NCPA endorses Compounding Clarity Act
The National Community Pharmacists Association is throwing its support behind House legislation aimed at preventing a recurrence of the 2012 meningitis outbreak at the New England Compounding Center (NECC).
Retail News
SDM shareholders OK merger with Loblaw
Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. shareholders have given the green light to the company’s acquisition by Loblaw Cos. In a special meeting Thursday, Shoppers Drug Mart stockholders approved the $12.4 billion (Canadian) cash and stock deal, with 99.
CVS research classifies adherence behavior by group
Classifying patients into particular groups may be a better indicator of their long-term medication adherence behavior, researchers at CVS Caremark Corp. and Brigham and Women’s Hospital found.
Walgreens adds photo capabilities in iPhone app update
Walgreen Co. has released new photo functionality in the latest updates to its iPhone mobile application.
FDA to change safety labeling for opioid analgesics
The Food and Drug Administration is modifying safety labeling and postmarket study requirements for all extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioid analgesics for the treatment of pain.
Drug recalls have Ontario pharmacists concerned
Pharmacists in Ontario are urging Health Canada to pay closer attention to the product integrity of some medications following a series of recalls of oral contraceptives.
Study: Pharmacies’ flexible hours spur vaccinations
One of community pharmacy’s strongest attributes — convenience — is playing a pivotal role in boosting U.S. immunization rates but could do even more, according to a Walgreen Co. study published in the September/October issue of Annals of Family Medicine.
HHS secretary extends kudos to pharmacies
Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, applauded retail pharmacies and other health care stakeholders for stepping forward to help Americans prepare for new health benefits being offered under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Albertsons adds to pharmacy base with acquisition
Albertsons LLC is slated to raise its pharmacy count with its deal to acquire Lubbock, Texas-based United Supermarkets LLC. Under the agreement, announced Monday, Albertsons plans to acquire 50 supermarkets in north and west Texas under the United Supermarkets, Market Street and Amigos banners.
Target issues challenge for health care ideas
With consumers increasingly focused on wellness, Target Corp. is sounding the call for ideas to make health care easier. The discount store giant on Monday unveiled the Simplicity Challenge, a nationwide search for innovative ideas to simplify health care.
Giant pharmacies to offer health insurance guidance
Ahold USA food and drug chain Giant has partnered with Maryland Health Connection to raise customer awareness and provide information about new health insurance coverage options coming their way next month.
Walgreens to acquire Kerr Drug
In another sign of chain drug industry consolidation, Walgreen Co. plans to purchase Kerr Drug, which has 76 drug stores in North Carolina. Financial terms of the transaction weren’t disclosed.
Shoppers Drug Mart launches arthritis screening program
Canadian Minister of Health Rona Ambrose joined with Shoppers Drug Mart president and chief executive officer Domenic Pilla to launch the drug chain’s new arthritis screening program.
CVS expands exclusive fragrance, body care line
CVS/pharmacy has added new offerings to its exclusive Essence of Beauty fragrance and body care brand. The Essence of Beauty Fine Fragrance Collection now has four new scents.
Walgreens enters clinical lab service partnership
Walgreen Co. has teamed with Theranos Inc. to offer a less-invasive and more affordable clinical lab testing service through its stores.
Rite Aid makes itself an ACA destination
With state health insurance exchanges set to launch next month, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius visited a Rite Aid store in Hoboken, N.J., to help the drug chain launch a program to give customers on-site help as they size up their health coverage options.