Pharmaceuticals

Latest KFF Health News Stories

Reversing An Overdose Isn’t Complicated, But Getting The Antidote Can Be

KFF Health News Original

Last month, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams urged more Americans to carry and learn to use naloxone, which can save someone from an opioid overdose. But the drug, brand-name Narcan, can be difficult to get and expensive.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ The Politics Of Rising Premiums And Menu Labeling

KFF Health News Original

In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Stephanie Armour of The Wall Street Journal, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Anna Edney of Bloomberg News discuss the latest on the politics of rising premiums, GOP efforts to take back money from the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the controversy over new rules requiring calorie information on menus. Plus for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health stories of the week.

Use Of Psychiatric Drugs Soars In California Jails

KFF Health News Original

A combination of factors has led to an “astronomical” increase in mentally ill inmates, followed by increased efforts to identify those who need prescriptions. Some say the meds are underprescribed; others, that they are given inappropriately, without the benefit of comprehensive treatment.

‘Pharma Bro’ Shkreli Is In Prison, But Daraprim’s Price Is Still High

KFF Health News Original

The saga of Martin Shkreli and Turing Pharmaceuticals focused a lot of attention on prescription drug prices, but no reversal of the exponential price increases for the lifesaving drug Daraprim resulted. The story offers an object lesson into the interworkings of the pharmaceutical market.

Podcast: KHN’s ‘What The Health?’ Nothing In Health Care Ever Goes Away

KFF Health News Original

In this episode of KHN’s “What the Health?” Sarah Jane Tribble of Kaiser Health News, Joanne Kenen of Politico, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times and Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post examine how even after Republicans failed to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, the health care debate continues to roil politics. They discuss how Republicans in Congress have shifted their ACA messaging and how the Democrats are looking to Medicare expansion. They also discuss state efforts to expand Medicaid and drug pricing. And they spend a moment talking about Congress’ push to do something about the opioid crisis.

Safety Violations Compound Pain Of Painkiller Shortages

KFF Health News Original

California and federal officials have cracked down on a major compounding pharmacy they say posed a threat to public safety, but their actions are worsening shortages of medications that doctors rely on to keep their patients out of pain.