Diabetes

OSAKA, Japan — Two diabetes drugs made by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. have been pulled from the market in France due to evidence that their use may increase the risk of bladder cancer, Takeda said.

Takeda said its French subsidiary, Laboratoires Takeda, would withdraw Actos (pioglitazone) and Competact (pioglitazone and metformin). In addition, Takeda said it was cooperating with the European Medicines Agency in a pan-European of pioglitazone. Competact is marketed in the United States under the brand name Actoplus Met.

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Hamacher Resource Group, a retail consumer healthcare marketing and research firm, will be presenting at Cardinal Health’s 2011 Retail Business Conference July 20 to 23 in Las Vegas. 

Dave Wendland and Kat Fronek, both part of the owners group at HRG, will present two different educational sessions for continuing education credits. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Hy-Vee is the latest supermarket chain to bring a trained chef into the store to encourage customers to cook healthy food at home, according to published reports.

The Sioux Falls, S.D., Argus Leader reported Wednesday that a local Hy-Vee store had brought in chef Scott Teal to oversee food displays, demonstrate ways to prepare food and teach classes. It also gives the store a way to showcase new produce, such as brown-colored chocolate grape tomatoes.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Is this the nutritional Twilight Zone?

Despite the common perception that kids are always reluctant to eat their greens, a new survey by Midwest retailer Meijer found that almost 6-in-10 adults don’t think they’re eating enough fruits and vegetables, while kids seem to be eating enough.

SAN FRANCISCO — McKesson earlier this month named its 2011 Pharmacy of the Year awards at the wholesaler’s annual McKesson ideaShare Conference.

This year's winners, recognized during a special awards ceremony, included a national grand prize winner and four category winners. McKesson's Pharmacy of the Year awards recognize independent pharmacies that demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing clinical excellence, personalized care and retail best practices.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H. D. Smith on Monday announced its support for H.R. 1041, otherwise known as the Fairness in Medicare Bidding Act.

Introduced in March by Reps. Jason Altmire, D-Pa., and Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., the bill seeks to repeal the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies competitive bidding program included in the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). 

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Novo Nordisk could be outpacing Eli Lilly and Amylin Pharmaceuticals in the diabetes wars, according to an analysis by healthcare market research firm Decision Resources.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Pharmacy groups are urging Congress to maintain access to diabetic testing supplies in retail pharmacies for patients with diabetes.