Content about Pharmacist Society

SAN FRANCISCO — Health Mart, McKesson’s network of more than 2,700 independently owned pharmacies, on Tuesday announced that the franchise was recognized in the J.D. Power "2011 Customer Service Champions" report.

WASHINGTON — A group representing the nation's pharmacy benefit managers is responding to a proposal made by New Jersey governor Chris Christie that seeks to modernize the state's Medicaid program.

Christie said the proposed overhaul, which includes managing prescription drug benefits similarly to those in Medicare and private-sector programs, would save the state $41 million, “while still providing vital services,” the governor said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Splintek Health Products recently launched its SleepRight nasal breathe aid — a snore-relieving product entry into the nasal strip category that retails for a suggested price of $11.99.

According to the company, the product reduces snoring, relieves nasal congestion and is adhesive-free and reusable. Flexible flares expand the nasal passages to significantly increase airflow, while forming to the shape of the user’s nose for a custom, comfortable fit. Each breathe aid is reusable and lasts up to 15 days.

ELMSFORD, N.Y. — Specialty pharmacy provider BioScrip has launched a Web service designed to connect healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers in order to help patients manage their medications and improve their overall care experience.

The website, myBioScrip.com, uses HealthyCircles, an online platform that enables people to use manage and share health information.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Generic drug maker Hi-Tech Pharmacal has received Food and Drug Administration approval for its version of a drug used to treat neurological disorders, the company said Tuesday.

Hi-Tech announced the approval of gabapentin oral solution in the 250 mg/5 mL strength, a generic version of Pfizer’s Neurontin oral solution.

The drug is used to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy. Neurontin had sales of $15 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

FRANKLIN LAKES, N.J. — Sales at Medco Health Solutions increased to $16.9 billion during fourth quarter 2010 and to $66 billion for the fiscal year as a whole, representing respective 11.1% and 10.3% increases over the same periods the year before, the pharmacy benefit manager said Tuesday.

Profits for the quarter were $378.5 million, a 10.8% increase over fourth quarter 2009, while profits for the year were $1.4 billion, an 11.5% increase over fiscal year 2009.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Generic drug maker Perrigo has filed for approval of a drug to treat psoriasis with the Food and Drug Administration.

Perrigo announced Tuesday that it had filed an application with the FDA for calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate in the 0.005%/0.064% strength. The drug is a generic version of Leo Pharma’s Taclonex and is used to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas on Friday became the fourth state this year to entertain making the popular decongestant pseudoephedrine available only by prescription.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid has expanded its free prescription delivery service to more than 400 stores in the New York metropolitan area, the retail pharmacy chain announced Monday.

The service allows patients to receive their medications between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., though they must wait until the next day if they send their prescriptions after 11 a.m., and some limitations apply, such as for medications that require refrigeration.

HAYWARD, Calif. — Prince of Peace Enterprises' Tiger Balm brand on Tuesday announced its sponsorship of the 2011 Susan G. Komen Los Angeles County Race for the Cure, taking place Sunday, March 6, at Dodger Stadium.

“Tiger Balm stands with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer,” stated Kenneth Yeung, Prince of Peace president. “We are proud to use our involvement in the Los Angeles County Race to help raise awareness of this important cause among fans and users of Tiger Balm products.”

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. — Nearly 39 million people are feeling the effects of cold and flu as illness levels continue to climb across the nation, Boiron reported Friday.

The latest figures reflect an increase of 6.4% from last week. Some of the most prevalent indications are fever (10.8%) and influenza-like symptoms, such as chills, body aches and headache (22.2%).

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a treatment for a rare bleeding disorder.

The FDA announced the approval of Corifact, used to prevent bleeding in people with the genetic disorder congenital Factor XIII deficiency, which affects 1-in-3 million to 5 million people in the United States.

The drug is manufactured by Marburg, Germany-based CSL Behring.