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Pharmacists

All articles tagged with #pharmacists

Pharmacists to treat 12 common conditions on the spot in England this autumn
health1 month ago

Pharmacists to treat 12 common conditions on the spot in England this autumn

England will let local pharmacies treat 12 common conditions on the spot this autumn, expanding the existing Pharmacy First service (which currently covers seven) to include migraines, acne, scabies, ear infections and badly blocked noses; the move aims to ease GP and A&E pressures and speed access, with a phased rollout starting in hundreds of pharmacies and expanding to thousands. Pharmacy leaders say funding may not cover the extra workload, though the scheme has already delivered millions of consultations since 2024.

Arizona expands vaccine access with standing orders for flu and COVID shots
health1 month ago

Arizona expands vaccine access with standing orders for flu and COVID shots

Arizona's Department of Health Services and the Arizona Board of Pharmacy issued standing orders allowing qualified pharmacists and health care providers to administer flu and COVID vaccines without waiting for updated federal guidance, aiming to improve access during the upcoming respiratory season; with ACIP meetings not until late October, participation is voluntary for pharmacies and coverage may vary, and the state will adjust guidance if federal recommendations change.

Utah Removes Prescription Requirement for COVID-19 Vaccinations
health1 year ago

Utah Removes Prescription Requirement for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Utah has updated its COVID-19 vaccination policy, allowing all residents to receive the vaccine without a prescription, as pharmacists are now authorized to prescribe and administer it, aligning with federal guidelines. This change aims to simplify access and reduce confusion, although the policy is temporary and will expire once the CDC finalizes recommendations.

NC COVID vaccine rules change again amid rollout confusion
health1 year ago

NC COVID vaccine rules change again amid rollout confusion

A North Carolina law intended to expand COVID vaccine access by allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines recommended by the ACIP has been hindered by recent changes in the ACIP's composition and recommendations, leading to confusion and restrictions on vaccine availability. The law's original goal was to improve access, but recent political and administrative actions have delayed or limited vaccine distribution through pharmacists, with lawmakers not responding to inquiries about potential amendments.

Oregon faces challenges in COVID-19 vaccine access amid restrictions and hospital hesitancy
health1 year ago

Oregon faces challenges in COVID-19 vaccine access amid restrictions and hospital hesitancy

Oregon is facing challenges in providing easy COVID-19 vaccine access due to lack of a standing order for pharmacists to administer shots without prescriptions, unlike some other states. Governor Tina Kotek is working on solutions amid federal policy restrictions and local regulatory hurdles, with frustration mounting among healthcare providers and patients.

health1 year ago

CT Navigates COVID Vaccine Policies Amidst Federal and Legal Challenges

The Department of Consumer Protection in Connecticut has issued guidance for pharmacists on the ordering, prescribing, and administering of the 2025-2026 seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, noting that until updated CDC instructions are available, pharmacists should use the 2024-2025 guidelines. Pharmacists can continue to administer all FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines to adults 18 and older, including off-label use, and may do so with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Pharmacists warn of unsustainable demand and supply issues for weight loss drugs
health1 year ago

Pharmacists warn of unsustainable demand and supply issues for weight loss drugs

Demand for weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro in the UK is soaring, risking supply shortages and encouraging unregulated online purchases. Pharmacists warn that the demand may soon outstrip supply, leading to potential misuse and emphasizing the need to prioritize those most in need. The UK government plans to expand access to these drugs, with pharmacists playing a key role in managing distribution and ensuring safety.

Pharmacists warn of severe drug shortages endangering cancer patients
health1 year ago

Pharmacists warn of severe drug shortages endangering cancer patients

Pharmacists in the UK warn of a severe shortage of Creon, a vital enzyme replacement therapy for pancreatic cancer and other conditions, affecting over 61,000 patients. The shortage has led to patients skipping meals and experiencing increased stress, with experts predicting the issue may persist into next year. The Department of Health attributes the supply issues to European-wide manufacturing constraints and is working to mitigate the impact, but concerns remain about the adequacy of current management strategies.

"Pharmacists Face Legal Concerns Amid Ambiguous Abortion Laws"
healthcare2 years ago

"Pharmacists Face Legal Concerns Amid Ambiguous Abortion Laws"

In states with strict abortion bans, pharmacists face uncertainty and fear of legal action when dispensing misoprostol, a drug used for abortions as well as other medical purposes. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to confusion and distress for both pharmacists and patients, with some pharmacists refusing to prescribe misoprostol due to legal concerns. Women have experienced delays in accessing prescribed medications, including misoprostol, even when not seeking abortions, highlighting the impact of these laws on healthcare access.

"Record High Drug Shortages Grip US, Including Essential Medications"
health2 years ago

"Record High Drug Shortages Grip US, Including Essential Medications"

The US is experiencing a record number of drug shortages, with 323 active shortages in the first quarter of the year, including critical medications like chemotherapy drugs and emergency hospital medications. The shortages are driven by economic factors and extreme price competition among generic manufacturers. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists is advocating for federal legislation to address the root causes of the issue, while the Department of Health and Human Services has published a white paper recommending ways Congress can assist with the problem.

"Pharmacists Sound Alarm as US Drug Shortages Hit Record High"
health2 years ago

"Pharmacists Sound Alarm as US Drug Shortages Hit Record High"

The United States is experiencing a record high of 323 active medication shortages, affecting various drug classes including generic sterile injectable medications, cancer chemotherapy drugs, and ADHD medications. This has led to devastating effects on patients, with some hospitals and clinics reporting complete depletion of certain medications. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is working with the federal government to address the root causes of these shortages and advocate for solutions to alleviate the crisis.