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.
Retail News
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.
Chain Drug Consortium, NCPA unveil new partnership
The Chain Drug Consortium (CDC) and National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) are stepping up their collaboration to better leverage the strengths of each organization to more effectively advance the interests of community pharmacists and their patients.
Connecticut, CVS Caremark at odds over Rx discount program
Connecticut’s attorney general has begun an investigation of CVS Caremark Corp. over a disagreement about extending a consumer discount drug program offered by the company to the state’s Medicaid program.
Martindale named Rite Aid’s COO
With John Standley taking the reins as chief executive officer, Rite Aid Corp. has promoted Ken Martindale to chief operating officer. Martindale assumes the new post immediately, Rite Aid said Thursday.
Wasson: Walgreens’ core strategies are on target
In spite of a disappointing third quarter, Walgreen Co. chief executive officer Greg Wasson said the company remains on track with its core strategies — notably its Customer-Centric Retailing (CCR) store optimization initiative.
Canadian pharmacies join new e-prescription network
More than a dozen pharmacy banners are participating in the Ontario and Quebec launch of ZoomMed Inc.’s e-Pic Communication Network, which along with the company’s ZRx Prescriber application lets doctors send electronic prescriptions from smart wireless devices.
Standley takes helm as new Rite Aid CEO
Before the end of the day, Rite Aid Corp. will get a new chief executive officer: John Standley. Standley, 47, is set to become Rite Aid president and CEO after the company’s annual shareholder meeting Wednesday in Camp Hill, Pa. He will take the chief executive reins from Mary Sammons, 63,
Rite Aid posts smaller loss in 1Q
Rite Aid Corp. saw sales dip in its fiscal 2011 first quarter but recorded a smaller year-over-year loss and topped Wall Street’s earnings forecast. The drug store chain on Wednesday said its net loss for the 13-week first quarter ended May 29 was $73.7 million, or 9 cents per diluted share,
GPhA names interim executive team
The Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) has formed an interim executive team to lead the organization until it appoints a new chief executive officer to replace Kathleen Jaeger, who is due to step down from the post later this month.
Walmart, Lilly partner to provide ‘affordable’ insulin
Walmart and drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. are teaming up to provide what they call an "affordable insulin option" for people with diabetes.
Walgreens sees drop in 3Q earnings
Despite an uptick in sales, Walgreen Co. saw its fiscal 2010 third-quarter earnings drop due in part to special charges and the loss of a key tax benefit. The drug store chain said Tuesday that net earnings for the quarter ended May 31 totaled $463 million, or 47 cents per diluted share,
NCPA backs call for GAO study of Medicaid cost of dispensing
A proposal for a study of the factors that influence a pharmacy’s cost of dispensing a Medicaid prescription may be included in an amendment to legislation pending before the Senate, the National Community Pharmacists Association reported.
Kinney promotes financial exec, hires retail director
Kinney Drugs has promoted Michael Burgess to vice president of financial planning and treasury services and hired Duckwall-ALCO executive Jim Spencer as director of retail operations.
FDA issues alert on fraudulent Tamiflu
The Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about a potentially harmful product represented as "Generic Tamiflu" that’s sold on the Internet. There’s no FDA-approved generic drug for the prescription product Tamiflu, the agency reported Thursday.
Walgreens, CVS Caremark settle PBM dispute
Ending what had been shaping up to be a standoff, Walgreen Co. and CVS Caremark Corp. have reached an agreement in which Walgreens will continue as a provider in the Caremark pharmacy benefit management retail network for current, new and renewal plans. The two drug store chain rivals announced