News tagged headline

DEA Guidance Regarding Information Pharmacists May Provide on CS II Prescriptions

Topics: Controlled substances and Dea

Recognizing that pharmacists are sometimes presented with prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances that are missing information required by law, Drug Enforcement Administration provides guidance for pharmacists regarding allowed changes or additions to such prescriptions.

Read More →

Nominations for 2014 NABP Annual Awards Now Being Accepted

NABP invites you to nominate a colleague or board of pharmacy for a 2014 NABP award.

Read More →

FDA Provides New Information About Lack of Sterility Assurance for Drugs Dispensed by The Compounding Shop

Topics: Compounding, Adverse drug events, and Fda

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning patients and health care providers that budesonide solution (for nasal irrigation), dispensed by The Compounding Shop of St Petersburg, FL, may be contaminated and should not be used or administered to patients. 

Read More →

FDA Requires Changes to Fentanyl Pain Patch Warnings

Topics: Adverse drug events and Fda

To reduce the risk of accidental exposure, FDA has announced new requirements that change the appearance of fentanyl pain patch warnings to make them more visible. 

Read More →

Florida Sees Continued Decreases in Prescription Drug Related Deaths

Topics: Prescription drug abuse

In Florida, deaths tied to prescription drugs dropped by 17.7% and deaths caused by oxycodone plunged by 41%, state officials announced in a recent report.

Read More →

‘Bath Salts’ Linked to Nearly 23,000 Emergency Room Visits in 2011

Topics: Patient safety

A group of drugs known as “bath salts” were linked to an estimated 22,904 visits to hospital emergency departments in 2011.

Read More →

State Senators Pressure Craigslist to Ban Illegal Prescription Drug Ads

Topics: Buying medicine online and Diversion

State senators from Nevada and California are calling on Craigslist to remove ads from its site that facilitate illegal distribution and diversion of narcotics.

Read More →

Michigan Lawmakers Consider Bill to Strengthen Compounding Regulations

Topics: Compounding

A series of bills have been introduced to the Michigan Legislature that would include several provisions intended to strengthen the regulation of compounding in the state.

Read More →

Threat of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Growing, CDC Warns

Topics: Vaccinations

A new report from CDC warns that there is a growing threat of antibiotic-resistant strains of infectious diseases. 

Read More →

FDA Proposes Labeling Changes for ER/LA Opioids to Combat Abuse, Mandates Post-market Research

Topics: Pain management and Fda

To combat the misuse and abuse of extended-release and long-acting (ER/LA) opioids, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing class-wide label changes to ER/LA opioids, including a statement indicating the medications should be prescribed when the patient requires constant treatment of severe pain and when alternative methods are inadequate.

Read More →

Know Your Dose Campaign Offers Acetaminophen Safety Tips Ahead of Cold and Flu Season

Topics: Over the counter and Patient safety

With flu shots now available across the country, and consumers stocking home medicine cabinets ahead of the coming cold and flu season, the Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition has issued a consumer message to “Double Check, Don’t Double Up” on acetaminophen when treating winter illnesses.

Read More →

University Compounding Pharmacy Recalls Some Products Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance

Topics: Compounding and Fda

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and University Compounding Pharmacy of San Diego, CA, have issued a voluntary recall of several products.

Read More →

New FDA Drug Info Rounds Training Video

Topics: Continuing education, Pharmacists, and Fda

FDA Drug Info Rounds, a series of online videos, provides important and timely drug information to practicing clinical and community pharmacists.

Read More →

Park Pharmacy & Compounding Center Recalls Two Compounded Sterile Preparations

Topics: Compounding

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Park Pharmacy & Compounding Center of Irvine, CA, have announced a voluntary recall of two lots of products that were dispensed to patients and distributed to physician offices by prescription in June and July 2013 in California, Florida, New Mexico, and Indiana.

Read More →

Indiana Medical Board to Adopt Emergency Opioid Prescribing Rules at Request of State Legislature

Topics: Diversion and Prescription drug abuse

The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana is considering emergency rules related to opioid prescribing as mandated by the state’s “pill mill bill” (SB 246), which was signed into law by Governor Mike Pence in May 2013. 

Read More →

CVS Aggregates Data to Identify and Cut Off Suspected Pill Mills

Topics: Controlled substances and Diversion

In an effort to reduce prescription drug abuse, CVS pharmacists have adopted an analytical system to help identify “pill mill” prescribers.

Read More →

FDA: Fluoroquinolone Drug Labels Must Provide Better Descriptions of Peripheral Neuropathy

Topics: Patient safety and Fda

Food and Drug Administration updated its label requirements for the drug labels on fluoroquinolone-based medications.

Read More →

FDA Reminds Health Care Providers to Not Use NuVision Pharmacy Products

Topics: Fda

After NuVision Pharmacy refused FDA’s most recent request to recall all of its sterile products, FDA is reminding health care providers not to use NuVision sterile products.

Read More →

Specialty Compounding, LLC, Clarifies Recall Information

Topics: Compounding

Specialty Compounding, LLC, clarified a recall of all lots of sterile compounded medications produced in its Texas facility.

Read More →

CHPA Files Petition to Expand Dosing Information on Acetaminophen Products for Young Children

Topics: Over the counter and Fda

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) has filed a citizen petition to FDA that asks the agency to provide convenient and accurate access to dosing information for children ages six months to two years.

Read More →

Risks of Buying Prescription Drugs from Illegal Online Sellers Highlighted in NBC Connecticut Report

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Buying medicine online

The risks of ordering medications online and of receiving dangerous counterfeit products are highlighted in a recent NBC Connecticut report.

Read More →

Illegally Operating Wholesaler in Virginia Posed as Canadian Distributor, Owners Indicted

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Diversion

US Department of Justice (DOJ) officials indicted 11 people on 17 different charges related to the illegal importation and distribution of non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs into the US.

Read More →

UPS First Package Delivery Company to Join CSIP in Fight against Rogue Internet Drug Outlets

Topics: Buying medicine online

United Parcel Service (UPS) has become the first global package delivery organization to join the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) as a strategic partner and board member.

Read More →

Specialty Compounding, LLC Recalls All Lots of Unexpired Sterile Products After Reports of Adverse Events

Topics: Compounding

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of all lots of unexpired sterile products produced by Specialty Compounding, LLC, in Cedar Park, TX.

Read More →

GAO Issues Recommendations for Congress and the Secretary of Health and Human Services for Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

In a July 2013 report, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) recommends that “Congress should consider clarifying FDA’s authority to oversee certain entities that compound drugs.”

Read More →

FDA Warns of Rare Skin Reaction in Patients Taking Acetaminophen

Topics: Over the counter and Patient safety

FDA has issued a Consumer Update that warns of rare but serious skin reactions that may occur in patients taking acetaminophen.

Read More →

Three New Alabama Laws Aim to Crack Down on 'Doctor Shopping' and Prescription Drug Abuse

Topics: Prescription drug abuse and Prescription monitoring program

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has signed into law three bills aimed to reverse the state’s growing prescription drug abuse rate. 

Read More →

Illinois to Implement Medical Marijuana Pilot Program Under Law Approved by Governor Quinn

Topics: Medical marijuana

On August 1, 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, making Illinois the 21st state to legalize some form of medical marijuana. 

Read More →

Nova Diabetes Care Recalls Up to 62 Million Blood Glucose Test Strips

Topics: Patient safety

Nova Diabetes Care and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials have announced a voluntary recall of 21 lots of blood glucose test strips.

Read More →

Kentucky Sees Slight Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths, Including Prescription Drug Overdose

Topics: Prescription drug abuse

According to a state report released in late July, drug overdose deaths in the state of Kentucky decreased by 19 to 1,004. 

Read More →

Domperidone Not FDA Approved, Should Not be Marketed in the US, FDA Stresses

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that domperidone is not an FDA-approved drug, and that it may not be legally marketed in the US. 

Read More →

Healthy Life Chemistry Supplement Product Contains Anabolic Steroids, FDA Warns

Topics: Patient safety

FDA is warning consumers not to use a product marketed as a Vitamin B dietary supplement due to the presence of potentially harmful anabolic steroids. 

Read More →

FDA Takes Action to Stop Distribution of Illegal, Potentially Harmful Products Claimed to Treat Diabetes

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Patient safety

FDA advises consumers not to use, and is taking action to remove from the market, illegal products claiming to treat diabetes.

Read More →

Proposed Law Calls for Commission to Focus on Prescription Drug Abuse Efforts

Topics: Prescription drug abuse

A bill calling for a 30-member commission to coordinate law enforcement and health agency efforts to combat prescription drug abuse was introduced to the United States Senate. 

Read More →

Five Individuals Charged With Diversion of Prescription Controlled Substances

Topics: Diversion and Dea

Five individuals have been indicted and arrested on charges related to their involvement in a prescription drug diversion scheme. 

Read More →

Montana Man Sentenced for Role in Distribution of Fake Cancer Drugs

Topics: Counterfeit drugs

Paul Bottomley of Montana forfeited nearly $6 million in cash and property and was sentenced to five years probation for his role in the scheme that imported fake cancer drugs into US clinics, ultimately reaching patients.

Read More →

FDA Raises Awareness About Safe Use of Acetaminophen

Topics: Over the counter

FDA is alerting consumers to be mindful of the amount of acetaminophen they take in order to prevent overdose and potential liver damage. 

Read More →

Attorneys General in Nebraska and Oklahoma Call On Google to Remove 'No Prescription Required' Ads from YouTube

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Buying medicine online

Attorneys General are calling on Google to remove video ads from YouTube that promote rogue Internet sites marketing medications, including controlled substances, as “no prescription required” products.

Read More →

State and Federal Regulators Continue to Combat Rogue Internet Drug Sellers, US GAO Reports

Topics: Buying medicine online

While facing the challenges of investigating and prosecuting complex, global operations, federal agencies in the United States continue to take action against Web sites illegally distributing prescription drugs to US consumers.

Read More →

Distribution of Counterfeit Drugs to US Residents Via Rogue Internet Sites Continues to Grow, Reports CNN

Topics: Counterfeit drugs

The problem of counterfeit drugs distributed into the US via rogue Internet drug sellers is growing, FDA consumer safety officers told CNN’s Sanjay Gupta, MD, as part of a special report.

Read More →

More Women Dying of Prescription Painkiller Overdoses

Topics: Prescription drug abuse

Every day, approximately 18 women die from an overdose of prescription pain medication, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read More →

DEA to Hold Next Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on October 26, 2013

Topics: Controlled substances and Dea

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will provide another opportunity for consumers to dispose of unneeded and expired prescription drugs during the 7th DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, October 26, 2013.

Read More →

FDA Provides New Resources on Importance of Safe Storage and Disposal of Fentanyl Patches

Topics: Medication errors

As part of its efforts to prevent accidental exposure to fentanyl patches, FDA is providing new resources about safe storage and safe disposal of the patches.

Read More →

Thousands of Rogue Online Drug Sellers Shut Down During Operation Pangea VI

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Buying medicine online

As part of the sixth annual International Internet Week of Action (IIWA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action against more than 9,600 Web sites illegally selling drugs that included counterfeit, substandard, and other potentially dangerous products. 

Read More →

Consent Decree Prohibits New Jersey Pharmacy from Manufacturing, Distributing Drug Products

Topics: Compounding

Med Prep Consulting, Inc, has been prohibited from manufacturing, holding, and distributing drug products under a consent decree of permanent injunction entered against the pharmacy by a federal court. 

Read More →

AMA Policy Deems 'Inappropriate Queries' From Pharmacies an Interference With Practice of Medicine

Topics: Pharmacies, Pharmacists, and Prescription drug abuse

The American Medical Association (AMA) has adopted a resolution stating that the organization deems certain pharmacy inquiries relating to the verification of prescriptions to be “an interference with the practice of medicine and unwarranted.” 

Read More →

Patient Survey Reveals Poor Adherence to Prescribed Medication Therapy, Explores Adherence Predictors

Topics: Medication therapy management

Many Americans are not adhering to prescribed medication regimens, indicates a new patient survey commissioned by the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA). 

Read More →

Rugby Laboratories Enteric Coated Aspirin Recalled Due to Potential Mix-up With Acetaminophen Tablets

Topics: Over the counter

One lot of Rugby Laboratories enteric coated aspirin tablets, 81 mg, has been recalled to the user level. 

Read More →

ISMP to Launch Safety Alert Newsletter Providing Medication Error Prevention Information Tailored to LTCFs

Topics: Medication errors

With Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Safety Alert! publications making a significant impact on preventing medication errors, the organization will soon be providing a new resource tailored to long-term care facilities.

Read More →

FDA Confirms Presence of Microbial Growth in Main Street Family Pharmacy Products

Topics: Compounding

As a result of an investigation initiated in May 2013, FDA has identified bacterial and fungal growth in products compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy of Newbern, TN. 

Read More →

'Plan B' Morning After Pill to Be Available OTC Without Age Restrictions, According to Federal Judge’s Ruling

Topics: Over the counter and Emergency contraception

A ruling by Judge Edward R. Korman, Eastern District Court of New York, will effectively make the Plan B® One-Step, or “morning after” contraceptive pill, available as an over-the-counter product with no age restrictions.

Read More →

Bills to Safeguard Medications Through National Tracking System Under Consideration in Congress

Topics: Compounding, Counterfeit drugs, and Patient safety

A bill aimed to ensure the security of pharmaceuticals in the drug supply chain has passed the United States House of Representatives. 

Read More →

FDA Announces Opportunity for Expansion of ‘Script Your Future’ Medication Adherence Program

Topics: Education

FDA has announced the availability of grant funds intended to support the National Consumers League (NCL) in expanding efforts to educate the public about medication adherence.

Read More →

FDA Allows Import of Injectable Nutritional Drugs Due to Product Shortage

Topics: Federal regulations

FDA will allow the import of injectable drugs used in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) due to a critical shortage of the products.

Read More →

Sandoz Recalls Two Lots of Methotrexate Sodium, USP Due to Particulate Matter

Topics: Patient safety

Sandoz US is voluntarily recalling two lots of methotrexate sodium, USP, 25 mg/mL, 40 mL vial injectable product because of particulate matter found during a routine test of samples. 

Read More →

NABP Testifies at US House Subcommittee Hearing Regarding Support for Federal Legislation to Distinguish Between Compounding and Manufacturing

Topics: Compounding

NABP expressed its support for federal legislation that would distinguish between compounding and manufacturing, in testimony presented at a United States House subcommittee hearing on May 23, 2013. 

Read More →

Illinois Legislature Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

Topics: Medical marijuana

Illinois would establish a four-year medical marijuana pilot program under a bill passed by the state’s Legislature and under review by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.

Read More →

Three Additional Synthetic Cannabinoids Classified as Schedule I Drugs

Topics: Controlled substances and Dea

DEA has issued a final order temporarily placing three synthetic cannabinoids into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). 

Read More →

NABP Expresses Support of Federal Legislation That Distinguishes Compounding From Manufacturing and Clarifies Regulatory Oversight

Topics: Compounding

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy ® (NABP®) has expressed its support for the Pharmaceutical Compounding Quality and Accountability Act.

Read More →

NABP’s .PHARMACY Proposal Passes Initial ICANN Evaluation

Topics: Buying medicine online and Internet pharmacy

Reaching a critical milestone in the generic Top-Level Domain (gTLD) approval process, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) application to own and operate the .PHARMACY domain suffix has passed the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) initial evaluation.

Read More →

NABP 2013-2014 Executive Committee Inaugurated at 109th Annual Meeting in St Louis, MO

Delegates to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) 109th Annual Meeting, held May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO, elected individuals to fill the president-elect, treasurer, and open member positions on the Association’s 2013-2014 Executive Committee.

Read More →

Karen M. Ryle, MS, RPh, Begins Term as NABP President During the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

Karen M. Ryle, MS, RPh, began her term as president of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP® ) during the Final Business Session of the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO. 

Read More →

Joseph L. Adams, RPh, Elected NABP President-elect at Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

Joseph L. Adams, RPh, was elected to serve as the 2013-2014 president-elect of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) during the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO. 

Read More →

Edward G. McGinley, MBA, RPh, Elected NABP Treasurer at Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

Edward G. McGinley, MBA, RPh, was elected to serve as the 2013-2014 treasurer of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) during the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO. 

Read More →

NABP Reelects James T. DeVita, RPh, to Serve as Member of Executive Committee at Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

James T. DeVita, RPh, was reelected to serve a second three-year member term, representing District 1, on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) during the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO.

Read More →

Susan Ksiazek, RPh, Elected to Serve as Member of Executive Committee at Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

Susan Ksiazek, RPh, was elected to serve a three-year member term, representing District 2, on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) during the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO.

Read More →

Gary Dewhirst, RPh, Elected to Serve as Member of Executive Committee at Association’s 109th Annual Meeting

Gary Dewhirst, RPh, was elected to serve a three-year member term, representing District 5, on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) during the Association’s 109th Annual Meeting, May 18-21, 2013, in St Louis, MO. 

Read More →

NABP Supports Federal Legislation Creating New Category of Manufacturer Under FDA Oversight, While Maintaining Board of Pharmacy Authority Over Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

In testimony presented at a United States Senate Committee Hearing, NABP expressed its support of draft legislation that would create a new category of manufacturer to include entities that engage in large-scale production of sterile non-patient-specific drugs for distribution. 

Read More →

Products Produced by The Compounding Shop Should Be Quarantined Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance, Warns FDA

Topics: Compounding

Medications produced and distributed by The Compounding Shop of St Petersburg, FL, should not be administered to patients and should be quarantined, warns FDA. 

Read More →

US Senate Committee Proposes Legislation to Create Compounding Manufacturer Category to Be Under FDA Regulation

Topics: Compounding

Federal lawmakers have drafted legislation that would create a new category of drug compounders, “compounding manufacturers,” to be regulated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Read More →

NABP Updates VAWD Criteria, Continuing Efforts to Help Secure the Integrity of US Drug Supply Chain for the Protection of Public Health

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Patient safety

To further protect the integrity of the United States drug supply chain, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) has updated the criteria for the Association’s Verified-Accredited Wholesale Distributors® (VAWD®) accreditation program. 

Read More →

Illegal Online Sellers Fuel Global Spread of Fake and Substandard Medications, International Collaboration Key in Response, Reports NABP

Topics: Buying medicine online and Internet pharmacy

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) recently issued a report emphasizing that the global distribution of counterfeit and substandard medications, fueled by illegal online sellers, demands an international response.

Read More →

Two Compounding Pharmacies Recall Sterile Products Over Sterility Assurance Concerns

Topics: Compounding

Two pharmacies have voluntarily recalled their sterile compounded products because of concerns associated with quality control processes and a lack of sterility assurance. 

Read More →

Reminder: Next DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 27

Topics: Medication collection program disposal

The next opportunity to dispose of any unneeded or unwanted medications at a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day collection site will be Saturday, April 27, 2013.

Read More →

House Committee Members Examine FDA’s Responsibilities Relative to the Meningitis Outbreak

Topics: Compounding

In a meeting last week, members of a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee stressed that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could have done more to prevent the fungal meningitis outbreak that killed 53 people and sickened hundreds in late 2012.

Read More →

FDA Reports Unsanitary Conditions at Compounding Facilities, Calls for More Regulatory Authority

Topics: Compounding

FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, reported in a recent FDA blog article that agency inspectors encountered “objectionable conditions” at 30 of the 31 sterile compounding pharmacies they recently examined.

Read More →

Dallas Drug Makers Issue Voluntary Recall for Sterile Products

Topics: Compounding

FDA is warning health care providers to quarantine and cease use of sterile drug products from ApotheCure, Inc, and NuVision Pharmacy, two Dallas, TX, facilities.

Read More →

Tennessee Bill Would Allow Non-Patient-Specific Compounding During Drug Shortages

Topics: Compounding

Tennessee lawmakers are considering legislation that would enable compounding pharmacies to create medicines without patient-specific prescriptions during drug shortages and other times when a product is not commercially available.

Read More →

Congressional Report Highlights State Challenges in Regulating Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

A report released by US Representative Ed Markey (D-MA) highlights the challenges states face in regulating compounding pharmacies and examines how the pharmacies are tracked and inspected.

Read More →

Nevada Pharmacy Recalls All Sterile Compounded Products

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

Nevada-based Green Valley Drugs has issued a voluntary recall of all lots of all its compounded, repackaged drugs because of a lack of sterility assurance. 

Read More →

FSMB Live Webcast to Explore Multi-State Licensure

Topics: Pharmacist license

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) will provide a free, live Webcast Thursday, April 18, 2013, from its Annual Meeting in Boston, MA, of a panel discussion on current trends in multi-state licensure in health care. 

Read More →

Rx Open Web Site to Provide Pharmacy Status Information During Public Health Emergencies

Topics: Patient safety

The emergency pharmacy status reporting tool operated by Rx Response now goes by an easy-to-remember name, Rx Open, with a matching URL, www.RxOpen.org.

Read More →

Fentanyl Patches Should Be Stored and Disposed of Properly to Avoid Accidental Poisonings in Children

Topics: Patient safety and Adverse drug events

Fentanyl patches should be securely stored out of the sight and reach of children and disposed of properly, advises Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Read More →

UPS Forfeits Shipping Profits from Illegal Online Drug Sellers

Topics: Diversion and Dea

United Parcel Service (UPS) agreed to forfeit $40 million in payments received from online entities illegally selling and distributing prescription drug products.

Read More →

FDA Calls for Legislation to Allow Federal Oversight of Entities Compounding Non-Patient-Specific Drugs

Topics: Compounding and Federal regulations

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for the development of legislation to establish appropriate, minimum federal standards for entities engaged in the compounding of non-patient-specific sterile drugs for interstate distribution, states FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, MD.

Read More →

Legislation to Reschedule Products Containing Hydrocodone as Schedule II Drugs Introduced to Congress

Topics: Controlled substances and Prescription drug abuse

With the aim of curbing prescription drug abuse, bipartisan legislation that would reclassify drug products containing hydrocodone as Schedule II controlled substances (CS) was introduced to Congress on March 20, 2013.

Read More →

New Jersey Compounding Pharmacy Recalls All Compounded Products Due to Mold Contamination

Topics: Compounding

Med Prep Consulting, Inc, a New Jersey-based compounding pharmacy, voluntarily recalled all lots of all its compounded products after a Connecticut hospital discovered mold particles in five bags of an intravenous solution.

Read More →

Georgia Compounding Pharmacy Recalls All Sterile Products After Eye Infections Reported

Topics: Compounding

FDA is alerting health care providers and patients of a voluntary recall of all sterile products produced and distributed by Clinical Specialties Compounding Pharmacy (CSCP) of Augusta, GA. 

Read More →

FDA Releases New Consumer Video on Acetaminophen Safety

Topics: Education, Over the counter, and Patient safety

With the arrival of allergy season, FDA has a released a new video to help educate patients about safe use of medications containing acetaminophen.

Read More →

NABP Comments on FDA Drug Shortages Strategic Plan Stress Ensuring Safety When Non-Approved Drugs Are Used

Topics: Federal regulations

To protect the public health, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should carefully consider using the exercise of enforcement discretion during drug shortages, urges NABP. 

Read More →

Legislation to Allow Foreign Mail-Order Pharmacies to Dispense to Patients in Maine Poses Danger to Public Health, Warns NABP

Topics: Counterfeit drugs and Patient safety

Stressing the potential danger to patients, NABP expressed its opposition to legislation introduced in Maine that would allow the dispensing of drugs from mail-order pharmacies located around the world.

Read More →

Former NECC Employees Reveal Compounding Facility's Conditions During 60 Minutes Segment

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

Former New England Compounding Center (NECC) employees reveal how workload and facility conditions contributed to the tragic meningitis outbreak linked to the company’s contaminated drugs in a 60 Minutes segment.

Read More →

FDA Continues Inspections of Facilities Compounding Sterile Injectable Drugs

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

Inspections of 30 entities engaged in compounding are underway by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors as part of the agency’s response to the 2012 meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated compounded injectable drugs.

Read More →

Pennsylvania Legislators Consider Bill to Establish Expanded State PMP

Topics: Diversion and Prescription drug abuse

Aimed to reduce prescription drug abuse and diversion, legislation that would establish an expanded PMP in Pennsylvania is under consideration by state lawmakers. 

Read More →

Legal Briefs: Administrative Order Not Subject to Stay

Topics: Pharmacists and Pharmacist license

The NABP membership consists of the regulatory boards regulating the profession of pharmacy. These boards are statutorily created and empowered and act in the interest of protecting the public. 

Read More →

Bill to Expand Pharmacists' Authorization to Vaccinate Passes Wyoming Senate

Topics: Pharmacists and Vaccinations

Pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate may be expanded in Wyoming under a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe and administer immunizations for individuals age seven and older.

Read More →

New York Doctor Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges of Illegally Distributing Oxycodone

Topics: Controlled substances, Diversion, and Dea

New York physician Felix Rodriguez pled guilty to the distribution of more than 1,000 oxycodone pills to individuals without legitimate medical need for the drug.

Read More →

Prescription Drug Misuse Contributes to Continued Increase in Overdose Death Rate

Topics: Prescription drug abuse

Prescription drugs were involved in 60% of drug overdose deaths, which increased for the 11th consecutive year, reports Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read More →

Federal Legislation to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse Introduced to Senate

Topics: Controlled substances and Prescription drug abuse

Aimed to address prescription drug misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths, the Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (SB 348) was reintroduced in the United States Senate.

Read More →

Institute of Medicine Recommends Actions for Fighting Substandard Drugs in the US and Globally

Topics: Buying medicine online, Diversion, and Vipps vet vipps

Cooperation among international pharmacy regulatory agencies and tightening the United States drug distribution chain would help protect global public health from substandard and falsified drugs, indicates a new report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

Read More →

April 2013 DEA Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Offers Consumers Another Opportunity for Convenient Medication Disposal

Topics: Medication collection program disposal and Dea

Consumers across the country will have another opportunity to help prevent abuse and misuse of prescription drugs by disposing of any unneeded or unwanted medications during the sixth Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

Read More →

FDA Reexamines Its Exercise of Enforcement Discretion Regarding Valid, Patient-Specific Prescriptions and Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

In a letter (PDF) to PharMEDium Services LLC, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research indicates that it will no longer exercise enforcement discretion that allowed the company to produce non-patient specific drug products for distribution to hospitals across the country. 

Read More →

Surprise Inspections in Massachusetts Result in Cease and Desist Orders to 11 Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

Partial or complete cease and desist orders were issued to 11 compounding pharmacies by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

Read More →

Another Counterfeit Cancer Medication Distributed in US, FDA Warns

Topics: Counterfeit drugs

FDA is alerting health care providers that an unapproved cancer medicine distributed by a United States company, Medical Device King (also known as Pharmalogical), is counterfeit.

Read More →

Progress Made in Implementing Recommendations Intended to Prevent Acetaminophen Overdose

Topics: Patient safety and Medication errors

Compelling progress has been made by stakeholders seeking to address the public health issue of acetaminophen overdose, indicates a white paper published by the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP).

Read More →

ISMP Publishes Survey Results on Compounding Practices

Topics: Compounding

A majority of respondents to a survey on compounding practices indicated that pharmacy technicians who work in sterile compounding should be certified or licensed. 

Read More →

New York Pharmacists’ Authority to Administer Flu Vaccinations Expanded Under Emergency Order

Topics: Vaccinations

Responding to epidemic proportions of flu in New York State, Governor Andrew Cuomo has passed emergency orders expanding pharmacists’ authority to vaccinate individuals against the illness. 

Read More →

FDA Committee Recommends Schedule II Classification for Drugs Containing Hydrocodone

Topics: Controlled substances and Prescription drug abuse

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee recommended reclassifying hydrocodone combination products as Schedule II controlled substances after a two-day meeting.

Read More →

Providers Should Ensure Only Diluted Forms of Acetic Acid are Used, ISMP Warns

Topics: Patient safety and Medication errors

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has issued a National Alert Network (NAN) notice (PDF) advising that health care organizations should take immediate steps to ensure that only diluted acetic acid solutions are used in patient care.

Read More →

USP Seeks Candidates for Expert Panel on General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding – Sterile Preparations

Topics: Pharmacists

USP is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the Pharmaceutical Compounding–Sterile Preparations Expert Panel.

Read More →

Canadian Citizen Sentenced to Four Years for Role in Internet Drug Outlet Operation

Topics: Diversion

Andrew J. Strempler, a Canadian citizen, was sentenced to four years in prison for charges related to the operation of a Web site illegally marketing and distributing prescription drugs to US residents. 

Read More →

Rx Response Offers Support for Areas Affected By Flu Outbreak

Topics: Patient safety

A spike in flu activity and limited supplies of vaccine and Tamiflu® doses across the country have prompted Rx Response to move its operations to Alert status.

Read More →

FDA Issues New Guidelines for Sleep Aids Containing Zolpidem

Topics: Adverse drug events

FDA has issued new dosing recommendations for sleep aids containing zolpidem.

Read More →

ISMP Launches Program to Track Vaccine Errors With Aim to Protect Patient Safety

Topics: Patient safety and Vaccinations

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) has launched a National Vaccine Error Reporting Program (VERP) that allows health care providers to confidentially report vaccine administration errors and near misses.

Read More →

Minnesota Board Implements Plan to Strengthen Regulation of Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

The Minnesota Board of Pharmacy, which already has strong compounding regulations and requirements in place, is in the process of considering additional requirements, some of which will require the passage of new legislation. 

Read More →

California Board of Pharmacy Sponsors Legislation Authorizing Inspection of Nonresident Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

The California State Board of Pharmacy will sponsor a bill that would allow inspectors to make unannounced on-site inspections of certain nonresident pharmacies.

Read More →

Massachusetts Governor Patrick Files Bill to Strengthen State’s Regulation of Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick will file a bill that would strengthen the state’s regulation of compounding pharmacies. 

Read More →

ASOP and Google Help Warn Consumers About Online Dangers; European Partners Join ASOP Efforts

Topics: Buying medicine online and Internet pharmacy

Google has begun running search-based advertising aimed to help educate US consumers about illegal online drug sellers.

Read More →

FDA Warns Doctors About Unapproved Drug Products, Including Botox, Purchased from Foreign Suppliers

Topics: Patient safety and Prescription

Emphasizing risks to patient safety, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has alerted more than 350 medical practices (PDF) across the country that they may have received unapproved medications.

Read More →

FDA to Hold Public Hearing on Use of Opioid Pain Medications

Topics: Patient safety and Prescription drug abuse

As FDA continues to seek a balance between minimizing opioid drug abuse and enabling the appropriate treatment of pain, the agency will hold a two-day public hearing to obtain information.

Read More →

House Bill Would Tighten Federal Regulations of Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

In an attempt to tighten federal oversight of compounding pharmacies in the wake of the meningitis outbreak, the S.A.F.E. Compounded Drugs Act of 2012 (HR 6638) was introduced in Congress.

Read More →

NECC and Ameridose Closures Intensify Drug Shortages

Topics: Compounding and Patient safety

Hospitals and medical centers that relied upon the NECC and its sister company, Ameridose LLC, are suffering shortages of antibiotics, pain medications, and other drugs.

Read More →

NABP Leads the Charge as States Tighten Ranks Around Compounding Pharmacies

Topics: Compounding, Patient safety, and Pharmacists

Supporting state board of pharmacy efforts to enforce compounding regulations, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) is implementing a four-part action plan centered around inspection of nonresident compounding pharmacies and creating an information sharing network of regulatory details...

Read More →

Microbial Contamination Found in Additional NECC Products

Additional microbial contamination has been identified in three drug products at NECC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue investigating NECC and have discovered bacteria and fungal species in unopened vials of betamethasone,...

Read More →

Grand Jury Begins Investigating NECC and Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

A federal grand jury is collecting information and evidence from people who worked with the New England Compounding Center (NECC), the pharmacy that produced contaminated steroid injections leading to a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis affecting over 540 people. The...

Read More →

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Finds Storage and Preparation Problems at Three Compounding Pharmacies

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has sent cease and desist orders to three compounding pharmacies for drug preparation and storage problems that were discovered during surprise inspections. The Boston Globe reports that the issues found at the facilities –...

Read More →