HEALTH

ALEXANDRIA, Va. In a clear message to the newly elected lawmakers that pharmacies can be utilized even more effectively to help reduce healthcare costs and improve healthcare quality, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores sent a pharmacy briefing letter Friday to each of the new lawmakers.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — That Medicare doesn’t universally cover the use of retail clinics — and even create a structure that encourages their use for certain services — is a key symptom of what is wrong with the U.S. healthcare system.

THE NEWS: Duane Reade Walk-In Medical Care clinics to accept Medicare. For the full story, click here)

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT’S IMPORTANT — This is a next-generation pharmacy solution for the next generation of seniors, who begin celebrating birthday No. 65 with the coming of the New Year at a rate of one every 10 seconds, and that’s for nearly two straight decades.

ATLANTA According to new data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that covers use of smokeless tobacco in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Guam released Thursday, the rates of smokers who also use smokeless tobacco, including chew tobacco and snuff, range from 0.9% in Puerto Rico to 13.7% in Wyoming.

EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. Drug maker Savient Pharmaceuticals will begin shipping its treatment for chronic gout to specialty distributors at the end of this month, Savient said.

The company announced that it would begin shipping Krystexxa (pegloticase) on Nov. 30, and it would become available for prescription on Dec. 1.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. Clif Bar on Thursday announced the introduction of a revamped Clif Shot energy gel, a line of all-natural and organic energy gels with a formula that emphasizes effectiveness, taste and consistency in easy-to-use packaging.

WASHINGTON This year’s elections may prove to be a boon to the business of dietary supplements and other natural alternatives, according to John Gay, Natural Products Association executive director and CEO. “This was the most remarkable election in my 25 years in Washington,” he said, “and the effects will be felt almost immediately.”

For example, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., who must now step down as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is seen as a potential positive for the industry, Gay said.

NEW YORK KidKupz on Tuesday announced its new medicine-dispensing cups soon will be available nationwide through Walgreens.

The KidKupz are fruit-flavored medicine dispensing cups that contain 2 g of sugar and no high-fructose corn syrup.