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AstraZeneca PLC won the first round of a legal fight over the release of a generic version of its child asthma medication Pulmicort Respules by rival Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
AstraZeneca was granted a temporary restraining order by the U.S. District Court in New Jersey that halts the supply and distribution of Teva’s generic drug. The order also required AstraZeneca suspend distribution of its own generic product with Par Pharmaceuticals, which it launched on Wednesday to counter Teva’s move.
Source: Associated Press, November 20, 2008
The enrollment period for Medicare’s Part D prescription drug coverage program for 2009 kicked off on November 15. Open enrollment for Part D runs until December 31, 2008. Experts are advising seniors to choose a plan carefully because premiums and covered medications can vary from plan to plan.
People who are satisfied with their current plan do not have to do anything to stay enrolled. But those in so-called standalone plans that only cover medications will see premiums increase by an average of $7.40 a month, from $29.89 in 2008 to $37.29 in 2009. Higher premiums will have people looking at their coverage options. The premium increases are substantial.
Consumers should be smart when choosing a plan because premiums can vary widely, from $10.30 a month to as much as $136.80 a month. Most people should be able to find a plan in the lower premium range.
One of the most serious issues in choosing a plan is the coverage gap, or “doughnut hole.” While in this gap in coverage, most Part D participants must pay 100% of their total drug costs. In 2009, all Part D plans have a coverage gap, but one in four plans offers limited coverage in the gap.
People use a combination of strategies to reduce their drug costs. Paul Precht, director for policy and communications at the Medicare Rights Center, said, “They rely on the cheap generics, if you get it from some of the ‘big box’ stores, using Part D for brand name drugs, plus buying drugs from Canada as an option for brand-name medications.”
People in Part D who meet the requirements for low-income subsidy are not responsible for costs in the coverage gap. The gap was intentionally included in the plan so costs would not exceed the limits set by Congress.
Kerry Weems, acting administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said, “As we enter the fourth year of the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, we continue to see high satisfaction rates among beneficiaries and high participation among plans. However, plans do change their offerings from year to year. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009.”
Source: Health Day News, November 14, 2008
One in 10 Hispanics in the United States has type 2 diabetes. One in three of those with diabetes does not know he or she has the disease. According to a report, Hispanics are nearly two times as likely as whites to develop type 2 diabetes in their lifetime.
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health called for implementation of concerted long-term efforts to support the management and prevention of diabetes. It is introducing new resources, including referrals to local health providers for diabetes screening and treatment, and a new Spanish and English brochure about diabetes.
Source: Health Day News, November 16, 2008 |
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Can I substitute my 10 mEq or 20 mEq solid potassium tablet with Effer-K®? Yes! Your pharmacist can help you make the switch because your prescription will not need to be changed.
What does Effer-K® cost? Effer-K® is potassium, and all potassium supplements are inexpensive. It’s cost is comparable to other solid and liquid potassium.
Is Effer-K® covered by insurance? What about Medicare/Medicaid Coverage? Yes, although the cost of Effer-K® is occasionally below some insurance co-pays. If you have questions about insurance coverage, please contact us.
Why are K doses (tablets/capsules so big)? Potassium is a big molecule. It is difficult to fit the required dosage into a tablet form, therefore the tablet size is quite large—almost as big as a quarter!
Why does Effer-K® taste better than other effervescent potassium solutions? Effer-K® is citrate not chloride. Potassium citrate is the potassium salt common in many fruits. KCI is similar in structure to NaCI (salt), and has a salty taste that is difficult to disguise.
Does Effer-K® contain sodium? No. Please see the Effer-K® package insert for a list of ingredients.
Can Effer-K® be given concomitantly with other drugs (use as vehicle to swallow other medications)? In most cases, however check with your pharmacist before taking any medication with Effer-K®.
Can one expect better absorption because of the liquid dosing compared to solid dosing? Yes. Many studies have been done that demonstrate better absorption with liquid dosing compared to solid dosing.
What are the consequences of K levels that are too high or too low? Hyperkalemia = K levels > 5.5 mEq/liter
The patient is at risk for cardiac dysrhythmias, generatlized weakness, palpitations, Paralysishypokalemia = K levels <3.5mEq/liter the patient is at risk for palpitations, muscle weakness or cramping, nausea, vomiting, constipation, psychosis, delirium, hallucinations and depression.
Is Effer-K® available in pharmacies? Any pharmacist can dispense Effer-K®. See our pharmacy locator to find pharmacists that always have Effer-K® in stock. If you have trouble obtaining Effer-K®, please contact us.
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