On January 20, 2013, NuPathe Inc of Coshohocken, PA, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Zecuity patch for the treatment of acute migraine in adult patients, with or without aura (changes in vision including blind spots, zigzag patterns, seeing flashing light and/or things that are not there, for example). Migraine [...]

December 21, 2012 – Mylan Inc. announced today that its Mylan Institutional business is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall to the retail level of three lots of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg (Lots 3037841, 3040859 and 3042573).  The three lots were manufactured by Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, and Mylan Institutional repackaged and distributed [...]

December 6, 2012 - Qualitest, a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions, (Nasdaq: ENDP) today issued a voluntary nationwide recall for 101 lots of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. This includes product with the following NDC numbers and lot numbers beginning with the letter “C”. For detailed information, please click the following link:  [...]

November 28, 2012 - On Nov. 9, 2012, Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals informed its customers of a voluntary recall of certain lots of the company’s 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg dosage strengths of atorvastatin tablets.  The lots of atorvastatin, packaged in bottles of 90 and 500 tablets, are being recalled due to possible contamination with very small glass particles [...]

Greenstone LLC, of Peapack, NJ, has announced that on November 1, 2012, it began shipping its generic version of the drug Arthrotec (diclofenac sodium with misoprostol tablets), indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in patients at high risk of developing NSAID-induced gastric and duodenal ulcers and their [...]

November 23, 2012 – Atorvastatin pills, the generic version of the drug Lipitor, will be recalled due to possible glass contamination, its Indian manufacturer announced. Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd., India’s largest pharmaceutical company, said Friday small particles of glass, less than 1 millimeter (.039 inch) in size, may be in select batches of 10 milligram, 20 [...]

Reckitt Benckiser announced in September 2012 plans to discontinue Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone combination) in sublingual tablet formulation during the next 6 months. Information available on the Suboxone website recommends that patients replace the tablet formulation with the sublingual film, designed to dissolve under the tongue. The manufacturer cites several reasons for the change, including improved child-safety [...]

Background Lidoderm® (lidocaine Patch 5%) is a pain medication that has become a popular option for Injured Workers.  It is currently the best-selling product for its developer, Endo Pharmaceuticals. While a popular option, Lidoderm® is also an expensive option at this time.  This will likely change in the near future.  A recent lawsuit was settled, [...]

September 12, 2012 – Qualitest, a subsidiary of Endo Health Solutions,issued a voluntary, nationwide retail level recall for one lot of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. Bottles from the affected lot may contain tablets that have a higher dosage of acetaminophen, and as a result, it is possible that consumers could [...]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers and health care professionals about a counterfeit version of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ Adderall 30 milligram tablets that is being purchased on the Internet. Adderall, which is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and narcolepsy, is a prescription drug classified as a controlled substance – [...]

On May 16th, Aurobindo Pharma Limited, based in Hyderabad, India, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved their generic equivalent to Combivir tablets, a GlaxoSmithKline product.  Lamivudine/Zidovudine 150mg/300mg  tablets, a combination of two nucleoside analogues, is indicated in combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of  HIV-1 infection. HIV infection can travel [...]

April 12, 2012 – FDA announces shortage of esomeprazole delayed release powder for oral suspension: Esomeprazole (Nexium) For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension (Initial Posting Date) – 4/10/2012 Company:  AstraZeneca, 1-800-236-9933 Product:  10 mg packets, unit: dose packages of 30 (NDC 0186-4010-01) Reason:  NEXIUM (esomeprazole) For Delayed-Release Oral Suspension, 10mg, is Out of Stock. Product will be [...]

March 1, 2012 -Mylan Inc. announced on February 29, 2012, that its subsidiary, Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., has launched Escitalopram Tablets USP, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg, the first equivalent product to Forest Laboratories’ Lexapro®, which is used for acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and acute treatment of generalized anxiety [...]

February 22, 2012 -The following are some of the drug shortage announcements made today by the FDA which may impact the Workers’ Compensation world.   Please note that the injectables (i.e. bupivicaine, lidocaine) are typically used for in-office pain procedures such as trigger point injections.  Butorphanol is usually sent home with the patient for self injection [...]

February 15, 2012 – Acorda Therapeutics of Hawthorne, NY, announced this week that it has partnered with Watson Pharma to launch an authorized generic version of its Zanaflex® (tizanidine) capsules. Tizanidine is indicated for the treatment of muscle spasticity. Tizanidine is considered to have a short duration of action, to it is suggested that doses [...]

February 13, 2012 -  In December 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval to Endo Pharmaceuticals for their new, crush-resistant formulation of the long-acting opioid analgesic, Opana ER (extended release oxymorphone).  Newark, DE, based Endo developed the new formulation in partnership with Gruenthal. The new formulation, which utilizes the proprietary INTAC™ technology [...]

February 10, 2012 -Parsippany, NJ, based Watson Pharmaceuticals has announced that it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the first generic version of the extended release opioid analgesic Kadian (morphine sulfate ER). This Schedule II controlled-substance drug is indicated for the management of constant, moderate to severe pain for an extended [...]

February 9, 2012 – Rhodes Pharmaceutical, a specialty pharmaceutical company located in Coventry, RI, announced that they have received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for their generic version of Purdue Pharma’s long-acting opioid analgesic, Ryzolt (tramadol hydrochloride extended release). The product is now available in 100mg, 200mg and 300mg strength tablets. Tramadol HCl [...]

February 8, 2012 – Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. announces a shortage on the following products due to a manufacturing delay: OPANA ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets CII 10 mg NDC 63481-674-70 OPANA ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets CII 20 mg NDC 63481-617-70 OPANA ER (oxymorphone hydrochloride) Extended-Release Tablets CII 30 mg NDC 63481-571-70 OPANA ER (oxymorphone [...]

February 8, 2012 – Covidien has announced a shortage on the following due to raw material issues.  Covidien has all presentations on back order with an estimated release date of February, 2012. 50 mg oral tablets 100 count (NDC 00406-1170-01) 30 count (NDC 00406-1170-03) Covidien 1-800-325-8888

January 30, 2012 – Endo Pharmaceuticals Announces Potential for Short Supply of Pain Medicines Endo Pharmaceuticals back on January 9th, as a result of a temporary shut-down of Novartis Consumer Health Inc.’s Lincoln, Neb., manufacturing facility, there will be a short-term supply constraint of OPANA® ER.  The company also announced certain other Endo analgesic products manufactured [...]

November 22, 2011 – Watson Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Corona, CA, announced on November 11th that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for a generic version of Kadian.  This long-acting morphine sulfate preparation is indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain requiring around-the-clock [...]

September 15, 2011 – Generic versions of the brand name drug, Keppra XR, are being launched this month by both Watson Laboratories and Lupin Ltd.  And both companies have begun shipping their products. Both companies are producing AB rated versions of levetiracetam in 500mg and 750mg strengths.  Levetiracetam is indicate for the adjunctive therapy to [...]

September 15, 2011 – Johnson & Johnson obtained approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the long-acting version of tapentadol, Nucynta ER.  The medication is designed to be taken twice daily for the control of moderate to severe chronic pain in adults when a continuous, 24-hour opioid analgesic is needed for an [...]

September 15, 2011 – The US FDA has issued a warning stating that citalopram hydrobromide, an antidepressant sold generically and under the brand name Celexa, should not be administered at doses over 40 mg per day, because it can trigger abnormal electrical activity in the heart, leading to potentially fatal heart rhythm problems (including Torsade [...]

June 24, 2011 – Endo Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary nationwide consumer level recall of Endocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen, USP) Tablets, 10 mg/325 mg 100 count bottles, NDC 60951-712-70, Lot # 402415NV and #402426NV. One bottle from each lot of Endocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen, USP) Tablets, 10 mg/325 mg, Lot # 402415NV and # 402426NV, NDC 60951-712-70, 100 count bottles, [...]

June 24, 2011 – Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued a voluntary nationwide retail level recall of Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP, 50mg/325mg/40mg, and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 7.5mg/500mg. This recall was initiated because an individual bottle of Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine Tablets USP, 50mg/325mg/40mg, 500 counts was found incorrectly labeled with a Hydrocodone Bitartrate [...]

April 19, 2011 – Johnson & Johnson on Thursday announced a recall of 57,000 bottles of the prescription anti-seizure medication Topamax following consumer complaints of an “uncharacteristic odor.” Johnson & Johnson says the recall represents two lots of the Topamax 100 mg tablets made by its Ortho-McNeil Neurologics division. The affected drugs were shipped and [...]

March 17, 2011 – Morphine/naltrexone extended-release capsules did not meet stability requirement; will be unavailable for “many months.” King Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that a voluntary recall of all dosage forms of Embeda (morphine/naltrexone) extended-release capsules from U.S. wholesalers and retailers. King reported that Embeda did not meet a pre-specified stability requirement during routine testing. Based [...]

February 12, 2011 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Viibryd (vilazodone HCl) oral tablets to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.  Viibryd is included in a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).  Viibryd is made by PGX Health, a New Haven, CT company, and is expected [...]

February 11, 2011 – Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. of Fort Lee, N.J. has announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of their new, atypical antipsychotic medication, Latuda, for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.  Latuda will contain a boxed warning alerting prescribers to an increased risk of death associated with off-label use of atypical [...]

February 10, 2011 – Menlo Park, CA, based DepoMed announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their once daily postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) treatment, Gralise (gabapentin). PHN is the pain following the healing of the rash associated with shingles (herpes zoster). FDA has granted Gralise Orphan Drug status. Gralise is to be [...]

February 9, 2011 – Qualitest Pharmaceuticals has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10mg / 500mg, NDC 0603-3888-20, 60 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A, and Phenobarbital Tablets, USP 32.4 mg, NDC 0603-5166-32, 1000 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A. An individual bottle of Hydrocodone Bitartrate and [...]

February 8, 2011 – In an effort to make prescription pain relieving medications safer for people to use, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is asking manufacturers that produce prescription combination products containing acetaminophen (APAP) to limit the dosage to 325 mg per capsule or tablet in order to help prevent liver toxicity. Acetaminophen [...]

January 13, 2011 – After some isopropyl alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs and alcohol swab sticks were found to have potential Bacillus cereus contamination, The Triad Group has announced a voluntary recall.  The company stresses that both its Sterile and Non-sterile marked products form part of this recall.  The company added: “We are, out of [...]

January 12, 2011 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Abstral (fentanyl) sublingual tablets to manage breakthrough pain in opioid tolerant adults with cancer.  Fentanyl immediate-release transmucosal medications are administered on the soft surfaces of the mouth (inside of the cheek, gums, under the tongue), or the nasal passages or throat where [...]

January 11, 2011 – Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical company, announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Amturnide tablets for the treatment of high blood pressure.  Amturnide combines the only approved direct renin inhibitor worldwide, Tekturna® (aliskiren), with the widely used calcium channel blocker amlodipine and the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Amturnide is approved [...]

December 23, 2010 – CNS Therapeutics announced the FDA approval of Gablofen® (baclofen injection) for use in the management of severe spasticity.  Gablofen is a new, easy-to-administer intrathecal baclofen treatment option.  Severe spasticity is a movement disorder affecting more than 500,000 patients in the U.S. alone and may be brought on by multiple sclerosis, cerebral [...]

December 6, 2010 – Anchen Pharmaceuticals in Irvine, California, announced that they have received final approval to market a generic version of Ambien® CR in the 12.5mg strength. A generic version in the lower 6.25mg strength was approved earlier this year and is marketed by Actavis.  Anchen was the first company to file a substantially [...]

September 13, 2010 – Nautilus Neurosciences, Inc., a neurology-focused specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in New Jersey, announced that CAMBIATM (diclofenac potassium for oral solution) is now available in the United States for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults 18 years of age and older.  CAMBIA was approved by the U.S. [...]

November 22, 2010 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has requested that propoxyphene, sold under the brand names Darvon® and Darvocet® by Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, be removed from the US market.  The decision will also affect generic manufacturers and the makers of propoxyphene-containing products.  A withdrawal is currently underway in Europe. Propoxyphene, [...]

November 17, 2010 -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Cymbalta (duloxetine hydrochloride) to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, including discomfort from osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain.  Cymbalta, manufactured by Eli Lilly, was first used to treat major depressive disorder in 2004.  Since its initial approval, about 30 million patients in the United States [...]

November 16, 2010 – Actavis, a pharmaceutical company in Morristown, NJ, is expanding its previously announced voluntary recall of 18 lots of Fentanyl Transdermal System 25 mcg/hour C-II patches, by encouraging consumers to return any product in their possession which were included in the October 21, 2010 recall. Consumers with Actavis 25 mcg/h Fentanyl patches [...]

October 20, 2010 – Alkermes, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VIVITROL® (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) for the prevention of relapse to opioid dependence, following opioid detoxification. VIVITROL is the first and only non-narcotic, non-addictive, once-monthly medication approved for the treatment of opioid dependence, a condition estimated [...]

October 19, 2010 – AnabotulinumtoxinA, a botox injection for people who experience migraine headaches on most days of the month – known as chronic migraine – has been approved in the USA by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as prophylactic (preventive) treatment.  Botox and Botox Cosmetic – the brand names for OnabotulinumtoxinA – are [...]

October 18, 2010 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about the possible risk of atypical thigh bone (femoral) fracture in patients who take bisphosphonates, a class of drugs used to prevent and treat osteoporosis.  A labeling change and Medication Guide will reflect this risk (though they will not apply [...]

October 13, 2010 - Actavis Elizabeth LLC received final FDA approval and launched their generic equivalent of Sanofi-Aventis’ Ambien® CR tablets.  Actavis attained approval for the 6.25mg strength in the 100 count size.  They are in the process of finalizing their official press release at this time, although the product is already available at wholesalers. Zolpidem [...]

September 15, 2010 – The Anesthetic and Life Support Drugs Advisory Committee, which advises the FDA on whether to approve new drugs or alter their indications, has voted 8-6 in favor of expanding pain indications for Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl), an Eli Lilly product.  The Committee’s decision is pending FDA approval although the FDA has historically [...]

September 14, 2010 – Victory Pharma of Cary, NC, announced that it launched Rybix ODT (tramadol HCl, orally disintegrating tablets) this June and it is indicated for the management of moderate to moderately severe pain in patients less than 16 years of age. Rybix ODT is an immediate release opioid analgesic available in 50mg dosage [...]

September 13, 2010 – MonoSol Rx, the developers of PharmFilm® technology and a drug delivery company specializing in film pharmaceutical products, has announced that its partner, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (LSE: RB), has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market Suboxone® (buprenorphine [...]

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada February 5, 2013 www.ncpdp.org    

The Boston Marriot Cambridge Boston, Massachussetts February 27-28, 2013 www.wcrinet.org

Los Angeles Sheraton Gateway Hotel February 28-March 1, 2013 Los Angeles, California Oakland Marriot City Center March 4-5, 2013 Oakland, California www.dir.ca.gov  

JW Marriot Desert Springs Hotel Palm Desert, California March 20-21, 2013 www.siia.org

 The 2013 National Rx Drug Abuse Summit will focus on ways we can make an impact in the fight against prescription drug abuse Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate Orlando, Florida April 2-4, 2012 www.nationalrxdrugabusesummit.org  

Los Angeles Convention Center Los Angeles, California April 21-24, 2013 www.rims.org

Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Phoenix, Arizona May 5-9, 2013 www.ncpdp.org  

Rancho Bernardo Inn San Diego, California May 19-22, 2013 www.natcouncil.com  

PRIMA’s hotel block for the 2013 Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida, will open in January. Tampa, Florida June 3-6, 2012 www.primacentral.org

The Ritz Carlton Naples, Florida   July 8-16, 2013 www.florida.rims.org

Hyatt Regency Austin Austin, Texas July 14-17, 2013  www.aascif2013.com    

Hyannis, Cape Cod, Massachusetts July 16-18, 2012 www.seak.com    

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Anaheim, California July 17-19, 2013 www.ccwcworkcomp.org  

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa Anaheim, California July 17-19, 2013 www.ccwcworkcomp.org

Marriot Marquis Hotel San Antonio, Texas July 24-26, 2013 www.wcconf.org

Tuscany Suites Hotel Las Vegas, Nevada August 15-16, 2013 http://www.iwcf.us/iwcfevents.html

Orlando World Center Marriot Orlando, Florida August 19-22, 2013 www.fwciweb.org

Austin Renaissance Hotel Austin, Texas September 12-13, 2013 Renaissance Dallas-Richardson Hotel Dallas, Texas October 21-22, 2013  

St. Regis Hotel Dana Point, California  October 1-4, 2013  www.cwriskconference.org  

Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Nevada November 2-6, 2013 www.selfinsuranceconference.com

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center Galveston, Texas November 10-13, 2013  www.texasprima.org  

Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada November 20-22, 2013  www.wcconference.com  

Migraine headaches in workers’ compensation are often associated with injury to the head, vertebrae of the neck (cervical region of the spine), and rarely as a result of injury to the shoulder.  Migraine headaches can cause a throbbing or pulsating pain felt in the whole head or just on one side and may cause extreme [...]

By the late 1990s, at least 20 states passed new laws, regulations, or policies moving from near prohibition of opioids to use without dosing guidance, based on weak science put forth by pain specialists, advocacy groups and drug company marketers that suggested addiction was not common.  Since then, numerous studies have been conducted by state [...]

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “During the past 20 years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States.  In 2010, no state had a prevalence of obesity less than 20%.  Thirty-six states had a prevalence of 25% or more; 12 of these states (Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, [...]

The latest report from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has been released and here are some of the key findings: Claim frequency for workers’ compensation injuries increased by 3% in 2010, countering an average decline of 4.3% per year since 1990. Pharmacy accounts for 19% of workers’ comp medical expenses, the highest percent [...]

ScripNet’s Gary Daly interviews Jonathan Bow during this year’s STRIMA Conference in Lexington, Kentucky and plans for next year’s Conference in Austin, TX. Q.  Gary:  Jonathan, as STRIMA President Elect and host of next year’s STRIMA conference I wanted to get your thoughts about how this year’s conference went and what your  plans are for hosting [...]

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) worked with the Texas Legislature on House Bill 528, to allow Insurance Carriers or their authorized agents who are working with a pharmacy informal or involuntary network, to continue to utilize contractual agreements with those networks that reimburse health care providers for pharmaceutical services, given [...]

California’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) recently published draft regulations for paper billing and eBilling of workers’ compensation medical and pharmacy claims (Labor Code sections §§ 4603.4, 4603.5 and 5307.3). The proposed rules are presented in “Workers’ Compensation Medical Billing and Payment Guide 2010” and are open to stakeholder comment. Implementation of the new paper [...]

by Nina Smith-Garmon, SVP & GM, Mitchell Workers’ Compensation Solutions Although workers’ compensation, as an industry, has been in place for well over 25 years, it continues to evolve and continues to create opportunities for service providers. For Mitchell, the opportunity started with the SmartAdvisor Bill Review System and has gone well beyond. Over the [...]

The State of Nevada is in a very unique situation. Although like most states it is faced with rising medical utilization and drug costs, Nevada also has a 4.2% annual increase in its Worker’s Compensation Fee Schedule, invasive back surgery rates (cervical & lumbar fusion) that have run three to four times higher than the [...]

Who: The Association of Governmental Risk Pools (AGRiP) was organized in late 1998 as a membership organization for public entity risk and benefits pools in North America. It is a successor to the Pooling Section that operated for nearly 20 years under the Public Risk Management Association. As the recognized authority on and resource for [...]

NCCI published the results of a Workers Compensation Prescription Drug Study in their January 2011 Research Brief that documents a dramatic increase in both the proportion of drug dollars and the price of drugs that are dispensed by physicians.  The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reported that 22% of prescriptions in Illinois were physician-dispensed and [...]

With the price and utilization of workers’ compensation prescription drugs continuing to rise, employers are looking for ways to contain costs.  Employers generally have three options for their workers’ compensation insurance coverage, including: private Insurance Carriers, State Funds, (although they are only offered in 26 states), and Self Insurance for both individual employers and group [...]

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) is proposing to amend 28 Texas Administrative Codes regarding Medical Bill Reporting and have accepted comments from various companies and industry groups that are affected (Insurance Carriers, PBMs, Billing & Collection Services).  The new rules would codify existing reporting requirements and prescribe new reporting requirements for [...]

ScripNet’s VP of Sales Gary Daly, MA and Clinical Pharmacist Michael Giusani, R.Ph., recently authored an article for Case in Point Magazine.  To read the full article go to:  www.dorlandhealth.com/case_management/cip_magazine/Medication-Reconciliation-Securing-Proper-Drug-Treatment_1709_p2.html. Here are some paragraphs to preview the article: According to The Joint Commission’s Journal on Quality and Patient Safety, more than 40 percent of medication [...]

Traumatic head, neck and back injuries are frequently associated with severe pain that require strong medication.  Opioids, such as Oxycontin and Actiq, are being prescribed more frequently by physicians to relieve pain in the initial (acute) stages that follow an accident.  But how long can patients take these drugs without the risk of dependence and [...]

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that employees 65 years of age and older increased 101% between 1977 and 2007, compared to 59% for all employment (16+).   Based on the increase in the retirement age, removal of the earnings cap on Social Security, changes in company pension plans, the baby boom bubble, the collapse [...]

Automation of pharmacy claims has enabled self-insured employers and insurance companies to more effectively manage workers compensation pharmacy benefits, helping to curb pharmacy price increases and excess medical utilization and control medical spending.  According to the Journal of Health Affairs, overall pharmacy expenditures in the United States were approximately $237 billion in 2007, increasing at [...]

Reprinted from DRUG BENEFIT NEWS - biweekly news, data and business strategies for health plans, PBMs and pharmaceutical companies. The long-familiar Rx and OTC (over-the-counter) classifications could someday have company. The FDA held a public meeting Nov. 14 to discuss the feasibility of establishing a third “behind-the-counter” (BTC) category of drugs, a concept that health plans [...]

What is the expected growth of the generics market in the near future? According to IMS Health, the generic industry is growing at more than 7%, a pace that is faster than the world pharmaceutical market. Fueling continued growth will be the strong utilization of generics through the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D), an [...]

To help employers control the escalating costs of prescriptions for employees out on workers’ compensation, CIGNA today announced the new Workers’ Compensation Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) Solution. This integrated program is designed to reduce workers’ compensation pharmaceutical costs by as much as 75 percent. “By pairing CIGNA Pharmacy Management’s (CPM’s) recognized low net cost and [...]

Several years into its contract with ScripNet, the Texas Association of Counties has seen savings reach more than $250,000 in one year, mainly from the utilization of network pharmacies and the paperless, hassle-free environment The paper-based system originally being used by many of ScripNet’s clients was inefficient and expensive, says Sponer. Swift electronic reporting and [...]

It’s three down and two to go for Las Vegas-based Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), ScripNet.  The seven-year-old PBM has thrice made the cut for Inc. magazine’s 500 fastest growing privately-owned companies, putting them just two rankings away from the glossy’s Hall of Fame archive. The repeat rankings, which for alumni like ScripNet are based on [...]

What do a prescription-drug processor and an online shoe store have in common? Both Las Vegas-area enterprises were among the top 25 companies making Inc. magazine’s list of the 500 fastest-growing privately held companies. Las Vegas-based ScripNet, which is in its third year on the magazine’s list, works with 3,500 nationwide pharmacies to provide insurance [...]

Texas Mutual partnered with ScripNet to launch the program. ScripNet, which provides pharmacy managed care services exclusively to workers’ compensation insurance carriers, has a network of 2,400 pharmacies in Texas, and more than 40,000 nationwide. See the story at: http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2003/01/13/daily56.html