Month: September 2017

FDA Takes Important Steps to Stem the Tide of Opioid Misuse and Abuse

FDA taking steps to put IR (Immediate Release) Opioids on REMS program. Once finalized, in about 12 months,  an additional 277 IR Opioids will be subject to REMS requirements. America is awash in immediate-release (IR) opioids. About 90 percent of

FDA Approves First Continuous Glucose Monitoring System For Adults Not Requiring Blood Sample Calibration

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the FreeStyle Libre Flash Glucose Monitoring System, the first continuous glucose monitoring system that can be used by adult patients to make diabetes treatment decisions without calibration using a blood sample from

NCPA Advocacy Center Update Week Ending September 23, 2017

Potential Senate Vote on ACA Repeal and Replace:  Senate Republicans are struggling to find a path forward on their latest bid to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and are heading toward a potential vote this week on

NYT, ProPublica Wants Your Patients’ Stories

The New York Times is collaborating with the investigative nonprofit ProPublica in writing about the rising cost of prescription drugs and how patients are being affected by changes in the industry. They’re looking to hear about any difficulties patients have

Start Planning for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is right around the corner. It’s time to start planning your Breast Cancer Awareness Month promotions. Here are a few easy ideas: Ask staff to dress in pink one day in October. Post a photo on your social media

Immunization CE Program

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has announced they will be issuing a protocol for pharmacies in the City and County of Philadelphia to immunize their adult patients (19 years and older) when there is no provider order or prescription

FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA Urges Caution About Withholding Opioid Addiction Medications From Patients Taking Benzodiazepines or CNS Depressants: Careful Medication Management Can Reduce Risks

Based on our additional review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising that the opioid addiction medications buprenorphine and methadone should not be withheld from patients taking benzodiazepines or other drugs that depress the central nervous system (CNS).

How to Start an Enhanced Services Network in Your Area—Webinar This Thursday

Speaking of CPESNSM … As reimbursements go down and DIR fees go up, forward-thinking pharmacists must find new and innovative ways to practice. Pharmacist-provided patient care is both an opportunity and a need, and a clinically integrated network like CPESN

NCPA Advocacy Center Update – Week Ending September 16, 2017

NCPA Co-Hosts Principles for Patient-Centered Prescription Drug Coverage Forum:  Greater oversight and transparency of pharmacy benefit managers’ actions will help to lessen the amount of control they wield over what medicines people can use, what they pay, and where they

Opioid Awareness Coalition

Great informative panel discussion today in Harrisburg at the South Central PA Opioid Coalition. Hospitals, ER, addiction treatment experts and pharmacists all working together to share best practices to combat this epidemic. www.opioidaware.org

FDA Approves First Biosimilar for the Treatment of Cancer

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Mvasi (bevacizumab-awwb) as a biosimilar to Avastin (bevacizumab) for the treatment of multiple types of cancer. Mvasi is the first biosimilar approved in the U.S. for the treatment of cancer. Continue reading

Earn the CTTS Designation at PPA Annual Conference

PPA is offering a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training as a special pre-conference program on Thursday before the Annual Conference. Take this opportunity to earn your CTTS designation as a professional specializing in the science of tobacco addiction and ways

Clearing the Confusion: The ROI of Vaccines and Leveling Up Your Vaccination Program

PrescribeWellness is offering a discussion on vaccines and how to improve your pharmacy vaccination program.  Follow PrescribeWellness on twitter at @prescribebwell and join the discussion through Twitter on Thursday Sept 14th at 3:30. http://partner.prescribewellness.com/vaccinecomplete-webinar/

Allergan, Author of the ‘Social Contract,’ Stirs up Hornet’s Nest with Controversial IP Deal

Seeking to shield its blockbuster eye drug against a second round of patent attacks, Allergan has transferred key Restasis intellectual property to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. With the unusual move, the same company that touted pharma’s social contract with patients drew

NCPA Advocacy Center Update – Week Ending September 9, 2017

Hurricane Emergency Preparedness Update: Healthcare Ready has activated the RxOpen map for Hurricane Irma. They will be actively tracking the storm and standing by ready to assist with requests for information or assistance, and information sharing. If you have partners

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse for Clinicians

Pharmacists licensed in Pennsylvania are required to complete a minimum two-hour training on Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting during each renewal cycle. If you haven’t met this requirement for your 2018 renewal, check it off your list at the PPA

Webinar Tomorrow: Get Ready for the Holidays Now

Get tips on prepping your front end for success in the fall and holiday merchandising seasons during a free Sept. 6 webinar (non-CE). NCPA front-end guru Gabe Trahan will highlight upcoming sales themes for October, November, and December (for both

National Check Your Meds Day – Saturday, October 21, 2017

For those of you have not seen it, Consumer Reports’ September issue on medication use is out. The NCPA Innovation Center is working with Consumer Reports to promote a National Check Your Meds Day on Saturday, October 21, 2017 (see

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