Cancer patients are expected to benefit from the recent approval by the FDA of the first biosimilar drug to treat various types of cancer. This drug, bevacizumab-awwb, known as Myasi, is the biosimilar of bevacizumab, known as Avastin. While the FDA has approved the use of Myasi as a biosimilar, it is not approved as [...]
A recent study conducted by Quest Diagnostics showed an alarming number of patients combining toxic drugs, for the most part unwittingly. Specifically, patients are concurrently using opioids and benzodiazepines. Often, they're unaware that toxic drug combinations can occur with both prescribed and non-prescribed medication use. Pharmacists can be the first line of defense in protecting patients [...]
The recent devastation from back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria has wiped out most of Puerto Rico’s power grid. With almost 10 percent of the medications that are prescribed in the United States being manufactured in Puerto Rico, there is a strong likelihood that shortages will occur with certain medications, according to FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, [...]
Acetaminophen is used in more than 600 prescription and OTC medications. As a popular and effective medication, more than 50 million Americans use acetaminophen each week. When it is used as directed, it is effective and safe, but when misused, it can lead to liver damage. But not everyone is aware of the dangers of [...]
October is American Pharmacists Month. This is a great time to celebrate the pharmacist profession and connect with patients and the community. Here are some suggestions based on the American Pharmacists Association's event page. Decorate the pharmacy with posters, banners and balloons to announce it's American Pharmacists Month. Show appreciation to patients during American Pharmacists month by [...]
The 2017 flu season is here, and getting a flu shot early gives everyone the best chance against coming down with it this year. Offering the flu shot to pharmacy customers provides a valuable service to the surrounding community. Providers support pharmacists filling the gap, as they are able to reach patients after-hours and reduce the [...]
In recent years, there has been a shift in the U.S. health care system to a value-based system of care model. This model rewards providers based on the outcome of care versus the volume of patients seen. Pharmacies have also seen this shift, as they’re included in health care teams. The role of the pharmacist [...]
Business trends often show that consumers will choose greener options when those options are made available. But pharmacies are not always known for being particularly green. It can be difficult to maintain a balance between being environmentally friendly and adhering to health and safety regulations. However, there are ways that pharmacies can become more sustainable. [...]
Compound medications are drugs that are prepared specifically for a patient according to a prescription provided by a doctor. This individualized medication consists of different ingredients mixed together in the prescribed strength and dosage. How a compounded medication is made is similar to how a recipe is followed. How Are Compounded Medications Used? Compounded medications are [...]
It has been common practice for pharmacies to offer cash rewards or gift cards to entice customers to transfer their existing prescription from another pharmacy. In some cases, customers were able to earn up to $500 a year by transferring prescriptions. However, in Tennessee, the practice of offering cash incentives for prescription transfers is now prohibited [...]