FreeStyle InsuLinx Blood Glucose Meter recall

On April 15, 2013, Abbott Diabetes Care recalled (removed from pharmacies) all FreeStyle InsuLinx Blood Glucose Meters in the United States because they can display incorrect test results.

Pharmacy benefit update: Stomach acid medications

Starting July 1, 2013, we will no longer cover brand-name over-the-counter omeprazole and lansoprazole products, such as Prilosec OTC or Prevacid 24HR.

Pharmacy benefit update: Pain and fever medication

Starting July 1, 2013, you will only be able to get up to 4 grams of acetaminophen per day.

Pallimed Solutions, Inc., recall of sterile compounded products

On March 25, 2013, Pallimed Solutions, Inc., a Woburn, Mass.- based pharmacy, announced a voluntary recall of all sterile compounded products dispensed since January 1, 2013.

Safety notification: Azithromycin and abnormal heart rhythms

On March 12, 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified health care professionals and patients that people taking azithromycin (Zithromax or Zmax), an antibiotic medication used to treat bacterial infections, may be at risk.

Safety notification: Over-the-counter eye drops and nasal sprays

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that accidental ingestion by children of over-the-counter eye drops used to relieve redness and nasal decongestant sprays can result in serious and life-threatening adverse events.

Should you get a flu shot?

Anyone can get the flu. That’s why getting a yearly flu shot is so important.

Safety notification: Over-the-counter topical muscle and joint pain relievers

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted the public that certain over-the-counter (OTC) products that are applied to the skin for the relief of mild muscle and joint pain (such as Bengay and Icy Hot) have been reported to cause rare cases of serious skin injuries, ranging from first- to third-degree chemical burns, where the products were applied.

Safety notification: Mirapex (pramipexole)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified healthcare professionals about a possible increased risk of heart failure with Mirapex (pramipexole).

Safety notification: Codeine use in certain children

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing reports of children who developed serious adverse effects or died after taking codeine for pain relief after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.