May 16, 2012

Drug Shortages Raise Issues About Federal Regulations
Persistent drug shortages are tempting clinicians to ignore manufacturer labeling to try to make sure supplies can meet patient needs. In some cases, safety issues are at stake. In others, outdated regulations may be forcing pharmacists to throw away perfectly good medications. Find out which is which. Read more…
Probiotics Effective Against Antibiotic-Induced Diarrhea
"What can I do about diarrhea from taking antibiotics?" That is a question pharmacists hear nearly every day. Now, a possible solution could be as close as the pharmacy's dietary supplement section. What does a new study say about probiotics and controlling antibiotic-induced diarrhea? Read more…
'Safe Use' Drug Idea: Pharmacists, Yay; Physicians, Nay
Similar systems to an FDA proposal to create a third "safe use" class of drugs already are in place in other Western countries, and one is even being tested here in Arkansas. Yet, the proposal, which would give pharmacists more authority in dispensing pharmaceuticals, is vehemently opposed by physician groups. What has doctors so worried? Read more…
Counseling Could Increase Asthma Medication Usage in Latino Children
Just a few minutes of counseling could make a big difference for children with asthma from ethnic groups documented to have low medication-adherence rates. That's according to a new study discussing low medication usage and high disease exacerbations in Latino children with asthma, especially those from Puerto Rico. What should you say to these families? Read more…
Expect More Scrutiny of Part D Claims After OIG Report
Headlines in the general media have focused on the 2,600 pharmacies found by the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services to have questionable billing under the Medicare Part D program. Here’s the other side of the story: Fewer than 5% of the pharmacies that billed under the Part D program were marked for further scrutiny, and the CMS Inspector General said even some of those charges could be legitimate. Still, as part of the political fallout, pharmacists should expect more scrutiny of Medicare billing practices in the future. Read more…

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