NACDS speaks out on Rx importation, refill reminders
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores made its voice heard this week on two key pharmacy matters: importation of prescription drugs and prescription refill reminders.
CDR
Heritage releases Calan generic
Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. has rolled verapamil 40-mg immediate-release tablets, a calcium channel blocker medication. Heritage said that its verapamil product is a generic version of Pfizer Inc.’s Calan, indicated for the treatment of angina, arrhythmias and hypertension.
Biologics are ramping up
Biologics are grabbing a larger share of drug development, according to Fitch Ratings.
Walgreens sharpens Flu Index tool
Walgreens has enhanced its flu tracker tool to provide more specific location information. The drug chain said it has launched the first weekly Walgreens Flu Index for the 2015-16 season.
Investment pros: Merlo is top food/drug retail CEO
Larry Merlo, president and chief executive officer of CVS Health, was named the No. 1 CEO in the food/drug retailing sector by Institutional Investor magazine.
November sales inch up at Rite Aid
Rite Aid Corp. posted a slight gain in comparable-store sales for November. Rite Aid said Thursday that for the five weeks ended Nov. 28, comp-store sales edged up 0.9% year over year, compared with a 1% same-store sales increase for October (covering a four-week period).
Correction: Camber’s esomeprazole (20 mg/40mg) are blue capsules
Chain Drug Review incorrectly ran an advertisement in its Nov. 22, 2015, print issue that inaccurately pictured Camber Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s 20-mg and 40-mg esomeprazole capsules.
Rite Aid serves up discounted flu shots
Rite Aid Corp. has begun offering discounts on certain trivalent flu shots in support of National Influenza Vaccination Week. Rite Aid said Wednesday that through Dec. 12 it will provide the cell-based flu vaccine Flucelvax for $32.99 and the standard trivalent flu shot for $26.99, a discount of $5.
For Rxs and OTCs, Americans favor generics
When given a choice in purchasing a prescription or over-the-counter drug, most U.S. consumers will opt for a generic product, a new Harris Poll finds. Harris said Wednesday that of the 2,255 U.S.
Publix enhances free medication program
Publix Super Markets Inc. has expanded supply options in its free medication program to help patients on maintenance medicines.
AmEx adds Rite Aid, Dollar General to cash-load network
Rite Aid Corp. and Dollar General Corp. have joined the American Express Free Cash Reload network.
Walgreens offers same-day Rx delivery in Dallas
Walgreens has enlisted “crowdsourced, last-mile logistics” company Deliv to power same-day prescription delivery service in Dallas.
PharmaSmart, Astrup Drug partner in BP pilot
Blood pressure kiosk maker PharmaSmart took part in a pilot with Astrup Drug’s Sterling Pharmacy and nonprofit health group HealthPartners to show the potential of community pharmacists in helping patients with hypertension.
Chronic disease patients want mobile health tools
Here’s some news that pharmacy retailers can use: Patients with chronic diseases are eager to use mobile tools to better manage their health.
Prestige Brands to acquire DenTek
Prestige Brands Holdings Inc. has agreed to acquire DenTek Oral Care Inc. from investment firm TSG Consumer Partners LLC for $225 million in cash.
Pfizer to acquire Allergan for $160 billion
Pfizer Inc. plans to acquire Allergan Inc. for about $160 billion in the biggest deal ever in the health care sector. Pfizer said Monday that the transaction will allow the New York-based drug giant to relocate to Ireland to cut its U.S. tax burden. “The proposed combination of Pfizer