News & Features

December, 2006

Welcome to the end-of-year edition of the monthly newsletter. We'll try to present timely articles of interest in short capsule form, mostly regarding pharmaceutical questions, but also articles of general interest.

Watch out for fraudulent e-mails regarding your Social Security.

Many seniors have recently received emails purportedly from the Social Security Administration, under the subject of "Cost of living for 2007 update". The email claims its purpose is to inform Social Security recipients about the 3.3% benefit increase for 2007, but it also contains the following statement: "NOTE: We now need you to update your personal information. If this is not completed by (a date close to today's date), we will be forced to suspend your account indefinitely." The recipient is then directed to a bogus website which is designed to look like an authentic Social Security website. At this website, victims are asked to create a password, and to confirm their identity by providing their Social Security number, credit card information, and bank account information. Under NO conditions should you visit the website! The Social Security Administration does not send out emails that require you to give out your personal information, nor do they use scare tactics and short deadlines via email to pressure you to update your account. Your only action should be to simply delete the e-mail as soon as you see it. This is definitely a scam designed to give your personal information to people who should not have it.

Attorney General stops snack food companies from making false health claims.

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Edwin R. Rodriguez recently announced that they have succeeded in restraining several snack food companies from making false claims regarding the nutritional value of their snack foods. The food products, which Keystone Foods produced for Roberts American Gourmet contained herbal and botanical substances such as Echinacea, ginseng and St. John's wort, which the companies claimed would increase energy, and help fight colds, flu, and other illnesses. There is no reliable scientific evidence to support these claims. The companies also understated the amount of fat and sodium in the foods. "Hyping health falsely is unconscionable" Blumenthal said. "Duping customers into believing that a bag of chips will help cure a cold or enhance energy is deceptive and deplorable" "As consumers become more health conscious and keep track of their dietary intake, it's very important that they have accurate information" said Rodriguez. He went on to say that this type of marketing was not only illegal, but could prevent consumers from seeking proper treatment for an existing illness.

Zostavax helps to prevent shingles for patients 60 and older.

More patients will soon be prescribed a new drug, Zostavax, to prevent shingles in patients 60 and older. About 50 million people will be eligible. This new vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by about 50%, and reduces the painful post herpetic neuralgia by 67%. Most Medicare drug plans will cover the drug in 2007. It is the first vaccine that will be covered under Medicare Part D instead of part B, (like flu vaccine). Physicians cannot yet bill Medicare Part D for this service. Patients will have to obtain the vaccine from the pharmacy and pay their copay, plus a fee for the injection.

New signup period for Medicare Part D.

If you are considering changing your Medicare Part D prescription plan, the deadline is December 31st. If you wish to keep the same plan that you had last year, in most cases, you do not have to do anything. Be sure to check with us or your insurance agent if you intend to change plans for 2007.

Our best wishes to you and yours for a happy and healthy holiday season!

We would really appreciate hearing from you regarding this newsletter, and your thoughts on whether or not to continue to publish it.

The pharmacists and staff at M.D. Pharmacy, your neighborhood pharmacy.

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