cholesterol

SPOTLIGHT: Should we put kids on cholesterol-fighting drugs?

Anne Zieger — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:49:47 -0400

A new recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics that children as young as 8 years old use cholesterol-fighting statin drugs has ignited a firestorm of controversy in the medical profession. Some doctors--including those on the AAP's committee that issued the recommendation--say that there's enough data to justify the recommendation, which could slow the progression of heart disease in high-risk children. Others, however, say that there's too little evidence to prescribe these drugs to children safely. Article

Express Scripts pays $9.5M settlement over drug switching

Wed, 28 May 2008 06:59:58 -0400

Pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts has agreed to pay a total of $9.5 million to 28 states and the District of Columbia to settle allegations that it engaged in deceptive prescription-switching practices. The attorneys general involved had been investigating the company, arguing that Express Scripts switched patients to brand-name cholesterol drugs in an attempt to maximize the volume rebates it got from drug manufacturers. While patients were told they'd benefit from the switch, they actually ended up incurring some expenses from the change, according to the Pennsylvania AG's office. In signing the agreement, the company didn't admit any wrongdoing.

Under the terms of the settlement, Express Scripts agrees that it no longer will solicit patient drug switches if the cost exceeds that of the original script, if the original drug has a generic equivalent while the switch doesn't, if the original drug's patent will expire in six months, or if the patient was switched within the last two years. Express scripts also agreed to disclose any financial incentives it may have for soliciting a prescription switch and to reimburse patients for any related costs they might incur.

To learn more about the settlement:
- read this Modern Healthcare piece (reg. req.)

Related Articles:
Express Scripts-CVS battle for Caremark heats up
Express Scripts cuts out some Pfizer drugs

ALSO NOTED: Health plans vow premium, reimbursement crackdown; Diabetes drug spending takes lead position; and much more...

Thu, 15 May 2008 06:59:50 -0400

> Hoping to calm nervous investors, health plans are promising Wall Street types that they're going to hike premiums and ratchet down payments to providers. Good luck, guys. FierceHealthFinance

> Here's some interesting news: Diabetes drugs have displaced cholesterol drugs as the leading drivers of prescription drug spending growth. FiercePharma

> In a recent blog entry, the Wall Street Journal's Jacob Goldstein contends that retail clinics are reaching a "Bust" stage, with some clinics closing and other companies scaling back. Blog

> In an effort to make their lives easier--and decisions simpler--New Hampshire's Blue plan is giving its physicians access to its electronic medical record via mobile devices. FierceHealthIT

And Finally... If a roach breeds in space, does anyone hear it? Article

Study: More than half of insureds on chronic-care meds

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:59:54 -0400

A new study suggests that for the first time, more than half of insured Americans are regularly taking prescriptions for chronic health problems. The most popular drugs include those used to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, according to Medco Health Solutions, which manages prescription benefits for about one in five Americans.

According to Medco data, 51 percent of American children and adults were taking one or more prescription drugs for a chronic condition, marginally up from 50 percent the previous four years and 47 percent in 2001. Use of medication for chronic conditions was spread across age groups. However, the biggest jump in the use of such medications was in the 20- to 44-year-old age group, due largely to more use of drugs for depression, diabetes, asthma, attention-deficit disorder and seizures.

To learn more about the study:
- read this Associated Press article

Related Articles:
Primary care MDs should manage chronic diseases
MN officials focus on chronic disease care
Employers offering free meds for chronic diseases
SPOTLIGHT: PA commission studying care for chronic conditions