New Video Explains Drug Track-and-Trace Process
It might be itching, chills, fatigue or sleeplessness. Side effects are common with prescription drugs. So how do regulators, patients and physicians keep tabs on these events and ensure that drugs are safe in everyday use?
Veterans Issues Dominate Headache Policy Event
In a Tuesday policy panel sponsored by The Headache and Migraine Policy Forum, experts from across the health care and veterans support spectrum weighed in on how migraine and headache disorders impact veterans – and whether these women and men can access the treatment they need.
Cystic Fibrosis Community Celebrates New Treatment Option
The Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug that helps address the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, not simply its symptoms. The drug, a combination of tezacaftor/ivacaftor, is for patients aged 12 and older with certain cystic fibrosis mutations.
New Gout Alliance Releases “Fast Facts”
Gout can be painful and debilitating – but also treatable, explains a new Fast Facts policy brief. A product of the newly formed Alliance for Gout Awareness, the Q&A document aims to inform and empower patients with basic information about the condition.
Aetna Debacle Deepens Skepticism about Coverage Decisions
Think an informed medical expert is making the coverage decisions at your health insurance company? You might think again.
Epilepsy Day Highlights Access Challenges for Patients
More than 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, a neurological disorder that can cause seizures and violent muscle spasms. This February 12, International Epilepsy Day, patients come together to share their experiences – including the struggle to access necessary medication.
Research Confirms Prior Authorization Burden for Heart Patients
New research from the University of Pennsylvania details prior authorization requirements for PCSK9 inhibitors. The self-injected drugs lower bad cholesterol for patients with cardiovascular disease or genetic high cholesterol. Prior authorization allows health insurers to act as a gatekeeper, deciding whether they will cover the medication when it’s prescribed by a patient’s health care provider.
Mounting Lawsuits Pressure States to Treat Prisoners with Hepatitis C
In Missouri, a class action lawsuit is under appeal. In Florida, a U.S. District Court judge ordered the Department of Corrections to begin treating infected inmates immediately. And at least six other states, including Virginia and Tennessee, face similar legal challenges.
Congress Considers Loosening Restrictions on Off-label Discussions
The Pharmaceutical Information Exchange Act, H.R. 2026, would ease current communication restrictions, permitting drug and medical device companies to discuss off-label information with health insurers. The bill recently passed out of Congress’ Energy and Commerce health subcommittee.
Patients’ Nasty Co-pay Surprise
A new trend has more health insurers implementing what are known as co-pay accumulator programs, which change how patients meet their annual deductible. Insurers embrace the programs to increase their revenues and discourage the use of high-cost drugs. But, in so doing, they leave patients with a difficult choice.
