Generics

ITASCA, Ill. — In observance of National Poison Prevention Week, which is March 16 to 22, the National Safety Council has released a list of facts many people do not — but need to — know about prescription painkiller use. Did you know? 1. Forty-five people die every day from opioid prescription painkillers — more deaths than heroin and cocaine overdoses combined; 2. In 2010, enough prescription painkillers were provided to medicate every American around the clock for an entire month;

WASHINGTON — Demonstrating pharmacists’ increasingly important role in the delivery of healthcare services, more than 400 community pharmacists, pharmacy executives, pharmacy students and other pharmacy advocates from 40 states participated in the 6th Annual NACDS RxImpact Day on Capitol Hill this week. 

Meetings were conducted with more than 80% of the entire U.S. Congress including 136 of 139 Members of Congress who serve on Congressional committees with jurisdiction on healthcare issues. 

DUBLIN — Perrigo announced the launch of methazolamide tablets, the generic version of Neptazane tablets. The product is a component of the rights the company received in connection with its acquisition of a portfolio of ophthalmic products from Fera Pharmaceuticals and its affiliates last year.

CHICAGO and ORLANDO, Fla. — Prescription and over-the-counter products are often the first remedy consumers turn to when seeking relief from such conditions as allergies and heartburn, according to IRI. In its latest report, "Best Practices for Rx-to-OTC Product Launches," the company offers some tactics to help drive success for companies looking to execute the category switch.

SAN DIEGO — New research presented at the World Congress Summit to Improve Adherence and Enhance Patient Engagement by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, finds that the MedVantx MedStart Connect generic medication sampling program implemented in the primary care physicians' office, led to significantly increased patient initiation of new prescriptions (primary adherence) as well as continued use of the medications (secondary adherence), and could possibly lead to savings for health plans.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Walmart has joined almost two-dozen organizations from across the healthcare supply chain in a letter calling on the Food and Drug Administration to consider the public health impact of its Proposed Rule on pharmaceutical labeling.

CINCINNATI — Prasco Laboratories announced on Tuesday that it has started shipping the generic version of Hectorol (doxercalciferol) 0.5-, 1.0- and 2.5-mcg capsules, each in 50-count bottles under the Prasco label.

Prasco entered into a distribution and supply agreement with Genzyme, a Sanofi company, for doxercalciferol capsules, the generic version of Hectorol 0.5-, 1.0- and 2.5-mcg capsules.
 

WASHINGTON — A Maryland bill that is intended to help pharmacies in managing inventories and avoid potential drug shortages could create hardships for distributors, according to an FDA law blog.