Retail Clinics

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic contraceptive made by Watson Pharmaceuticals, the company said Tuesday.

Watson announced the approval of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets in the 0.09-mg/0.02-mg strength.

The drug is a generic version of Pfizer’s Lybrel, which had sales of slightly less than $12 million during the 12-month period that ended in April, according to IMS Health.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Take Care Health Systems and Memorial Health on Tuesday announced a new relationship that will increase opportunities for clinical collaboration and improve patient access to high-quality, convenient and affordable healthcare options in the greater Jacksonville region.

WASHINGTON — U.S. News Media Group on Tuesday ranked the best dieting plans by health goal — identifying the best plans for weight loss, heart health and diabetes.

Building on the company’s experience evaluating hospitals, U.S. News developed five diet rankings to address a broad range of consumers' dieting goals and needs. Diets were ranked based on ratings from an independent panel of 22 experts.

CHICAGO — A new report by Mintel may shed new light on the reasons why African-Americans diet.

According to the research, while 70% of African-American adults surveyed said they limit the amount and/or kind of food they eat to boost their general wellness, 52% are eating healthier to prevent or control high blood pressure and 46% said they follow a diet to maintain their current weight.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has given final approval to a generic drug for insomnia made by Actavis, the drug maker said Monday.

The FDA approved the company’s zolpidem tartrate extended-release tablets in the 12.5-mg strength. The drug, which is a Schedule IV controlled substance, is a generic version of Sanofi’s Ambien CR. Actavis was the first company to launch a generic version of the drug in the 6.25-mg strength in October 2010.

HORSHAM, Pa. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted a regulatory approval application for a head lice treatment made by Topaz Pharmaceuticals, Topaz said Tuesday.

Topaz is seeking approval for ivermectin topical cream, for treating head lice in children and adults.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The White House on Friday held a roundtable discussion with approximately two dozen leaders across the public safety, healthcare and technology sectors to address how health information technology can help limit prescription drug abuse, the National Community Pharmacists Association noted in a release on Monday.

The main focus was how data from prescription drug monitoring programs can better facilitate prescribing, be incorporated into pharmacies and be leveraged in emergency rooms, the association stated.

GOODRICH, N.D. — A new dairy-free milk product made from cold-pressed flax oil has made its debut.

Flaxmilk is a plant-based beverage that is enriched with vitamins A, D and B12, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. One 8-oz. serving of Flaxmilk contains 50 calories and provides as much calcium as cow's milk with zero cholesterol and zero trans fat, according to Flax USA, the make of Flaxmilk.