Content about Virginia

February 12, 2013

Post-approval drug problems could be due to poor adherence in trials, study finds

Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

MCLEAN, Va. — Unexpected toxicities from prescription drugs that emerge years after regulatory approval may be due to poor medication adherence in clinical trials, according to a new study.

While much attention on medication adherence has focused on patients not taking the already approved drugs prescribed to them or not taking them properly, the new study, released Tuesday by Consumer Health Information, found problems with adherence in clinical trials as well.

February 11, 2013

NACDS Foundation announces Pharmacy Student Scholarship recipients

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced on Monday the recipients of the annual Pharmacy Student Scholarship Awards.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation announced on Monday the recipients of the annual Pharmacy Student Scholarship Awards.

The NACDS Foundation Pharmacy Student Scholarship Program identifies and recognizes the next generation of pharmacy leaders during their pursuit of academic success and educational goals. The NACDS Foundation awarded scholarships totaling $30,000 to six pharmacy students.

February 8, 2013

Reports: Obama re-nominates acting CMS administrator to lead agency

President Obama has re-nominated Marilyn Tavenner as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — President Obama has re-nominated Marilyn Tavenner as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, according to published reports.

The Hill, a Washington-based newspaper that covers Capitol Hill, noted that Tavenner had received an endorsement from House majority leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., who had worked with her when she was in charge of the Medicaid program in his state. Still, she could face a tougher time in the Senate.

February 8, 2013

Va. pharmacy students visit state legislators

An annual event at the Virginia state General Assembly drew several students from a local pharmacy school.

NEW YORK — An annual event at the Virginia state General Assembly drew several students from a local pharmacy school.

Hampton University said 24 of its students visited the General Assembly in Richmond, Va., on Jan. 30 to participate in Virginia Pharmacy Day, organized every year by the Virginia Pharmacist Association.

The event combined a health fair — with cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure screenings — and legislative visits with state representatives to discuss pharmacy-related issues.

February 7, 2013

CMS study further proof community pharmacy can improve patients' lives, says NACDS

National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steve Anderson, calls a new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services “further proof of community pharmacy’s ability to improve patients’ lives while making healthcare more affordable in this country.”

ARLINGTON, Va. — National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) president and CEO Steve Anderson, calls a new study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) “further proof of community pharmacy’s ability to improve patients’ lives while making healthcare more affordable in this country.”

February 7, 2013

ComScore: Low awareness, retail access key barriers to widespread digital wallet adoption

ComScore released the Digital Wallet Road Map 2013, a study which measures consumer awareness, perceptions and intent to use current digital wallet offerings.

RESTON, Va. — ComScore on Monday released the Digital Wallet Road Map 2013, a study which measures consumer awareness, perceptions and intent to use current digital wallet offerings. The study found digital wallets, which store a virtual copy of the contents of a consumer's physical wallet to facilitate online or offline retail transactions, only had awareness among 51% of U.S. consumers for wallets other than PayPal.

February 7, 2013

Satisfaction study: Packaging can influence purchase intent, customer satisfaction

MeadWestvaco Corporation on Thursday launched its inaugural consumer satisfaction study, “Packaging Matters.”

RICHMOND, Va. — MeadWestvaco Corporation on Thursday launched its inaugural consumer satisfaction study, “Packaging Matters.” The study explores the role of packaging in product satisfaction as consumers purchase, transport, use and dispose of products across 10 different categories.

February 7, 2013

Survey: Part D 'preferred pharmacy' provision driving rural seniors away from community pharmacy

A survey of community pharmacists suggests that "preferred pharmacy" Medicare Part D drug benefit plans may pose challenges for seniors in rural communities.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A survey of community pharmacists suggests that "preferred pharmacy" Medicare Part D drug benefit plans may pose challenges for seniors in rural communities. The finding comes shortly after similar questions were raised at the January public meeting of the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Congress' advisory board on Medicare issues, the National Community Pharmacists Association noted Thursday.

February 5, 2013

NCPA to FDA: Rescheduling hydrocodone combo products to create headache for legitimate pain patients

The National Community Pharmacists Association submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to preserve access to hydrocodone-containing pain relief products, as FDA considers moving the medications from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule III list of controlled substances to the more restrictive Schedule II list.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Monday submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to preserve access to hydrocodone-containing pain relief products, as FDA considers moving the medications from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Schedule III list of controlled substances to the more restrictive Schedule II list.

February 4, 2013

NACDS, NCPA urge expanded role for pharmacists in new healthcare models

Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pharmacy groups are advocating that Congress expand the role of pharmacists in new healthcare delivery models.

February 1, 2013

MTM improves outcomes in diabetes patients, study finds

Face-to-face medication therapy management services can improve health outcomes for patients with diabetes, according to a new study.

ARLINGTON, Va. — Face-to-face medication therapy management services can improve health outcomes for patients with diabetes, according to a new study.

January 31, 2013

NCPA and three Oregon legislators push for greater oversight, transparency of PBMs

The National Community Pharmacists Association urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Wednesday urged Oregon state lawmakers to pass a series of bills that would "collectively reduce red tape for pharmacists caring for patients, give consumers greater pharmacy choice at no extra cost, and keep more revenue within the state."

NCPA has identified four issues of import:

January 31, 2013

Wegmans' food drive raises more than $2 million in 2012

During the fall 2012 checkout scanning campaign at 45 Wegmans stores in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, and the Greater Rochester region of New York, hunger relief donations totaled $1.4 million, Wegmans reported.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — During the fall 2012 checkout scanning campaign at 45 Wegmans stores in New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, eastern Pennsylvania, and the Greater Rochester region of New York, hunger relief donations totaled $1.4 million, Wegmans reported Wednesday.

“We’re thankful for our customers and employees who step up to give in such a generous way,” stated Linda Lovejoy, Wegmans' community relations manager. “Their donations at checkout help reduce hunger that exists right in our own neighborhoods and communities.”

January 30, 2013

Costco offers Aetna insurance to California members

Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in California, the health insurer said.

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Aetna is offering individual health insurance plans to Costco members in California, the health insurer said.

The Costco Personal Health Insurance program includes five plans and offers broad medical benefits, dental options and a large network of doctors and hospitals. The program also is available to members of the club retailer in Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Aetna plans to expand the program to other markets in the coming months.

January 30, 2013

Study: Thrifty White's Medication Synchronization Program improves Rx adherence

Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. — Regional player Thrifty White Pharmacy, which operates 90 pharmacies in the upper Midwest, is working to enroll patients in its Medication Synchronization Program as a recent study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University found that those patients taking their medications correctly with the program are more likely to stay well, make fewer clinic visits and require fewer hospitalizations, thus reducing overall healthcare spending.

January 29, 2013

NCPA, NGA and NACS together file a 'friend of the court' brief in support of suit v. American Express

In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — In an effort to quell the significant sway creditors wield in dictating terms with retail vendors, the National Community Pharmacists Association, the National Grocers Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores on Monday submitted a joint brief to the Supreme Court as amici curiae, or "friends of the court," in the case of American Express vs. Italian Colors Restaurant.

January 24, 2013

NCPA: Mandatory mail raising 'serious concerns' among seniors

Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Seniors have serious concerns regarding mandatory mail-order pharmacy requirements in prescription drug plans, according to a new national survey of 669 Medicare Part D beneficiaries released Thursday by the National Community Pharmacists Association.

January 23, 2013

New ad promotes independents' agenda in Washington

A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A lobbying organization for independent pharmacies has launched an ad campaign in The Hill, the Washington-based daily newspaper covering Congress.

The National Community Pharmacists Association ad lays out the group's legislative agenda for the 113th Congress and the Obama administration.

January 22, 2013

Prestige Brands signs Dale Earnhardt Jr. to rep Goody's headache powders

NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. has signed on as a Goody's spokesman, Prestige Brands Holdings announced.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. has signed on as a Goody's spokesman, Prestige Brands Holdings announced Tuesday.

January 22, 2013

Report: Shoppers want more buy-America options and Walmart aims to give it to them

More than 80% of Americans are willing to pay more for Made in the USA products, according to a USA Today report published online late Monday night.

TYSONS CORNER, Va. — More than 80% of Americans are willing to pay more for Made in the USA products, according to a USA Today report published online late Monday night.

Out of those shoppers actively seeking to buy all things American, 93% reported that they wanted to keep jobs in the U.S. as their primary reason for doing so, the report noted, citing a survey released in November by Boston Consulting Group.

January 21, 2013

Reports: State legislation targets biosimilar substitution

While regulations for biosimilars work their way through the Food and Drug Administration, state governments are already looking at legislation concerning the substitution of biosimilars for their branded counterparts, according to a legal affairs blog focused on the FDA.

NEW YORK — While regulations for biosimilars work their way through the Food and Drug Administration, state governments are already looking at legislation concerning the substitution of biosimilars for their branded counterparts, according to a legal affairs blog focused on the FDA.

In a post Friday on FDA Law Blog, the official blog of the law firm Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, attorney Kurt Karst wrote that several states were laying the groundwork for such legislation, recalling state-level antisubstitution laws targeting generics that were adopted in the 1970s.

January 18, 2013

Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to keynote NACDS Annual Meeting

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NACDS Annual Meeting.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has announced former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the keynote speaker for the 2013 NACDS Annual Meeting, which will be held April 20 to 23 in Palm Beach, Fla.

January 18, 2013

STS Health launches FluNada nasal spray

STS Health announced the launch of its homeopathic cold and flu symptom reliever FluNada.

RESTON, Va. — STS Health on Thursday announced the launch of its homeopathic cold and flu symptom reliever FluNada.

"After years of intensive research and testing, this natural spray product has been developed to offer a new era of relief from common cold and flu-like symptoms," stated Steven Schwartz, who invented the product. "Each of the active ingredients integrated into the spray was chosen based on the specific health characteristics it provides. In addition, it was important to develop a product that was 100% free of zinc."

January 10, 2013

NACDS adds new specialty pharmacy session to Regional Chain Conference agenda

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has expanded its program lineup for the upcoming 2013 Regional Chain Conference to now include a new session of specialty pharmacy.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores has expanded its program lineup for the upcoming 2013 Regional Chain Conference to now include a new session of specialty pharmacy.

The conference will take place Feb. 3 to 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is designed to address the challenges facing senior retail executives who operate up to 250 stores.

January 10, 2013

U.S. lags other developed countries in health, life expectancy, report finds

A new report gives low marks to the United States in the health of its citizens, finding that Americans have higher rates of injury and disease and die sooner than their counterparts in other developed countries.

WASHINGTON — A new report gives low marks to the United States in the health of its citizens, finding that Americans have higher rates of injury and disease and die sooner than their counterparts in other developed countries.