by Toby Roberts on March 3, 2010
A Montgomery, Alabama jury last month leveled a $2.5 million fine over an incorrectly filled prescription from 2006. Reva Tosh was accidently given the steroid Decadron in place of the pain medication for her rheumatoid arthritis.
Ms. Tosh took high doses of the steroid for 28 days after which she developed Cushing’s syndrome. She suffered from mental disorders as well as physical problems that eventually confined her to a wheelchair. Her attorney maintained that the primary issue in the case was weather the ailments she suffered were due to the Cushing’s or a result of the rheumatoid arthritis that was the cause of her original prescription for pain medication.
The jury found that the Cushing’s was the cause of her current conditions and awarded Ms. Tosh $2 million for her injuries and suffering. They also awarded her husband $500,000 for the loss of his wife’s companionship.
http://www.elfpublications.com/new/news.htm
by Toby Roberts on February 19, 2010
A Massachusetts study recently found that 22 to 28 percent of medication prescriptions go unfilled by patients. The study examined electronic prescription records in two heath plans as well as pharmacy claims to check which prescriptions were filled. All patients in the study did have medical insurance.
The findings noted that 22 percent of the total of all the prescriptions went unfilled. When narrowed to only include brand new prescriptions 28 percent went unfilled. The most likely to not be picked up were pain medications with medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol also having high unfilled rates.
Researchers suggest that despite health care insurance the high cost of co-pays or out of plan prescriptions might be a problem. Others may not be filling prescriptions for chronic conditions if they don’t have outward symptoms and are not clear about the function of the medication. Researchers suggest that doctors and pharmacists work together to clearly educate patients about the need for beginning and continuing medication for chronic conditions.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE61G3QX20100217
by Toby Roberts on February 17, 2010
Surescripts electronic prescriptions implemented an overall rate reduction for their services in January of this year. The reduction is an attempt to encourage smaller pharmacies and physician groups to use electronic prescription services. The drop is estimated at a 10-15% reduction for smaller independent pharmacies. The amount of the decrease varies slightly depending on the type of software that is being used.
The service is already free for physicians and other prescribers but the company estimates that fewer than 25% of small offices make use of electronic prescriptions. Larger companies with in house IT departments have already made the switch but the majority of prescriptions are written by independent physicians and staffs. [click to continue…]
by Toby Roberts on December 18, 2009
Reports this week show that doses of the H1N1 are in high supply as pharmacy chains across the country have received increased stock. Although recent reports are that the flu strain is decreasing, officials are still urging everyone to get the vaccine and suggesting that pharmacists continue to discuss it with patients to avoid future large outbreaks.
States that have had restrictions on the vaccine are now lifting them to make it available to everyone. Some had been prioritizing health care workers, pregnant women, infants, and others with high risk of complications. Now those prioritizations are being lifted and all of the general population is being encouraged to get vaccinated.
The Department of Health and Human Services reports that traditionally interest in the seasonal flu vaccine drops around the holidays even though the flu itself tends to surge in January and February. Officials hope that a surge in H1N1 can be prevented by a renewed push to vaccinate everyone during the holiday season.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34465289/
by Toby Roberts on November 6, 2009
This week the FDA launched a program aimed at reducing the number of injuries caused by preventable medication errors. The FDA is currently working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to come up with accurate estimates of the number of deaths due to medication misuse.
A large area of concern is the possible interactions of over the counter medications. On the heels of the reexamination of the appropriate 24-hour dosages of acetometaphine, the FDA wants to focus on informing consumers of appropriate dosages and making those dosages easier to determine. New guidelines have recently been issued for medications that come with measuring devices such as cups or droppers.
The Safe Use Initiative is aimed at cutting in half the estimated 100,000 hospitalizations that occur each year from accidental and intentional misuse of medication. The hope is that by combining consumer education efforts with examination and revision of package and instructional standards the potential for misuse will drop dramatically.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/04/medication.misuse.fda/
by Toby Roberts on October 22, 2009
Union, Mo. Has just become the second town in the United States that will require a prescription for commonly used cold medications. Following in the footsteps of Washington, Mo., Union is attempting to curb the sales of cold medication to combat the town’s major problem with methamphetamine production and use.
Towns across the United States have taken action in recent years by moving medications that include pseudoephedrine, the major ingredient in methamphetamine, behind the pharmacy counters. Most require ID to buy the medications and some areas even record and limit the number of packages that individuals are allowed to buy. Oregon is the only state with a state-wide prescription requirement for pseudoephedrine medications.
Critics suggest that the move will increase health care costs and be inconvenient to those who are used to getting the items over the counter. Pharmacists in the area say they have not heard any major outcry from consumers. They note that most seem willing to put up with the inconvenience in the hope that it will curb the meth problem in their communities.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33316392
