Analysis of Health Reform Regulations Governing Grandfathered Plans

On June 17, 2010, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor and Treasury released final interim regulations for determining whether an employer-sponsored health plan will be "grandfathered" under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (together referred to as the Affordable Care Act ("ACA")). more...

Avandia Update

On February 22, 2010, the FDA released a drug safety communication regarding Avandia
(rosiglitazone). The FDA announced it would be conducting an ongoing review of Avandia and cardiovascular safety. Part of the data to be reviewed was submitted in August of 2009 from a large, long-term clinical study entitled the Rosiglitazone Evaluated for Cardiovascular Outcomes and Regulation of Glycemia in Diabetes (RECORD). The trial showed an increase in heart failure in patients taking Avandia plus other diabetes medications (metformin or a sulfonylurea) as compared to patients taking metformin and a sulfonylurea but did not confirm or exclude an increased risk in myocardial ischemic events. The FDA also stated it was reviewing on an ongoing basis a number of observational studies published assessing Avandia's cardiovascular safety. more...

Medwatch reports

March 2010 through May 2010

Ear Candles: Risk of Serious Injuries
FDA is notifying consumers and healthcare providers of its warning not to use ear candles - a hollow cone about 10 inches long made from a fabric tube soaked in beeswax, paraffin or a mixture of the two - because they can cause serious injuries, even when used according to the manufacturer's directions. more...

Pancreatic Enzymes Update

Pancreatic Enzyme Products (PEP's) are oral gastrointestinal agents derived from porcine pancreatic enzymes. They aid in the digestion of food and are used by individuals who cannot properly digest food due to lack of pancreatic enzymes. This condition is most commonly found in patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors, or Shwachman-Diamond syndrome. PEP's contain lipase, amylase, and protease. more...

CFC Containing Metered-Dose Inhalers to be Phased Out

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the phasing out of seven chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) containing inhalers. These inhalers are all for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or both. Specific dates were given by the FDA. After these dates, the identified inhalers can no longer be made, dispensed, or sold in the United States. more...

Management tools are available that can be instrumental in helping companies lower their overall plan healthcare costs.

One of those tools, Disease State Management (DSM), helps improve the quality of life for members by aiding them in taking control of their own health through education and communication. DSM programs through NPS integrates medical content from healthcare providers with pharmacy records to initiate pro-active management of key medical conditions to improve the outcome for the members and the plans. more...