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ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans has expanded its pharmaceutical services to include the family pet, according a recent blog. 

The supermarket pharmacy is advertising the service as a cheaper alternative to the prices paid at the veterinarian for the same canine/feline pharmaceuticals. Using Heartgard Plus Chew as an example, Wegmans noted that the common vet pricing is $50.20. Wegmans sells the same prescription for $44.99 and a generic equivalent for $19.99. 

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — GN ReSound recently launched its ReSound LiNX in global markets as a hearing aid capable of streaming high-quality stereo sound from an iPhone, iPad and iPod touch without the need for an additional pendant-like device. Users can also customize their hearing experience through the ReSound Smart App. 

WASHINGTON — The administration is seeking $4.7 billion for the Food and Drug Administration, representing a 6.8% increase, according to a report published Tuesday by the Washington Post. 

According to the report, the budget includes $25 million to register and inspect large-scale compounding pharmacies.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Thursday posted $157.5 million in sales, representing a decline of 1%, for the four weeks ended March 1. Comparable store sales for the month decreased 2.2% compared with a decrease of 1.5% in the prior-year period.

“In the pharmacy department, we will continue to accelerate new pharmacy acquisitions and focus on our plan for EIRIS Health Services, Fred's specialty pharmacy unit, which is experiencing solid script and sales growth in this fast-expanding segment of the pharmacy industry," noted Bruce Efird, Fred's CEO.

LIVERPOOL, England — Study results announced Thursday by Novo Nordisk and collaborative partners found that participation in diabetes education is associated with a greater sense of well-being and the ability to self-manage diabetes.

However, more than three-quarters of people with diabetes in the United Kingdom (78%) have never attended a diabetes education program, and family members are rarely included (79%). Additionally, only 14% of healthcare professionals say that all their patients with diabetes are offered structured diabetes education classes.

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Upsher-Smith Labs on Monday introduced a new educational program created for patients living with seizure clusters, as well as their families and friends. The initiative — called Seizure Clusters Connect — uses traditional and social media to offer patients and their caregivers a community for learning and support.

WASHINGTON — In what could turn into a significant change of how retail pharmacy supplies hydrocodone combination products, the Drug Enforcement Administration last week published in the Federal Register a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to move HCPs from Schedule III to Schedule II, as recommended by the assistant secretary for Health of the department of Health and Human Services and as supported by the DEA’s evaluation of relevant data.  

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Merz North America on Tuesday announced the appointment of Gregory Bass as VP managed markets. In this role, Bass will primarily be responsible for developing Merz's North American market access and reimbursement strategy to enhance patient access to Merz prescription products. Bass will join Merz's North America leadership team and will report directly to Bill Humphries, president and CEO of Merz North America.