BOSTON — As the investigation continues into the Massachusetts compounding center identified as responsible for the meningitis outbreak that, at presstime, left at least two dozen individuals dead, defenders of the longtime practice are attempting to convince the public that compounding has a history of being safe if properly conducted. Gov. Deval Patrick said he’s
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews was the first patient to get a flu shot from a Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacist as the drug chain kicked off its annual Ontario flu vaccination campaign last month. “Getting a flu shot for Ontarians will be as easy as visiting any Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacy,” Rexall
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark Corp. has appointed Dr. Alan Lotvin executive vice president of specialty pharmacy. In this role Lotvin, who is a cardiologist with extensive experience in pharmacy benefit management and specialty pharmacy, will have overall responsibility for the company’s specialty pharmacy strategy, with a focus on identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.
NEW YORK — A hearing on the proposed $7.2 billion settlement between merchants and credit card companies has been set for November 9. Retailers and others opposed to the settlement had until October 31 to file their written objections. That is less time than many expected, but a number of retail trade organizations were quick
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and several other heath care groups are continuing their efforts to block the state of California from cutting Medi-Cal reimbursement rates. In the spring of 2011 the California legislature passed and Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 97, which included a 10% reimbursement rate cut for
NEW YORK — Kerr Drug and Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy have both teamed up with mobile pharmacy solutions provider mscripts to offer their patients the ability to manage their prescriptions from a mobile phone. The mobile apps that are being offered by the chains allow smartphone users to refill a prescription by simply scanning the QR
SEATTLE — Bartell Drugs has launched a rewards program encouraging customers to pursue healthy lifestyles. The initiative is a joint venture with EveryMove, an online program that rewards people for healthy choices. Customers who sign up for the rewards program will earn rewards such as Bartell gift cards as they track healthy lifestyle activities at
NEW YORK — A recent study showing that long-term multivitamin use may lower cancer risk among men has the nation’s two largest drug chains promoting the role they can play in helping men ensure they take the right supplements. “Our pharmacists are available to discuss vitamin options with individuals and counsel them about potential side
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. Supermarkets is lending financially pressed consumers a hand by offering free generic antibiotics at its pharmacies. The company said Monday that this month all 27 Stater Bros. Super Rx Pharmacies across Southern California will provide commonly used antibiotics at no charge, based on a 14-day eligible quantity. The offer
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has begun the rollout of Ology, which it calls the first nationally accessible and affordable brand of home products free of harmful chemicals. Due to be available nationwide this month, Ology includes baby care and personal care products and household cleaners. The drug chain said Monday that the new private
WASHINGTON — Rx Response, an initiative of the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain, is working closely with federal, state and local government agencies to address the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the supply of prescription drugs. The coalition, whose partners represent the community pharmacy, drug manufacturing and distribution, and hospital sectors and the American Red Cross
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — H.D. Smith has finalized its acquisition of Valley Wholesale Drug. The pharmaceutical distributor said Friday that under the agreement announced in mid-October, Valley Wholesale will be run as a wholly owned subsidiary of H.D. Smith. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Plans call for day-to-day operations of the subsidiary to be run
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. — Kmart parent Sears Holdings Corp. has hired Ryan Vero as senior vice president and president of grocery, drug and pharmacy. The company said Thursday that Vero, most recently executive vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer at OfficeMax, will lead Sears’ efforts to grow its in-store and online business in
DEERFIELD, Ill. — Same-store sales improved but remained on the downside at Walgreen Co. for October, with Hurricane Sandy impacting results at the end of the month. Walgreens said Monday that comparable-store sales fell 5.9% in the period through Oct. 31, better than the 11.1% decrease reported for September. The company noted that calendar day
