Jean Coutu enables Rx refills for iPhone users
Jean Coutu Group has launched what it said is the first application in Canada that allows the refilling of prescriptions from a smart handheld device without going through a mobile web site.
CDR
Walgreens, CVS Caremark settle PBM standoff
Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark Corp. have settled their fight over pharmacy benefits management. Walgreens will continue participating in the CVS Caremark retail network for current, new and renewed plans, the companies announced. They did not disclose the financial terms of their new contract.
Analysts: High stakes called for swift resolution to PBM feud
The outcome of the Walgreens-CVS Caremark feud over prescription reimbursement rates was predicted by industry analysts, who said both companies had too much to lose from a protracted battle.
NACDS Marketplace spurs retailer connections
This year’s National Association of Chain Drug Stores Marketplace Conference featured a sold-out show floor, and many suppliers at the event said it remains an important way to connect with retail customers.
Pharmacy earns key victories in Medicaid
New laws in two states and a decision to reverse Medicaid reimbursement rate cuts in a third state are being hailed by community pharmacy advocates as victories for the industry.
Pharmacy operators get no reprieve in Ontario
Ontario pharmacies were in a state of suspense for three weeks after May 15 when the province’s minister of health and long-term care postponed a decision on the implementation of new regulations that would slash prescription drug income.
Kerr’s loyalty program goes digital
Kerr Drug has launched a customer loyalty program that it says takes the concept into the digital age. The new Kerr Rewards program offers multiple ways customers can be given advice on health care, alerted to breaking medical news and rewarded for shopping at Kerr, executives say.
Walgreens adds text alerts for Rx
Walgreen Co. has launched Prescription Text Alerts, which notify customers via text message when their prescriptions are ready. At the same time, the drug store chain has launched an updated iPhone application and mobile site, m.walgreens.com.
Rite Aid promotes skin cancer awareness
Rite Aid has partnered with The Skin Cancer Foundation to promote smart skin care practices and raise skin cancer awareness.
Rx groups seek action on Medicaid aid
Five pharmacy associations have called on Congress to extend the temporary increase in federal funding for medical assistance that has helped states pay their Medicaid bills.
Breakthrough for e-prescribing
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is praising the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for issuing an interim final rule that allows for the electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS).
Better organization would lift NACDS Marketplace
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores, it has been said, makes friends in the spring and enemies in early summer, repairs relationships in late summer and then solidifies relationships during the winter. Well, it’s early summer. The NACDS Marketplace Conference has just ended.
Pharmacists: Rx technician certification cuts medication errors
Eighty-one percent of pharmacists see pharmacy technician certification as a critical component in reducing medication errors, ensuring patient safety and improving health outcomes, a survey sponsored by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) finds.
P&G recalls nasal spray, mouthwash
Procter & Gamble Co. is voluntarily recalling its four-hour decongestant nasal spray under the Vicks and Sinex brands and some its Scope Original Mint and Scope Peppermint mouthwash.
Abbott set to release FreeStyle glucose test strips
Abbott plans to ship its new FreeStyle blood glucose test strips starting later this summer, will a full rollout expected by this fall. The pharmaceutical company said Thursday that the FreeStyle glucose test strips received 510(k) clearance from the Food and Drug Administration.
Walgreens to carry VitaminSpice line
VitaminSpice, a supplier of vitamin-infused spices and food products, has inked a national distribution deal with Walgreen Co. The "foodceutical" company said Thursday that about 700 Walgreens stores in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana are slated to get VitaminSpice products over the next couple of days.