The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new guide to help pharmacists participate in the National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), the CDC’s initiative to combat type 2 diabetes. The Rx for the National Diabetes Prevention Program: Action Guide for Community Pharmacists outlines how pharmacists can promote awareness, screen at-risk patients, and either […]
Career – NCPA Position Available
The National Community Pharmacists Association is currently seeking a Senior Director of State Government Affairs. Responsible for executing the association’s state government affairs strategy, monitoring and analyzing state legislation and regulation that affects community pharmacy; developing model legislation and other resources on priority issues; building relationships with state policymakers and political organizations representing state elected […]
FDA Takes Action Against Online Networks Illegally Marketing Opioids
The US Food and Drug Administration warned nine online networks this week to stop illegally marketing “potentially dangerous, unapproved and misbranded” versions of opioid medications to the public. If these networks, which operate 53 websites, fail to comply, they risk enforcement action including product seizure or injunction. Patients who purchase prescriptions from illegal online pharmacies […]
Skimping Can’t Save Seniors from Rising Medication Costs
A new report released this week reports that Medicare recipients are filling fewer prescriptions for brand-name drugs, but spending more regardless. The Health and Human Services inspector general’s office reports a 17% drop in prescriptions for brand-name medications under Medicare Part D over the past five years, while beneficiaries’ out of pocket costs increased by […]
President Signs “Right to Try” Act
President Trump signed the “Right-to-Try” Act into law this week. This bill grants terminally-ill patients the ability to receive therapies which have completed phase one clinical trials, but not yet received FDA approval. Eligible patients may receive these therapies without being enrolled in clinical trial. Similar legislation has already passed in 38 states. Read More
FDA Releases New Policies on REMS Programs Used to Block Generic Drug Entry
FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD released a statement this week regarding some brand-name drug makers’ use of REMS requirements to block the timely entry of generic drugs to market. Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) requirements are required for drugs with serious risks to ensure that the benefits outweigh the risks. “On the front end, […]