CPhtLink.com Ads
November 26, 2007
For some reason this morning, the company that handles the ad sales for this website started running “Adult” ads on the right sidebar.
While I am sure they have a good “Click Through” rate, nobody clicked on it. If anyone did, Thanks. Those few cents got to CPhTLink’s hosting bills. That’s a win-win.
Actually, I am very sorry those ad’s showed up and I have put a stop to it.
Thanks for reading.
Apologies,
-CPhtLink.com
Pharmacy Tip Leads to Meth Bust
November 23, 2007
Another Example of why “Behind The Counter” sales of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products works.
Via Kimt.com:
Freeborn County authorities are still seeking a man after a tip from a pharmacist lands two other men in jail. The Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office has Matthew Peterson and Timothy Schmidt in custody. It began with an ephedrine purchase at an Albert Lea store. Authorities ended up chasing Schmidt and a third man through the county’s fairgrounds. Their investigation led them to a camper near Clarks Grove. They found Peterson inside, with meth lab materials and nearly four grams of the illegal drug.
Another FREE Law C.E. on Powerpak
November 15, 2007
There is a brand-new C.E. on powerpak.com that will count for a LAW credit for both Pharmacists and Technicians Continueing Education requirements.
It is titled “Generic Drug Substitution Regulations: Legal Implications for Pharmacists”
Avandia gets Black-Box Warning
November 15, 2007
The FDA has ruled that the diabetes drug Avandia must now carry a “black box” label warning that the drug may increase a person’s risk of heart attack and angina.
The action follows the recommendation of the FDA’s outside advisory panel. The panel last July voted 22-1 against removing the drug from the market, but said the drug’s label should carry a stronger warning.
The FDA decision against an Avandia ban came after a split vote from its own internal safety review board.
In August, the FDA announced that all thiazolidinedione diabetes drugs — the class of drugs including Avandia, Actos, Avandaryl, Avandamet, and Duetact — would carry a black-box warning that the drugs may cause or worsen heart failure in some patients.
Avandia will now carry an additional black-box warning. The warning alerts patients and doctors to troubling but inconclusive evidence that the drug may increase a patient’s risk of heart attack and angina.
Avandia’s new label also notes that the drug is not recommended — but not contraindicated — for patients already taking insulin or nitrate drugs.
[Via Web-MD]
Over-the-Counter Zyrtec-D Approved
November 15, 2007
The FDA has officially announced its approval of a nonprescription Zyrtec-D.
Available as a prescription drug since 2001, Zyrtec-D is now approved as an over-the-counter drug for the relief of symptoms due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies such as runny nose; sneezing; itchy, watery eyes; itchy nose or throat; and nasal congestion.
“The approval of this widely used drug for nonprescription use will enable many people to have access to another effective treatment for their allergy symptoms,” says Andrea Leonard-Segal, MD, in an FDA news release.
Sales of the drug are subject to restrictions in the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act, and technically must be kept “Behind the Counter”
[Via Web-MD]
Prescribing Power
November 13, 2007
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is considering creating a category of medicines, midway between prescription and non-prescription drugs, that would let pharmacies dispense them without a doctor’s input.
No drugs have been identified as candidates for such. Some consumer groups and pharmacists like it because it would be more convenient for patients. Physicians’ groups, however, are lining up against the proposal, citing safety concerns.
The FDA will have a hearing Wednesday to discuss public health benefits of a new drug category and is accepting public comment through Nov. 28. The agency hasn’t set a timetable for reaching a decision.
At least 11 other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany, allow pharmacists to dispense some prescription drugs without a doctor’s involvement.
[via Pittsburg Tribune-Review, Karen Roebuck]
NJ Law on conscientious objection
November 3, 2007
New Jersey pharmacies must now fill prescriptions for any drug they stock or locate another nearby pharmacy that carries the drug regardless of any religious and philosophical beliefs held by their employees.
The new law signed Friday by Gov. Jon S. Corzine is largely designed to ensure women retain access to birth-control pills and emergency contraception.
Corzine signed the bill just days after Pope Benedict XVI said pharmacists have a right to use conscientious objection to avoid dispensing emergency contraception or euthanasia drugs.
The American Pharmacists Association, the nation’s largest association of pharmacists, supports legislation similar to New Jersey’s that requires individual pharmacists or pharmacy chains to fill prescriptions or provide immediate referral to another pharmacy.
The New Jersey law was opposed by abortion opponents.
According to the National Women’s Law Center, New Jersey becomes the 12th state with a law requiring pharmacies to either dispense a drug or refer customers elsewhere.
Four states [Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi and South Dakota] permit pharmacists to refuse to dispense a prescription.
[Via Tom Hester Jr., AP; Newsday.com]
