Social Networks are everywhere
August 22, 2008
WellNet Healthcare this month will launch a test version of Point to Point Healthcare, a social network linking users’ physicians, pharmacists and insurance benefit managers, the Washington Post reports. The online tool will allow employees of companies who use the program to connect their health care providers to facilitate treatments. The tool will also feature an online concierge that can assist employees in finding new specialists and a message system that issues reminders to pick up prescriptions.
WellNet, which helps employers evaluate their corporate health plans by collecting anonymous data on employee’s medical and pharmacy activity, will be able to monitor the social network to track such data in real time, the Post reports. WellNet will initially offer the program at no cost if clients transfer their pharmacy benefits to WellNet. WellNet plans in early 2009 to open the services to other companies for a licensing fee.
According to the Post, privacy advocates are concerned about the security of Web-based medical records. Deborah Peel, founder of the Patient Privacy Rights Foundation, said, “There isn’t any way to fix a violation of your sensitive health records.” In addition, some are worried that the identities of the employees could be discovered because WellNet typically deals with small and mid-sized companies, where it could be easier to identify an employee.
Reprinted from Kaiser Network.
“Flower Power” Protest
August 11, 2008
To demonstrate their opposition to the 10% Medi-Cal cut in California, Pharmacists organized a “flower power” protest.
Holding a press conference and a demonstration on the steps of the Capitol, they sent over 600 bouquets of flowers to the site and urged legislators and the Governor to put a stop the the cuts.
No word yet on it’s effect.
Ortho recalling lot of PROCIT vials
August 8, 2008
The maker of PROCIT is voluntarily recalling one lot after discovering cracks in the necks of some vials that could potentially keep the drug from remaining sterile. Ortho Biotech is recalling manufacturing lot P114942A. Approximately 44,292 vials of this lot were distributed between April 15 and July 17 of this year.
Via DrugTopics
Generic Depakote gets FDA approval
July 31, 2008
A generic version of Depakote delayed-release tablets (divalproex sodium), used to treat seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches, was approved this week by the Food and Drug Administration. “Generic drugs undergo a rigorous scientific review to ensure that they will provide the patient with the same amount of high-quality, safe, and effective drug as the name product,” said Gary J. Buehler, director of the FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs. “This approval provides an additional treatment option for patients who suffer from epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraines.” The generic version will carry the same warnings as Depakote (Abbott Laboratories), cautioning against the risk of liver damage and pancreatitis. Separately, Noven Pharmaceuticals reported that its Stavzor (valproic acid delayed-release capsules) has received FDA approval. Like divalproex sodium, Stavzor is also indicated for treating bipolar disorder, seizures, and migraines. However Stavzor is not interchangeable with Depakote.
Via Drug Topics
HPV vaccine is linked to more adverse incidents
July 29, 2008
Judicial Watch, a public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, reported that it has obtained new Food & Drug Administration records about Merck’s vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV) Gardasil. The records show that there have been 10 new deaths since September 2007 and 140 serious adverse events since January 2008. These new data come on top of thousands of adverse event reports that Judicial Watch had obtained previously from the agency. In light of these negative incidents, Judicial Watch urges FDA to refrain from mandating this vaccine for children and reevaluate its safety for minors.
By Judy Chi, DrugTopics.
Teva to buy Barr
July 23, 2008
Teva, the world’s largest generic drugmaker, has agreed to buy Barr Pharmaceuticals, the No. 4 generic player, for $7.6 billion. Teva will also assume $1.5 billion in outstanding Barr debt. The two companies said the deal should close during the fourth quarter. The combined company will have a portfolio of over 500 products, more than 200 ANDAs pending with the FDA, and about 3,700 product registrations pending worldwide. Bill Marth, president and CEO of Teva North America, said the new company will control about 24% of the U.S. generic drug market, well below the threshold that should trigger any antitrust concerns. The acquisition deal is subject to antitrust approvals in the United States and Europe as well as by Barr shareholders.
Article: Fred Gebhart
Via Drug Topics
E-Rx on controlled drugs possible.
July 21, 2008
Last month I posted a news update about the possibillity to the FDA allowing e-prescriptions for controlled substances. Today, DrugTopics has posted an update to the new rule, moving closer to approval.
The proposed rule, released in June from the Drug Enforcement Administration, will enable physicians to prescribe controlled medications electronically. The rule also features security controls for physicians and pharmacists, which increase possible liabilities.
Physicians will be required, according to the rule, to register in person with law enforcement agencies and allow for routine audits by third-parties of prescription records. The weekly mandate would require pharmacists to prove that physicians prescribing the drugs are licensed and in good standing. It would be the responsibility of pharmacists to maintain an electronic record of prescriptions and inform DEA of any security breach within 24 hours.
*Administratos note: Seems to me that this could place some undue burden on both pharmacist and doctors to relieve minor inconveniences for the few laws already in place. Opinions?
Court of Appeals Overturns Temporary Restraining Order on Ten Percent Medi-Cal Cuts
July 19, 2008
The California Pharmacists Association was shocked to learn late Wednesday night that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the injunction blocking the ten percent Medi-Cal cuts to pharmacy. This news came in just minutes after CPhA issued a news release decrying the Department of Health Care Services delay in removing the cuts per the TRO through their fiscal intermediary.
In DHCS’ appeal they asserted that the losses suffered by pharmacies are outweighed by the cost the State would suffer to implement the injunction. The court accepted this argument and rapidly reversed the injunction they issued on July 11. In further action today, the court has agreed to reconsider the injunction and will allow both parties to submit additional legal arguments on the issue by close of business on Monday, July 21, 2008.
“It is our fervent hope that the court thoroughly reads the information submitted by the plaintiff’s attorney, Lynn S. Carman, in this case,” said Lynn Rolston, chief executive officer of the California Pharmacists Association. “We are baffled by the state’s assertion and know that countless pharmacies, both chain and independent, are bearing significant losses, with many reporting that they are losing hundreds upon hundreds of dollars per day. Many pharmacists have continued to serve Medi-Cal patients even though they are bearing these losses personally. We have received countless calls from pharmacists today who say the state has put them in an untenable position, forcing them, in some cases, to turn away patients, which could have disastrous consequences.”
“This puts me in the position of a terrible moral dilemma,” said Jerry Shapiro, owner of Uptown Drugs and a plaintiff in this case. “I will now have to turn away these patients, which for many of them could be the equivalent to signing their death warrant.”
“I provide medications for a large number of mental health patients who will decompensate very quickly when I am forced to turn them away,” said Bruno Tching, owner of Inland Pharmacy. “I just don’t know where they can go for help other than the emergency room, which will further compound the problem.”
“It seems like the courts, the state and the legislature will only act if there are dead bodies in the street,” said Dave Wilcox, owner of ten pharmacies in the greater Fresno area.
“The pharmacists in the state remain hopeful that a solution can be found before serious problems occur. It is becoming more doubtful by the day that this crisis can be averted,” continued Rolston.
Via MarketWatch/CPHA
Teen in coma after wrong dose of medication
July 15, 2008
A teenager is in a coma because he was given the wrong dose of a pain medication. Eighteen-year-old Jessie Scott was given what was supposed to be a safe teaspoon of the drug. Actually it was a potentially lethal dose.
Jessie Scott is now at the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center as his family and therapists do everything they can to stimulate his senses. He’s been in a coma since April 30.
The high school graduate with a 4.0 grade point average is a far cry from where he was 75 days ago. At University Hospital, Wayne and Laurie Scott were told to gather their family.
Via KSL.com
“If you’ve got family, now’s the time to call them up and let them pay their respects,” Wayne Scott said. “So we made a bunch of calls, and the family responded.”
Jessie’s organs were failing. He was on a ventilator. One lung had collapsed. Physically and mentally, he was shutting down. All this happened within hours after he was given one teaspoon of prescribed oxycodone hydrochloride to help him sleep a bit and relieve pain from a strep throat. What happened?
The prescription was filled at the pharmacy. The label clearly indicates one teaspoon every four hours, and that’s exactly what Laurie did: She gave Jessie one teaspoon in a cup.
But instead of five milligrams, attorney David Olsen says, “The dosage she gave was 20 times what was ordered. [It was] 100 milligrams instead of five. That’s because it was undiluted.”
What Laurie had in her hands was a liquid concentrate that, according to Olsen, was suppose to have been diluted at the Wal-Mart pharmacy where the prescription was filled. The Scotts still can’t believe it happened. Wayne Scott said, “This is obviously a horrible mistake.”
Laurie Scott said, “This shouldn’t have happened. It was needless. It was senseless and it’s changed lives forever, not just Jessie, but there are other people who love him and his future.”
Laurie trusted what she gave her son, what had been filled, was correct.
“I always ask questions. I’ve always medicated him his whole life. I’m the caregiver and it makes it extremely difficult,” she said.
After 16 days in ICU, Jessie moved to intermediate care for another four days, then to HealthSouth for intensive therapy.
Wal-Mart Corporation issued the following statement to KSL News: “This is a very sad situation. Our thoughts are with this young man and his family.”
There are signs Jessie is responding. For example, the eyes! His family sees response in them.
How much damage is done? How much repair will the brain pull off? Doctors don’t know. But this 18-year-old is strong, and so is his family.
Wayne Scott said, “His brain is still very plastic, still very elastic, and we’re hoping and praying that it can find ways around those areas to connect back up. That’s our hope.”
There was a dramatic turn of events this weekend. For the first time, Jessie spoke, though the words are limited and intermittent. We will continue following his story in the weeks and months to come.
Pharmacy mistake blamed for heparin overdoses at Texas hospital
July 12, 2008
One baby has died and another is in critical condition after at least 17 in the neonatal intensive care unit at a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, were given overdoses of the blood thinner heparin.
Bruce Holstien, president and CEO of Christus Spohn Health System, said the problem was discovered Sunday, two days after the infants were given a more concentrated form of heparin than was prescribed.
A preliminary investigation by the hospital indicated the error occurred during the mixing process within the hospital pharmacy. Hospital officials said corrective measures have been taken.
Richard Davis, the hospital’s chief medical officer, released a statement that said the baby who died “was seriously ill, and we do not know at this time what role, if any, the higher than expected concentration of heparin played in this baby’s death. Our deepest sympathy goes out to this family.”
Davis said 12 of the 16 babies are in stable condition, three have been discharged, and one is in critical condition.
This heparin overdose incidence is eerily similar to one last November when actor Dennis Quaid’s newborn twins accidentally received 1,000 times the prescribed amount of heparin at a Los Angeles hospital. They survived, but consumer advocates are urging hospitals to embrace technology to reduce such errors.
“People need to ask whether their local hospital has a computerized medication system in place before they seek care. If they don’t, they should ask why not?” Leah Binder, CEO of the Leapfrog Group, a Washington, D.C.-based employer coalition, said. “Studies suggest that (computerized physician order entry systems) reduce medication errors by 50% to 100%.”
(Via Drug Topics)
