Pharmacy

Idaho Pharmacy at Center of Ivermectin Controversy: Co-Owner Lawmaker Navigates New Over-the-Counter Sales Legislation Amid Regulatory Confusion

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Hayden, Idaho — A pharmacy co-owned by a local lawmaker is one of the few in the state selling ivermectin over the counter, following a new law that allows such sales. The move comes amid ongoing debates regarding the drug’s legality and safety, especially after its heightened visibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic commonly used for both humans and animals, has sparked significant interest since the pandemic began. Despite its popularity as a treatment for COVID-19, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not endorse its use for the virus, pointing to … Read more

PCMA Takes Legal Action Against Arkansas Law That Threatens Pharmacy Operations

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Little Rock, Ark. — The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) has initiated legal action to challenge a new Arkansas law that could lead to the closure of numerous pharmacies across the state. This legislation, which was signed into law earlier this year, requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to be licensed and adhere to regulations that critics believe could significantly restrict pharmacy operations. The PCMA argues that the law is overly burdensome and operates against the interests of patients who depend on access to medications. The association claims the requirements set forth in the law could … Read more

Urgent Call for Reform: How Pharmacy Benefit Managers Contribute to Prescription Unaffordability and What States Are Doing About It

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In the United States, the escalating cost of prescription drugs is forcing many to sacrifice essential medications, despite systems in place meant to safeguard affordable access. A crucial player in this scenario is the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), whose role in the healthcare system is pivotal yet fraught with critical issues that need immediate address. PBMs, operating primarily as intermediaries between drug manufacturers and healthcare plans, dictate the availability and price of medications through formularies they control. They negotiate deals with drugmakers and manage pharmacy benefits for various employers and government-initiated health plans like Medicare … Read more

Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Drug Companies Face Lawsuit for Inflating Insulin Prices, Targeting Vulnerable Patients in Indiana

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Indianapolis, Indiana – The Attorney General of Indiana, Todd Rokita, has filed a lawsuit alleging that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and drug companies have colluded to maintain high insulin prices. Rokita claims that these companies are exploiting vulnerable individuals in need of this vital medication. The lawsuit does not specifically name the drug company Eli Lilly, even though it settled a class-action lawsuit last year over allegations of insulin price fixing for over $13 million. Among the companies named in the lawsuit are Caremark PCS and CVS Healthcorp, both associated with CVS, one of the … Read more