Tech Product News

Medco Pharmacy App

Marketed by: Medco Health Solutions and Verizon Wireless

Medco unveiled a mobile app for Android smartphones that addresses several common hurdles patients encounter at the pharmacy. The app’s “My Rx Choices” feature provides information about out-ofpocket costs and affordable alternatives for any drug based on a patient’s individual plan coverage. It also informs members of prior authorization requirements and potential drug interactions. “My Medicine Cabinet” helps patients manage a personal medication record, set adherence reminders, and check interactions between prescription and OTC medicines. Patients can also access a virtual version of their prescription drug ID card within the app. Medco beneficiaries can download the app for free from the Android market and V CAST Apps.

For More Information: www.medco.com

Pediatric & Neonatal Lexi-Drugs

Marketed by: Lexicomp

Lexicomp, publisher of mobile drug reference guides, announced that it improved and expanded neonatal dosing information for all its mobile subscribers. Specific neonatal dosing information for more than 250 drugs is now highlighted in a separate field, making data for this high-risk population easier for pharmacists and clinicians to locate. To reflect the enhancements, Lexicomp renamed the Pediatric Lexi-Drugs database to Pediatric & Neonatal Lexi-Drugs. The changes took effect June 2, 2011, for all handheld editions and will appear in print this August with the publication of the 18th edition of Lexicomp’s Pediatric Dosage Handbook.

For More Information: www.lexicomp.com

MediGuard Medication Safety Widget

Marketed by: MediGuard

MediGuard, a free, Web-based medication monitoring service, introduced a widget that pharmacists can install on any Web site to encourage patients to stay informed about their medications. The tool gives users instant access to MediGuard’s interaction checker and allows them to sign up for personalized drug alerts and safety updates. Those who choose to register will be asked to create a profile that includes their age, sex, race, medications, and conditions, which MediGuard uses to generate individualized results for its Medication Safety Check and Safety Alerts features. MediGuard sources data from the FDA, drug manufacturers, and peer-reviewed journals, and all information provided to patients is reviewed by a team of technical experts. Instructions for installing the widget are available at http://phrmcyt.ms/mae1Ff.

For More Information: www.mediguard.org

Texting Program for Diabetes Management

Marketed by: Aetna

Diabetes patients who are covered under Aetna insurance have a convenient new option for keeping their illness in check. The insurance provider launched a free texting program that sends participants reminders about diabetes screenings, appointments, and medications, as well as educational messages about healthy eating, exercising, and other health information. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 72% of all Americans use their cell phones to send and receive texts, and Aetna has been using the medium to reach patients since 2006. The new program lasts 3 months, after which participants will be evaluated based on their adoption of diabetes “best practices”—such as receiving regular A1C and cholesterol screenings and taking medications as directed.

For More Information: www.aetna.com