Health benefits of the herpes zoster vaccine are well-documented, but lesser known are the economic impacts of a community pharmacy–based herpes zoster vaccination service in the United States.

Jonathan Little, PharmD

Approximately 1 billion cases of the common cold occur annually, making it one of the top five illnesses diagnosed in the United States. Bothersome symptoms lead patients to self-medicate, with an estimated $8 billion spent annually on nonprescription cold and cough products.

Pharmacies in some areas face challenges recruiting pharmacists to staff their practice sites. As an incentive for pharmacists to accept employment, pharmacies may offer a signing bonus.

David B. Brushwood, BSPharm, JD

Etoposide capsules are a cold-chain medication used for small cell lung cancer that must be stored under refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C (36°F–46°F). A specialty pharmacy reported an error that resulted in a carton of etoposide 50 mg capsules being left out at room temperature overnight for about 12 hours.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Horsham, PA

The results of a recently published study suggest that despite new discounts, insulin prices substantially increased from 2012 to 2015.

Lauren Howell, PharmD

Most pharmacists fully recognize the clinical benefits of providing OTC syringes to people who use drugs, particularly in reducing transmission of HIV and hepatitis C.

Loren Bonner

On August 25, 2023, FDA announced a 1-year delay for supply chain trading partners to comply with the final enhanced drug distribution security requirements under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), also known as track-and-trace, that were scheduled to take effect on November 27, 2023.

Mickie Cathers

Rural Americans, who account for about one-fifth of the population, are generally older, have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and tend to have worse health outcomes.

Loren Bonner

Nonprescription products offer preparations to treat a wide range of disorders.

It is challenging to objectively evaluate the efficiency of health professionals. A designated task related to the provision of health care products or services may require a lengthy period of time to complete, or it may be accomplished very quickly, depending on the patient’s condition, the nature of the product or service, and the environment in which the activity is being performed.

David B. Brushwood, BSPharm, JD