Jean Coutu kicks off flu shot campaign
The Jean Coutu Group and its affiliated pharmacist-owners have launched a campaign to heighten awareness of the need to get a flu shot.
Pharmacy
Express Scripts replaces CVS with Walgreens for TRICARE
Express Scripts Inc. is changing out CVS Pharmacy for Walgreens in its retail pharmacy network for TRICARE, the U.S. military’s health care and drug benefits program. Plans call for Walgreens pharmacies to join the Express Scripts network for TRICARE on Dec. 1.
Eisai, Arena release Belviq XR weight-loss tablets
Eisai Inc. and Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. have launched Belviq XR (lorcaserin HCl) CIV extended-release 20-mg tablets, a weight-loss medication.
Fred’s specialty pharmacy takes EntrustRx name
Fred’s Inc.’s specialty pharmacy unit Eiris Health Services has adopted the name EntrustRx, the specialty pharmacy business that the retailer acquired last year.
IMS Health, Quintiles wrap up merger
IMS Health and Quintiles have combined to form a new global health care information and service provider, QuintilesIMS. The companies on Monday said they have completed their merger, an all-stock merger-of-equals transaction announced in May. The agreement united IMS Health Holdings, Inc.
UnitedHealthcare, Walgreens team on new Part D plan
UnitedHealthcare has introduced a new low-premium Medicare Part D prescription drug plan in collaboration with Walgreens.
Rite Aid gets out the vote for pharmacy staff
In recognition of American Pharmacists Month during October, Rite Aid Corp. has kicked off its 13th annual Vote for Your Favorite Pharmacy Team Member contest. The drug chain said Monday that through Oct.
Publix pharmacies serve up strep, flu tests
Publix Super Markets Inc. is providing strep throat and flu testing and treatment at its pharmacies in Florida. Publix said Monday that it’s offering the services for customers ages 13 and older. Its pharmacists can evaluate patients, perform a diagnostic test and dispense treatment in one visit.
Sanofi names Main to lead new consumer health unit
Sanofi has appointed former Bayer executive Alan Main as executive vice president of its newly formed Consumer HealthCare global business unit.
Project to assess TB testing at pharmacies
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation has launched a study to examine the impact of expanding access to community testing for latent tuberculosis infections (LTBI).
GSK names McNamara as consumer health chief
Brian McNamara has been promoted to chief executive officer of GlaxoSmithKline plc’s consumer health business. GSK said McNamara assumes the GSK Consumer Healthcare CEO post and joins GSK’s corporate executive team effective immediately.
CVS expands no-Rx access to naloxone
CVS Health has extended nonprescription access to the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone to five more states.
Camber releases Cymbalta generic
Camber Pharmaceuticals has launched duloxetine 20-, 30- and 60-mg capsules, a medication for depression and anxiety. Camber said Tuesday that its product, a generic version of Cymbalta capsules from Eli Lilly and Co.
Rite Aid broadens access to naloxone
Rite Aid Corp. has expanded nonprescription access to naloxone, an opioid-overdose reversal drug, to four more states. Rite Aid said Tuesday that naloxone is now available without a prescription at more than 440 pharmacies in Kentucky, Ohio, Oregon and Vermont, subject to state regulations.
Perrigo licenses meth-resistant tech for PSE products
Perrigo Co. plc is bringing in methamphetamine-blocking capability for pseudoephedrine (PSE) products. On Tuesday, Perrigo said it has entered an exclusive licensing agreement with St. Louis-based Highland Pharmaceuticals for its Tarex meth-blocking technology.
