FDA advisers endorse Merck’s COVID pill, pending a better option
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 01, 2021
Molnupiravir, an oral antiviral pill for treating COVID-19, is in line for authorization by the FDA. The Tuesday vote recommending that it be prescribed to U.S. adults was a close one.
COVID pill could prevent 9 in 10 hospitalizations, Pfizer says
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2021
The antiviral Paxlovid reduced the rate of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by nearly 90% in a clinical trial. A similar oral antiviral made by Merck currently is under review by the FDA.
Feds asked to OK what could be the first COVID-19 antiviral pill
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 12, 2021
If authorized for emergency use, certain patients could take molnupiravir at home after COVID-19 diagnosis, the drug’s developers said.
Merck to seek emergency use for COVID-19 antiviral pill that cuts severe outcomes by 50 percent
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 04, 2021
Molnupiravir has reduced COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations by half in a new clinical trial. An orally delivered drug could offer unprecedented treatment convenience, the drug’s developers say.
Pfizer, Merck start testing COVID prevention pills in late-stage trials
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 02, 2021
The drugs, each given orally as a pill, would provide an unprecedented COVID-19 preventive medication option if brought to market.
Older adults often assume new prescriptions have no side effects
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 25, 2021
Clinicians may want to intentionally emphasize side effects when prescribing new medications to older patients, a new study suggests.
To sort, or not to sort? British pharmacists answer an important pill box question
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 08, 2019
In an odd twist of logic, seniors risk falls, sickness and even hospitalization when they switch to using a pill organizer. A new guide offers solutions.
Pill crusher delivers fine powder with less effort
Jan 23, 2013
First Wave Technologies recently introduced its First Crush Automatic Electric Pill Crusher. The product is a rechargeable battery powered pill crusher that crushes and grinds multiple pills into a fine...
Technology improves medication safety measures
By
Jeff Harrell, Pharm. D.
Jan 07, 2013
No matter your role in healthcare, medication safety is a challenge that has caused you concern. In my job as co-owner of SureCare Rx, an independently owned and operated pharmacy partner to long-term...
Drug delivery formats affect nursing home medication errors, study finds
Feb 11, 2011
Nursing home residents are four times as likely to receive an improper dosage of a medication if it is administered in a liquid format than as a pill or tablet. Other delivery formats, such as transdermal...