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April 1, 2020

Remove ranitidine from the market now, says FDA

In the latest step of an investigation that began with a voluntary recall in September, FDA announced on April 1, 2020, that it is now requiring manufacturers to remove all prescription and OTC ranitidine drugs from the market immediately. The agency said that ranitidine should no longer be prescribed—though patients with current ranitidine prescriptions should discuss alternative treatments before stopping the drug—or available for OTC use.

April 1, 2020

Trump administration projects up to 240,000 coronavirus deaths in U.S., even with mitigation efforts

The Trump administration on Tuesday gave its most dire assessment to date of the coronavirus pandemic, predicting a best-case scenario of 100,000 to 240,000 fatalities in the United States. The U.S. death toll approached 4,000, with approximately 800 Americans reported dead on Tuesday alone, the highest number of daily deaths yet.

March 31, 2020

APhA coronavirus watch: DEA says schedule II prescriptions by phone are OK in emergencies

According to guidance released Monday, March 30, DEA will allow oral prescriptions of schedule II controlled substances when they are needed for the proper treatment of a patient, there are no appropriate treatment options, and when submitting an electronic or paper prescription to the pharmacy prior to dispensing the substance is not possible. Prescribers can make the determination based on whether individual patients’ circumstances meet these criteria—not all controlled II prescriptions will be prescribed by phone.

March 31, 2020

APhA and other groups respond to PCMA brief in PBM Supreme Court case

On March 25, APhA, the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA), responded to the brief that the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA), the association that represents PBMs, filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Rutledge v PCMA.

March 31, 2020

APhA coronavirus watch: Inappropriate prescribing poses dilemma for pharmacists

There is scant evidence that chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, alone or in combination with azithromycin, are effective treatments for COVID-19—but in the face of uncertainty and encouragement from President Trump, many health professionals have seized on their use. As pharmacies across the country have been flooded with fill requests for the drugs, troubling pharmacists and potentially contributing to shortages, pharmacy, medical groups, and state boards have taken a stand against the phenomenon.

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CEO Blog

by Thomas E. Menighan

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March 31, 2020

Protect yourselves and your patients from bogus COVID-19 cures,…

Here’s an understatement: Buyer beware! We’re getting reports of scams, counterfeit products, and bogus personal protection equipment (PPE) being offered online and through various channels. Some…

Pharmacists’ stories of serving during the coronavirus pandemic…

The pharmacy profession, patients, communities, and the nation are watching historical epics being written in real time. On Friday, March 20, the APhA House of Delegates passed policy urging federal…

Press Releases

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March 31, 2020

APhA Creates COVID-19 Training Programs and Resources for Pharmacists

Pharmacists are tireless responders on the front lines of health care as our nation faces the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 25, 2020

APhA Issues Statement on Inappropriate Ordering, Prescribing and Dispensing of Medications and Supplies

The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Board of Trustees issued the following statement in response to pharmacists’ concerns ...

Why APhA?

APhA is the leading advocate for the pharmacy profession and a driving force in creating opportunities for pharmacists to play a key role in integrated patient care, and ensuring the profession is recognized as essential in optimal medication use. We strive to make your job as a pharmacist easier, by providing the latest industry news, continuing education and professional development opportunities, practice tools, and more, so that you can focus on caring for your patients.