Pharmacy Technology

RICHMOND, Va. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Reckitt Benckiser’s treatment for opioid addiction, Reckitt Benckiser said.

The drug maker announced the approval of Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone), a drug delivered through a fast-dissolving film placed under the tongue. The film is based on a technology known as PharmFilm, made by MonoSol Rx.

ST. LOUIS In response to consumers' need for more power and convenient charging options for their smart phones and cell phones, Energizer has developed a universal inductive charger built with Qi technology.

Any device with 5 watts or less, regardless of manufacturer, now can be powered by Energizer's inductive charger, which is designed to charge up to three devices at one time. In related news, Energizer also is developing a Qi sleeve and door for the iPhone and Blackberry, respectively.

WASHINGTON Workers on average are paying nearly $4,000 this year toward the cost of family health coverage — an increase of 14%, or $482, above what they paid last year, according to the benchmark "2010 Employer Health Benefits Survey" released Thursday by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT The announcement by P&G that it is looking to further expand its Future Friendly platform in 2011 to now target a reduction in packaging materials, as well as truck and fuel usage, is important on several different levels. Not only does the next phase of the program further solidify P&G's lead role as a consumer packaged goods company that is making a significant impact to better the environment, but, at the retailer level, P&G is expecting to see a boost in powder detergent sales.

NORTH WALES, Pa. Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic treatment for epileptic seizures.

The world’s largest generic drug maker announced Wednesday the launch of diazepam rectal gel, a generic version of Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ Diastat AcuDial. The drug is administered via rectal syringe and is available in 2.5-mg, 10-mg and 20-mg strengths.

BANNOCKBURN, Ill. Omron Healthcare has joined forces with "The Dr. Oz Show" in an integrated media partnership to help spread the word about the importance of home blood pressure monitoring, Omron announced Thursday.