Tag Archives: pharmacies

Posted on by

Harris Teeter integrates North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System across its pharmacies in North Carolina

Matthews, N.C., 2018-Mar-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Harris Teeter announced today (Mar. 01, 2018) enhancements to its North Carolina pharmacy operations. Harris Teeter Pharmacies across North Carolina can now instantly review a patient’s controlled substance use through the State’s Prescription Monitoring Program, known as the North Carolina Controlled Substance Reporting System (“NCCSRS”).

“With the opioid crisis our state and nation are facing, this is an important and exciting tool that our pharmacists in North Carolina can now use to instantly access the prescription drug monitoring program data and ultimately help deter prescription drug abuse,” said Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services. “Our thanks to Harris Teeter for joining this potentially life-saving effort at no cost to the state.”

Integration allows busy pharmacists the ability to quickly review patient data within their workflow to prevent the abuse and misuse of controlled substance medications. Immediate access to prescription drug monitoring programs within the pharmacy workflow puts the best information and insights available into the hands of our pharmacists to ensure the safety of our patients and to comply with state and federal regulations.

Harris Teeter operates 110 pharmacies throughout its home state of North Carolina; the company also partners with local law enforcement to host annual “Take Back” programs in select stores, where shoppers are encouraged to return unused or expired medications to their Harris Teeter pharmacy.

www.harristeeter.com

Source: Harris Teeter

Posted on by

Rite Aid pharmacies are currently stocked with flu shots

Camp Hill, Pa., 2018-Feb-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — In response to a flu season that health experts are calling one of the most severe in the past decade, Rite Aid is making sure its pharmacies are stocked with flu shots. The effort comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on Friday the highest rate of influenza-like illnesses since 2009 and the highest flu hospitalization rate since 2010, when the agency began keeping such records. The CDC also reported that between Jan. 28-Feb.3, 2018, flu and pneumonia accounted for 10% of deaths in the country.

“With the CDC reporting that we’ve not yet reached the peak of flu season and the potential for flu activity for several more weeks, we’re following the situation closely and making every effort to have flu shots available in all of our pharmacies,” says Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. “We encourage anyone who hasn’t yet received a flu shot to get one today and protect themselves and those around them for the duration of the flu season.”

Flu shots are currently available at all Rite Aid pharmacies and are covered by most insurance plans with $0 co-pay, including Medicare Part B. Rite Aid certified immunizing pharmacists are able to administer flu shots, subject to state regulations, during pharmacy hours; no appointment is necessary.

Since pneumonia can be a serious and sometimes deadly complication of the flu, especially for older adults, the CDC also recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for those 65 and over. Rite Aid pharmacies also have supplies of pneumococcal shots, which can be administered at the same time as the flu shot, subject to state regulations. Like flu shots, pneumococcal shots are covered by many insurance plans and most customers with Medicare Part B will have $0 co-pay.

To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID.

Rite Aid pharmacies also have supplies of the prescription medications Tamiflu and Relenza for those patients whose doctor has prescribed one of these medications. If necessary, Rite Aid pharmacists are trained to be able to compound Tamiflu for pediatric patients.

In addition, Rite Aid pharmacists are available to counsel customers on over-the-counter medicines, like pain relievers, cough and cold medicines and hydration products that can be used to help manage symptoms associated with the flu. To help prevent the spread of the flu, Rite Aid store shelves are also stocked with additional supplies of hand sanitizer and soaps, masks, gloves, tissues and household disinfectants.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains fiscal 2017 annual revenues of $32.8 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

###

Contact:

Media: Ashley Flower 717-975-5718

SOURCE: Rite Aid Corp.

Posted on by

Bartell Drugs joins Aetna’s Medicare national network of preferred pharmacies

SEATTLE, Wash. and HARTFORD, Conn., 2017-Oct-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Bartell Drugs and Aetna (NYSE: AET) today (October 11, 2017) announced that Bartell Drugs has joined Aetna’s Medicare national network of preferred pharmacies. Effective January 1, 2018, Aetna Medicare members with drug coverage can fill their prescriptions at lower, preferred copays at any Bartell Drugs in Washington State.

“Our focus on personal customer service, convenience, and well-being is at the heart of our local pharmacy experience,” said Peter Koo, senior vice president of pharmacy for Bartell Drugs. “Joining Aetna’s network of preferred pharmacies will provide Medicare members in Washington with easier access and lower out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions.”

“Our goal is to make it easy and convenient for our members to get the medications they need to help keep them healthy,” said Gary Culp, vice president for Aetna Medicare. “We admire Bartell Drugs’ 127-year local history and share its commitment to providing exceptional service to our Medicare members in Washington State.”

About Bartell Drugs

Family-owned since 1890, Seattle-based Bartell Drugs is proud of its more than 127-year history based here in the Northwest. Four generations of the Bartell family have continuously focused on the future — and how the drugstore chain can better serve its customers. With exceptional customer service, locally made products and a focus on your overall wellbeing, Bartell Drugs is here to help. Operating 67 locations in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, it is the nation’s oldest family-owned drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs, visit www.bartelldrugs.com.

About Aetna
Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving an estimated 44.7 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities, Medicaid health care management services, workers’ compensation administrative services and health information technology products and services. Aetna’s customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com and learn about how Aetna is helping to build a healthier world. @AetnaNews

Aetna Medicare is a PDP, HMO, PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. Other pharmacies are available in our network. Members who get “Extra Help” are not required to fill prescriptions at preferred network pharmacies in order to get Low Income Subsidy (LIS) copays.  The formulary and/or pharmacy network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.  Aetna Medicare’s pharmacy network offers limited access to pharmacies with preferred cost sharing in: Suburban PA and Rural ME and Urban IL. The lower costs advertised in our plan materials for these pharmacies may not be available at the pharmacy you use. For up-to-date information about our network pharmacies, including pharmacies with preferred cost sharing, members please call the number on your ID card, non-members please call 1-855-338-7027 (TTY: 711) or consult the online pharmacy directory at http://www.aetnamedicare.com/pharmacyhelp. See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area.

Contact:

Ric Brewer
Bartell Drugs
206.933.9416
Ric.brewer@bartelldrugs.com

Source: Bartell Drugs

Posted on by

Meijer pharmacies to host Back to School Immunization Events on Saturday, Aug. 12

Meijer pharmacies to host Back to School Immunization Events on Saturday, Aug. 12

 

Retailer offering vaccines this weekend to help kids and adults guard against flu season before it starts

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., 2017-Aug-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Meijer pharmacies across the Midwest are holding Back to School Immunization Events this weekend to help families guard against the flu before classes start. Pharmacists in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky will offer vaccinations and information about other avoidable conditions that commonly affect school children at all 235 Meijer stores on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Meijer Vice President of Pharmacy Operations Karen Mankowski says the goal of the events is to remind parents that back to school is the perfect time to give their kids a flu shot and minimize the spread of seasonal influenza. While every flu season is different, it’s the best way to keep families healthy at a time when viruses are most prevalent.

“Most people believe the best time to get a flu shot is when the weather gets colder,” says Mankowski. “But getting a flu shot before or soon after school starts can make a big difference. Once classes start, that’s when viruses become, well, viral, and it becomes difficult to keep influenza from spreading.”

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it can take approximately two weeks before flu vaccinations begin protecting from the seasonal virus. Flu outbreaks can begin as early as October.

Meijer operates 235 pharmacies in its supercenters throughout the Midwest, all of which administer the vaccine without an appointment during pharmacy hours and accept most major insurance plans. Most insurance covers the flu shot at the pharmacy without co-pay.  Depending on age, health status and state regulations, Meijer offers a variety of vaccine options including:

  • Trivalent vaccine: Vaccines injected in the arm for $29.99. Note that limited quantities are available as manufacturers are phasing out this three-strain version of the vaccine.
  • Quadrivalent vaccine: A vaccine that covers four strains and is recommended for 4 years of age and up.
  • HD vaccine: This is the high dose version indicated for 65 years of age and older that is typically covered by Medicare Part B.

Getting a flu shot, as well as other immunizations offered at Meijer, may also count as prescription credits in the mPerks Pharmacy Rewards Program, which allows customers to earn savings on shopping and gas purchases. See program details for restrictions.

“There is no expiration date in receiving a flu shot, so the sooner you get your flu shot, the better chance you have of staying healthy this flu season,” reminds Mankowski.

About Meijer:

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at facebook.com/meijer.

Contact: 
Joe Hirschmugl
761-791-3943
Joseph.Hirschmugl@meijer.com

Source: Meijer

###

Posted on by

Asda reaffirms commitment to offering ‘not for profit’ IVF service in its Pharmacies across the UK

  • Asda Pharmacy’s not-for-profit IVF drugs cost £1374 per cycle
  • With over 255 in store pharmacies offering the service nationwide, potential parents across the UK are able to access treatment
  • Not for profit service ensures affordable and accessible IVF medication is available to everyone

LEEDS, England, 2017-Aug-09 — /EPR Retail News/ — As cuts to NHS funding for IVF treatment have reignited concerns over a ‘postcode lottery’ for women seeking treatment, Asda has reaffirmed its commitment to offering their ‘not for profit’ IVF service in 255 Asda Pharmacies across the UK.

Asda first launched its pioneering service in 2010 to help ensure IVF could be affordable and accessible to all. Today, as thousands of potential parents face the concern of not being able to access the treatment that would allow them to have a family, Asda has restated its commitment to continuing the service. At Asda, one cycle of treatment will cost £1374*and customers using the service have face to face access to a Pharmacist, unlike many online services that offer the treatment.

Infertility continues to be the most common reason for women ages 20-45 to see their GP, after pregnancy itself, and affects 3.5 million people in the UK – the equivalent of one in six couples.* Yet despite the acknowledgement of infertility as a serious medical condition, accessing the treatment remains challenging for many. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that the NHS should offer three full cycles of IVF for women under 40 who have not become pregnant after two years of trying. But the recommendations are not binding – it is up to local NHS providers to decide what to offer, meaning the offer can vary from three cycles to none depending on where a woman lives.

Faisal Tuddy, Asda’s Superintendent Pharmacist: “We know that a considerable number of women have to pay for additional cycles of IVF treatment; a process that is financially, as well as emotionally, draining. Asda is known for offering great value for families wherever they live in the UK and so it makes sense for us that we do what we can to help people get access to the treatment they need, regardless of where they live. Our not for profit IVF service has been a huge success since we launched in 2010 and we’re committed to helping even more people on their journey to becoming parents. .”

For case study examples of families supported by Asda’s Not for Profit IVF treatment click here: https://www.asdagoodliving.co.uk/family/healthy-living/how-ivf-changed-the-lives-of-these-three-couples?platform=facebook

*The cost of a cycle of treatment has been calculated based on the prices of the following: Suprecur Injection 5.5ml (x4), Northisterone 5mg (x21), Synarel Nasal Spray 60 Dose (x2), Menopur 75iu (x 48), Pregnyl 5000iu (x 2), Cyclogest 400mg (x 36), Menopur 75iu (x 20), Cyclogest 200mg (x 84).

For further information contact:
Naomi Farmer
0113 82664072

Tori Pourzand
07779701602

Source: ASDA

Posted on by

CVS Health announces availability of opioid overdose-reversal medication naloxone without prescription at all its Pharmacies in Colorado

WOONSOCKET, R.I., 2016-Aug-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) announced today that the opioid overdose-reversal medication naloxone is now available without a prescription at all CVS Pharmacy locations in Colorado. CVS Health has established a standing order with physicians in Colorado that allows CVS Pharmacy to expand access to the medication across the state.

“Naloxone is a safe and effective antidote to opioid overdoses and by expanding access to this medication in our Colorado pharmacies by the use of a physician’s standing order for patients without a prescription, we can help save lives,” said Tom Davis, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy Professional Practices at CVS Pharmacy. “We are dedicated to helping the communities we serve address and prevent drug abuse and we are expanding access to naloxone to give more people a chance to get the help they need for recovery.”

In addition to Colorado, CVS Pharmacy locations in 30 other states are able to dispense naloxone to patients without an individual prescription.

“CVS Health has been a leader in helping communities prevent prescription drug abuse and we applaud their work to increase access to this life-saving drug for patients without a prescription at CVS Pharmacy locations in Colorado,” said Marcia Lee Taylor, President and CEO, Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. “Increasing access to naloxone is a critical public health priority that allows patients and their families to prevent opioid fatalities and recognize when people need help working towards recovery from the disease of addiction.”

CVS Health has also launched digital resources on www.cvs.com/content/prescription-drug-abuse giving patients and families a single destination to learn more about drug abuse prevention. These new resources build on CVS Health’s longstanding commitment to helping communities address and prevent drug abuse. In 2015, CVS Health launched a community outreach program called Pharmacists Teach, which brings local pharmacists to high school health classes to talk to students about the dangers of drug abuse. More than 100,000 students have already taken part in the program. High school teachers and administrators in Colorado can learn more about bringing Pharmacists Teach to their school here.

CVS Health has also joined with the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids to create the Medication Disposal for Safer Communities Program, which donates disposal units to local police departments, providing a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted medication. Law enforcement officials across Colorado can apply to receive a drug collection unit here.

About CVS Health
CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) is a pharmacy innovation company helping people on their path to better health. Through its more than 9,600 retail pharmacies, more than 1,100 walk-in medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with nearly 80 million plan members, a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than one million patients per year, and expanding specialty pharmacy services, the Company enables people, businesses and communities to manage health in more affordable and effective ways. This unique integrated model increases access to quality care, delivers better health outcomes and lowers overall health care costs. Find more information about how CVS Health is shaping the future of health at https://www.cvshealth.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Shields Britt
Corporate Communications
(401) 770-9237
Erin.Britt@CVSHealth.com

SOURCE: CVS Health

Posted on by

Rite Aid announces availability of flu shots at its pharmacies nationwide

Camp Hill, Pa., 2016-Aug-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid announced today the availability of seasonal flu shots at Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide. Customers can visit any of Rite Aid’s nearly 4,600 convenient pharmacy locations to receive a flu shot from a certified immunizing Rite Aid pharmacist, subject to state regulations. Flu shots are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B and are available during pharmacy hours; no appointment is necessary. To locate the nearest Rite Aid pharmacy, visit www.riteaid.com or call 1-800-RITE-AID.

“Immunizations play a key role in a person’s overall health and wellness year-round, but this is especially true when it comes to protecting oneself from the flu,” said Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aid executive vice president of pharmacy. “With more than 11,000 immunizing pharmacists and thousands of locations across the country, getting a flu shot at Rite Aid is a convenient and easy way for people to make sure that they are protected.”

Rite Aid pharmacies offer a number of vaccine options that may include the trivalent flu vaccine, which offers protection against three strains of the flu: the influenza A H3N2 virus, the influenza B virus and the influenza A H1N1; a high-dose influenza vaccine for people age 65 and older, and a quadrivalent vaccine which protects against an additional influenza B virus. Upon request, Rite Aid pharmacists can administer an intradermal flu shot, which uses a smaller needle that is injected into the skin instead of the muscle, 18-64 years of age.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccination as soon as it is available because it takes up to 14 days to develop full protection against the flu. While the CDC recommends flu shots for everyone over six months, certain groups of people are at greater risk for complications from the flu. These groups include: people with diabetes, pregnant women, adults over 65, children under 5, those with asthma and other chronic lung diseases, those with kidney and liver disorders, heart disease patients and those with compromised immune systems.

Added Konrad, “We also encourage people to use flu season as an opportunity to review their immunization history and need for other vaccinations. Rite Aid pharmacists can review a person’s immunization history and make recommendations for additional vaccinations based on the individual’s unique needs.”

Additional Immunization Needs
Receiving the annual flu shot also presents an opportunity to review other immunization needs. Subject to state regulations, Rite Aid pharmacists are able to administer vaccines that protect against tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), as well as pneumonia, and shingles at the same time as the seasonal flu shot. One dose of Tdap is routinely given at age 11 or 12, and the CDC recommends a Td (tetanus/diphtheria) booster be administered every 10 years. The CDC also recommends a pneumococcal vaccine for those 65 and older and the shingles vaccine for people aged 60 and older. To better understand personal immunization needs, customers can visit Rite Aid’s Vaccine Central at www.riteaid.com/vaccinecentral, to complete an immunization evaluation, track their personal immunization history, and find other educational resources on immunizations.
Shield Your Workforce Against the Flu

To help employers fight the flu, Rite Aid will once again have a team dedicated to planning and implementing onsite workplace flu clinics staffed by certified immunizing Rite Aid pharmacists. Rite Aid is also able to offer employers a voucher program, in which employees would receive a flu shot voucher to use at any Rite Aid pharmacy. In addition, immunizations against other vaccine preventable diseases are also available for employees, subject to state regulations. For more information, employers can visit www.shieldmyworkforce.com  or call 1-800-622-2106.

Rite Aid Corporation is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2016 annual revenues of $30.7 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com.

Media Contact:

Kristin Kellum
717-975-5713

Source: Rite Aid Corporation

Posted on by

Walgreens now offers flu shots at all of its pharmacies and Healthcare Clinics

DEERFIELD, Ill, 2016-Aug-17 — /EPR Retail News/ — Walgreens is now offering flu shots at all of its pharmacies, including Duane Reade pharmacies in New York, and at all Walgreens Healthcare Clinic locations.

Flu shots are available during all pharmacy and clinic hours while an immunizing health professional is on duty, including evenings, overnights at 24-hour pharmacy locations, weekends and holidays1, and no appointment is necessary. The flu shot is widely covered under most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B. Age restrictions vary by state at Walgreens pharmacies, while Healthcare Clinics can provide vaccinations for patients age 2 and older.

“For more than a decade, Walgreens pharmacists and Healthcare Clinic nurse practitioners have been a trusted and accessible community resource for flu shots and other immunizations,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Every flu season is unpredictable, which is why an annual flu shot is the first and most important preventive measure to take to protect yourself and those around you throughout the season.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot for everyone over the age of 6 months as soon as the vaccine becomes available.

Walgreens points of care will offer a number of vaccine options that may include trivalent flu vaccine, a high-dose influenza vaccine for those over age 65 and a quadrivalent vaccine which protects against four strains of influenza.

To find the nearest Walgreens, call 1-800-WALGREENS or visit www.walgreens.com.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,173 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens omnichannel business includes Walgreens.com and VisionDirect.com. More than 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 Subject to availability, state age and health-related restrictions apply. See pharmacy for details.

Contacts:

Emily Hartwig
847-315-3316
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

Source: Walgreens

Posted on by

Walgreens installs safe medication disposal kiosks at its pharmacies across 21 states

DEERFIELD, Ill., 2016-Jul-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — In the first national effort of its kind by a retailer, Walgreens has installed safe medication disposal kiosks at 288 pharmacies across 21 states and Washington D.C. Walgreens is now more than halfway toward its goal, announced in February, of installing medication disposal kiosks at 500 locations around the country.

To mark the first store in Wisconsin with a drug take-back kiosk, Walgreens will be joined today by House Speaker Paul Ryan for a ceremony at a Janesville, Wis., store. Safe medication disposal kiosk installation in Wisconsin is expected to be complete by the end of August.

The kiosks provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medications at no cost. As part of Walgreens drug take-back program, the kiosks make the disposal of medications easier and are available year-round to help reduce the misuse of medications and the rise in overdose deaths.

“Walgreens has taken an important first step to curb the misuse of medications throughout the country and continues to make progress in offering easy and convenient medication disposal,” said Richard Ashworth, Walgreens president of pharmacy and retail operations. “Everyone has a role to play in minimizing prescription drug abuse, and we are committed to being part of a comprehensive solution to reverse this epidemic.”

The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies are available during regular pharmacy hours (24 hours a day at most kiosk locations) and offer one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidentally used or intentionally misused by someone else.

Walgreens also has helped curb the rise in opioid overdose deaths by making naloxone, a lifesaving opioid antidote, available without requiring a prescription in more than 2,600 pharmacies across 14 states. On Aug. 1, Walgreens will begin offering naloxone without requiring a prescription in North Carolina and Wisconsin as the company continues toward its goal of offering naloxone without a prescription at more than 7,000 of its nearly 8,200 pharmacies. In states where a prescription is required, Walgreens is available and eager to work with regulators to help update rules to allow for dispensing of naloxone without a prescription.

Naloxone can be used in the event of an overdose to reverse the effects of heroin or other opioid drugs, and is administered by injection or nasal spray.

When naloxone is dispensed, instructions are provided on how to administer the medication, including calling 911. Naloxone is not a substitute for medical care, and anyone who is administered the medication should seek immediate medical attention.

Drug abuse continues to be a public health and safety risk. More Americans die every day from drug overdoses than from motor vehicle crashes, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 15 million Americans misused a prescription drug in 20141, and that same year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a national total of 47,055 drug overdose deaths, which include deaths from prescription and illicit drugs. That is a 6.5 percent increase from 2013 and a 140 percent increase since 2000.2

In addition to offering a year-round solution for individuals to dispose of their medications, Walgreens continues to participate in DEA sponsored National Prescription Drug Take Back Days, serving as a collection point in communities for law enforcement to collect unwanted, unused or expired medications for safe disposal. The company is also collaborating with the American Pharmacists Association Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependencies to continue to offer a substance abuse education program for pharmacists and student pharmacists.

States where Walgreens Safe Medication Disposal Program has been implemented:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin*

*Installation has begun in the state and is expected to be complete in August.

States where Walgreens offers naloxone without requiring a prescription:

Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (including Duane Reade drugstores), Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington.

Note: North Carolina and Wisconsin will begin offering naloxone without requiring a prescription on Aug. 1.

About Walgreens
Walgreens (www.walgreens.com), one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacy-led, health and wellbeing enterprise. More than 8 million customers interact with Walgreens each day in communities across America, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice. Walgreens operates 8,173 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walgreens digital business includes Walgreens.com, drugstore.com, Beauty.com and VisionDirect.com. More than 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

1 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health http://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs2014/NSDUH-DetTabs2014.htm

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Increases in Drug and Opioid Overdose Deaths –United States, 2000-2014 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6450a3.htm

Contact:

Phil Caruso
847-315-2962
philip.caruso@walgreens.com
http://news.walgreens.com
@WalgreensNews
facebook.com/Walgreens

###

House Speaker Paul Ryan joins Walgreens at the July 25, 2016 launch of drug take-back disposal program in Wisconsin
House Speaker Paul Ryan joins Walgreens at the July 25, 2016 launch of drug take-back disposal program in Wisconsin

 

Source: Walgreens

Posted on by

Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide to help its senior customers prepare for 2015 Medicare Part D Enrollment

Rite Aid’s Medicare Advisor Assists Medicare Beneficiaries and Caregivers in Selecting Best Prescription Drug Plan for 2016

Camp Hill, Pa., 2015-10-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Rite Aid pharmacies nationwide are once again providing free resources to help its senior customers select the right prescription drug plan (PDP) or update their existing coverage during the annual Medicare Part D enrollment period. Now through Dec. 7, 2015, customers can use Rite Aid’s Medicare Advisor to request the three lowest-cost prescription drug plans based on current prescriptions filled at Rite Aid*. Rite Aid’s Medicare Advisor is available at any Rite Aid pharmacy and can also be accessed online at www.riteaid.com/medicareadvisor

“As a retail healthcare company, Rite Aid is committed to providing its customers with the resources they need to help them reach their goal of leading healthier lives,” said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice president of pharmacy for Rite Aid. “The Medicare Part D enrollment period is the perfect time for our patients to speak with our pharmacists about the tools we offer, including Medicare Advisor, which can help them select the drug plan to best fit their prescription needs.”

With Rite Aid’s Medicare Advisor, customers can compare the estimated annual costs of various plans, including monthly premiums, brand and generic co-pays and drugs covered. Customers can then discuss their Medicare Advisor report with their Rite Aid pharmacists, who are available to answer questions they may have.

Rite Aid is in the networks of hundreds of other Medicare prescription drug plans; see
for more information.

Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE: RAD) is one of the nation’s leading drugstore chains with nearly 4,600 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia and fiscal 2014 annual revenues of $25.5 billion. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company’s website at www.riteaid.com

*A complete list of all the Part D plans Rite Aid participates in is also available upon request. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, pharmacy network and/or copayments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Part B premiums.

###

Contact:

Media: Kristin Kellum 717-975-5713