Generics

Pharmacists and nurse practitioners are trusted healthcare professionals who provide instructions and advice based on peer-reviewed guidelines and clinical data. They have the opportunity and responsibility to educate patients about the benefits of childhood vaccines and to be advocates for immunizations as they relate to public health. Immunizations remain one of the most important public health discoveries of all time and are responsible for the decreased amount of infectious disease.

ATLANTA — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FluView report released Friday, flu activity remains high overall, but is declining in parts of the country while increasing in other parts of the country. Most notably the Southeast, which began experiencing high levels of flu activity at the end of November, is now showing declines in activity. 

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma on Monday named Mark Timney as president and CEO.

"We found a proven leader in Mark Timney," said Raymond Sackler, co-founder and board member of Purdue. "I am confident that his capabilities and experience, coupled with Purdue's culture of excellence, will grow our business and strengthen our healthcare industry leadership." 

DUBLIN — Perrigo Co. announced that it received final approval from the Food and Drug Administration for repaglinide tablets — a generic version of Prandin tablets — in 1-mg and 2-mg strengths. The company has started shipment of the drug. Perrigo previously launched the 0.5-mg strength in 2013.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co., a specialty pharmaceuticals company, on Thursday announced that it was granted final approval from the Food and Drug Administration for bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% (once-a-day), a generic version of ISTA Pharmaceuticals’ Bromday ophthalmic solution, 0.09%.

The product is used to treat post-op inflammation and reduction of ocular pain in patients who have had cataract surgery. The company plans to launch the product immediately.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Legislative relief that would result in a more balanced business relationship between Ohio community pharmacists and PBMs is critical, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. — McNeil Consumer Healthcare on Thursday launched an enhanced consumer education website called GetReliefResponsibly.com to promote safety in using OTC medicines to help kick a cold. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Assembly Member Richard Bloom, D-Santa Monica, on Tuesday introduced legislation that would authorize a pharmacist to dispense the narcotic antagonist naloxone hydrochloride without a prescription in California. 

Naloxone is used to treat overdoses of narcotic medications including morphine, codeine and oxycodone and works by reversing the side effects of the narcotic, such as sedation and decreased breathing rate.