Content about Texas

March 28, 2011
Report: State Medicaid programs can reap savings with increase in generic drug use

Ten states could reap significant savings by increasing the use of generic drugs in their state Medicaid programs, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association said Monday in response to a report by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank.

WASHINGTON — Ten states could reap significant savings by increasing the use of generic drugs in their state Medicaid programs, the Generic Pharmaceutical Association said Monday in response to a report by the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank.

The report, “Overspending on Multi-Source Drugs in Medicaid,” by Alex Brill, identified states that overspend the most on their Medicaid programs, with California, Texas and Georgia topping the list.

March 28, 2011
Whole Foods flagship to offer wine and beer

Whole Foods is becoming the latest retailer to offer in-store bars, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — Whole Foods is becoming the latest retailer to offer in-store bars, according to published reports.

USA Today reported that the chain opened a bar selling local wine and craft beer at its flagship store in Austin, Texas, as well as stores in California, Arizona, Illinois and other states, with plans to open at least seven more bars by 2012. The article quoted CEO Walter Robb as saying it was a response to customers coming out of the recession and wanting affordable luxuries.

March 21, 2011
Hostess goes retro

Hostess is going "old-school cool."

IRVING, Texas — Hostess is going "old-school cool."

For a limited time, the iconic snack cakes maker's treats, including chocolate cupcakes, Ding Dongs and Ho Hos, will tout retro packaging. Hostess also is bringing back the original banana Twinkie-filling recipe for a limited time.

March 17, 2011
IAF: 10 U.S. states will see highest diabetes prevalence, cost

A new study conducted by the Institute for Alternative Futures and funded by Novo Nordisk highlighted the top 10 U.S. states that are labeled as "diabetes hot spots" and are projected to carry the brunt of the epidemic over the next 15 years.

WASHINGTON — A new study conducted by the Institute for Alternative Futures and funded by Novo Nordisk highlighted the top 10 U.S. states that are labeled as "diabetes hot spots" and are projected to carry the brunt of the epidemic over the next 15 years.

March 15, 2011
Dip Creations hit store shelves

Consumers looking for a quick way to create great-tasting meals and snacks now have new options.

PLANO, Texas — Consumers looking for a quick way to create great-tasting meals and snacks now have new options.

New Tostitos and Lay's Dip Creations dry seasoning mixes are available in freshly made guacamole, from Tostitos, and garden onion and country ranch from Lay's. They can be used as dips or to add a twist to an array of meals and snacks, including hot wings, potato wedges, meatballs, enchiladas, salads and more.

New Dip Creations dry seasoning mixes are available for a suggested retail price of $1.59 each.

March 15, 2011
The Apothecary Shops announces 18th store opening

Specialty pharmacy provider The Apothecary Shops has opened its 18th store, the company said Monday.

AUSTIN, Texas — Specialty pharmacy provider The Apothecary Shops has opened its 18th store, the company said Monday.

TAS Specialty Pharmacy, an affiliate of Phoenix-based The Apothecary Shops of Deer Valley, opened a full-service specialty pharmacy with a compounding lab in Austin, Texas. The 2,500-sq.-ft. pharmacy will specialize in cancer, transplants, infectious diseases, fertility, women’s health, pain management, eye diseases and animal health.

March 14, 2011
Wonder salutes everyday heroes in line with anniversary celebration

As part of its 90th anniversary celebration, Wonder bread is gearing up to launch a campaign to honor America's everyday heroes.

IRVING, Texas — As part of its 90th anniversary celebration, Wonder bread is gearing up to launch a campaign to honor America's everyday heroes.

The soon-to-be-launched "Wonder Heroes" campaign will select people from 800 submissions to Wonder's Facebook page. The everyday heroes then will appear on limited-edition packages available in stores around Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day.

March 7, 2011
Texas Health and Human Services Commission to modernize Medicaid program

The agency that operates Texas’ state Medicaid program is proposing to save costs by administering prescription drug benefits the same way private insurers do, drawing praise from a trade group representing the country’s pharmacy benefit managers.

WASHINGTON — The agency that operates Texas’ state Medicaid program is proposing to save costs by administering prescription drug benefits the same way private insurers do, drawing praise from a trade group representing the country’s pharmacy benefit managers.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission, which runs the program, said the change would save state taxpayers $82 million. Similar changes have been proposed in New York and New Jersey.

March 7, 2011
Wonder gets 'smart' with wheat bread

Following the introduction of its Smartwhite bread, Wonder Bread is introducing a new 100% whole wheat bread to its lineup.

IRVING, Texas — Following the introduction of its Smartwhite bread, Wonder Bread is introducing a new 100% whole wheat bread to its lineup.

New Wonder Smartwheat provides 22 g of whole grain and the calcium of 8 oz. of milk in two slices, and is a good source of nine vitamins and minerals, the company said. Additionally, Wonder Smartwheat contains no high fructose corn syrup and is lower in sodium as part of the brand's recent commitment to the National Sodium Reduction Initiative.

March 2, 2011
Assured Pharmacy's same-store sales increase

Assured Pharmacy on Wednesday reported that its same-store sales during the month of December rose more than 12% from the year-ago period.

FRISCO, Texas — Assured Pharmacy on Wednesday reported that its same-store sales during the month of December rose more than 12% from the year-ago period.

The specialty pharmacy operator said that same-store sales totaled $1.5 million (or $70,464 per business day), compared with $1.3 million ($62,714 per business day) in December 2009, a 12.4% increase.

The company also announced that it reached the 10,000 prescriptions filled milestone for the first time during the month.

March 1, 2011
Topco to utilize Supplylogix's pharmacy inventory management, demand forecasting services

A member-owned cooperative has inked a deal with a technology company that develops and provides integrated data-driven solutions for healthcare inventory logistics.

GRAPEVINE, Texas — A member-owned cooperative has inked a deal with a technology company that develops and provides integrated data-driven solutions for healthcare inventory logistics.

Topco said it selected Supplylogix to provide pharmacy inventory management and demand forecasting services, which will improve inventory positions and forecast demand for more than 60,000 pharmaceutical products sold across more than 1,000 pharmacy locations nationwide.

February 24, 2011
Twinkie gets two limited-edition flavors

Hostess is promoting its classic Twinkie snack with two limited-edition flavors.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess is promoting its classic Twinkie snack with two limited-edition flavors.

As part of Hostess' Twinkie Mania sweepstakes — in which Twinkie fans are being asked to vote for the newest flavor filling — the brand is introducing limited-edition Twinkies with chocolate creme and strawberry and creme fillings. The flavors now are available at retailers nationwide.

February 22, 2011
Report: Dr Pepper to roll out 10-calorie drink

According to published reports, Dr Pepper is gearing up to launch a 10-calorie beverage targeted at male consumers.

PLANO, Texas — According to published reports, Dr Pepper is gearing up to launch a 10-calorie beverage targeted at male consumers.

The move by Dr Pepper for Dr Pepper Ten — a product that the company hopes will reach 25- to 34-year-old men — is similar to such competitors as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, which omitted "diet" from their respective Coke Zero and Pepsi Max products, perhaps betting that the word carries a negative connotation.

February 18, 2011
Industry advocates tout
 increase in generics use

Generic drug usage already has been on the rise year after year, with no sign of slowing down. As Jody Fisher, VP marketing for healthcare analytics at market research firm SDI, has told Drug Store News, generics accounted for more than 70% of products dispensed at retail pharmacies and are set to increase further this year.


February 17, 2011
Dr Pepper Snapple Group reports Q4 results

Earnings per share for Dr Pepper Snapple Group increased 5 cents to 49 cents, compared with the year-ago period, thanks to an increase in consumer spending and new licensing agreements with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

PLANO, Texas — Earnings per share for Dr Pepper Snapple Group increased 5 cents to 49 cents, compared with the year-ago period, thanks to an increase in consumer spending and new licensing agreements with Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

February 15, 2011
Hostess tickled pink with strawberry cupcakes

Hostess has added a new member to its line of squiggle-topped cupcakes.

IRVING, Texas — Hostess has added a new member to its line of squiggle-topped cupcakes.

New pink strawberry cupcakes will feature delicious strawberry-flavored icing, Hostess' signature creme filling and the icing squiggle on top.

Each 15-oz. package includes eight individually wrapped cupcakes and will be available at retailers nationwide.

February 11, 2011
AIP-Texas joins NCPA

The Academy of Independent Pharmacists-Texas is the newest member of a group that represents the nation's independent pharmacies.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Academy of Independent Pharmacists-Texas is the newest member of a group that represents the nation's independent pharmacies.

The National Community Pharmacists Association said having AIP-Texas participants as members will “strengthen the voice of independent pharmacists and their patients.”

February 11, 2011
FSA restrictions first piece of ObamaCare to be challenged

Recent restrictions imposed on flexible spending accounts appear to be the first piece of ObamaCare to be challenged by the new Congress.

WASHINGTON — Recent restrictions imposed on flexible spending accounts appear to be the first piece of ObamaCare to be challenged by the new Congress.

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, and Rep. Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., on Thursday respectively introduced The Patients’ Freedom to Choose Act, a bill that would repeal two provisions in the Obama healthcare law that limit a patient’s choice in how to use consumer-directed health savings plans, to the Senate and House of Representatives.

February 11, 2011
NCPA backs Patients’ Freedom to Choose Act

The National Community Pharmacists Association has expressed support of legislation that seeks to overturn two provisions in the Obama healthcare law that limit a patient’s choice in how to use consumer-directed health savings plans.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association has expressed support of legislation that seeks to overturn two provisions in the Obama healthcare law that limit a patient’s choice in how to use consumer-directed health savings plans.

February 10, 2011
Dr Pepper Snapple Group adds new member to board

A former executive for Carson Products has been named to Dr Pepper Snapple Group's board of directors.

PLANO, Texas — A former executive for Carson Products has been named to Dr Pepper Snapple Group's board of directors.

Joyce Roche, who most recently served as president and CEO of nonprofit Girls Inc. before her retirement last year, also served as Carson Products president and COO, as well as VP global marketing for Avon.

February 10, 2011
NACDS expresses support of The Patients' Freedom to Choose Act of 2011

Companion legislation, which seeks to change a provision in the healthcare-reform law and permit Americans to use their flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to buy over-the-counter medications without a prescription, has the support of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Companion legislation, which seeks to change a provision in the healthcare-reform law and permit Americans to use their flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to buy over-the-counter medications without a prescription, has the support of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.

February 10, 2011
Whole Foods Q1 income jumps 79%, same-store sales up 9.1%

Whole Foods Market’s first-quarter net income surged 79% to $88.7 million, on an increase in customer visits and a rise in average transactions. The natural and organic foods grocer raised 2011 profit outlook on its strong results, which beat expectations.

AUSTIN, Texas — Whole Foods Market’s first-quarter net income surged 79% to $88.7 million, on an increase in customer visits and a rise in average transactions. The natural and organic foods grocer raised 2011 profit outlook on its strong results, which beat expectations.

February 9, 2011
JCPenney implements Findmore smart fixture

JCPenney on Monday rolled out its “Findmore” smart fixture — a kiosk that bridges the gap between in-store and online shopping — to more than 120 select stores across the country. Additionally, in conjunction with the launch of its Modern Bride concept, JCPenney will begin rolling out a Findmore experience using the Apple iPad to 50 jewelry departments.

PLANO, Texas — JCPenney on Monday rolled out its “Findmore” smart fixture — a kiosk that bridges the gap between in-store and online shopping — to more than 120 select stores across the country. Additionally, in conjunction with the launch of its Modern Bride concept, JCPenney will begin rolling out a Findmore experience using the Apple iPad to 50 jewelry departments.

February 7, 2011
Texas can't be spelled without H-E-B

Super Bowl viewers got a surprise while watching the Big Game on Sunday: A commercial featuring an exclusive song about retailer H-E-B, performed by country star Jack Ingram.

SAN ANTONIO — Super Bowl viewers got a surprise while watching the Big Game on Sunday: A commercial featuring an exclusive song about retailer H-E-B, performed by country star Jack Ingram.

The Texas-based retailer let Super Bowl watchers know that, "You Can't Spell Texas without H-E-B." The commercial featured dancers in stetsons and images of all things Texas, with country crooner Ingram celebrating the Lone Star state, mentioning cities both big and small, and showing that H-E-B is as big as the state's pride.

February 4, 2011
Sunkist soda kicks off catchphrase contest

Orange soda brand Sunkist has teamed up with sports broadcasting legend Dick Vitale to offer consumers a chance to win 1-of-8 $10,000 weekly cash prizes.

PLANO, Texas — Orange soda brand Sunkist has teamed up with sports broadcasting legend Dick Vitale to offer consumers a chance to win 1-of-8 $10,000 weekly cash prizes.

Through March 31, Sunkist fans can enter the Sunkist Catchphrase that Pays contest, in which consumers can submit their best ideas for Vitale's new catchphrase online at SunkistSoda.com.