Pharmacy

A new report from the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, led by Chairman Bill Cassidy, is calling for reforms to the 340B drug pricing program following an investigation into how covered entities utilize program revenue.  The…

A new study suggests the discontinuation of common asthma drug Flovent was linked to a higher rate of children halting inhaled steroid therapy altogether.  In January 2024, a manufacturer stopped producing Flovent, an inhaled steroid commonly prescribed to prevent asthma…

Health systems across the U.S. are implementing various strategies to manage pharmaceutical expenses while maintaining high care standards.  Below are responses from eight pharmacy leaders who were asked: As healthcare costs continue to rise, what is one strategy your pharmacy…

Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Health is building a central pharmacy service center designed to streamline operations, improve patient access and expand pharmacy services across its four hospitals and growing ambulatory network.  The 40,000-square-foot facility, set to open in January, is similar…

Pharmacists play an indispensable role in the healthcare system across a variety of settings – community pharmacies, primary care facilities, hospitals, health plans, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).  Community-based pharmacists serve as a crucial link connecting patients, healthcare providers and…

In 2024, the U.S. healthcare industry spent $6.1 billion on Pfizer’s COVID-19 therapy Paxlovid, a 6,922.8% increase from 2023 expenditure data, according to a recent study.  The research, published April 23 in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, reviewed the…

Hospitals and clinics should plan to spend 11% to 13% and 2% to 4% more, respectively, for prescription drugs in 2025 compared to last year, according to new research.  For the second consecutive year, Keytruda was the costliest drug expense…

Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke’s Health System has erected automated medication lockers at supermarkets and other locations to increase access, ABC affiliate KIVI-TV reported April 23.  To enhance access and convenience for patients, six WinCo Foods stores have installed the devices.…

Health system pharmacists and physicians are monitoring a wave of expected new drug approvals between late 2024 and third quarter of 2025.  A recent article published in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy outlines several therapies likely to have a…

Walgreens is rolling out a new education initiative to support pharmacy technicians interested in becoming pharmacists.  PharmStart is an online education program that covers the cost of prerequisite coursework requirements for eligible pharmacy technicians and other frontline Walgreens staff interested…