CVS's already costly deal looks even more expensive after its warning on Thursday of a possible profit decline this year, despite an expected $1.2 billion benefit from tax cuts. CVS shares fell though it reported positive quarterly results.

Pain-pill giant Purdue Pharma LP plans to send a letter to doctors saying that its salespeople will no longer come to their clinics to talk about the companys pain products.

For care providers and other companies all along the pharmaceutical supply chain, this year's flu season has led to higher revenue from increasing hospital visits and drug sales.

The board of outside health care experts tasked with advising Medicare on how to cut costs was eliminated as part of the $541 billion budget deal passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on Friday.