Centrum 7/6  banner

August 8, 2022

You can read the full August 8 print issue of Chain Drug Review in its entirety here. In CDR’s digital editions, you can find special sections and additional pages not posted online. You will need to register, but subscription is free!

New landscape could propel Rx-to-O-T-C switches

New landscape could propel Rx-to-O-T-C switches

While the majority of consumers regularly rely on nonprescription medicines for self-care, the use of over-the-counter products intensified even further during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the start of Rx-to-O-T-C switching more than 40 years ago, many obvious switch candidates — from pain relievers like Advil to allergy meds like Claritin, Zyrtec and Flonase — have

Be wary of some state proposals for cutting drug costs

Be wary of some state proposals for cutting drug costs

It’s no surprise that states are looking for ways to reduce health care costs. Nearly 90% of American adults believe lowering out-of-pocket health care costs should be a top priority for policy makers, according to a new poll from Morning Consult. In response, many state lawmakers are working on legislation to reduce what people pay

Boosting health equity is good for business and society

Boosting health equity is good for business and society

Structural and systemic inequities have long contributed to ongoing health disparities, especially within minority communities in the United States. However, the pandemic and social unrest of the past few years have magnified the issues. For example, Latino and Black people were hospitalized with COVID-19 at a rate 2.8 times higher than white people, according to

Tech-driven innovation can make pharmacies more appealing

Tech-driven innovation can make pharmacies more appealing

When it comes to cutting-edge customer experiences, the health care industry has room for improvement. Some two in three consumers say they have had a bad patient experience with health care providers, hospitals and pharmacies. Plus, half of American consumers want greater tech involvement in their health care, an appetite that is especially strong among

Two PBM strategies cost patients billions annually

Two PBM strategies cost patients billions annually

The generic medicine manufacturing industry and chain drug stores represent the starting and end point of the pharmaceutical value chain delivering the vast majority of prescription medicines to American patients every day. In the case of the generic industry, we produce the medicines for 92% of the prescriptions that your pharmacists fill each year, however

Social media integral to Rx’s newly elevated status

Social media integral to Rx’s newly elevated status

Pharmacists, pharmacy school interns and pharmacy technicians were on the front lines, testing for COVID-19, giving shots and educating the public because U.S. retailers remained open throughout the pandemic. COVID has expanded the pharmacist primary care responsibilities. For example, the Department of Health and Human Services gave pharmacists in many states, including Massachusetts, the ability

How to hold onto increasingly finicky Rx customers

How to hold onto increasingly finicky Rx customers

The “retailization” of health care means patients can choose where they fill prescriptions. As such, they are now expecting more and tolerating less from pharmacies. In a double-blind Global Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Vision Study commissioned by Zebra, nearly one-third of patients said they have gone elsewhere for their medications after experiencing a problem with their

Digital health opens window to consumer connection

Digital health opens window to consumer connection

According to a report (“The Evolution of Self-Care”) released last year by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and IRI, 70% of Americans are prioritizing self-care practices to support their health and well-being several days a week or more. And thanks to advances in digital health technology, today’s health care consumers have the tools to

Digital landscape will be touchpoint for connection

Digital landscape will be touchpoint for connection

If you flip through history, you’ll realize that our fundamental health care needs haven’t changed since the year 1885. We still seek rest when we’re ill, feel pain when we overexert ourselves, and need guidance from experts on our health and wellness. But the tools we have to meet these perennial needs have shifted dramatically

PBMs’ outsize influence hurts the health care system

PBMs’ outsize influence hurts the health care system

The health of everyone in America who needs a prescription drug is increasingly dependent on a complex system in which pharmacy benefit managers exert an incredible amount of control. This system jeopardizes access to needed medicines and lacks meaningful competition, good reasons why the Federal Trade Commission is giving additional scrutiny. PBMs, as they are

NACDS committed to Rx as face of local care

NACDS committed to Rx as face of local care

The 2022 NACDS Total Store Expo (TSE) will serve as an accelerator toward the 90th anniversary of NACDS, which we will commemorate together in 2023. NACDS TSE serves as the ideal platform. It brings together retailers and suppliers with responsibility for diverse products and services throughout the entire store and beyond. I look forward to

PP_1170x120_10-25-21