Patient Compliance

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. - A 53-year-old man has filed suit against the Atkins diet promoters in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, claiming that he suffered life-threatening health problems while on the trendy high-protein, low-carb diet, according to published sources.

DEERFIELD, Ill. - Leading drugstore chain Walgreens announced last week a new health education program to help its nearly 4 million daily customers daily sift through and find health services and discounts.

ORLANDO, Fla. - As the severity of a medical condition increases, the likelihood that consumers will choose a generic medication dramatically decreases, says a survey released today at the Medco Health Solutions, Inc. 2004 Drug Trend Symposium.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. - Zocor, the cholesterol-lowering drug from Merck & Co. based here has been approved for over-the-counter use in the U.K., allowing British consumers to buy it without a prescription. According to reports, industry experts believe that may set the stage for Zocor eventually being sold over-the-counter in the United States.

WASHINGTON - Tom Ryan, chairman, president, and c.e.o. of CVS/Pharmacy, testifying before the Department of Health and Human Services Drug Importation Task Force yesterday, called on Congress and the Administration to quickly establish a means for consumers to legally and safely import prescription drugs.

WASHINGTON - Americans may soon be able to import cheaper drugs from Canada and other countries, if legislation introduced yesterday by a bipartisan group of senators is passed.

WASHINGTON - The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) and several pharmaceutical manufacturers testified here Monday against legal importation of low-cost prescription drugs.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The Pharmacy Care Alliance, a partnership between Express Scripts Inc. and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, on Thursday announced that its prescription drug discount card was approved by Medicare.