Allergy & Asthma Network and Avella Specialty Pharmacy Highlight Risks Associated with Latex Allergies and Latex in Healthcare

VIENNA, Va. and PHOENIX, March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Allergy & Asthma Network and Avella Specialty Pharmacy released a new white paper to underscore the significant risks related to latex allergies and the use of latex in healthcare. Specifically, there is substantial confusion as to the meaning of "latex free" in healthcare. In fact, the FDA has urged manufacturers to drop the term "latex free" or a "does not contain latex" claim from labels, because of the challenge to ensure a product is completely devoid of natural rubber latex proteins that cause allergic reactions. According to the FDA, these labeling techniques are not sufficiently specific, not necessarily scientifically accurate, and may be misunderstood and applied too widely.

"Patient and physician safety is our highest priority, and we're pleased to collaborate with Allergy & Asthma Network to shine a spotlight on the risks related to latex allergies and the use of latex in healthcare," said Rebecca Shanahan, CEO of Avella Specialty Pharmacy. "Working in healthcare, it is vitally important to be aware of – and prepare for – all allergies related to the medications and products we use daily. We hope this white paper will equip caregivers with the information they need to ensure their safety and the safety of their patients."

"We commend Avella Specialty Pharmacy for its leadership around the important issue of safeguarding against adverse effects related to latex allergies and the use of latex in healthcare," said Tonya Winders, President & CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. "When working with patients who have latex allergies, healthcare personnel must make efforts to ensure a latex-safe environment and therapy regimen. Allergy & Asthma Network is always looking for new and better ways to promote patient and healthcare professional safety, so we welcome partnerships like this with thoughtful healthcare stakeholders and pharmacies, like Avella."

Co-authors of the new white paper, entitled "Latex Free Claims: A White Paper on the Risks Associated with Latex Allergies and Latex in Healthcare," include latex allergy expert and co-founder of the former American Latex Allergy Association,Sue Lockwood, and Dr.Robert Hamilton, M.S., Ph.D. of Allergy & Asthma Network, along with Avella Specialty Pharmacy's Dr. Eric Sredzinski, Pharm.D., AAHIVP, and Dr.Jenna Vaughn, Pharm.D., PGY1.

To download the white paper, please visit: www.avella.com/latex

About Avella Specialty Pharmacy
Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. In 2016, Avella was named Specialty Pharmacy of the Year by NASP, a nationally recognized pharmacy trade committee. Inc. Magazine's 2016 list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country included Avella for the tenth consecutive year and also recognized Avella as the fastest-growing woman-led company in 2015. In addition, the Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards named Avella Specialty Pharmacy as the second fastest-growing private company based in the state in 2015. For more information, please visit www.avella.com.

About Allergy & Asthma Network
Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. Allergy & Asthma Network specializes in sharing family-friendly, medically accurate information through its award-winning magazine Allergy & Asthma Today, E-newsletter, AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org and numerous community outreach programs. Follow Allergy & Asthma Network on Facebook and Twitter @AllergyAsthmaHQ. Join the Network at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org/join.

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SOURCE Avella Specialty Pharmacy