DRUG SUPPLY

FDA takes part in global efforts to combat unsafe internet drugs

FDA and other regulatory and international partners recently completed the International Internet Week of Action. This year’s operation focused on websites that purvey illegal and dangerous medications. » More

DT BLOG

Pharmacy schools and 21st century healthcare

What would happen if the “glut” of pharmacy schools addressed the unfolding challenges of 21st century healthcare delivery? » More

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Resource Center: Oral Anticoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) afflicts more than 2.3 million persons in the United States and is expected to increase 2.5-fold by 2050. To find risk stratifying tools and articles on emerging oral anticoagulant therapies, click here.

CLINICAL NEWS

Expanded vaccine recommendations appear to reduce ER flu visits

The recommendations issued by the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices stating that healthy children 2 to 4 years of age should be vaccinated for seasonal influenza appear to have had both a direct and indirect effect on reduction of illness in 2 specific groups. » More

Survey

If two of the nation's largest PBMs, Express Scripts and Medco, merge, what would be the most significant implication for the industry?

a) Enhanced competition within the industry, resulting in even lower drug costs for PBM payer clients
b) Express Scripts' size advantage could reduce competition and increase long-term costs for payers
c) Increased pressures on retail pharmacies to compete in the market
d) Increased quality of PBM services across the industry as other PBMs strive to stay competitive
e) Minimal, if any

Respond here and see what your colleagues think too.

Want to see the results of our last survey about whether your pharmacy imposes a daily quota of filled prescriptions? Click here.

HEALTHCARE TEAMS

Physician-pharmacist collaboration results in improved patient cholesterol levels

A 2-year trial has demonstrated that team-based care provided by remotely located physicians and pharmacists resulted in significantly improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and goal attainment among patients with diabetes. » More

MEDICATION ADHERENCE

Current methods to assess medication adherence may result in inflated outcomes estimates

Estimates of medication adherence were inflated by 9% to 18% when early nonadherent patients were omitted from adherence calculations, reported a study of 15,417 patients. » More

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Patient-provider communication vital for effective pain management

The American Pain Foundation recently released survey results showing that 17% of adults with chronic pain who have tried to reach their primary pain-care providers with questions face difficulties doing so. » More

CHAINS & BUSINESS

Rite Aid’s wellness program to include diabetes

Rite Aid has launched “Wellness Plus for Diabetes” to offer resources and savings to people with diabetes and their caregivers. » More

TECHNOLOGY

New ScriptPro robot dispenser is small but mighty

ScriptPro’s new robotic prescription-dispensing system is designed for pharmacies with lower volumes and for tight spaces, requiring only 7 square feet of space. » More

PHARMACY SCHOOLS

Touro pharmacy student wins Walgreens Diversity Scholarship

Touro College of Pharmacy announced that a member of the school’s first graduating class, the class of 2012, has been chosen to receive the 2011 Walgreens Diversity Scholarship. » More

FDA ACTIONS

FDA approves first biologic treatment for children with ulcerative colitis

FDA has approved infliximab (Remicade, Janssen Biotech) for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in pediatric patients older than 6 years who have shown an inadequate response to conventional therapy. » More

FDA clarifies “time and extent” application process for OTCs

FDA’s finalized guidance for industry describes a 2-step process for requesting the addition of a new condition to the over-the-counter drug monograph system. » More

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