Rx News | December 20, 2013

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National CooperativeRx is a not-for-profit coalition founded and owned by plan sponsors to achieve higher value prescription benefits through volume purchasing, clinical solutions, actionable data and unparalleled customer service. For your sales and marketing needs, please contact us at 866-679-9479, extension 223

Coalition News

Mistletoe, and Its Medicinal Attributes

With Christmas almost here, we thought it would be fun to include this timely article on the medicinal attributes of mistletoe. In the past mistletoe has been viewed as a bit of a cure-all, being used to treat headaches, infertility, rheumatism and more. Lately mistletoe extract has been studied for its effect on enhancing the immune system, and even for its cancer fighting properties. To read the article, click here.

Please note that National CooperativeRx will be closed next week Dec. 24-25 so that employees may be home with their families.

Wishing you all the joys of the season,

National CooperativeRx

News You Can Use

CNN. Children who grow up around pets are less likely to suffer from allergies or asthma, and researchers may now know why. Researchers from the University of Michigan believe that microbes from the dust of households with pets actually change the community of living organisms in the guts of people living in the household. This discovery may lead to better allergy and asthma treatments in the future. (Sifferlin, 12/18) Full Story

BBC. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that antibacterial soaps may pose health risks to the people who use them. It is proposing a rule to require manufacturers using antibacterial agents to prove their safety. According to the article, "Recent studies indicate an ingredient in such products could scramble hormone levels and boost drug-proof bacteria." (12/16) Full Story

Industry News

Time. Experts have decided that older patients with high blood pressure can be treated less aggressively. Although blood pressure is considered high at 140 over 90, the new guidelines recommend waiting to prescribe medication until blood pressure levels reach 150 over 90 or higher. (Tanner, 12/18) Full Story

Modern Healthcare. The Affordable Care Act now requires drugmakers to report any payments and gifts valued at $10 or more to physicians and medical schools. Possibly in response to this, GlaxoSmithKline is ending payments to doctors who promote its products in speaking engagements, and will stop paying its sales force based on sales targets. (12/17) Full Story

Health Policy Matters

Bloomberg. People enrolling in the US health exchange have received an additional 10 days before their first payment is due. Originally due by Dec. 31, consumers now have until Jan. 10 to pay their first premiums. (Armstrong, 12/18) Full Story

Kaiser Health News. In California, 21% of people signing up for state-run health care are between the ages of 18-24. Although the system relies on the hope that as many young, healthy people sign up as possible, it may still be sustainable as long as healthy adults of all ages are signing up along with those who are suffering from health issues. (Hancock, 12/17) Full Story