Tag Archives: drug

As If I Have Nothing Better To Do

Posted on January 22, 2018 by

Ask most primary care physicians and they will probably tell you they waste a lot of time getting medications approved for their patients. I just dealt with this for one of my patients. He had been on it for four … Continue reading →

Posted in Business of Medicine, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Let’s be Clear on ClariSpray

Posted on May 27, 2016 by

Bayer, the maker of Claritin, has a new product, ClariSpray. This is a good product, but with a confusing name. It has nothing to do with Claritin, other than they are both used for allergies (allergic rhinitis). It’s actually fluticasone … Continue reading →

Posted in Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Gluteus Maximus

Posted on February 22, 2016 by

I ordered atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) for one of my patients with high cholesterol and Medicare Part D coverage. It was denied. We then appealed it (prior authorization). A fax from Maximus Federal Services said their decision was, “UNFAVORABLE.” They said … Continue reading →

Posted in Government, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

How to Get Rich – A Guide for Pharmaceutical Companies

Posted on September 2, 2014 by

Thanks to Congress, Medicare is not allowed to negotiate for the cost of medications. The bill was shepherded through by congressman Tauzin, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that regulates the industry, who subsequently stepped down then … Continue reading →

Posted in Business of Medicine, Medical Politics, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Medication Small Print

Posted on June 13, 2013 by

When I give a cortisone injection, I have to document it in our electronic medical records. I’ve always included the dose, how administered (intramuscular), and the lot number. This week my company added the requirement that we include the NDC … Continue reading →

Posted in Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Aspirin – Coated or Naked – Does it Matter?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by

Aspirin is often used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Patients usually take an 81 mg (baby aspirin) or 325 mg (regular strength) pill. It also comes in plain, enteric coated, or buffered. Enteric coated aspirin is often recommended to … Continue reading →

Posted in Clinical, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Over-the-Counter Confusion

Posted on October 9, 2012 by

The FDA allows some medications to be sold over-the-counter (OTC), generally after patent expiration. Pharmaceutical companies need to prove they are safe to be taken that way. But as more medications become available, the opportunities for confusion increase. I’ve had … Continue reading →

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Cataracts and Hip Fractures

Posted on August 17, 2012 by

A recent study showed that cataract surgery helps prevent hip fractures. It looked at a sample of Medicare patients with cataracts who did or did not have cataract surgery.  Those who had cataract surgery had a 16% less change of … Continue reading →

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Making the Affordable Care Act Individual Mandate Work

Posted on July 6, 2012 by

The Supreme Court has ruled that most of the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare, is constitutional. In order to provide affordable care to all, insurance companies need the healthy to pay premiums, and not just the people who will use … Continue reading →

Posted in Business of Medicine, Legal, Medical Politics | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Ask the Doc: Human Growth Hormone

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

On this site I’m unable to answer patient specific questions, but as time permits, may answer questions of a general interest. Question: I have been working out with a personal trainer with weight training and have been doing running on … Continue reading →

Posted in Ask the Doc, Pharmaceuticals | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments