Community/Retail

A man who stole a doctor's notepad to write himself prescriptions is facing 52 charges, including identity theft and forgery.

Retailer's cook book features recipes with ingredients frequently found on food pantry shelves

The FDA today approved ruxolitinib to treat patients with polycythemia vera, a chronic type of bone marrow disease.

Labeling information about using medicines while pregnant or breast-feeding is getting an upgrade, after the FDA published a final rule, setting a new standard.

The FDA granted a tentative approval for 2 dosages of abacavir/lamivudine tablets for oral suspension to treat HIV-1 infection in pediatric patients, according to a Mylan, Inc, press release.

Vitamin D may have a regulative role in seasonal affective disorder development.

Significant research progress occurred in 2014, offering new leads that are driving efforts to stop MS, restore function lost, and end MS forever. Here is a brief summary of the research highlights reflecting the Society's commitment to pursue promising opportunities wherever they exist, while focusing on three priority areas: progressive MS, nervous system repair, and wellness/lifestyle, which have been singled out under each research goal below when applicable.

The American Heart Association applauded a new report,"The Emerging Global Health Crisis, Non-Communicable Diseases in Low- and Middle-Income Countries," and called on the global community to take immediate action.

Medication synchronization programs, which allow pharmacists to coordinate a patient's medications to be refilled at the same time each month, are improving adherence rates and helping pharmacies in the Milwaukee area to improve workflow.

A CT scan of the brain within 24 hours of a mild, non-disabling stroke can predict when patients will be at the highest risk of another stroke or when symptoms may worsen.

CPR may seem to be a basic skill for healthcare providers but research has shown that psychomotor skills related to resuscitation can decay within just three to six months " far before the two-year standard when basic and advanced life support skills are currently evaluated. The 2013 AHA Consensus Statement, "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Quality: Improving Cardiac Resuscitation Outcomes Both Inside and Outside the Hospital" states that poor-quality CPR leads to poor patient outcomes creating a "preventable harm" to the patient.

"GPhA applauds FDA for taking helpful steps to address, and hopefully limit, scenarios in which some brand drug companies misuse Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies programs to thwart competition from more affordable generic drugs. The ongoing abuse of REMS and REMS-like programs costs the American health system and its patients $5.4 billion annually, according to a study conducted by Matrix Global Advisors. Interestingly, as the United States market readies for biosimilars, this same study identifies $140 million in lost savings that would occur for every $1 billion in biologics sales.

ASHP has named Daniel J. Cobaugh, Pharm.D., DABAT, FAACT, as the new Assistant Vice President and Editor in Chief of AJHP effective January 1, 2015.

Skipping college seems to contribute to prescription painkiller abuse.

Taking folic acid supplements prior to pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of offspring being small for gestational age at birth.

Donna S. Barsky, DPh, RPh, CDE, of Texas Star Pharmacy, discusses how community pharmacists can begin to collaborate with other health care professionals.

Eli Lilly and Company and AstraZeneca today announced enrollment of the first patient into AMARANTH, a Phase II/III study of an oral beta secretase cleaving enzyme inhibitor currently in development as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

A new study reaffirms the vital role independent community pharmacies play in areas that lack access to prescription medications.

An Indian pharmacist said he has not been paid for the last 14 months while stationed in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and has not been granted a visa to return home.

The FDA today approved blinatumomab for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-negative precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a rare form of ALL.

Joe Moose, PharmD, of Moose Pharmacy, discusses the role of the pharmacist in care transitions for acute coronary syndrome patients.

In support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Rite Aid is reducing the price of flu shots by $5 to encourage people who have not yet received their annual flu shot to get vaccinated. From now through December 13, flu shots will be available from Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists at Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide at a reduced price of only $26.99*, subject to state regulations. Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is pleased to announce the signing of a long-term global agreement with Pfizer Inc. that will allow Pfizer to share information on pipeline products that have a potential for athletic performance misuse, and in parallel allow WADA to exchange information with Pfizer on substances that are being abused by athletes.

Teens with a history of traumatic brain injury are twice as likely to abuse alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs than peers who have not experienced a concussion.

Activist and award-winning actress Madeleine Stowe recently went public about her late father's battle with multiple sclerosis, revealing to fans that she's nothing like the scheming Victoria Grayson who she portrays on ABC's hit show "Revenge." And this winter, Stowe will continue to share her inspiring story and insights about growing up in a family impacted by MS as she embarks on a tour across the country to meet people living with MS who will likewise share their experiences with the disease. The events will feature leading neurologists, lifestyle experts and people living with MS who are taking action in their own unique ways.

Law enforcement and emergency response officials in Norfolk County, MA, have kicked off a Prescription Drug Safety Initiative to help pharmacies identify possible signs of fraud or abuse.

What if patients could print their medications in their own homes?

Due to the presence of undeclared drug ingredients, FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or use certain products marketed as dietary supplements, including Slim Vie, Super Extreme Accelerator, and Black Storm.

Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of gabapentin capsules, USP 300 mg, 100-count bottles to the consumer level after finding that some capsules were empty.