August 2002 

From: GlaxoSmithKline

Dear Pharmacist,

Pre-filled syringes of IMITREX will be discontinued in the near future.  Patients, who have been prescribed a 6-mg injectable dose, can continue to receive the exact same medication in an easy to use delivery system, the IMITREX STATdose SYSTEM®.  IMITREX STATdose SYSTEM, with its convenient device and disposable syringe cartridges, provides the same medication in a portable and compact unit.  Suggest to physicians, IMITREX STATdose SYSTEM is an appropriate option when prescribing a 6-mg injectable dose.

Also, GlaxoSmithKline is pleased to announce an exciting new look for IMITREX Injection and Nasal Spray.

IMITREX, the original triptan, was the first to change the shape of migraine relief.  Last fall we introduced you to the triangle shape of our logos, 50- and 100-mg tablets, and tablet packaging.

Now the packaging for IMITREX Injection and Nasal Spray is Changing.

Note:  The NDC numbers are not changing.

The triangle-shaped logo design featured on our packaging is distinct- just as IMITREX is a targeted migraine medication, which is distinct from general pain relievers that treat general kinds of pain.

While the packaging is different, the triptan medication you have known for years is the same.

IMITREX is widely studied and is the most prescribed prescription migraine medicine in the United States, with a long track record of efficacy, and a proven clinical safety profile.  IMITREX has been used to treat more than 400 million migraine attacks worldwide.  As always, IMITREX is a logical choice for you and your migraine customers who are candidates for triptan therapy.

If you have any questions about IMITREX or the information in this letter, please contact our Customer Response Center at 1-888-825-5249.

Sincerely,

Dean Giovanniello                                                                                                                                                                 Migraine Marketing                                                                                                                                                               GlaxoSmithKline

IMITREX is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults.  It should be used only where a clear diagnosis of migraine headache has been established.

IMITREX is contraindicated in patients with history, symptoms, or signs of ischemic cardiac, cerebrovascular, or peripheral vascular syndromes and in patients with other significant underlying cardiovascular diseases.  IMITREX should not be given to patients in whom unrecognized coronary artery disease is predicted by the presence of risk factors without a prior cardiovascular evaluation ( see WARNINGS in complete Prescribing Information). Contact GlaxoSmithKline

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From: Shire      10-02

PHARMACIST UPDATE FOR CARBATROL

This update is to inform you that Shire US Inc. continues to manufacture Carbatrol®, and at higher volumes than at any previous time.  Shire US Inc. would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of Carbatrol®, as reflected by the nearly Two Million prescriptions for Carbatrol® that have been filled since May 1998.

Shire is pleased to offer Carbatrol®, a branded, extended-release formulation of carbamazepine, to aid in the treatment of epilepsy.  Carbatrol® uses a unique proprietary delivery system called Microtrol®.  Microtrol incorporates a three-bead delivery that utilizes immediate-, extended-, and enteric-release carbamazepine beads.  Carbatrol® is indicated for first-line monotherapy for partial seizures with complex symptomatology; generalized tonic-clonic seizures; and mixed seizure patterns.  Carbatrol® also has a secondary indication for the treatment of pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

If you have nay questions or concerns in regards to ordering or stocking Carbatrol®, please contact your wholesaler, or you may directly call Shire  US Inc. Customer Service.  Carbatrol® Customer Service can be reached by calling 1-800-536-7878 Ext. 7011.  A Shire representative will be able to assist you in obtaining product.  Should your pharmacy be unable to obtain product through your primary wholesaler, please note that Shire will work directly with your wholesaler to provide a priority shipment to your pharmacy.  This service will be offered until October 31, 2002.  Shire US Inc.  is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing our partnership with your organization.  We appreciate your support of Carbatrol® and the millions of epiepsy patients across the country.

DOSE/QUANTITY	NDC NUMBER	AWP
200 mg (120 capsules)	58521-0172-12	$71.03
300 mg (120 capsules)	58521-0173-12	$106.53

The most frequently reported adverse events are dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.  Initiating therapy at the lowest possible effective dose can minimize adverse events.  Reports of transient or persistent decreased platelet or white blood cell count are not uncommon in association with the use of carbamazepine.  Although the vast majority of cases of leukopenia have not progressed to more serious conditions of aplastic anemia or baseline.  Patients should be monitored and discontinuation of the drug should be considered if any evidence of significant bone marrow depression occurs.  Absence seizures (petit mal) do not appear to be controlled by carbamazepine.

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August 2002           From: Pfizer NEURONTIN® (gabapentin) is now indicated for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults. On May 24, the FDA approved NEURONTIN for the management of PHN in adults.  As you know, PHN is a chronic and potentially severe neuropathic condition that results from inflammation and damage to the peripheral nervous system following an eruption of herpes zoster.  NEURONTIN is the only oral therapy indicated to manage PHN, providing significant reduction of pain at doses up to 1800 mg/day. In clinical trials, the efficacy and safety of NEURONTIN in the management of PHN were demonstrated at doses of 1800 to 3600 mg/day.  Additional benefits of doses greater than 1800 mg/day have not been demonstrated. In an 8-weed, trial of 229 patients with PHN randomized to either placebo or NEURONTIN up to 3600 mg/day, NEURONTIN provided significantly greater reduction in average daily pain scores vs placebo (P<.001) throughout the treatment period. In a 7-week trial of 334 patients with PHN randomized to either NEURONTIN 1800 mg/day, 2400 mg/day, or placebo, NEURONTIN provided significantly greater pain reduction vs placebo (P<.01) as early as week one and throughout the treatment period NEURONTIN is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. Patients who require concomitant treatment with morphine should be carefully observed for signs of CNS depression.  The dose of morphine or NEURONTIN should be reduced appropriately. Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with compromised renal and those undergoing hemodialysis. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the lower end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Adverse events were usually mild to moderate.  The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of NEURONTIN in adults compared with placebo were dizziness (28.0% vs 7.5%), somnolence (21.4% vs 5.3%), peripheral edema (8.3% vs 2.2%), asthenia (5.7% vs 4.8%) , and diarrhea (5.7% vs 3.1%). If you need further information about NEURONTIN, please contact Pfizer Medical Information at 800-223-0432. Robert L. Glanzman, MD                                                                                                                    Medical Director                                                                                  more news  |  discussions |  front page

FROM: NATIONAL COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE DEFENSE FUND 06/11/03 205 Daingerfield Road * Alexandria, Virginia 22314-2685 LEGISLATIVE ALERT Tomorrow, the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to open a wide-ranging debate on the future of Medicare and a prescription drug benefit. The full Senate could vote on legislation as early as next week. Meanwhile, the PBM industry is attacking the Pharmacy Benefits All Coalition, a band of seven national pharmacy associations established by NCPA and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores two years ago and an outgrowth of their previous alliance in the early 1990s. In a press release, the misnamed Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (the PBM and mail order lobby) falsely states the coalition is led by "big chain pharmacies" and warns consumers to "watch their wallets." NCPA members should let their Senators (and house members, too) know that any Medicare drug benefits must include: A level playing field for all community pharmacies with no mail order tilt. Seniors' access to the pharmacy of their choice. Full disclosure of all rebates and fees paid to PBMs with their roles limited, but not including the practice of pharmacy. Coverage and fair payment for pharmacist services provided for seniors. In addition, NCPA is continuing to work with the Food Marketing Institute to ensure that any PBM contracts for the new Medicare drug benefit be negotiated to meet the special needs of senior citizens and also that seniors are guaranteed their choice of pharmacy provider. We need you to contact your Senators and Representatives, and especially if they are members of the Senate Finance Committee listed below. You can call them through the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121. Republicans Democrats CHARLES GRASSLEY, IA MAX BAUCUS, MT ORRIN G. HATCH, UT JOHN D. ROCKERFELLER IV, WV DON NICKLES, OK TOM DASCHLE, SD TRENT LOTT, MS  JOHN BREAUX, LA OLYMPIA J. SNOWE, ME KENT CONRAD, ND JON KYL, AZ BOB GRAHAM, FL CRAIG THOMAS, WY JAMES M. JEFFORDS, VT RICK SANTORUM, PA JEFF BINGAMAN, NM BILL FRIST, TN JOHN F. KERRY, MA GORDON SMITH, OR BLANCHE L. LINCLON, AR JIM BUNNING, KY

May 2nd, 2006

Official complaint of Unfair Business Practices and Severe Client Confidentiality violations by Meerdink & Associates and Russell Meerdink himself filed to the Greenville Market Condo Association by RxLink Pharmacy.  These unfair business practices are now being reported to State and Federal agencies for proper review. For more information, please contact the Town of Greenville, Wisconsin.

07/12/05 From: TAP Pharmaceutical ---- Prevacid                                                  Here is some information that can help your patients with GERD. PREVACID is FDA approved for GERD in adolescents 12-17 years old, in addition to children 12 months-11 years old. PREVACID provides the most FDA-approved oral administration options of any PPI including strawberry-flavored PREVACID SOLUTAB (lansoprazole), the only PPI available an orally disintegrating tablet. PREVACID SOLUTAB is bioequivalent to PREVACID capsules, and it's easy to take. SoluTab quickly disintegrates in the mouth-with or without water-usually in less than 60 seconds. And PREVACID SoluTab can be administered in three different ways: -Orally disintegrating tablet -Nasogastric tube (> 8 French) -Oral syringe The safety and effectiveness of PREVACID have been established in patients 1 o 17 years of age for the short-term treatment of symptomatic and erosive GERD. Individual results may vary. Use of PREVACID in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults along with additional clinical and PK/PD studies performed in pediatric patients. The pediatric studies were uncontrolled open-label studies performed in 66 patients aged 1 to 11 years old and 87 patients aged 12 to 17 years old. The safety and effectiveness of PREVACID have not been established in patents <1 year of age. The most frequently reported adverse events in patients aged 1 to 11 years old were constipation (5%) and headache (7%), abdominal pain (5%), nausea (3%), and dizziness (#%). In adults, the most frequently reported adverse events were diarrhea (3.8%), abdominal pain (2.1%), and nausea (1.3%). Symptomatic response to therapy does not preclude the presence of gastric malignancy. PREVACID is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation. For additional information about Prevacid SoluTab, including details on administration options, please see the accompanying complete prescribing information for PREVACID, contact your TAP representative, visit www.prevacid.com, or call TAP Medical Information at 1-800-622-2011. Sincerely, Lawrence Staubach, MD Director, Medical Affairs P.S. PREVACID delivers comforting relief to more kids, in more ways. For ordering information, contact your wholesaler today!