Congress Launches Investigation of Soaring
Generic Drug Prices 

Pharmacies facing unsustainable losses as prices for generic drugs soar may now see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. A senator and representative who head key healthcare committees and subcommittees are launching an investigation into the “staggering” price increases, as requested 9 months ago by the National Community Pharmacists Association. Here are the details. 

Common Side Effects of Flu Vaccine: Not What
Many Fear 

Despite protestations by people who refuse to get flu shots, the development of flu-like symptoms after immunization is highly unlikely in adults. In fact, the most frequent complaint is a sore arm. Find out how side effects differ by age groups and among commonly used influenza vaccines.

Pharmacists Armed With Pillboxes Help Lower
Patients’ Blood Pressure

Can a simple plastic billbox help hypertension patients lower their blood pressure? A new study suggests it can as long as pharmacists are supervising the process. How was the program designed to improve medication adherence and what were the results?

Unnecessary Antibiotics Prescribed More at End of Clinician Workdays 

If pharmacists notice a lot more antibiotics being dispensed in the late afternoon and evening, a new research letter provides an explanation: Because of decision fatigue by clinicians, more unnecessary antibiotics for respiratory ailments are prescribed at the end of the day than the beginning. Here are the details.