Walgreens earns tech patent for Connected Care Oncology
Walgreens has received a U.S. patent for new proprietary technology in its Connected Care Oncology specialty pharmacy program.
Pharmacy
Perrigo introduces trio of new generics
Perrigo Co. plc this week announced three new generic drug products, including two acne treatments and a menopause medication. Perrigo said Friday that it has received tentative Food and Drug Administration approval for clindamycin phosphate 1.2% and benzoyl peroxide 3.
New York allows pharmacies to give children flu shots
In response to a spike in flu cases, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has issued an executive order enabling pharmacists to administer flu shots to children. Cuomo announced yesterday that children ages 2 to 18 can now receive a flu vaccination at pharmacies in the state.
Walgreens promotes Rick Gates to SVP of pharmacy
Rick Gates has been named senior vice president of pharmacy and health care for Walgreens. Gates most recently served as group vice president of pharmacy.
Senate confirms Alex Azar as HHS secretary
Former Eli Lilly and Co. executive Alex Azar has been confirmed by the Senate as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Nominated for the HHS secretary post in November by President Donald Trump, Azar was approved by the Senate on Wednesday in a 55-43 vote, mainly
CVS rolls out drug disposal kiosks to South Carolina stores
CVS Health is deploying safe medication disposal containers to CVS Pharmacy stores in South Carolina. CVS said Tuesday that 22 drug disposal units will be installed at CVS Pharmacy locations in South Carolina over the next few weeks.
Publix opens telehealth clinics in Tampa area
Publix Super Markets Inc. and BayCare Health System have opened the first two of more than two dozen telehealth clinics at Publix pharmacies.
Kroger pharmacies in N.C. now Pharmacist eCare-ready
Kroger Co. and health technology provider AssureCare have achieved Level III capability from Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) for the Pharmacist eCare Plan initiative.
Sanofi to acquire Bioverativ for $11.6 billion
Sanofi plans to buy biopharmaceutical company Bioverativ Inc. in a deal valued at $11.6 billion. Waltham, Mass.-based Bioverativ specializes in therapies for hemophilia and other rare blood disorders.
Amneal releases Entocort EC generic
Amneal Pharmaceuticals has rolled out budesonide capsules 3 mg, a medication for Crohn’s disease. Amneal said its budesonide capsules are a generic version of Entocort EC from AstraZeneca plc. The generic product has begun shipping to wholesalers, distributors and direct to the trade, Amneal added.
Patients want pharmacies to go ‘beyond the fill’
Middle age and older Americans see their local pharmacy as a destination for preventive care and other health services, beyond filling prescriptions and managing medications, according to the Shortcut To Health survey by PrescribeWellness. The online survey of more than 1,000 U.S.
NACDS, NCPA give input on Medicare Part D changes
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and the National Community Pharmacists Association have submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as it mulls Medicare Part D prescription drug program changes for the 2019 contract year.
Boehringer Ingelheim’s Gilotrif approved for new indication
After being granted a priority review from the Food and Drug Administration this past fall, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. has received approval of its supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Gilotrif (afatinib), a lung cancer medication.
CVS Health launches Transform Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
CVS Health has added a rheumatoid arthritis program to its Transform Care offering to help pharmacy benefit management clients better manage care and costs for certain disease states.
Walmart pharmacies provide free DisposeRx packets
Walmart has begun offering pharmacy patients filling opioid prescriptions a free drug disposal packet containing a biodegradable powder that enables them to safely discard unwanted, unused or expired medication. Walmart said Wednesday that the packet, from DisposeRx Inc.
2018 Retail Forecast: Learning to Adapt
What will the second year of the Trump administration look like? Is the demise of the Affordable Care Act imminent? Will pharmacists get the greater role in health care they have long sought? These are among the questions top chain drug industry executives are pondering as they look to 2018.