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In 2012, compounding made headlines when 64 people died as a result of fungal meningitis caused by contaminated compounded products.

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Pharmacists and nurse practitioners are trusted healthcare professionals who provide instructions and advice based on peer-reviewed guidelines and clinical data. They have the opportunity and responsibility to educate patients about the benefits of childhood vaccines and to be advocates for immunizations as they relate to public health. Immunizations remain one of the most important public health discoveries of all time and are responsible for the decreased amount of infectious disease.

The same H1N1 virus to cause a pandemic in 2009 is by far the predominant influenza virus for the 2013-2014 season. This is the first season that the H1N1 virus has circulated at high levels since the pandemic.

However, the Northern Hemisphere quadrivalent and trivalent vaccines for the 2013-2014 season are well-matched to the H1N1 virus in circulation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FluView report for the week ended Jan. 4.

What’s at the root of most morbidity and mortality from influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases? Under-immunization. Retail clinicians (i.e., nurse practioners, physician assistants and doctors) are in a unique position to influence immunization rates by educating patients on the benefits of appropriate vaccines.

Americans by and large have lousy diets, pharmacist and supplement expert James LaValle, CEO of Integrative Health Resources, told DSN Collaborative Care recently. Over a lifetime, those nutrient-poor diets contribute to the development of such chronic disease states as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The medicines prescribed to treat those conditions then further deplete essential vitamins and minerals.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma on Monday named Mark Timney as president and CEO.

"We found a proven leader in Mark Timney," said Raymond Sackler, co-founder and board member of Purdue. "I am confident that his capabilities and experience, coupled with Purdue's culture of excellence, will grow our business and strengthen our healthcare industry leadership." 

ATLANTA — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's FluView report released Friday, flu activity remains high overall, but is declining in parts of the country while increasing in other parts of the country. Most notably the Southeast, which began experiencing high levels of flu activity at the end of November, is now showing declines in activity. 

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration will hold a public meeting of the Allergenic Products Advisory Committee on Tuesday to determine the safety and efficacy of Ragwitek, a short ragweed pollen allergen extract tablet for sublingual use, which is manufactured by Merck and indicated for immunotherapy for diagnosed ragweed pollen induced allergic rhinitis, with or without conjunctivitis.