HIV Testing Could Be Coming Soon to
Pharmacy Near You

If the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its way—and it probably will—pharmacies soon will offer HIV testing along with other routine services. That is one way the CDC is trying to reach its goal of diagnosing HIV earlier, when more effective treatment is available. Find out about a pilot test at 24 pharmacies and retail clinics that will help determine what services your facility will be offering in the future. Read more…

Half of Heart Patients Make Medication Errors
Despite Pharmacist Help

Pharmacy intervention has an impressive track record for reducing medication errors and adverse drug reactions. A new study, however, shows little effect from pharmacist counseling with cardiac patients recently discharged from the hospital. You might be surprised by what percentage made medication errors even with pharmacist support. Read more…

"Doughnut Hole" Takes a Bite Out
of Medication Adherence

Medicare beneficiaries cut back on taking prescribed drugs when they have to dip into their own pockets to pay for medications to treat depression and other chronic illnesses. That's according to a new study that finds nothing sweet about the so-called Part D "doughnut hole." Read more…

Shingles Vaccine May Not Be a Problem
With Immune-Mediated Diseases

The FDA and other groups have cautioned against the herpes zoster vaccine in patients who take immunosuppressive medications, but a new study suggests that the prohibition may be unnecessary. You may be surprised by the results of a retrospective study of patients who received the vaccine. Read more…