US Pharm.
2008;33(7):20.
Seizure of Counterfeit
Drugs Increases by 24%
Vienna, VA
-- According to the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, an international
not-for-profit corporation dedicated to improving prescription drug security,
the number of counterfeit drugs seized in 2007 increased by 24%. This included
illicit versions of 403 different prescription drugs from 99 countries. Among
one of the most popular copied drug is Viagra. According to Pfizer, it is
estimated that counterfeit copies of the drug is costing the company $2
billion in lost sales.
Governor Vetoes
Legislation, Costing Pharmacists Millions
Denver, CO
-- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter vetoed a bill that would have provided some
financial relief to pharmacists from the proposed federal Deficit Reduction
Act (DRA) of 2005, which drastically cuts Medicaid reimbursements by 36% or an
estimated $14 million. Because the law is being challenged, the governor said
any legislation that offers financial relief tied to the DRA is "premature,
unnecessary, and restrictive."
Walgreens to Launch
In-Store Medical Clinics in Massachusetts
Boston, MA
-- The Boston Globe is reporting that Walgreens is seeking state
approval to open in-store medical clinics in 16 of its Boston area stores that
will compete with CVS's MinuteClinics, which are expected to be expanded in
the state. The Walgreens clinics will be called Take Care. Like similar
in-store medical clinics, Take Care clinics will treat relatively minor health
ailments.
Associations Join Forces to
Protect Rx Compounding Rights
Alexandria, VA
-- The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and the International
Academy of Compounding Pharmacists (IACP) are joining forces in an attempt to
increase the legislative and regulatory clout of compounding pharmacists. "The
federal government has shown a proclivity for pursuing and adopting
unwarranted and unnecessary policies when it comes to pharmacy compounding,"
said Bruce Roberts, RPh, NCPA executive vice president and CEO. "NCPA and IACP
are committed to joining forces whenever possible to ensure patient access to
medications created through compounding is not endangered."
Medicare D Drug Plan
Premiums Rise Dramatically
Washington, DC
-- The Florida Times Union is reporting that Medicare premiums
for three of the top 10 drug plans increased by more than 50%, including one
from AARP that rose by 84%. While four drug plans reduced their premiums,
research done by Avalere Health, an information company serving the health
care industry, shows seniors who are enrolled in the 10 largest plans accounts
for nearly three-fourths of those signed up for drug coverage. They are paying
an average of 16% higher than last year.
FDA Sends Warnings to Stem
the Sale of Phony Cancer Cure Products
Rockville, MD --
The FDA sent warning letters to 23 U.S. companies and two foreign individuals
marketing a wide range of products fraudulently claiming to prevent and cure
cancer. The FDA is also warning consumers not to purchase these products,
which include tablets, teas, tonics, black salves, and creams sold under
various brand names. The products contain ingredients such as bloodroot, shark
cartilage, coral calcium, cesium, ellagic acid, Cat's Claw, an herbal tea
called Essiac, and mushroom varieties such as Agaricus Blazeii, Shitake,
Maitake, and Reishi. According to the FDA, these products are illegal because
they have not been shown to be safe and effective for the labeled conditions
of use.
