How a Tooth-Whitening Lawsuit Landed before the Supreme Court

How a Tooth-Whitening Lawsuit Landed before the Supreme Court

—and why their decision will have far-reaching ramifications for state licensing boards. Last year we told you about the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation of the North Carolina dental board. The FTC decided the board had attempted to monopolize the teeth whitening business, and found it had illegally thwarted competition through cease-and-desist letters. The board—composed mainly of private dentists—had […]

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The Trans Fat Ban that Never Was

The Trans Fat Ban that Never Was

The FDA seems to be waiting for GMO soybeans to be ready before it follows through on its promise to ban the toxic fats. A new study published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease, available on the CDC’s website, shows that Americans are consuming much more trans fat than they realize. A federal loophole allows food companies […]

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What is Compounding?

What is Compounding?

Compounding is a method of preparing medications that are individualized for a patient’s specific needs. Compounding is when a licensed pharmacist, a licensed physician, or a person under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, combines, mixes, or alters ingredients of a drug to create a medication tailored to the needs of an individual patient. Compounding […]

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Problems with Compounding Regulation?

Problems with Compounding Regulation?

Recent regulations released by the FDA contain several provisions that are harmful to doctors, patients, and compounding pharmacists. Office Use: This is an area of the rulemaking that has garnered the biggest reaction from the compounding community. Congress and the FDA have required a patient-specific prescription for all drugs compounded, with a narrow exception if […]

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How is Compounding Regulated?

How is Compounding Regulated?

Compounding has recently undergone a regulatory overhaul by Congress and the FDA. In November 2013, the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) was signed in to law, amending the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) and overhauling the regulation of compounding. In July 2014, the FDA released rules and guidances and other documents implementing […]

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USDA Power Play Threatens the Future of Organic Foods

USDA Power Play Threatens the Future of Organic Foods

Last week saw an inter-agency power grab. It begins with the weakening of organic standards—and could end with the term “organic” becoming practically meaningless. Action Alert! In September, the USDA announced changes to its interpretation of the “sunset” provision in the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), an incredibly important piece of legislation that Congress passed […]

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