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The article focuses on the efforts by various states to address high prescription drug costs through the establishment of Prescription Drug Affordability Boards (PDABs). Topics include the legal challenges faced by Colorado's PDAB for setting reimbursement limits, the broader trend of states implementing similar boards to control drug prices, and the significant impact of drug costs on patients' health and financial well-being.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) using viral nucleic acids to predict community viral outbreaks has many challenges, including interferences from the wastewater matrix. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) monitoring of pharmaceutically active compounds, such as antivirals and over-the-counter drugs commonly used to relieve the symptoms of infection, could complement information provided by molecular techniques. For instance, residues of drugs associated with managing Covid-19 symptoms, including azithromycin, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and lopinavir, have been detected in influent wastewater. A significant correlation can be observed between the total of Covid-19-related drugs detected and the 5-day rolling averages of reported cases. Spikes in acetaminophen concentrations can also be observed a couple of weeks before a spike in SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies in wastewater, suggesting that over-the-counter analgesic concentrations in raw sewage may be used to complement viral RNA data as an early-warning system for effective management of viral outbreaks at the community level. Sample preparation and analysis of pharmaceuticals in wastewater present unique challenges and are discussed in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article evaluates the RiVive nasal spray from Harm Reduction Therapeutics used for emergency treatment, and swiftly reversing opioid overdose effects.

The fingerprint region in mid-infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy, typically between 300 to 1900 cm-1, is used to characterize molecules by utilizing their vibrational and rotational changes in this region. In this study, a smaller subset of this Raman spectral region was evaluated for its significance in characterizing pharmaceutical products. This narrower region from 1550 to 1900 cm-1 in the Raman spectrum will further be defined as the "fingerprint in the fingerprint" region. A spectral evaluation was conducted on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and pharmaceutical drug products. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed on these products to gain an understanding of this spectral region. The qualitative results showed no Raman spectral signals in this region for any of the common excipients. Additionally, all APIs evaluated had unique Raman vibrations and spectral signals in this region. This data indicates that the 1550-1900 cm-1 Raman spectral region is ideal for API identity testing. Furthermore, the data indicate the potential of this spectral region for differentiation and classification of API content in different strengths of a given drug product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document titled "Help Patients Manage Cold and Flu Symptoms" provides recommendations for managing cold and flu symptoms using over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The document emphasizes the importance of considering patients' disease states, medication regimens, and other OTC drugs being used when making recommendations. It also provides information on commonly used ingredients in cough and cold products, as well as special considerations for patients with hypertension, pain management, pregnancy, and children. The document concludes with recommendations for various OTC products for cough, cold, allergy, gastrointestinal, and lactose intolerance symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents questions and answers related to dietary supplements for urologic conditions including how pervasive the pharmaceutical supplement industry in the U.S. is, significance of the over-the-counter dietary supplement industry for the urologic field, and advice for practicing urologists regarding dietary supplements.

The article focuses on the affordability of prescription drugs, highlighting that about three in 10 adults have not taken their medications as prescribed due to cost concerns. The survey by KFF reveals that this issue is particularly significant for individuals taking four or more prescriptions and those with household incomes below $40,000.

The article focuses on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' decision to cover the nonprescription Narcan nasal spray at no cost to members in Massachusetts as part of their commitment to addressing the rising opioid overdose deaths in the state. Opioid deaths have increased by 15% from 2020 to 2021 and the FDA recently approved Narcan for over-the-counter use, with a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a package of two.

The article reports on the drug approval granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to norgestrel, manufactured by HRA Pharma, as the first nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) daily oral contraceptive. It states the safety and efficacy of norgestrel for preventing pregnancies. It also cautions about the common adverse effects of norgestrel and its contraindication in patients with breast cancer or history of breast cancer.

The article discusses U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of Harm Reduction Therapeutics' nonprescription RiVive (naloxone) nasal spray for emergency opioid overdose treatment. Topics include the company's commitment of supplying free doses to communities in need, the cost of production and plans to offer some doses for free, and the ongoing issue of drug overdose in the United States.

The article focuses on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the nonprescription contraceptive Opill (norgestrel), making it the first daily oral contraceptive available in the United States without a prescription. Topics discussed include Opill's composition, availability, pricing information, public support for nonprescription contraceptives, medical organizations' endorsements, and the FDA's approval process.

Does a potential interaction with antipyretics vary with different vaccine types (mRNA vs non-mRNA vaccines)? In its response, the manufacturer indicated the following:[7] Pre-vaccination: There are no robust clinical data on how pre-treatment use of antipyretics affects COVID-19 vaccine-induced antibody responses.[7] Post-vaccination: There is no clinical evidence that the use of antipyretics post-vaccination has a negative effect on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy.[7] During the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine clinical trial program, antipyretics were recommended post-vaccination for symptom relief as necessary. [Extracted from the article]

In this article author talks about mental health disorder in the U.S. Topics include considered that the antipsychotic medication landscape evolves several opportunities that are emerging for pharmacists to fine-tune their patients' regimens and serve as important access points for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

The article discusses nonprescription treatments, supplements, and patches that can alleviate sports-related pain for children and adolescents in 2022. Topics covered include the common usage of over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), acetaminophen, and licodaine patches, and the superiority of ibuprofen over acetaminophen for musculoskeletal injuries. Also noted are risks associated with prolonged use of NSAIDs.

The article reports on the over-the-counter (OTC) approval granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to Narcan, a naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray from Emergent BioSolutions, for opioid overdoses. It raises concern about the pricing of the OTC Narcan nasal spray and stresses the need for health insurers to cover the drug, whether obtained through prescription or OTC. It informs about the availability of the prescription product in pharmacies and through community distribution.

The article discusses a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee to be held from May 9-10, 2023.

The author comments on the wide and ever-expanding reach of dermatology, encompassing cosmetics, unregulated products, over-the-counter drugs and devices, and prescription drugs and device. Topics include the reason for the lack of regulation in cleansers, how the incorporation of hyaluronic acid molecule in moisturizer formulations is changing the way moisturizers interact with the skin, and new mechanism-of-action drugs that have been approved for dermatologic indications.

The article informs about that the FDA Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously voted against the clinical effectiveness of 10 mg oral phenylephrine as a nasal decongestant based on current scientific data. Topic include The committee also voted against conducting additional studies to assess the pharmacokinetics and clinical efficacy of other phenylephrine doses, potentially impacting the availability of certain OTC cough medicines containing oral phenylephrine.

The article reports on the new drug application (NDA) for nonprescription RiVive (intranasal naloxone), developed by Harm Reduction Therapeutics (HRT), for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose that has been accepted and granted priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It refers to a nonclinical program and a phase I relative bioavailability study as a support for the NDA for RiVive. Also noted is the commercial supply agreement of HRT with a contract manufacturer.

The article reports on the proposal of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to facilitate the development and approval of certain prescription-to-over the counter (OTC) naloxone drug products. It mentions the notice issued by the FDA, titled Safety and Effectiveness of Certain Naloxone Hydrochloride Drug Products for Nonprescription Use. It considers results of observational studies that suggesting the link between increased access to naloxone and reduced opioid overdose deaths.

The article reports on decision of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to postpone the joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, Reproductive and the Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee to discuss Perrigo's application for Opill, a nonprescription oral contraceptive.

The article presents the discussion on Harm Reduction Therapeutics, nonprofit pharmaceutical company initiating a rolling submission for a new drug application (NDA) for RiVive (naloxone). Topics include RiVive producing a three-fold higher systemic exposure with comparable early absorption to the reference naloxone product; and Naloxone able to reverse an overdose by blocking the effects of opioids within two to three minutes.

The article reports on the move by UnitedHealthcare to offer expanded access and reduced prescription drug costs for several 2023 Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans. Under the move, 91% of Advantage members will receive enhanced ancillary benefits like hearing, dental, over-the-counter and prescription drug benefits. Also cited are the benefits of members enrolled in the Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP).

An interview with urology and gynecology professor Dr. Roger Dmochowski on the pros and cons of over-the-counter (OTC) medications in 2018 is presented. When asked on the higher out-of-pocket costs of uninsured OTC products, he refers to the importance of patient safety and literacy when a product goes OTC. Dmochowski observes that OTC medication allows a presumptive trial for managing a person's condition. He notes that an overactive bladder lends itself to OTC medication.

The article reports that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has scheduled a joint meeting of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and the Obstetrics, Reproductive, and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee to review the application for the prescription to over-the-counter (OTC) switch of Opill, a progestin-only daily birth control pill. It mentions about Progestin-only pills like Opill have been shown to be effective for the prevention of pregnancy and are safe for most women to use.

The article highlights that Dr. Reddy has launched bortezomib for injection, the generic equivalent of Takeda's Velcade (bortezomib) injection, which is approved to treat patients with multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Dr. Reddy's bortezomib is supplied in a 3.5 mg per 10 mL single-dose vial presentation for subcutaneous or intravenous use. It also discusses that Dr. Reddy's has also launched fesoterodine fumarate extended-release tablets, a therapeutic generic to Pfizer's Toviaz.

The article offers information on clinical services which will allow pharmacists to increase their clinical interactions with patients while generating additional revenue streams. Topics include point-of care testing for flu and strep; expanding immunization programs; and providing smoking cessation counseling.

The article informs that Apotex Corp. is recalling three Guanfacine Extended-Release Tablets 2 mg to the consumer level due to trace amounts of quetiapine fumarate in one lot, labeled RX1663. Topics include Quetiapine is indicated as a treatment of schizophrenia and other serious mental disorders such as bipolar disorder and depressive episodes; and Pediatric patients, pregnant patients and older adults may be more likely to experience low blood pressure and dizziness.

The article focuses on Nonprescription Drug Product with an Additional Condition for Nonprescription Use proposal by Food and Drug Administration. Topics discussed include additional application to be filled by pharmaceutical companies for the nonprescription drug products, impact of Additional Condition for Non-Prescription Use (ACNU) on medical costs and insurance claims, and appropriate self-selection and/or appropriate actual use guidelines for pharmaceutical companies.