News

The World Health Organization (WHO) has authorized the use of experimental drugs in the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The death toll has reached 1,000, including a Spanish priest.

The federal government’s cost for Medicare Part D will increase between $2.9 billion and $5.8 billion if we see 15% to 30% of hepatitis C (HCV)-infected beneficiaries receive treatment in 2015 and the cost of treatment averages $84,000, according to a new study by Milliman.

Hospitalization costs for rivaroxaban (Xarelto, Janssen) were significantly lower than warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), according to a study in the August 2014 issue of Current Medical Research & Opinion.

Widespread anticoagulant undertreatment persists among atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients at high risk of stroke, despite current medical treatment guidelines, which recommend thromboprophylaxis for this patient population unless contraindicated, according to a recent study in BMC Health Services Research.

FDA has approved canagliflozin/metformin (Invokamet, Janssen), the first fixed-dose combination in the class of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes.

If 15% to 30% of HCV-infected beneficiaries receive treatment in 2015 with the cost of treatment averaging $84,000, Medicare Part D could increase between $2.9 billion and $5.8 billion

Physicians and patients should avoid new drugs unless they are truly breakthrough drugs, according to a study in Health Affairs.

Community pharmacists can have a significant role in improving an entire patient population’s medication adherence, and its overall health, according to a study published in Health Affairs.

FDA has approved oritavancin (Orbactiv, The Medicines Company) for injection for the treatment of adults with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) caused by susceptible designated Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Hetlioz (tasimelteon) is a melatonin receptor agonist, similar to Rozerem (ramelteon) that was approved by FDA in January 2014 for the treatment of N24HSWS caused by a completely blind person’s inability to regulate their internal clock.

From 2013 to 2022, GPOs are estimated to save Medicare and Medicaid a combined $398.8 billion

FDA approved empagliflozin (Jardiance, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly and Company) tablets as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, or blood glucose levels, in adults with type 2 diabetes. Jardiance is not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).

Highlights of what executives from Aetna, Cigna and Humana told Managed Healthcare Executive

Growth of accountable care organizations across the U.S. healthcare market is gaining momentum

Pregnant women given pertussis vaccination in their third trimester to prevent infections in newborns, should be reassured that the vaccine is safe, and in fact, may be beneficial, according to a study published in The BMJ online July 11, 2014.

FDA has approved olodaterol (Striverdi Respimat, Boehringer Ingelheim) Inhalation Spray 5 µg as a long-term, once-daily maintenance bronchodilator treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) revision of its recommendations for use of palivizumab (Synagis, MedImmune Specialty Care Division of AstraZeneca) for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants has fueled a reaction from the drug’s manufacturer.

Insurers weigh risks, demographics in setting premiums for 2015

Why care and communication must be a two-way street with patients, providers

When aggregating analytics, compliance considerations must be taken into account

Exchanges not integrating with Medicaid

How to collect, compile and present data

Struggling with declining revenue, many providers are turning to consolidation, changing pricing structures and new reimbursement models to protect their revenue

Industry updates in health management and business

Consider physician incentivization

Consumer base more invested, engageable

Every patient’s condition and specific needs are different. Whether it’s due to an allergy, need for a special dosing, or just a lack of success with traditional options, often a personalized medication approach is the only solution that can provide effective treatment.

Spiraling drug costs, drug shortages, and increasingly complex and demanding regulations are making the intravenous (IV) services business more challenging than ever. Pharmacies providing IV compounding must comply with USP 797 (and soon USP 800) and state compounding regulations requiring detailed documentation. The financial impact is obvious. Increased workloads often have required staff additions. USP 797 regulations have prompted costly remodeling to provide buffer rooms and ante rooms.

"Pharmacosynchrony” is a new concept rapidly attracting interest

As prescription drug abuse in the United States escalates, diversion of controlled substances is becoming an increasingly critical issue for hospitals and health system executives to monitor. In hospitals, diversion of controlled substances not only negatively impacts staff and places liability on the facility but it also affects patient safety, satisfaction, and in most cases, the hospital’s bottom line. As such, hospital executives are looking to pharmacy leaders to provide creative solutions to proactively prevent diversion and better control this evolving public health issue.