Prescription Drug News and Research

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Compound found in the peels of citrus fruit can potentially lower cholesterol more effectively than prescription drugs

A compound found in the peels of citrus fruit has the potential to lower cholesterol more effectively than some prescription drugs, and without side effects, according to a study by U.S. and Canadian researchers.

11 May 2004

CMS proposed rule that would increase payments to acute care hospitals

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a proposed rule that would increase payments to acute care hospitals for inpatient services in fiscal year 2005

11 May 2004

SWHR urges women to learn about their unique health issues

Cardiovascular disease kills 50,000 more American women than men each year and women who smoke are more likely than men to develop two of the worst types of lung cancer. National Women's Health Week is May 9-15 and the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) urges women to learn how their unique biological makeup affects the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these and many other diseases.

8 May 2004

Call for consumers to legally and safely import prescription drugs

In testimony before the Department of Health and Human Services Drug Importation Task Force, CVS/pharmacy Chairman, President and CEO Tom Ryan called on Congress and the Administration to quickly establish a means for consumers to legally and safely import prescription drugs.

8 May 2004

Differing views on discount drug pricing

Medicare drug discount cards are now available for purchase. The US government estimates, the cards could save seniors as much as 25 percent of their prescription drug costs. According to a Harvard study

8 May 2004

HHS pushes Medicare-approved drug discount cards on mothers day

This year for Mother's Day, HHS Secretary Thompson urges families to give their mothers who are Medicare beneficiaries the gift of savings on prescription drugs by helping them pursue Medicare-approved drug discount cards.

7 May 2004

Crime & prescription drug use in Australia

Research regarding the illicit use of prescription drugs in the Northern Territory and how this compares to other Australian states is the focus of the next presentation of Charles Darwin University’s Faculty of Education, Health and Science 2004 Seminar Program.

7 May 2004

Medicare says drug discount program shows savings up to 17 percent for brand name drugs

The first analysis comparing the Medicare-approved drug discount cards with the current prices for prescription medicines shows savings of at least 10 to 17 percent for brand name drugs and far larger savings for generic drugs

6 May 2004

Study finds problems in medication prescribing for vulnerable older patients

Older patients at risk of decline and death do not receive recommended medication to treat their chronic health problems about half of the time, according to a study issued by researchers from the RAND Corporation and UCLA.

4 May 2004

America’s Health Insurance Plans to provide drug discount cards to Medicare beneficiaries

Karen Ignagni, President and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), made the following statement regarding HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson's announcement today of the start of the prescription drug card program:

3 May 2004

Pharmacy Care Alliance set to begin marketing to Medicare beneficiaries

The Pharmacy Care Alliance today announced that it received approval from Medicare to begin education, outreach and enrollment activities for its Medicare-approved drug discount card on May 3.

3 May 2004

Medicare drug discount cards now available

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today that seniors and people with disabilities who receive Medicare can now begin to compare and choose the Medicare-approved drug discount card that best fits their needs in providing savings on their prescription medicines.

3 May 2004

76 percent of Medicare beneficiaries believe the Medicare drug discount cards are a good idea

According to a survey commissioned by the Pharmacy Care Alliance, a large majority-76 percent-of Medicare beneficiaries without prescription drug coverage polled believe the Medicare drug discount cards are a good idea and will help them save money.

2 May 2004

New medicare website shows inaccurate pricing

The new Medicare Web site with comparative prescription drug pricing contains inaccurate, erroneous information, sponsors of drug discount cards said on Friday. Companies offering the cards said the government and its contractor had posted inaccurate data just hours after the web site launch.

1 May 2004

FDA updates Zelnorm labeling a treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced the addition of new risk information to the health professional labeling for Zelnorm (tegaserod maleate). Zelnorm is a prescription medication for the short-term treatment of women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) whose primary bowel symptom is constipation.

30 Apr 2004

New bladder control device for women

An estimated one-third of all women experience it at some point and few are willing to talk about it, but urinary incontinence affects more than 15 million Americans and 1.5 million Canadians. Now, thanks to the innovative patent of a pelvic floor muscle trainer for at-home use, women can take control of the problem.

29 Apr 2004

Medicare triples customer phone support

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. today announced that Medicare has more than tripled the number of customer service representatives available through its toll-free information line, 1-800-MEDICARE, which also received a record number of calls on Monday.

28 Apr 2004

Education campaign to inform people with Medicare about the new prescription drug savings

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced today the beginning of a comprehensive education campaign to inform people with Medicare about the new prescription drug savings available to them through Medicare-approved drug discount cards.

28 Apr 2004

New standard may minimize the risks and exaggerated benefits of medications

Pharmaceutical ads marketed directly to the consumer may minimize the risks and exaggerate the benefits of medications, often confusing the public about what drugs are most effective, but Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) researchers have found a remedy.

28 Apr 2004

Anti-counterfeiting coalition supports Giuliani to protect public from fake drugs

The Partnership for Safe Medicines, a nonprofit coalition of more than 40 healthcare and anti-counterfeiting groups, today expressed support for Mayor Giuliani and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to educate Americans about the dangers of buying medicines from unknown, foreign sources and to tighten the rules for the distribution and sale of prescription drugs in the United States.

26 Apr 2004