Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 09-29-2003
	Quote of the day: When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. Franklin D. Roosevelt, quoted Kansas City Star, June 5, 1977

Strike Back!
	Please take a few seconds to answer 9 short "YES/NO" questions about PPP. The 10th slot is for free form ideas/feedback/complaints/compliments/recipes or whatever you want. …Click here for a chance to get back at the bald headed guy. I hate to tell you this but your responses can not be linked back to you unless you put your name in the last box.

Good morning! Let's say you are playing tug-of-war. Let's also allow you to add a player in the middle of the battle. Who do you recruit? Someone who will pull for you right? How about a real life tug-of-war….you against increasing health care costs? When you bring in help are they pulling on your end of the rope or do "they" have other loyalties? Are consultants looking out for your interest or their own? When do your vendors make money and where does the money originate? Don't just "tie a knot and hang on"….get some help committed to YOUR success.

1) FDA approves High dose OTC PEPCID Known as MAXIMUM STRENGTH PEPCID AC
	Finally Prilosec OTC at Sam's club for $22 for#42. and now THIS. Expect all out drug war (OTC style) …Click here for full text of story. http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Feed=RTR&Date=20030924&ID=2894076&Symbol=US:MRK

2) "I'm so Happy I could just die"….and he did!

Researchers in England find the "Ecstasy" can kill without the help of alcohol, opiates, amphetamines or cocaine. Many under the age of 25 still feel like nothing can hurt them. While this may make for good soldiers and stockbrokers, it is very dangerous related to "recreational" activities. No answers here…just talk to your kids…they might not want to admit it …but they are listening. …Click here for full text of story. http://content.health.msn.com/content/article/74/89191.htm

3) More Governors want to go renegade on Canadian imports.
	Sorry boys…it's still illegal. And by the way… what about all of the money that is leaving the country or don't you mind hurting US businesses (Pharmacies, wholesalers, drug companies …Click here for what Illinois business community thinks..) in which the state pension funds are invested? …Click here for full text of story. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3510242

4) "I am mad, and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
	Why are US drugs cheaper in other countries? Price controls. FDA chief says "No fair…no fair!". SO what is he going to DO about it? …Click here for full text of story. http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/030925/0318000184_1.html

5) Ginseng may cause birth defects.
	All of those HERBALS are not innocuous. Not only this but other warnings available at drugdigest.org Check it out for information on herbals including drug-herb interactions. …Click here for full text of story. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3133022.stm

6) Maybe STATES "get it" on SOME things…. formularies!
	Sixteen more States to use MEDICAID formularies in 2004 than in 2003. That leaves 20 States still naked in this regard. With the national trend of States in fiscal trouble I expect the number to increase again soon. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3486787

7) Enough is enough! .CDC on FLU Vaccine…

There will be adequate supplies this year. It makes economic sense as well to prevent influenza vs trying to treat it. …Click here for full text of story. http://65.54.170.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=3745fc37a5a05065f04d8332163a6c8e&lat=1062530187&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eptcommunity%2ecom%2fDaily%2fDailyDetail%2ecfm%3fchosen%3d22006 So do it for your health and pocketbook. With the nasally administered FLUMIST at an AWP in the $50 range …be a mensh ans take the needle. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5233a6.htm

8) pumpkin cheesecake
	Something for your sweet-tooth. I lost this receipe but just found it again today. Enjoy in moderation! …Click here for pumpkin cheesecake receipe. http://wines.msn.com/id/2087583/

Have a GREAT week! Steve

Disclaimer: "Pepin's Pharmaceutical Prattle" (AKA "The Prattle") is the property of PHARMWORKS, LLC and Steven M. Pepin, Pharm. D, BCPS. The opinions expressed are those of the bald-headed author. To start or stop any drug without the advice a supervision of you physician would be stupid. So don't do anything based upon what you read here without professional advice. To be added to or removed from the distribution list please e-mail your request to spepin@pharmworks.com . All insightful comments from readers are thoughtfully considered (the rest are callously discarded). Copyright 1998-2003 PHARMWORKS,LLC all rights reserved.