A new statewide program will allow cancer patients unable to afford or access cancer drugs to obtain medications that might otherwise go to waste. Under the program, people can donate no-longer-needed cancer drugs or supplies to a repository, allowing them to be repurposed for patients in need. The Ann Arbor-based YesRx repository establishes a network of pharmacists that can accept cancer drug donations from individuals, pharmacies, manufacturers and distributors, then re-prescribe them to cancer patients requiring the same dosage. Donors can turn in unused, unopened cancer medications and supplies, such as anti-nausea medicine, to doctors, pharmacists and other providers participating in the repository system. The medications must have at least six months left before their expiration. “The idea is to get [...]

In a statement issued Tuesday following the recent pharmacy store closures in the Kansas City area, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) said it stands with pharmacists in ensuring a safe patient care environment. "As pharmacists, we have a professional obligation through our Oath to consider the welfare of humanity and the relief of suffering as our primary concerns," APhA stated "We further commit to advocating for changes that improve patient care. Pharmacists who find themselves in situations where the welfare of others is in question should always pause, evaluate the situation, and take the steps necessary to ensure safe, optimal patient care. This is irrespective of the setting of care." APhA noted that in 2021 it convened a summit of [...]

The National Community Pharmacists Association loudly applauded a class action lawsuit filed against vertically consolidated CVS Health, Caremark and Aetna that aims to recoup millions of dollars for independent pharmacies in what the lawyers say are wrongful back-end penalties for Medicare Part D prescriptions, otherwise known as pharmacy direct and indirect remuneration fees. “It’s payback time,” said NCPA CEO B. Douglas Hoey. “Finally, community pharmacies have a chance to recover DIR fees that were unfairly taken. PBMs have been gaming the system for a long time and it’s time to turn the tables.” The lawsuit, announced today by the law firms Berger Montague PC and Cohen & Gresser LLP, claims that Caremark – the largest pharmacy benefit manager in the country and [...]

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and its advisors recommended Tuesday that everyone age 6 months and older receive at least one dose of updated COVID-19 vaccines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the updated vaccines developed by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech on Monday. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available at major pharmacies later this week. In the coming months, the guidelines are expected to include vaccines by Novavax and any others authorized by FDA; the Novavax vaccine may serve as a good alternative for individuals who cannot receive mRNA vaccines like those made by Moderna and Pfizer. According to information submitted to CDC's advisory panel, Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax intend to charge $120 to $130 per dose [...]

LANSING – The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) will host the 13th annual Medication Disposal Event on the south lawn of the Michigan Capitol Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023. The general public is encouraged to drop off their unused, unwanted or expired medications from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the medication disposal tent. Curbside drop-off will also be available on South Capitol Avenue between Michigan Avenue and Allegan Street. Held in conjunction with the MPA’s annual Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, this event allows participants to safely and responsibly dispose of medications, including controlled substances and narcotics. Those attending the event will have the opportunity to learn more about what the state and MPA are doing to curb the opioid epidemic, [...]