Prescirption Drug Thefts are Increasing

The Associate Press reports that thefts of large lots of prescription drugs is increasing.

Pharmaceutical heists in the U.S. have quadrupled since 2006, a coalition of industry and law enforcement estimates. And experts say the reasons include spotty security and high drug prices that can make such thefts extremely lucrative.

Vitamin D Supplements for Infants

New research is indicating the need for Vitamin D supplements for infants.

Personally, I take Vitamin D supplements and strongly encourage others to do it.

Prescription Disposal

Cape Cod is another community reconsidering how prescription drugs are disposed. The community depends upon a single water source. Contamination of the water supply is carefully monitored.

We must reach a better solution for disposal of prescription drugs across the nation. Disturbing reports of their effects on amphibians and fish should be enough to convince stakeholders of the necessity of action.

Wisconsin Prescription Drug Law

Wisconsin lawmakers are attempting to rid a 1939 law requiring a minimum mark-up on wholesale prescription drug prices. If passed, this will allow large companies like Wal-Mart and Target to sell prescriptions at a steep discount.

Community pharmacists are fighting this law hard.

The American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010

The Senate passed the American Workers, State and Business Relief Act of 2010. If signed into law, this bill will extend Medicare reimbursement rates at their current level and extend for 6 months a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage.

This bill will probably have effects on DME accreditation as well. I will link to information on that shortly.

Newsletter Reminder

Reminder: Email me your address if you want to receive my newsletter but currently are not on the mailing list.

The newsletter is a great resource for health professionals.

Fish Oil Supplement Problems

ABC News reports that fish oil supplements have PCB contaminants.

According to California law, people should not be exposed to more than 90 nanograms of this carcinogen a day. But the results of the activists' tests showed three of the 10 -- Nature Made Cod Liver Oil, and Now Foods' Salmon Oil and Double Strength Cod Liver Oil -- contained much more than that.

Nice Article

Here is a nice article from the New York Times on the struggles that independent pharmacies have against chain pharmacies.

It highlights the extra mile that these pharmacists will go to ensure their patients' health and happiness.

Prescription Disposal Assistance During Earth Week

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is working to promote proper prescription drug disposal this Earth Week.

This press release explains some of the details.

Proper prescription drug disposal is a benefit to the environment and community.