstate New York, is the latest pharmacy to capitalize on the robust offerings available through in-store health kiosks. Because it isn't only about taking that random blood pressure check anymore.

No, the in-store health kiosks going into stores today are designed to augment outcomes-based health care. For example, through the use of "smart cards," PharmaSmart helps track historical health metrics across its trademarked Blood Pressure Tracker web portal.

Kinney Drugs, with its almost-100 locations located primarily in upstate New York, is the latest pharmacy to capitalize on the robust offerings available through in-store health kiosks. Because it isn't only about taking that random blood pressure check anymore. 

April 24, 2013
FDA approves drug for opioid-induced constipation

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for constipation related to use of opioid painkillers made by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the drug makers said.

BETHESDA, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for constipation related to use of opioid painkillers made by Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the drug makers said.

April 21, 2013
Game on: Clinics & chronic care

This month Walgreens announced that it would begin to offer chronic care services at its Take Care Clinics. Its biggest competitor, MinuteClinic, made a similar announcement about a year ago. With full implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the people paying the bills are going to get a good look at what retail clinics can do to lower costs and improve outcomes.

This month Walgreens announced that it would begin to offer chronic care services at its Take Care Clinics. Its biggest competitor, MinuteClinic, made a similar announcement about a year ago. With full implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the people paying the bills are going to get a good look at what retail clinics can do to lower costs and improve outcomes.

April 16, 2013
FDA approves new labeling for OxyContin

The Food and Drug Administration will not approve generic versions of Purdue Pharma's painkiller OxyContin based on earlier versions of the drug that did not include features to thwart abuse, the agency said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration will not approve generic versions of Purdue Pharma's painkiller OxyContin based on earlier versions of the drug that did not include features to thwart abuse, the agency said Tuesday.

The FDA announced that it approved updated labeling for reformulated OxyContin (oxycodone) extended-release tablets indicating that it has physical and chemical properties designed to deter drug abusers from crushing or dissolving the pills in order to inject or snort them.

April 10, 2013
Kalorama survey: Retail clinic patients satisfied with service

Patients who use retail-based health clinics are satisfied with their visit, according to the findings of a new Kalorama Information report.

NEW YORK — Patients who use retail-based health clinics are satisfied with their visit, according to the findings of a new Kalorama Information report.

The healthcare market research publisher, which is a division of MarketResearch.com, has been covering retail clinics for six years and conducted a survey of U.S. adults to determine retail clinic use and satisfaction. According to the Retail Clinics: Consumer Attitudes Results of the 2013 Kalorama Survey, 91% of those surveyed who had used a retail clinic were either satisfied or very satisfied.

April 2, 2013
mScripts receives certification for McKesson's EnterpriseRx system

Users of McKesson's EnterpriseRx pharmacy system can communicate with patients through several mobile communication pathways and deliver a full-featured mobile pharmacy system using the mScripts mobile pharmacy platform, mScripts said.

SAN FRANCISCO — Users of McKesson's EnterpriseRx pharmacy system can communicate with patients through several mobile communication pathways and deliver a full-featured mobile pharmacy system using the mScripts mobile pharmacy platform, mScripts said Tuesday.

The company said it had received certification for the system, following its announcement of the integration with EnterpriseRx last week.

March 13, 2013
Reports: Target making clinic push in Chicago

Target is expanding its retail clinic presence in the Chicago area, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Target is expanding its retail clinic presence in the Chicago area, according to published reports.

The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday that the mass merchandise retailer would open three clinics — two in the suburbs and one in the city. Construction is scheduled to start on May 28, and grand openings are planned for Aug. 18. The Target on Division Street, scheduled to open in October, will also have a clinic.

February 28, 2013
Survey: Many doctors ignore generic savings

Are doctors needlessly raising the costs of America's healthcare system through their prescribing habits? Absolutely, say researchers.

Are doctors needlessly raising the costs of America's healthcare system through their prescribing habits? Absolutely, say researchers. A new report appearing in the Jan. 7 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine highlighted the powerful role played by branded drug advertising on consumer preferences and physicians' prescribing habits, and asserted that many doctors ignore the cost-saving benefits of generic drugs when writing prescriptions by acceding to patients' wishes.

February 19, 2013
Pharmacists and the battle to boost adherence

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

So the failure by patients to take their meds as prescribed is a big deal. And it’s gotten a lot of attention from payers in the last couple of years because it’s one of the most obvious levers to pull as public and private health plan sponsors struggle to get a grip on the astronomical and still-expanding cost of health care in the United States.

Two-hundred-ninety billion dollars. That’s the number often thrown around when health experts talk about what medication nonadherence costs patients, insurers, health plan payers and the U.S. economy every year. And of course, dollar estimates say nothing about the impact that nonadherence has on patients and their families in higher chronic and acute disease rates, reduced quality of life and shortened lifespans.

February 7, 2013
CVS Caremark announces expansion of Pharmacy Advisor program

CVS Caremark has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Advisor program to cover an additional five chronic conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and osteoporosis.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Advisor program to cover an additional five chronic conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and osteoporosis.

November 2, 2012
GDUFA-style user fees provide one possible source of funding for FDA compounding regulations

Given the extent of the meningitis outbreak linked to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, new regulations for such pharmacies might be a good idea, but how to implement them remains uncertain.

(THE NEWS: Meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy spawns new proposed legislation. Click here to read the story.)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Given the extent of the meningitis outbreak linked to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, new regulations for such pharmacies might be a good idea, but how to implement them remains uncertain.

(THE NEWS: Meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy spawns new proposed legislation. Click here to read the story.)

September 27, 2012
CVS Caremark survey: Pharmacists say cost is biggest barrier to Rx adherence

In recognition of American Pharmacists Month in October, CVS Caremark released results from a new survey of CVS retail pharmacists, which underscored that cost remains a key barrier to medication adherence and reinforced the important role of the pharmacist in helping people take their chronic medications as directed.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In recognition of American Pharmacists Month in October, CVS Caremark released results from a new survey of CVS retail pharmacists, which underscored that cost remains a key barrier to medication adherence and reinforced the important role of the pharmacist in helping people take their chronic medications as directed.

September 6, 2012
Study shows rapid growth in cost of physician-dispensed prescriptions versus pharmacies

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 4, 2012
Kroger pharmacies, The Little Clinic now offering flu shots

Kroger has announced that it is offering $25 flu shots at more than 1,900 Kroger pharmacy locations nationwide and at The Little Clinic locations inside select stores.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has announced that it is offering $25 flu shots at more than 1,900 Kroger pharmacy locations nationwide and at The Little Clinic locations inside select stores.

Flu shots are available for ages 2 years and older and high-dose flu shots are available for patients ages 65 years and older.

Certified pharmacists, The Little Clinic nurse practitioners or physician assistants administer all flu shots. Kroger pharmacies accept most insurance plans including Medicare.

August 29, 2012
Nucynta ER approved as neuropathic pain treatment for DPN patients

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for an opioid analgesic to treat diabetes-related pain.

RARITAN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a supplemental new drug application for an opioid analgesic to treat diabetes-related pain.

August 23, 2012
Thrifty White announces introduction of the Rx Timer Cap

Thrifty White Pharmacy has announced the introduction of the Rx Timer Cap, which it is giving away for free to each pharmacy patient who enrolls in the Ready Refill or Medication Synchronization programs.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Thrifty White Pharmacy — which operates more than 80 locations in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Montana and Wisconsin — has announced the introduction of the Rx Timer Cap, which it is giving away for free to each pharmacy patient who enrolls in the Ready Refill or Medication Synchronization programs. Additional Rx Timer Caps may be purchased at any Thrifty White location.

June 26, 2012
Q&A: Resources for overcoming the adherence challenge

Winning the patient adherence battle is about aligning all stakeholders, from the patient to the pharmacist, to payers, employers, physicians and pharma, in a collaborative, patient-centered model that not only educates patients, but also actively engages them in managing their health and treatment regimens. To find out more about how McKesson is helping community pharmacists deliver better patient care through one-on-one interventions and coaching — and get paid for it — DSN spoke Tuesday to Peggy Yelinek, VP and general manager of McKesson Patient Relationship Solutions.

Winning the patient adherence battle is about aligning all stakeholders, from the patient to the pharmacist, to payers, employers, physicians and pharma, in a collaborative, patient-centered model that not only educates patients, but also actively engages them in managing their health and treatment regimens.

June 1, 2012
Pharmacy groups oppose hydrocodone amendment to PDUFA bill

Five pharmacy organizations on Thursday wrote Congress in opposition of an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Safety Innovation Act due to its potential to delay patients' timely relief from chronic pain while increasing drug costs.

ALEXANDRIA,Va. — Five pharmacy organizations on Thursday wrote Congress in opposition of an amendment to the Food and Drug Administration Safety Innovation Act due to its potential to delay patients' timely relief from chronic pain while increasing drug costs.
 

May 16, 2012
More than one-third of dispensed prescriptions sent electronically in 2011, report finds

The number of prescriptions being sent electronically jumped by 75% between 2010 and 2011, while almost all of the retail pharmacies in the country are connected for e-prescribing, according to a new report by the country's largest e-prescribing network.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The number of prescriptions being sent electronically jumped by 75% between 2010 and 2011, while almost all of the retail pharmacies in the country are connected for e-prescribing, according to a new report by the country's largest e-prescribing network.

May 7, 2012
NACDS expresses to FDA cautious optimism on the 'new paradigm' for third class of drugs

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores submitted on Monday comments to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its position on the “new paradigm” for a third class of drugs.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores submitted on Monday comments to the Food and Drug Administration regarding its position on the “new paradigm” for a third class of drugs.

The comments were submitted to the FDA in conjunction with the agency’s hearing titled, “Using Innovative Technologies and Other Conditions of Safe Use to Expand Which Drug Products Can Be Considered Nonprescription.”

May 4, 2012
E-prescribing up by 75% in 2011, Surescripts says

More than one-third of prescriptions were sent electronically in 2011, the country's largest e-prescribing network said.

ARLINGTON, Va. — More than one-third of prescriptions were sent electronically in 2011, the country's largest e-prescribing network said.

Surescripts issued an executive summary of its annual e-prescribing progress report Thursday showing that 570 million prescriptions, or 36% of the total, were sent electronically, a 75% increase over 2010's 326 million. In addition, 317,000 office-based physicians, or 58%, were e-prescribing, compared with 1-in-10 three years ago.

April 17, 2012
BioPlus launches application for physicians

A specialty pharmacy provider has launched an application that it said will reduce the administrative burden of reimbursement, writing prescriptions, monitoring adherence and reviewing drug lists.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A specialty pharmacy provider has launched an application that it said will reduce the administrative burden of reimbursement, writing prescriptions, monitoring adherence and reviewing drug lists.

BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy announced the launch of TAP App, short for Therapy Access Portal, designed to allow physicians to monitor patients from initial intake through benefit verification and shipping, and make data on adherence issues, medication possession ratios, adverse drug reactions and other issues more easily available.

April 16, 2012
ESI launches ScreenRx, offers preview of 2011 'Drug Trend Report'

Fresh off the heels of its merger with Medco Health Solutions, pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts announced Monday the launch of a medication nonadherence detection system and offered a preview of its annual "Drug Trend Report."

ST. LOUIS — Fresh off the heels of its merger with Medco Health Solutions, pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts announced Monday the launch of a medication nonadherence detection system and offered a preview of its annual "Drug Trend Report."

March 27, 2012
CVS Caremark publishes new reports that highlight medication adherence research in all 50 states

CVS Caremark issued on Tuesday two new reports that highlight research the company is conducting around medication adherence, including one study that reviews and compares state-by-state adherence rates for patients managing four chronic diseases.


WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark issued on Tuesday two new reports that highlight research the company is conducting around medication adherence, including one study that reviews and compares state-by-state adherence rates for patients managing four chronic diseases.
 

March 27, 2012
HIE, mobile technology dominate conversations at HIMSS

A few weeks ago, we joined some 37,000 of our closest friends for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference. HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology (IT) and management systems for the betterment of health care.

A few weeks ago, we joined some 37,000 of our closest friends for the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference. HIMSS is a cause-based, not-for-profit organization focused on providing global leadership for the optimal use of information technology and management systems for the betterment of health care.