And The Winner Is….
June 2, 2008
First let me explain how I chose the winner.
I found a nice little Flash app that will choose a random name from a given list. Then, It shows the form of a slot machine and spins the list, randomly landing on one. Seems fair and random enough.
And the lucky winner is…. Read more
CPhTLink.com: Win $50 - CONTEST CLOSED
May 31, 2008
**UPDATE: MONDAY 5PM***
I thought I’d see more comments at the end of the day when something free is thrown in. No big deal. Increased Chances of winning for those who entered! Rome was not built in a day. I am going to extend the deadline to 7:00PM Eastern Today. That will be about the time I get home from work and can begin the winner selection.
*****
I had envisioned our first contest would be a “Can you read this script?” kind of deal. But, for some reason, all our doctors have been writing fairly legible this month.
So here is the deal. CPhTLink.com will give away 1 Amazon.com $50 gift card to a reader chosen at random.
All I want you to do is Read more
FAA bans Chantix for pilots and air controllers
May 28, 2008
The Federal Aviation Administration has banned pilots and air traffic controllers from using the anti-smoking drug Chantix after a study found that it had apparently contributed to auto accidents and other problems that pose risks to both users and others.
The aviation agency had approved the drug last summer, before federal safety regulators began investigating reports of serious psychiatric problems, including suicidal behavior, sharp shifts in mood, and vivid nighttime episodes Read more
PTCB certifies 300,000
May 20, 2008
Press Release Via PTCB.org:
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) announced today that over 300,000 pharmacy technicians have officially been designated Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) through successfully completing the national Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination or transfer process since the program inception in 1995. PTCB is the pioneer in the certification of pharmacy technicians, who play a vital role in assisting pharmacists in serving patients nationwide. Pharmacy technicians work in retail pharmacies, hospitals and health-systems, nursing homes, mail-order pharmacies, and other pharmacy locations. The field is growing - pharmacy technician was named one of the 30 top jobs of 2008 by CareerBuilder.com. Read more
Digitek Recall
April 29, 2008
Actavis Totowa LLC is recalling all lots of the prescription drug Digitek, used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, because some of the drug’s tablets might contain twice the approved level of the active ingredient.
Spokesman John LaRocca said 11 people have reported getting sick after taking the drug, but the Morristown, N.J., company is not aware of any deaths. The drug was distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. under a “Bertek” label and by UDL Laboratories Inc. under a “UDL” label.
South Carolina Pharmacy Technician Legislation
April 21, 2008
A bill that would increase the tech-to-pharmacist ratio in South Carolina does not serve the public interest, the ASHP told members of the South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Committee in a letter urging the committee to refer Senate Bill 1156 back to the Medical Affairs Subcommittee for further study.
Senate Bill 1156 proposes to amend Section 40-43-86 of the Pharmacy Practice Act and increase the tech-to-pharmacist ratio from 3:1 with two techs being certified up to 3:1 with only one tech being certified, and 4:1 if there are 2 certified techs on duty. Read more
DEA proposes rule to curb fentanyl abuse
April 14, 2008
The distribution of illicitly manufactured fentanyl has caused an unprecedented outbreak of hundreds of fentanyl-related overdoses in the United States in recent months. The DEA believes that the control of ANPP (or 4-anilino-N-phenethyl-4-piperidine) as a schedule II controlled substance is necessary to prevent its diversion as an immediate chemical intermediary for the illicit production of fentanyl. Read more
ACE inhibitor w/ calcium channel blocker better than pairing it with diuretic
April 1, 2008
A large trial shows that combining an ACE inhibitor with a calcium channel blocker in individuals with high blood pressure who are at high risk for cardiovascular complications resulted in a 20 percent reduction in the risks of death, heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular troubles.
The ACE inhibitor and calcium channel blocker were combined in a single pill. Patients receiving this treatment were compared to patients who received an ACE inhibitor combined with a diuretic.
Pharmacist who forged Rx faces loss of license for three years
March 31, 2008
Pascal Osei, a pharmacist who was working temporarily at a CVS pharmacy in Randolph, N.J., has admitted that he turned in a forged prescription for oxycodone under a fake name back in 2006. The ruse was discovered through an internal probe. State authorities are recommending that he be sentenced to three years? probation and that he surrender his license for three years. Osei has pleaded guilty and will be sentenced in May. Read more
Pfizer Riser
March 27, 2008
10 years ago today, Sildenafil citrate (otherwise known as Viagra) was apporved by the FDA, becoming the first oral pill approved to treat erectile dysfunction in the United States.
It changed the way the nation looked at sexual health and paved the way for other oral ED drugs to make it to the market.
It’s name is synonymous to virility, strength, power, and sexual pleasure. Read more
