NCPA Updates
(posted 1/27/10)
1. NCPA Tracking Enforcement of New Consumer Safety Law: Beginning Feb. 10, pharmacies are among the entities that will be covered by a new consumer protection law that requires that certain products, mainly children's toys, but including those covered by the Poison Prevention Act, be certified as having passed certain safety tests. The certificates can be in either paper or electronic format. Inspections would be carried out by state attorneys general. If someone requests a certificate to prove a product's conformity, the pharmacist has 24 business hours to provide one from the manufacturer or wholesaler. NCPA is continuing to monitor implementation of this new requirement. The latest information is available for download. A list of products can be viewed here: (download list)
2. NCPA documents showing the impact of independent community pharmacy by State and Congressional District are available. The information is based off of 2009 NCPA Digest Data, and NCPDP data from December 2009. (district report) (state report)
Alabama Medicaid
Updated information from the Alabama Medicaid Agency
Medicaid Matters, the Alabama Medicaid Agency’s online newsletter - January issue
(posted 2/2/10) (read more)
Medicaid HP ALERT letter - Cost Saving Measures
(posted 1/26/10) (read more) (provider alerts)
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FDA News
FDA Approves Xiaflex for Debilitating Hand Condition
(posted 2/2/10) (read more)
FDA Announces Safety Risk Associated with HIV Drug
(posted 2/1/10) (read more)
FDA Expands Use of Approved Breast Cancer Drug
(posted 1/29/10) (read more)
United States Seizes Unapproved Ozone Generators
(posted 1/29/10) (read more)
FDA Drug Safety Communication: Serious liver disorder associated with the use of Videx/Videx EC (didanosine)
(posted 1/29/10) (read more)
Hettich Centrifuges with 2050 and 2076 Plastic Rotors: Recall
(posted 1/28/10) (read more)
FDA Announces Class I Recall of Certain Infusion Set Needle
(posted 1/27/10) (read more)
FDA Approves Morphine Sulfate Oral Solution for Relief of Acute and Chronic Pain
(posted 1/27/10) (read more)
Propofol Injection Shortage
(posted 1/26/10) (read more)
FDA Approves Victoza (liraglutide) for Type 2 Diabetes
(posted 1/25/10) (read more)
Questions and Answers - Safety Requirements for Victoza (liraglutide)
(read more)
The FDA Data Standards Council’s website was updated Sunday, January 24, 2010, to include updated terminology:
A. UNII update - http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/ucm162523.htm
B. Updated terminology XML File - http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DataStandards/StructuredProductLabeling/ucm169455.htm
(posted 1/24/10)
FDA Warns Consumers about Counterfeit Alli
People may be taking 3-times the usual daily dose
(updated 1/23/10) (read more)
FDA Approves Ampyra to Improve Walking in Adults with Multiple Sclerosis
(posted 1/23/10) (read more)
Nipro GlucoPro Insulin Syringes: Recall
(posted 1/22/10) (read more)
Meridia (sibutramine hydrochloride): Follow-Up to an Early Communication about an Ongoing Safety Review
(posted 1/21/10) (read more)
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Weekly FDA Generic Drug Approval Updates
New and Generic Drug Approvals
(posted 1/25/10)
• AMPYRA (dalfampridine) Extended-Release Tablets, Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., Approval
• Bumex (bumetanide) Tablets, Validus Pharmaceuticals, Labeling Revision
• Coumadin (warfarin sodium) Tablets, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Labeling Revision
• Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) Tablets, IPR Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Labeling Revision
• Ethrane (enflurane) Inhalation Liquid, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Labeling Revision
• Lusedra (fospropofol disodium) I.V. Solution, Eisai Inc., Labeling Revision
• Mephyton (Phytonadione) Tablets, Aton Pharma, Inc., Labeling Revision
• Milrinone Lactate in Plastic Containers Injection, Hikma Farmaceutica, Approval
• Qualaquin (quinine sulfate) Capsules, AR Holding Company, Inc., Labeling Revision
• Reyataz (atazanavir sulfate) Capsules, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Labeling Revision
• Trandolapril and Verapamil Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets, Glenmark Generics, Tentative Approval
• Ultane (sevoflurane) Liquid Inhalation, Abbott Laboratories, Labeling Revision
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Need to Know
Medical supplies, drugs needed for Haitian relief efforts
(posted 2/2/10) (read more)
ACIP issues 2010 clinical guidelines regarding adult immunizations
(posted 1/29/10) (read more)
Antithrombotic polypharmacy increases bleeding complications after first myocardial infarction
(posted 1/29/10) (read more)
Alabama PEEHIP/Express Scripts plan year changes effective February 1, 2010
(posted 1/26/10) (read PEEHIP changes)
PEEHIP members are being switched to a new preferred Glucometer for blood glucose testing effective February 1, 2010. PEEHIP members can obtain a new Glucometer free from the manufacturer.
(posted 1/26/10) (read more)
Health Net Pharmacy Update: Medicare LIS Copay Issue
Some HEALTH NET LIS Members Being Charged Incorrect Copayment Amounts
(posted 1/26/10) (read more)
ADPH H1N1 Alabama Update
(posted 1/26/10) (read more)
Pharmacists, funds needed for Haiti relief efforts
(posted 1/26/10) (read more)
Haiti Earthquake Resources for Clinicians
(posted 1/19/10) (read more)
Massive OTC recall affects two dozen J&J products
(posted 1/16/10) (read more)
Read more pharmacy news here...
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APA Staff
L to R: Linda Tynan, Danielle Cole, Louise Jones, Andrea Salvador, Inga Hunter, Jo Mikell |
