New Rx inhalers increase cardiac risks with COPD

Older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events with newly prescribed long-acting beta-agonists and long-acting anticholinergics. » More

Actavis to buy Warner Chilcott

Actavis Inc. announced May 20 its plans to acquire Warner Chilcott in a stock transaction deal worth approximately $8.5 billion. » More

FDA approves first generic Atacand

Sandoz has become the first company to gain FDA approval to produce a generic version of Atacand, the popular heart drug that generated an estimated 120 million in domestic sales last year.
» More

NACDS opposes TRICARE changes

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores is urging a congressional panel to reject proposals that would force military families to use mail-order services to fill prescriptions. » More

Continuing Education

Pain Management CPE: May activity available now

Welcome to our CPE series: Pain Management Considerations for Medication Therapy Management, which has been designed for pharmacists who take care of patients who need pain relief. You can earn up to 10 credits from April 2013 to August 2013 with 5 monthly knowledge-based activities and 2 credits from September 2013 to October 2013 with 2 monthly interactive online case studies.
The May activity covers pharmacology and therapeutics of pain medications, focusing on non-opioid analgesics.
To read and print the article with TEST QUESTIONS, click here. To proceed to the online exams and earn up to 2 CPE credits, click here to log in.

Third interactive case study in diabetes care

The third case study, Case Studies in Diabetes Care-Part 3, is now available, offering you an opportunity to apply diabetes management concepts from the knowledge-based diabetes series. Earn 1 hour of CPE credit for completing each individual application-based activity.

Log in: www.drugtopics.com/casestudies

To begin Part 1, click on Course Catalog ID: 2013-02-2.
To begin Part 2, click on Course Catalog ID: 2013-03-2.
To begin Part 3, click on Course Catalog ID: 2013-04-2.

Announcement: Welcome to the new user registration process. This new process requires all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to provide or update their NABP e-Profile ID in order to electronically keep track of CPE credits from ACPE-accredited providers. If you have not done so, you can obtain your NABP e-Profile ID now at www.MyCPEmonitor.net. This profile will enable you to have one login for all the NABP programs and services you will need throughout your career.

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• Bill to ban 'gray market' drug sales

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Voices

Anticoagulation Update

TAKE OUR SURVEY

Older COPD patients who receive long-acting bronchodilators should be monitored closely by healthcare providers, according to a recent report showing increased risk of cardiac events with these newly prescribed medications:

How often should COPD patients see their healthcare providers?

— At least once a month

— Every 3 months

— Every 6 months

— Once a year

— Not sure

Click Here to let us know!