American Greetings unveils ‘Open This When’ cards
American Greetings has launched a new greeting card line that’s designed to convey a lasting, more meaningful message by providing a special note for later.
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Carmex launches new skin care line
Carma Laboratories Inc., the maker of Carmex lip balm products, has unveiled a new skin care product line, Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream. The company said Tuesday that the new line marks the first time that it has expanded its product offerings beyond lip balm.
NACDS to Congress: Health IT key to Rx adherence
Health information technology (HIT) solutions such as electronic prescribing and electronic medication records are vital to helping patients take their medications correctly, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores said in a statement submitted to Congress.
BioScrip inks specialty Rx pact with Access
BioScrip Inc. and Access Pharmaceuticals Inc. have entered a specialty distribution agreement for Access’ lead product, MuGard.
Mylan releases generic patch for hypertension
Mylan Inc. has begun shipping a generic clonidine patch for treating high blood pressure. The drug maker said Monday that its Mylan Technologies Inc.
Pharmaca hires merchandising VP
Food and drug retailing veteran David Janowicz has been appointed vice president of merchandising at Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy Inc. The western regional drug store chain said Monday that Janowicz will play a critical role in upcoming merchandising initiatives.
FDA warns about stolen Advair Diskus inhalers
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an alert that certain Advair Diskus inhalers stolen from a distribution warehouse last year have been found in some pharmacies. According to the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of the stolen inhalers can’t be assured and therefore they shouldn’t be used.
NACDS applauds new Louisiana MTM law
Legislation that enables pharmacists to administer medication therapy management (MTM) services to patients in Louisiana has drawn praise from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. Signed into law on June 25 by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (D.), the bill was introduced by State Rep.
McKesson named Walmart supplier of the year
McKesson Corp. said it has been recognized by Walmart as one of the retail giant’s best-performing suppliers in 2009.
Cardinal closes Healthcare Solutions acquisition
Cardinal Health Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Healthcare Solutions Holding LLC. The pharmaceutical and health care products distributor announced the $517 million cash deal early last month, saying that the agreement would expand the company’s presence in specialty pharmaceutical services.
Obama administration gets health reform under way
Health care reform is being viewed more favorably following the Obama administration’s rollout of multiple regulations laying the groundwork for the law’s implementation.
Back-to-school sales may jump 16% over 2009
The economy may be in for a positive jolt if back-to-school spending rises by the 16% predicted by the National Retail Federation (NRF). The NRF, citing consumers surveyed by BIGResearch, said families with students plan to spend about $55.1 billion, compared with $47.5 billion a year earlier.
Walgreens raises quarterly dividend 27.3%
Walgreen Co. has increased its quarterly dividend 27.3% to 17.5 cents per share from 13.75 cents per share. The dividend is payable September 11 to shareholders of record August 19. The dividend increase raises the annual rate from 55 cents per share to 70 cents per share.
Standley moves quickly to fill COO’s post at Rite Aid
A day after Rite Aid Corp. chief operating officer John Standley took the reins as the drug chain’s president and chief executive officer, the company named senior executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and logistics Ken Martindale as its new chief operating officer.
Walgreens poised to bolster food offerings
Later this summer Walgreen Co. plans to give its customers a taste of Duane Reade’s successful private label program as it continues to ramp up its food offering.
MTM legislation wins support from Rx groups
Building on the pharmacy-specific provisions in the health care reform law, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) have endorsed medication therapy management (MTM) legislation. The MTM bill was authored and introduced by Sen.