KUDOS to NABP---Key Facts About Rogue Internet Pharmacies

The 10,288 Internet drug outlets currently listed as Not Recommended are characterized as follows:

• 5,017 (49%) offer foreign or non-FDA-approved drugs
• 9,064 (88%) do not require a valid prescription
• 2,394 (23%) have a physical address located outside of the US, and most (62%) rogue sites post no address whatsoever
• 1,638 (16%) do not have secure sites, exposing customers to financial fraud and identity theft

Important: Sellers of Unapproved Drugs Proliferate Online, Posing a Serious Threat to Global Public Health, Reports NABP

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy^® (NABP^®) today issued a report stressing the continuing global public health threat posed by unapproved drug products distributed via the Internet. As detailed in the Internet Drug Outlet Identification Program Progress Report for State and Federal Regulators: October 2013, most rogue online drug sellers reviewed by NABP in the last three months offer foreign drug products or medications not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as do nearly half of all rogue sites NABP has reviewed since 2008. Global stakeholders – including regulators, public health organizations, and private entities – agree that drug products failing to meet national regulatory safeguards place patient health at risk. NABP and its member state boards of pharmacy continue to encourage and work with federal regulators and other public and private entities to educate the public about the dangers of unapproved drugs and other risks of buying medications from rogue Internet drug sellers. 
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This is geared toward doctors but well worth read on new HIPPA Rules: Is Your Compounding Pharmacy Complying With the New Rules?

here

Federal Government Issues Guidance on Refill Reminders Under New HIPAA Omnibus Rule By John E. Morrone, Esq. and Jonathan E. Levitt, Esq.

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On Your Side Alert: CVS ExtraCare Rewards and HIPAA concerns - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

On Your Side Alert: CVS ExtraCare Rewards and HIPAA concerns - NBC12.com - Richmond, VA News

Compounding Medicine For Animals Posted on November 2, 2013

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Reading, understanding and implementing USP 797 is a bit like eating an elephant. You cannot do it all it once, and you may not want to do it at all

that is a quote from Edward Lamb, 

Sterile Compounding Guidelines: Standards, Equipment and Contracting.  In that article, Lamb suggest that 

pharmacy practitioners must commit to consistently compounding medications that are beneficial and safe.  I agree.  The problem I think developed and is continue to develop is a fierce competition of everyone wanting to make more and more money in the compounding business, thus making it harder for even the good compounders to focus on safety.  They are having to worry about just staying in business at this point.  It appears that we are going to see more and more of the mega compounders whether the federal legislation is passed.  But because of this explosion of more people getting in the marketing, companies buying up smaller compounders, etc., this just solidifies fact that the federal legislation should become law and regulate those who voluntarily agree to be outsourcing facilities.

APhA announces support for compounding bill

November 01, 2013 House passage of H.R. 3204, the Senate is expected to take it up soonAPhA has announced it supports the Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3204). While APhA does have some concerns with the proposed legislation, the Association believes it would protect the public from harm while maintaining access for consumers to important and often life-saving compounded preparations.In the last year, APhA has communicated constantly with Members of Congress and their staff to help develop and craft compounding legislation. On September 28, H.R. 3204 passed the House by voice vote. The Senate is expected to take it...
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DOUBLE KUDOS!!! Excellent Points: Must Read--Well Written!!!-Tennessee Voices: Proposed law would strengthen oversight of large-scale drug compounders Oct. 31, 2013 8:28 PM

Dr. Patty W. Wright

and Dr. William Schaffner

The fungal meningitis epidemic remains in the news, with patients still coping with long-term complications more than a year after this tragedy came to light.

Late last month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to strengthen federal oversight of a largely unregulated and sometimes unsafe pharmacy practice. We are thankful Tennessee's senior senator, Lamar Alexander, has played a leading role in drafting this important legislation.

During the summer of 2012, more than 700 Americans went into clinics across the country to receive treatment for back pain and other conditions. They walked out with fungal infections. Sixty-three died and hundreds more are still struggling to recover.

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Essential Read: Personalized Medicine: The Future is Now

Personalized Medicine: The Future is Now