CLINICAL ROLE -
Lawsuit Could Delay Express Scripts-Medco Merger
Even if the FTC approves Express Scripts' bid to buy Medco, several states are considering a lawsuit that could delay the deal from being finalized.
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FDA Plans Next Round of Rx-to-OTC Switches
Safety concerns loom as the FDA considers making prescription drugs available OTC for conditions including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, migraine, and asthma.
To Beat Alcoholism, Take a Trip
Although largely overlooked, the hallucinogen LSD is highly effective at preventing relapse by alcoholics, according to new study.
State Medicaid Changes Squeeze Independent Pharmacies
A new Texas law reducing Medicaid prescription reimbursement levels has been blamed for threatening the livelihood of hundreds of independent pharmacies.
Implanted Chip Successfully Delivers Osteoporosis Drug
An implanted chip delivered daily doses of teriparatide, which is usually injected, holding out the promise of implants that can help solve adherence problems.
Melanoma Drug Nearly Doubles Survival
Vemurafenib, which targets a mutated gene in cancer cells, significantly increased survival for metastatic melanoma patients in a phase 2 trial.
Sleeping Pills May Dramatically Increase Death Rate
A study of electronic medical records suggests that sleeping pill use may be associated with up to 500,000 additional deaths per year.
Federal Judge Rejects Requirement that Pharmacies Dispense Plan B
The Washington State rule unconstitutionally targeted pharmacists' religious objections to providing emergency contraception, the judge ruled.
Oxycodone Supplier Shut Down Due to Massive Shipments
A federal judge ruled that a Cardinal Health facility must stop distributing controlled substances based on massive shipments of oxycodone to 4 pharmacies.
FDA Modifies Statin Label Warnings
The cholesterol-fighting drugs will have new warnings regarding the risk of diabetes and memory problems, but without recommendations for routine liver testing.
Triple Therapy for Hepatitis C Can Be Cost-Effective
New triple-therapy regimens for hepatitis C are expensive, but they can be cost-effective for many patients.
Out-of-Pocket Burden for Prescription Drugs Down
The portion of nonelderly Americans spending more than a tenth of their income on out-of-pocket drug costs has dropped, but millions still meet the threshold.
Prescription Drugs Eyed in Whitney Houston Death Probe
An official cause of death will not be known for several weeks, but authorities are investigating the pop star's use of prescription drugs.
Smoking Cessation Drug Could Help Curb Alcohol Consumption
A new study shows that varenicline, already approved to help patients quit smoking, has the potential to turn users off alcohol as well.
Methotrexate Shortage Appears to Have Been Averted
A severe shortage of the key medication for childhood leukemia appears to have been averted, but the problem is likely to reemerge in the future.
Another Strike Against Antibiotics for Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are responsible for 1 in 5 antibiotic prescriptions for adults, but a study finds that the drugs offer no significant advantage over placebo.
Rite Aid Pharmacies Offer Access to Tele-Docs
Patients who want immediate access to a physician have a new option: a computer link at their local Rite Aid pharmacy.