Expert Insights

Earlier this year, a national pharmacy chain agreed to pay the government $535,000 to resolve allegations that some of its pharmacies had filled dozens of forged prescriptions. This turned out to be the second settlement in the past 3 years by this pharmacy chain to resolve similar charges. The…

Ranolazine is approved as an antianginal and is used as a second-line therapy in stable ischemic heart disease.1 The agent blocks the late sodium channels (INa) preventing a downstream rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations.2  This translates into a decrease in left ventricular wall tension and an…

When can a pharmacist’s comments to a patient be considered slander? This is an issue that is arising more frequently, and it’s important for pharmacists to understand what constitutes slander or defamation, and what doesn’t. Just the Facts The case involved a physician, two different CVS…

As pharmacists we continue to struggle with trying to demonstrate our value in the health care arena. We continue to publish our evidence in journals focused on the profession of pharmacy. However, I feel that we fail to publish our information or demonstrate any large meaningful outcomes where key…

Throughout America, community pharmacies are closing. Since 2003, about 16% of independent rural pharmacies–or roughly 1230 stores–have closed, with fewer than 6400 remaining, according to figures released in July 2019.1,2 Community pharmacy closures are not unique to independent pharmacies as…

In part 2 of this series, Mark Munger, PharmD, explains why the consequences of PBM practices on community pharmacy have wide implications to society, the profession, and the US health care system overall. Throughout America community pharmacies are closing. Since 2003, about 16 percent of…

In this 3-part series, Mark Munger, PharmD, highlights the impact pharmacy benefit managers have on community pharmacies. In part 1, Dr Munger provides details on why he believes PBMs are directly or indirectly contributing to the closure of community pharmacies. Throughout America community…

Electronic smart speaker systems are having a significant impact on our society. In just a few years, these devices have changed the way many of us play music, cook, shop, listen to news, and check the weather. Many of us have accepted this technology into our homes. and are willing to accept the…

Sleep is an important part of our daily routine.1 We spend about one-third of our time sleeping, and getting enough sleep is necessary for survival.  Sleep is important to many systems in your body including the brain, heart, and lungs to metabolism, immune function, mood, and disease resistance.  …

To what extent is a pharmacy liable for harm that a patient causes to others while the patient is using medication provided by the pharmacy? In other words, can a pharmacy owe a duty of care to a third party based on the pharmacy’s relationship with the patient? This is the question that arose…