In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

National Association News

• Attend the Michigan Reception at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition

Legislative and Regulatory

• FDA Approves First Generics of Zarelto (Rivaroxaban)
• FDA Approves Liquid Oral Suspension Formulation of Losartan
• PBM Reform Stalls Again in Senate
• Some Acne Treatments Recalled Due to Benzene Levels

Professional Practice

• Michigan Reports First 2025 Measles Case

MPA News

• Register for the Annual Convention & Exposition
• Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store
• Meet MPA's New Business Partner TalentBurst
• Renew Your Membership for 2025

MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Registered Pharmacist

Hannahville Indian Community

N14911 Hannahville Rd.

Wilson, MI 49896

This full-time position involves dispensing prescription medications, providing comprehensive drug information and ensuring patients fully understand their prescribed treatment plans. The role includes monitoring patient health and medication effectiveness to promote safe and optimal outcomes. Responsibilities also include accurately filling prescriptions, adhering to all legal and regulatory requirements and overseeing the overall operation of the pharmacy, including billing and compliance. Additionally, this position delegates tasks to pharmacy technicians and ensures proper supervision to maintain high standards of patient care and pharmacy operations.

QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BS) or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) from an accredited U.S. college of pharmacy and hold an active, unrestricted license in good standing with the Michigan Board of Pharmacy. A valid Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substance License is required, along with a Michigan driver’s license that complies with HIC insurance carrier requirements and reliable transportation. CPR certification is necessary or must be obtained within six months of hire. The ideal candidate should have a broad and current knowledge of medications, including potential interactions, as well as strong analytical skills to interpret complex medical information and recommend appropriate solutions. Excellent verbal communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with patients, healthcare providers, and other professionals.

WAGE: Commensurate upon qualifications.

DEADLINE: UNTIL FILLED

How to Apply: Submit completed “Application for Employment” to the Human Resources Department in the Tribal Administration building or mail original application postmarked with copies of licenses and credentials. 

Application can be found here: hannahville.net/documents

Employment selection made pursuant to the Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO) Title IV Chapter 3. Indian Preference.



The MPA Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) is just three weeks away at the Grand Traverse Resort in scenic Traverse City. We know you are going for all the great continuing education, networking opportunities and exhibitor contacts, but what are you going to do with your free time?

Traverse City has so much to offer and its surrounding area even more. Whether you have visited Traverse City previously or this is your first time, there is always more to discover.

Our friends at Traverse City Tourism will have a table near ACE registration where you can get any last-minute ideas for what to do while you are visiting the area. But you can get a head start on planning by visiting the Traverse City Tourism website. You’ll find great restaurants to try, wineries to visit, unique shopping to explore and so much more.

Have I piqued your interest? Plan your trip toda, but start by registering for ACE if you haven't already. And hurry if you want to stay at the Grand Traverse Resort. The destination venue is almost sold out!

I look forward to seeing you at ACE in Traverse City!

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Attend the Michigan Reception at APhA Annual in Nashville

If you are a Michigan attendee of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting & Exposition March 21-24, 2025, you are invited to attend the Michigan Reception at the Omni Nashville, Cumberland 2 Room, from 5-7 p.m. March 22. Beer, wine and appetizers will be served.

Hosts include the Michigan Pharmacists Association, Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Please join your friends and colleagues from Michigan for a fun networking event!

Click the button below for more information on the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.

FDA Approves First Generics of Zarelto (Rivaroxaban)

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generics of Xarelto (rivaroxaban) tablets to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adult patients with coronary artery disease and to reduce the risk of major thrombotic vascular events in adult patients with peripheral artery disease, including patients who have recently undergone a lower extremity revascularization procedure due to symptomatic PAD.

Anticoagulants like rivaroxaban are among the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., and the approval of the first generics of rivaroxaban will provide more treatment options for American patients who rely on anticoagulant medications, the FDA said.

Rivaroxaban will be dispensed with a Medication Guide for patients that provides instructions on its use and drug safety information. Rivaroxaban contains a boxed warning alerting health care providers that there is an increased risk of thrombotic events, which occur when blood clots form inside a blood vessel, or strokes if a patient stops using rivaroxaban too early. Additionally, epidural or spinal hematomas (bleeding outside of blood vessels) may occur in patients treated with rivaroxaban who are receiving neuraxial anesthesia or undergoing spinal puncture. These hematomas may result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Health care professionals should consider these risks when scheduling patients for spinal procedures and counsel patients on signs and symptoms of possible bleeding.

FDA Approves Liquid Oral Suspension Formulation of Losartan

The FDA has approved SCN-102, the 10-mg/mL oral suspension formulation of losartan potassium for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with hypertension, for the reduction of risk of stroke in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy, and for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy in certain patients with type 2 diabetes.

SCN-102 provides a tailored approach to patients that require or prefer an oral liquid option of treatment.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a cardiovascular condition that occurs when the pressure within the blood vessels becomes too high and it is a risk factor for stroke and heart disease, which are leading causes of death in the US. The CDC has reported that hypertension affects nearly half of the US adult population.

PBM Reform Stalls Again in Senate

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, were blocked Friday from passing a package of health policies, including changes to the pharmacy benefit manager industry that was left out of December’s government spending bill. 

Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, attempted to pass the bipartisan legislation by unanimous consent. It was blocked by Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who made no comments on the Senate floor as to his reasons.

Bipartisan health leaders in mid-December agreed on a sweeping health package that included PBM reforms, extensions of Medicare telehealth flexibilities, reauthorizations of legislation to prevent pandemics and address the opioid crisis, payments to community health centers, and a rollback of Medicare physician payment cuts. 

But the overall funding bill it was attached to was torpedoed by GOP lawmakers, Elon Musk and then-President-elect Trump, who complained it was too lengthy and comprehensive.

Some Acne Treatments Recalled Due to Benzene Levels

U.S. health officials are asking retailers to pull a small number of acne creams from their store shelves after government testing found they contain slightly elevated levels of a chemical associated with cancer.

The FDA said several lots of six products containing benzoyl peroxide are being recalled, including Walgreens Acne Control Cleanser, Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator and La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Treatment. The full list and lot numbers was posted online Tuesday.

The FDA stressed consumers face little risk from the products.

“Even with daily use of these products for decades, the risk of a person developing cancer because of exposure to benzene found in these products is very low,” the agency stated.

Michigan Reports First 2025 Measles Case

State officials on Friday announced that they have confirmed the first case of measles in Michigan in 2025.

The infected adult had recently traveled overseas and their vaccination status is unknown, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Oakland County Health Division said in a release.

Individuals who visited the following locations during these days/times, may have been exposed to measles:

• Kruse & Muer on Main at 327 S. Main St. in Rochester from 5:30-9:30 p.m. March 3.
• Henry Ford Rochester Hospital Emergency Department at 1101 W. University Drive in Rochester from 3:40-9:32 a.m. March 8, or 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 10.

Three Weeks Remain Until ACE 2025

Just three weeks remain to register for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition! ACE is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Be sure to sign up now and book your room. The Grand Traverse Resort is almost sold out, so act now! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here. If you need off-site rooming options, visit traversecity.com/hotels.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Purchase Additional Years of Membership in the MPA Store

Did you know MPA offers the ability to purchase two additional years of membership at a reduced cost? If you are a current MPA member, take advantage of this opportunity to receive a 10% discount by extending your membership.

Simply visit the MPA Store and select the extension product that matches your current membership. Note: This offer can only be redeemed in the MPA Store and is not available through your Member Compass.

Meet MPA's New Business Partner TalentBurst

The Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with TalentBurst Health and Life Sciences, a leading provider of health care staffing and workforce solutions. This collaboration aims to help MPA member organizations address talent acquisition challenges while offering job seekers valuable opportunities to advance their careers in pharmacy and healthcare.

TalentBurst specializes in connecting organizations with top talent in pharmacy, healthcare, and non-clinical roles, using customized strategies that prioritize quality, compliance and efficiency.

Through this partnership, MPA members gain access to a robust talent network and streamlined hiring processes, while job seekers benefit from personalized guidance, diverse career opportunities and a seamless job search experience. Together, MPA and TalentBurst are committed to driving success for member organizations and empowering healthcare professionals.

TalentBurst is an MBE certified by the NMSDC and accredited by the Joint Commission, underscoring its dedication to quality patient care.

For more information, visit talentburst.com or contact Harvey Fodor at (508) 848-0083 or mpa@talentburst.com.

It's Time to Renew Your Membership

There are many benefits to renewing your membership with MPA, including:

• Direct access to experts who can answer law and practice questions
• Networking opportunities with pharmacy professionals, such as complimentary membership in our local county associations and practice sections
• Free and discounted CE opportunities such as the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – the state’s largest pharmacy conference
• Being part of the collective voice advocating for the future of the profession
• Competitive home, auto and business insurance through MPA’s affiliated PSI Insurance Agency

MPA exists for and is effective because of its members. RENEW today to ensure that your benefits are secured and that MPA has the resources to move the mountains ahead for you, for the profession and for patients.

Upcoming Live CE Programs

APhA Pharmacy-based Immunization Training

Live Webinar: May 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Mixed Format – Self Study & Live Webinar

NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program

The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give health care professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.

The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists as well as clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.

Sign up now!

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

April 10: MPA Executive Board

April 10: MSHP Board of Directors

April 11-13: MPA Annual Convention & Exposition

April 12: MSPT Annual Meeting

April 12: MSCP Annual Meeting

April 12: CSPM Annual Meeting

May 8: MSHP Committee Day

May 8: MSHP Board of Directors

May 9: MSPT Board of Directors May 13: MPA Executive Board

May 15: MPF Board of Trustees

May 20: MSCP Board of Directors

MPA Events Calendar