From the National Post:
In an unusual twist on the cross-border trade in medical products, doctors in the United States are coming under fire for ordering much cheaper, but apparently identical, versions of IUD birth-control devices from Canada.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has not approved the Canadian products, so cannot guarantee their safety. Critics argue the agency is only propping up inflated, U.S. prices, underscoring the high cost of health products generally in the U.S. system.
Meanwhile, one practitioner faces fraud and other criminal charges for importing Canadian IUDs, and some state governments have mounted high-profile crackdowns, ordering doctors to stop using the devices.
"Anybody who takes a look at this scenario can see the problem," said Erin Cassinelli Couch, an Arkansas lawyer who represents the specialist awaiting trial on federal charges.
"You have a private corporation that sets the price quite a bit higher than they set for the same product in other countries, and they've gotten the U.S. government to limit purchases to that company and at that price." ...more
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
New Pharmacy building slated for 2012 opening
From the Ubyssey (BC):
The latest gaping hole of construction at UBC is an indication of good things to come, as the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science finds a new home on campus.
Expected to open in September of 2012, the faculty’s new home will cost $133.3 million. Around 900 pharmacy students will make use of the building by 2015, a 50 per cent increase. It will also include the Canadian Drug Research and Development (CDRD).
Dr. Helen Burt, the faculty’s acting dean, is excited for the structure and design of the new building.
“We’re going to have some of the best infrastructure for teaching and learning anywhere on campus—state of the art teaching facilities for small group learning and for larger groups we’re going to have a real pharmacy clinic located in the building,” said Burt. ...more
The latest gaping hole of construction at UBC is an indication of good things to come, as the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science finds a new home on campus.
Expected to open in September of 2012, the faculty’s new home will cost $133.3 million. Around 900 pharmacy students will make use of the building by 2015, a 50 per cent increase. It will also include the Canadian Drug Research and Development (CDRD).
Dr. Helen Burt, the faculty’s acting dean, is excited for the structure and design of the new building.
“We’re going to have some of the best infrastructure for teaching and learning anywhere on campus—state of the art teaching facilities for small group learning and for larger groups we’re going to have a real pharmacy clinic located in the building,” said Burt. ...more
Alberta rejects therapy to quit smoking
From the Calgary Herald:
The Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling on provincial governments to publicly fund medications designed to help Canadians quit smoking, but Alberta is closing the door on the idea for now.
In an editorial published Monday, the authors suggest tax revenues collected on the sale of tobacco products could fund reimbursement for smoking cessation therapies.
Last year, 5.7 million Canadians -- or 20 per cent of those who are 12 and older -- smoked either daily or occasionally, according to Statistics Canada.
Among provinces, Alberta and Nova Scotia had the highest smoking rate, at 23.3 per cent.
The medical association editorial notes the number of smokers has remained relatively stagnant in recent years despite provincial and federal programs geared to help Canadians quash their nicotine addition. ...more
The Canadian Medical Association Journal is calling on provincial governments to publicly fund medications designed to help Canadians quit smoking, but Alberta is closing the door on the idea for now.
In an editorial published Monday, the authors suggest tax revenues collected on the sale of tobacco products could fund reimbursement for smoking cessation therapies.
Last year, 5.7 million Canadians -- or 20 per cent of those who are 12 and older -- smoked either daily or occasionally, according to Statistics Canada.
Among provinces, Alberta and Nova Scotia had the highest smoking rate, at 23.3 per cent.
The medical association editorial notes the number of smokers has remained relatively stagnant in recent years despite provincial and federal programs geared to help Canadians quash their nicotine addition. ...more
Angina medication could save patients with heart failure
From the Toronto Star:
A $16.50-a-week drug used to treat angina has been shown in a European trial to be an effective treatment for heart failure and could save the lives of thousands of Canadians who suffer from the disease.
Researchers, who presented their findings Sunday at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Stockholm, estimate the drug, ivabradine, could save 5,000 to 8,000 lives annually in the U.K. About 700,000 people, or one per cent of the population there, have the disease. About 400,000 Canadians suffer from heart failure.
The study was also published in the respected British medical journal the Lancet.
“It’s a very large trial, which is hugely positive and will make a big difference to the way people with heart failure are treated,” said Martin Cowie, a cardiologist at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital who led the U.K. arm of the study.
Ivabradine is already licensed in Europe to treat angina and can now be prescribed off-label to treat heart failure. In the U.K., the cost of treatment with ivabradine is the equivalent of about $16.50 per patient per week. ...more
A $16.50-a-week drug used to treat angina has been shown in a European trial to be an effective treatment for heart failure and could save the lives of thousands of Canadians who suffer from the disease.
Researchers, who presented their findings Sunday at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Stockholm, estimate the drug, ivabradine, could save 5,000 to 8,000 lives annually in the U.K. About 700,000 people, or one per cent of the population there, have the disease. About 400,000 Canadians suffer from heart failure.
The study was also published in the respected British medical journal the Lancet.
“It’s a very large trial, which is hugely positive and will make a big difference to the way people with heart failure are treated,” said Martin Cowie, a cardiologist at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital who led the U.K. arm of the study.
Ivabradine is already licensed in Europe to treat angina and can now be prescribed off-label to treat heart failure. In the U.K., the cost of treatment with ivabradine is the equivalent of about $16.50 per patient per week. ...more
Ontario to track overuse of OxyContin and other prescriptions drugs
From the Western Star:
Ontario plans to launch a new tracking system to curb the abuse of the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin and other prescription drugs, a growing problem that's sparked crackdowns in other provinces.
The system would monitor prescription narcotics and other controlled substances, from painkillers such as oxycodone, morphine and codeine, to stimulants and sedatives like Ritalin, Valium and phenobarbital.
The misuse of prescription narcotics isn't just a problem in Ontario, said Health Minister Deb Matthews.
"Canada does have one of the highest per capita usages of anywhere in the world, and Ontario is more than double the rate of the rest of Canada," she said in an interview Friday. ...more
Ontario plans to launch a new tracking system to curb the abuse of the highly addictive painkiller OxyContin and other prescription drugs, a growing problem that's sparked crackdowns in other provinces.
The system would monitor prescription narcotics and other controlled substances, from painkillers such as oxycodone, morphine and codeine, to stimulants and sedatives like Ritalin, Valium and phenobarbital.
The misuse of prescription narcotics isn't just a problem in Ontario, said Health Minister Deb Matthews.
"Canada does have one of the highest per capita usages of anywhere in the world, and Ontario is more than double the rate of the rest of Canada," she said in an interview Friday. ...more
Liberating the pill
From the Montreal Gazette:
t's not addictive, it's easy to take and 50 years of use shows it's safe.
So why do women still need a prescription for the birth-control pill?
A move to make oral contraceptives available over the counter is gaining momentum in the United States - and any regulatory changes there would have significant ramifications for Canada.
Proponents for taking the pill off prescription-only status say the benefits outweigh the risks, the potential for misuse is minimal and easier access could help lower rates of unintended pregnancies and abortions.
But the prospect of women gaining unfettered access to the pill has some doctors and sexual health counsellors uneasy. Would women still see their doctor for Pap smears? Could they safely screen themselves for contraindications - conditions under which the pill should not be used? Would it unleash a marketing bonanza for drug-makers and a huge increase in users?
Nevertheless, a Canadian leader in reproductive medicine and editor of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada says it seems wrong and paternalistic that, half a century after the pill's debut in the U.S. and 41 years after coming to Canada, women still cannot get access to the most effective, self-administered birth control on the market without a doctor's blessing. ...more
t's not addictive, it's easy to take and 50 years of use shows it's safe.
So why do women still need a prescription for the birth-control pill?
A move to make oral contraceptives available over the counter is gaining momentum in the United States - and any regulatory changes there would have significant ramifications for Canada.
Proponents for taking the pill off prescription-only status say the benefits outweigh the risks, the potential for misuse is minimal and easier access could help lower rates of unintended pregnancies and abortions.
But the prospect of women gaining unfettered access to the pill has some doctors and sexual health counsellors uneasy. Would women still see their doctor for Pap smears? Could they safely screen themselves for contraindications - conditions under which the pill should not be used? Would it unleash a marketing bonanza for drug-makers and a huge increase in users?
Nevertheless, a Canadian leader in reproductive medicine and editor of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada says it seems wrong and paternalistic that, half a century after the pill's debut in the U.S. and 41 years after coming to Canada, women still cannot get access to the most effective, self-administered birth control on the market without a doctor's blessing. ...more
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Reforms not to blame for drug shortages: group
From CBC News:
Recent changes to provincial drug plans are not to blame for significant medication shortages, the Canadian generic drug industry says.
Pharmacists in New Brunswick say they have been struggling to find alternatives to fill prescriptions, substituting products when items are not available.
"Certain manufacturers don't seem to be able to supply the product right now," said Donna Chauvin, a Fredericton pharmacist. "We're noticing we have to switch strengths of one drug for another."
The head of the provincial pharmacists' association said pharmacists have speculated that reforms in other provinces are to blame for the shortages.
"It's not out of the question for a manufacturer to decide, 'You know what, we're going to sell every molecule we make this year. Maybe we make sure those products make their way into more profitable markets,'" said Paul Blanchard, executive director for the New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association.
Ontario decided in June that generic drug prices will be cut to 25 per cent of the price of patented drugs, down from 50 per cent. In July, British Columbia decided to drop the cost of generic drugs from 65 per cent of the brand name cost to 35 per cent. Alberta and Quebec reached similar cost-cutting deals with the drug industry recently. ...more
Recent changes to provincial drug plans are not to blame for significant medication shortages, the Canadian generic drug industry says.
Pharmacists in New Brunswick say they have been struggling to find alternatives to fill prescriptions, substituting products when items are not available.
"Certain manufacturers don't seem to be able to supply the product right now," said Donna Chauvin, a Fredericton pharmacist. "We're noticing we have to switch strengths of one drug for another."
The head of the provincial pharmacists' association said pharmacists have speculated that reforms in other provinces are to blame for the shortages.
"It's not out of the question for a manufacturer to decide, 'You know what, we're going to sell every molecule we make this year. Maybe we make sure those products make their way into more profitable markets,'" said Paul Blanchard, executive director for the New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association.
Ontario decided in June that generic drug prices will be cut to 25 per cent of the price of patented drugs, down from 50 per cent. In July, British Columbia decided to drop the cost of generic drugs from 65 per cent of the brand name cost to 35 per cent. Alberta and Quebec reached similar cost-cutting deals with the drug industry recently. ...more
Moroccan pharmacies threatened over cross symbols
From Magharebia:
A self-proclaimed "lover of al-Qaeda and Jihad" has given Moroccan pharmacy owners one month to remove cross symbols from storefronts or else face beheading.
"In 2009, crusade France lured owners of pharmacies with financial benefits and discounts in medications in return for placing the green cross along the green crescent," said a letter published in late July by several online forums. "We demand you remove the crosses off the façades of your pharmacies and to respect our religion," the web threat continued.
"Forewarned is forearmed," the unnamed writer said. "We give you and those who work with you an interval of one month to return to your true nature and nation."
The deadline expires August 28th.
Morocco has not issued an official response to the online ultimatum. Communication Minister Khalid Naciri on August 17th told Magharebia that "the government can't issue reactions to each and every threat posted on the internet". ...more
A self-proclaimed "lover of al-Qaeda and Jihad" has given Moroccan pharmacy owners one month to remove cross symbols from storefronts or else face beheading.
"In 2009, crusade France lured owners of pharmacies with financial benefits and discounts in medications in return for placing the green cross along the green crescent," said a letter published in late July by several online forums. "We demand you remove the crosses off the façades of your pharmacies and to respect our religion," the web threat continued.
"Forewarned is forearmed," the unnamed writer said. "We give you and those who work with you an interval of one month to return to your true nature and nation."
The deadline expires August 28th.
Morocco has not issued an official response to the online ultimatum. Communication Minister Khalid Naciri on August 17th told Magharebia that "the government can't issue reactions to each and every threat posted on the internet". ...more
Drugs protect monkeys from Ebola, US study finds
From Reuters:
U.S. government researchers working to find ways to treat the highly deadly Ebola virus said on Sunday a new approach from AVI BioPharma Inc (AVII.O) saved monkeys after they were infected.
Two experimental treatments protected more than 60 percent of monkeys infected with Ebola and all the monkeys infected with a related virus called Marburg, the team at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Fort Detrick, Maryland reported. ...more
U.S. government researchers working to find ways to treat the highly deadly Ebola virus said on Sunday a new approach from AVI BioPharma Inc (AVII.O) saved monkeys after they were infected.
Two experimental treatments protected more than 60 percent of monkeys infected with Ebola and all the monkeys infected with a related virus called Marburg, the team at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) in Fort Detrick, Maryland reported. ...more
Many drugs for U.S. kids tested in poor countries
From Reuters:
A law intended to speed up development of new drugs for U.S. kids has ended up financing clinical trials in poor countries, where the medicines might never become available.
That's the conclusion of a new report whose authors say the situation raises ethical concerns.
More than a third of the published trials performed under 1997 legislation called the Pediatric Exclusivity Provision were carried out at least partly in developing or transitioning nations, such as Uganda and India, researchers found.
"The trend that we describe brings up some scientific and ethical problems," said Dr. Sara K. Pasquali, a pediatrician at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, whose findings appear in the journal Pediatrics.
"Oftentimes, access to a study may be the only access to medical care a family has," she said of trial participants in developing countries. Once the testing is done, however, it's unclear if effective drugs will be marketed in the country in question, and whether they will be affordable. ...more
A law intended to speed up development of new drugs for U.S. kids has ended up financing clinical trials in poor countries, where the medicines might never become available.
That's the conclusion of a new report whose authors say the situation raises ethical concerns.
More than a third of the published trials performed under 1997 legislation called the Pediatric Exclusivity Provision were carried out at least partly in developing or transitioning nations, such as Uganda and India, researchers found.
"The trend that we describe brings up some scientific and ethical problems," said Dr. Sara K. Pasquali, a pediatrician at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina, whose findings appear in the journal Pediatrics.
"Oftentimes, access to a study may be the only access to medical care a family has," she said of trial participants in developing countries. Once the testing is done, however, it's unclear if effective drugs will be marketed in the country in question, and whether they will be affordable. ...more
Fasting women risking health by taking tablets to delay periods
From the Arab News:
There is a growing tendency among young women, especially unmarried ones, to take drugs to delay menstrual cycle in the holy month of Ramadan.
“Out of their eagerness to observe fasting throughout the month of Ramadan without missing any days, many young women customers, including unmarried, are coming to buy Primolut N tablet. The sale of the tablet is on the rise with the advent of the fasting month of Ramadan,” Al-Watan daily reported, quoting a pharmacist in Taif.
According to the pharmacist, most of the customers of this tablet are unmarried girls. “They are not at all bothered about the side effects after using these tablets. They approach familiar pharmacists to buy it without a prescription,” he said.
Primolut N tablet contains the active ingredient norethisterone, which is a synthetic hormonal product similar to the natural female hormone progesterone. It is used in a wide range of menstrual disorders. ...more
There is a growing tendency among young women, especially unmarried ones, to take drugs to delay menstrual cycle in the holy month of Ramadan.
“Out of their eagerness to observe fasting throughout the month of Ramadan without missing any days, many young women customers, including unmarried, are coming to buy Primolut N tablet. The sale of the tablet is on the rise with the advent of the fasting month of Ramadan,” Al-Watan daily reported, quoting a pharmacist in Taif.
According to the pharmacist, most of the customers of this tablet are unmarried girls. “They are not at all bothered about the side effects after using these tablets. They approach familiar pharmacists to buy it without a prescription,” he said.
Primolut N tablet contains the active ingredient norethisterone, which is a synthetic hormonal product similar to the natural female hormone progesterone. It is used in a wide range of menstrual disorders. ...more
'Magic drug' gives hope to bipolar patients
From the Vancouver Sun:
A new antidepressant being tested in Canada appears to do what no other drug can -- increase connections between brain cells within hours to swiftly improve symptoms.
The finding by Yale University researchers may explain how one dose of ketamine can reduce symptoms of depression within 40 minutes among the hardest-to-treat cases, and could help spur development of quick-acting antidepressants.
About 17 per cent of the Canadian population will experience major depression at some point in their lives.
Prozac-like drugs and other antidepressants take at least two weeks to produce an effect, and sometimes months for a full effect.
Even then, they work well in only about a third of patients.
The risk of suicide increases during those dangerous weeks or months of lag time. ...more
A new antidepressant being tested in Canada appears to do what no other drug can -- increase connections between brain cells within hours to swiftly improve symptoms.
The finding by Yale University researchers may explain how one dose of ketamine can reduce symptoms of depression within 40 minutes among the hardest-to-treat cases, and could help spur development of quick-acting antidepressants.
About 17 per cent of the Canadian population will experience major depression at some point in their lives.
Prozac-like drugs and other antidepressants take at least two weeks to produce an effect, and sometimes months for a full effect.
Even then, they work well in only about a third of patients.
The risk of suicide increases during those dangerous weeks or months of lag time. ...more
Monday, August 09, 2010
New cancer drugs used less often in Canada
From the Halifax Chronicle Herald:
Groups that advocate for cancer patients are using a new report from the United Kingdom to bolster their call for greater access to cancer drugs in Canada.
The report said that of 14 countries studied, Canada ranked 13th in usage of cancer drugs launched in the last five years.
On Thursday, the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada renewed its request that the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health create a national catastrophic drug plan for cancer patients.
"I think this means that many cancer patients, many Canadians, aren’t getting the treatments that might help them for their cancer," Dr. Kong Khoo, vice-chairman of the coalition, said from Kelowna, B.C. ...more
Groups that advocate for cancer patients are using a new report from the United Kingdom to bolster their call for greater access to cancer drugs in Canada.
The report said that of 14 countries studied, Canada ranked 13th in usage of cancer drugs launched in the last five years.
On Thursday, the Cancer Advocacy Coalition of Canada renewed its request that the federal, provincial and territorial ministers of health create a national catastrophic drug plan for cancer patients.
"I think this means that many cancer patients, many Canadians, aren’t getting the treatments that might help them for their cancer," Dr. Kong Khoo, vice-chairman of the coalition, said from Kelowna, B.C. ...more
Controversial drug proves highly effective in treating depression
From the Globe and Mail:
Medications used to treat depression may have powerful side effects, take weeks or longer to work, or have limited effectiveness in some individuals.
But there is growing excitement – and even surprise – about a new treatment that relieves symptoms of depression in some patients in a matter of minutes, a discovery that could chart a new path in research of the disease.
The medication that is gaining more attention, and respect, in the mental health field is ketamine.
A small study of 18 patients with bipolar disorder resistant to treatment published this week in the Archives of General Psychiatry found depressive symptoms improved significantly in 71 per cent of those treated with ketamine, compared with a six-per-cent improvement in the group that was given a placebo. Among those given ketamine, depressive symptoms began to improve in as little as 40 minutes. ...more
Medications used to treat depression may have powerful side effects, take weeks or longer to work, or have limited effectiveness in some individuals.
But there is growing excitement – and even surprise – about a new treatment that relieves symptoms of depression in some patients in a matter of minutes, a discovery that could chart a new path in research of the disease.
The medication that is gaining more attention, and respect, in the mental health field is ketamine.
A small study of 18 patients with bipolar disorder resistant to treatment published this week in the Archives of General Psychiatry found depressive symptoms improved significantly in 71 per cent of those treated with ketamine, compared with a six-per-cent improvement in the group that was given a placebo. Among those given ketamine, depressive symptoms began to improve in as little as 40 minutes. ...more
Monday, July 19, 2010
Flu vaccine nasal spray coming to Canada
From CTV News:
or Canadians who don't get the flu shot because of the whole "shot" part, a new option is now available. A nasal spray flu vaccine has just received Health Canada's approval.
The product is called FluMist and will be sold in Canada by AstraZeneca.
FluMist has been on the U.S. market since 2003 and is the only non-injectable flu vaccine in North America. It's now approved in Canada for the prevention of seasonal influenza in Canadians two to 59 years of age.
FluMist is a mist that is sprayed into the nose, allowing the vaccine to enter the nose to deliver an active, attenuated (weakened) form of three flu viruses into the body.
It should be administered by a health care professional, although in Alberta, pharmacists will be able to administer the vaccine themselves. The cost of a dose hasn't yet been decided. ...more
or Canadians who don't get the flu shot because of the whole "shot" part, a new option is now available. A nasal spray flu vaccine has just received Health Canada's approval.
The product is called FluMist and will be sold in Canada by AstraZeneca.
FluMist has been on the U.S. market since 2003 and is the only non-injectable flu vaccine in North America. It's now approved in Canada for the prevention of seasonal influenza in Canadians two to 59 years of age.
FluMist is a mist that is sprayed into the nose, allowing the vaccine to enter the nose to deliver an active, attenuated (weakened) form of three flu viruses into the body.
It should be administered by a health care professional, although in Alberta, pharmacists will be able to administer the vaccine themselves. The cost of a dose hasn't yet been decided. ...more
Diabetics shouldn't stop drug without doctor OK
From CBC News:
Medical experts are warning people taking a controversial diabetes drug not to change their medication without consulting their doctor.
The warning comes after an American advisory panel voiced major concerns over the drug Avandia (Rosiglitazone), but eventually voted to recommend it be allowed to stay on the U.S. market.
Studies have suggested the GlaxoSmithKline drug raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death in some users.
In 2007, Health Canada issued usage restrictions on Avandia due to cardiovascular risks. At that time, the health agency said that Avandia was no longer approved for use alone to treat Type 2 diabetes, nor approved for use with a sulfonylurea drug except when the drug metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated. ...more
Medical experts are warning people taking a controversial diabetes drug not to change their medication without consulting their doctor.
The warning comes after an American advisory panel voiced major concerns over the drug Avandia (Rosiglitazone), but eventually voted to recommend it be allowed to stay on the U.S. market.
Studies have suggested the GlaxoSmithKline drug raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and death in some users.
In 2007, Health Canada issued usage restrictions on Avandia due to cardiovascular risks. At that time, the health agency said that Avandia was no longer approved for use alone to treat Type 2 diabetes, nor approved for use with a sulfonylurea drug except when the drug metformin is contraindicated or not tolerated. ...more
Pharmacists run doctor show
From the Calcutta (India) Telegraph:
Pharmacists in the state capital are prescribing medicines in the absence of doctors at some unit hospitals or zonal dispensaries.
Shortage of doctors has become so acute that they are now being rotated to attend services at Capital Hospital, the nearest referral facility, to manage the patient inflow.
Hence, in their absence at some unit hospitals, pharmacists and even paramedics are issuing prescriptions for patients.
Asked about the new role of some pharmacists at zonal dispensaries, chief medical officer of Capital Hospital Dr Gangadhar Rath said: “Pharmacists cannot write prescriptions. They should only distribute medicines.” ...more
Pharmacists in the state capital are prescribing medicines in the absence of doctors at some unit hospitals or zonal dispensaries.
Shortage of doctors has become so acute that they are now being rotated to attend services at Capital Hospital, the nearest referral facility, to manage the patient inflow.
Hence, in their absence at some unit hospitals, pharmacists and even paramedics are issuing prescriptions for patients.
Asked about the new role of some pharmacists at zonal dispensaries, chief medical officer of Capital Hospital Dr Gangadhar Rath said: “Pharmacists cannot write prescriptions. They should only distribute medicines.” ...more
Pharmacist gets 'sweet' revenge on pill-snatching thief
From WOAI (TX):
The front doors of the building were broken by burglars, and small pieces of glass litter the floor. And, it's not for the first time.
“You know, this pharmacist has been burglarized several times. This pharmacist has just had enough,” explained Glynda Chu of the Edmond Police Department.
Like so many pharmacies, the workers at Clinic Pharmarcy have been victimized over and over again by pill-seeking thieves.
“You know, they steal money from banks because that's where the money is," Chu said. "The same with pharmacies, cause that's where the drugs are kept.”
As a non-violent way to spoil the thefts, the pharmacist recently emptied several bottles of hydrocodone pills, filling the bottles, instead, with M&Ms. As a result, when burglars stole the prescription bottles, only M&Ms poured out. ...more
The front doors of the building were broken by burglars, and small pieces of glass litter the floor. And, it's not for the first time.
“You know, this pharmacist has been burglarized several times. This pharmacist has just had enough,” explained Glynda Chu of the Edmond Police Department.
Like so many pharmacies, the workers at Clinic Pharmarcy have been victimized over and over again by pill-seeking thieves.
“You know, they steal money from banks because that's where the money is," Chu said. "The same with pharmacies, cause that's where the drugs are kept.”
As a non-violent way to spoil the thefts, the pharmacist recently emptied several bottles of hydrocodone pills, filling the bottles, instead, with M&Ms. As a result, when burglars stole the prescription bottles, only M&Ms poured out. ...more
Vitamin D levels linked to Parkinson's disease risk
From AFP:
Greater levels of vitamin D have been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease in a study in Finland where low sunlight leads to a chronic lack of the nutrient, researchers said Monday.
Scientists from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland, first hypothesized that Parkinson's "may be caused by a continuously inadequate vitamin D status leading to a chronic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain."
Vitamin D, supplied chiefly by the sun's ultraviolet rays and a small range of foods, is known to play a role in bone health and may also be linked to cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, the researchers said.
The Finnish study, published in the July issue of Archives of Neurology, followed 3,173 Parkinson's-free Finnish men and women aged 50-79 over a 29-year period from 1978-2007. ...more
Greater levels of vitamin D have been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson's disease in a study in Finland where low sunlight leads to a chronic lack of the nutrient, researchers said Monday.
Scientists from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland, first hypothesized that Parkinson's "may be caused by a continuously inadequate vitamin D status leading to a chronic loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain."
Vitamin D, supplied chiefly by the sun's ultraviolet rays and a small range of foods, is known to play a role in bone health and may also be linked to cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, the researchers said.
The Finnish study, published in the July issue of Archives of Neurology, followed 3,173 Parkinson's-free Finnish men and women aged 50-79 over a 29-year period from 1978-2007. ...more
New system urged to treat rare-disease patients: analysis
From the Globe and Mail:
Government decisions to fund expensive treatments for rare diseases shouldn’t be made on an ad hoc basis that leaves countless patients out in the cold, says a new analysis published Monday by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Canada needs a new system that would allow policy makers to measure the effectiveness of treatments while connecting rare-disease patients with much-needed drugs, wrote Chaim Bell, co-author of the analysis and associate professor of medicine and health policy management at the University of Toronto.
The issue of rare diseases and access to treatment has been brewing for years. Canada has long been criticized by rare-disease patients and health experts for not having a formal policy that allows access to “orphan drugs,” or those that are used to treat rare diseases. It’s one of the few developed countries that doesn’t have one.
Without a formal policy, there is too much red tape and not enough financial incentives for drug companies to obtain approval for these products in Canada because the market is relatively small. As a result, patients may have no way of getting certain drugs or have to pay exorbitant amounts for them. ...more
Government decisions to fund expensive treatments for rare diseases shouldn’t be made on an ad hoc basis that leaves countless patients out in the cold, says a new analysis published Monday by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Canada needs a new system that would allow policy makers to measure the effectiveness of treatments while connecting rare-disease patients with much-needed drugs, wrote Chaim Bell, co-author of the analysis and associate professor of medicine and health policy management at the University of Toronto.
The issue of rare diseases and access to treatment has been brewing for years. Canada has long been criticized by rare-disease patients and health experts for not having a formal policy that allows access to “orphan drugs,” or those that are used to treat rare diseases. It’s one of the few developed countries that doesn’t have one.
Without a formal policy, there is too much red tape and not enough financial incentives for drug companies to obtain approval for these products in Canada because the market is relatively small. As a result, patients may have no way of getting certain drugs or have to pay exorbitant amounts for them. ...more
Monday, May 24, 2010
If pot must be sold, it should be at pharmacies
I don't often post opinion pieces but I thought I'd make an exception here. If/when medical marijuana becomes a bigger deal in Canada, maybe pharmacies should push to have some involvement. It might be a better alternative than marijuana only dispensaries. It also could help replace some income being lost by generic rebate cutbacks.
From the Vancouver Province:
Why am I not surprised that a medical marijuana dispensary has now opened, without a business licence, in downtown Maple Ridge?
Well, such cannabis dispensaries are growing like weeds in Western U.S. states such as California where, in a November referendum, citizens will vote on whether to legalize recreational use of the drug and tax sales of it.
In B.C., of course, smoking marijuana has become effectively legal for years -- for all except those who actually blow the smoke in a cop's face. What we Canadians don't seem to approve of is growing pot for profit. A recent poll shows that, while most support legalizing marijuana, a hefty majority want stiff penalties for grow operators.
We're a bit conflicted about the issue, in other words. So are Lower Mainland politicians and police -- especially about the dispensing of medical marijuana, currently governed by somewhat Byzantine Health Canada rules. ...more
Seniors most likely hospitalized for adverse drug reactions: StatsCan
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Canadians aged 80 and older fill five times as many drug prescriptions a year as the average person, according to new data from Statistics Canada, helping explain why drug side effects are the No. 1 reason they visit emergency rooms.
In 2005, pharmacists filled an average of 74 prescriptions for each person over the age of 80, compared with an average of 14 prescriptions per Canadian, said the Statistics Canada study.
Typically, seniors on multiple drugs see numerous specialists who prescribe various medications to treat a range of chronic ailments: high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer's, arthritis, heart disease and stroke.
Experts have long known that seniors are the major consumers of drugs, but the Statistics Canada study is the first to quantify it nationally. ...more
Canadians aged 80 and older fill five times as many drug prescriptions a year as the average person, according to new data from Statistics Canada, helping explain why drug side effects are the No. 1 reason they visit emergency rooms.
In 2005, pharmacists filled an average of 74 prescriptions for each person over the age of 80, compared with an average of 14 prescriptions per Canadian, said the Statistics Canada study.
Typically, seniors on multiple drugs see numerous specialists who prescribe various medications to treat a range of chronic ailments: high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer's, arthritis, heart disease and stroke.
Experts have long known that seniors are the major consumers of drugs, but the Statistics Canada study is the first to quantify it nationally. ...more
Take your meds—if you can get them
From Macleans:
With dozens of prescription drugs unavailable and hundreds more on back order, pharmacists in Saskatchewan are scrambling to find alternative medications for patients. “It’s worsening and there seems to be no end in sight,” says Ray Joubert, registrar with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists. “We need to solve it before something disastrous happens.”
While the rest of Canada is suffering a moderate drug shortage, experts say it doesn’t compare to what’s going on in Saskatchewan. For almost a year, pharmacists there have been cutting pills in half, contacting multiple manufacturers and, when necessary, calling doctors to temporarily switch a patient’s medication because the supply of many prescriptions—including tetracycline and certain strengths of vitamin B9—have dried up. It’s especially hard for patients on complicated drug regimens, since alternatives can’t always be found. “Some patients,” says Joubert, “have gone without their meds.” ...more
With dozens of prescription drugs unavailable and hundreds more on back order, pharmacists in Saskatchewan are scrambling to find alternative medications for patients. “It’s worsening and there seems to be no end in sight,” says Ray Joubert, registrar with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists. “We need to solve it before something disastrous happens.”
While the rest of Canada is suffering a moderate drug shortage, experts say it doesn’t compare to what’s going on in Saskatchewan. For almost a year, pharmacists there have been cutting pills in half, contacting multiple manufacturers and, when necessary, calling doctors to temporarily switch a patient’s medication because the supply of many prescriptions—including tetracycline and certain strengths of vitamin B9—have dried up. It’s especially hard for patients on complicated drug regimens, since alternatives can’t always be found. “Some patients,” says Joubert, “have gone without their meds.” ...more
McGuinty pushes pharmacare again
From the Toronto Star:
Ontario’s controversial reforms cutting the price of generic drugs in half could help point the way to a national pharmacare program, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday.
“I think that will very likely be a natural evolution from this debate. I think you’re going to see many other provinces adopt the funding approach we are bringing when it comes to paying for our generic drugs.”
The idea of a national pharmacare program was quashed by the former Liberal federal government six years ago as too expensive, but increased pressures on health care budgets since then show the idea is worth reconsidering, McGuinty told reporters.
“We’re going to have to find a way as we work together to ensure that our health-care system becomes sustainable, because, at present, it is not,” added the premier, who championed a national pharmacare program along with B.C. counterpart Gordon Campbell in 2004. ...more
Ontario’s controversial reforms cutting the price of generic drugs in half could help point the way to a national pharmacare program, Premier Dalton McGuinty said Wednesday.
“I think that will very likely be a natural evolution from this debate. I think you’re going to see many other provinces adopt the funding approach we are bringing when it comes to paying for our generic drugs.”
The idea of a national pharmacare program was quashed by the former Liberal federal government six years ago as too expensive, but increased pressures on health care budgets since then show the idea is worth reconsidering, McGuinty told reporters.
“We’re going to have to find a way as we work together to ensure that our health-care system becomes sustainable, because, at present, it is not,” added the premier, who championed a national pharmacare program along with B.C. counterpart Gordon Campbell in 2004. ...more
10,000 natural products still unlicensed
From the Toronto Sun:
More than six years after Health Canada started regulating natural health products for safety and effectiveness, it still hasn’t processed licence applications for about 10,000 non-traditional, homeopathic, food or personal care remedies now sold in Canada.
The backlog has prompted drug stores to pull some natural products from their shelves after their umbrella regulatory body reminded pharmacies they should not sell unlicensed products.
Now the federal department is scrambling to find a fix that will exempt natural products from current rules until it can process them fully.
The department recently unveiled temporary licensing proposals meant to “make the sale of these products legal” for the time being if they file safety information on request, show “good manufacturing practices,” report any adverse reactions and work from a licensed site.
The products include traditional Chinese and herbal medicines; non-traditional medicines such as herbs, vitamins and minerals; homeopathic medicines; or personal care products such as shampoos that make health claims. ...more
More than six years after Health Canada started regulating natural health products for safety and effectiveness, it still hasn’t processed licence applications for about 10,000 non-traditional, homeopathic, food or personal care remedies now sold in Canada.
The backlog has prompted drug stores to pull some natural products from their shelves after their umbrella regulatory body reminded pharmacies they should not sell unlicensed products.
Now the federal department is scrambling to find a fix that will exempt natural products from current rules until it can process them fully.
The department recently unveiled temporary licensing proposals meant to “make the sale of these products legal” for the time being if they file safety information on request, show “good manufacturing practices,” report any adverse reactions and work from a licensed site.
The products include traditional Chinese and herbal medicines; non-traditional medicines such as herbs, vitamins and minerals; homeopathic medicines; or personal care products such as shampoos that make health claims. ...more
Pharmacists take drug company to cour
From Stuff.co.nz:
Pharmacists are taking drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to court over the recall of a blood thinning drug, saying they are bearing the company's expenses in carrying out the work.
Pharmacist Ian Johnson, who owns Johnson's Pharmacy in Otara, south Auckland, and is president of the Pharmacy Guild, served a civil notice of claim on GSK in Manukau District court last week.
The claim is a test case after GSK earlier this year recalled of the blood thinner Marevan. A manufacturing error meant some 3mg tablets had higher doses.
"I accepted that I had a professional duty to safeguard my patients. But I also saw this as GSK, whose medicine this was, asking me in my professional and business capacity to do work for them - necessary and urgent work. I expected that I would be paid reasonable compensation for my work," Mr Johnson said.
He said he invoiced GSK $395.10. The money covered contacting seven patients for an average of 15 minutes each time, the dispensing fee for replacing four patients' Marevan tablets, administration costs, briefing staff, liaising with GPs, internal stock management and GSK paperwork. ...more
Pharmacists are taking drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to court over the recall of a blood thinning drug, saying they are bearing the company's expenses in carrying out the work.
Pharmacist Ian Johnson, who owns Johnson's Pharmacy in Otara, south Auckland, and is president of the Pharmacy Guild, served a civil notice of claim on GSK in Manukau District court last week.
The claim is a test case after GSK earlier this year recalled of the blood thinner Marevan. A manufacturing error meant some 3mg tablets had higher doses.
"I accepted that I had a professional duty to safeguard my patients. But I also saw this as GSK, whose medicine this was, asking me in my professional and business capacity to do work for them - necessary and urgent work. I expected that I would be paid reasonable compensation for my work," Mr Johnson said.
He said he invoiced GSK $395.10. The money covered contacting seven patients for an average of 15 minutes each time, the dispensing fee for replacing four patients' Marevan tablets, administration costs, briefing staff, liaising with GPs, internal stock management and GSK paperwork. ...more
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ont. pharmacists want $260M/year to stop protest
From CTV News:
Ontario pharmacists asked the government Friday for at least $260 million a year in direct funding to drop their opposition to a provincial plan to eliminate $750 million a year in professional allowance fees paid to them by generic drug companies.
About 100 pharmacists wearing white lab coats rallied at the legislature Friday and delivered a petition with 500,000 signatures decrying what they said are the government's cuts to health care.
The pharmacists agree with the goal to lower the costs of generic drugs, and are willing to live without professional allowances if they get funding to compensate them, said Ben Shenouda of the Independent Pharmacists Association of Ontario.
"The submission we are putting to the government is talking about $260 million reinvested from the government in the pharmacies, and provides hundreds of millions in net savings to the government every year," said Shenouda. ...more
Ontario pharmacists asked the government Friday for at least $260 million a year in direct funding to drop their opposition to a provincial plan to eliminate $750 million a year in professional allowance fees paid to them by generic drug companies.
About 100 pharmacists wearing white lab coats rallied at the legislature Friday and delivered a petition with 500,000 signatures decrying what they said are the government's cuts to health care.
The pharmacists agree with the goal to lower the costs of generic drugs, and are willing to live without professional allowances if they get funding to compensate them, said Ben Shenouda of the Independent Pharmacists Association of Ontario.
"The submission we are putting to the government is talking about $260 million reinvested from the government in the pharmacies, and provides hundreds of millions in net savings to the government every year," said Shenouda. ...more
Government preparing to cushion the blow of pharmacy closings
From the Globe and Mail:
From the outset of Ontario’s drug wars, Dalton McGuinty’s government has been unapologetic about the fact that some pharmacies will be forced to close as a result of its reforms.
There’s little to suggest that a month-long public relations fight with pharmacists has done much to alter the Liberals’ thinking. But as the battle enters its final stages, the government seems to be preparing a concession – probably part of the game plan all along – aimed at limiting just how many of the stores will be forced under.
Government and industry sources suggest that the likeliest “give” will be some form of transitional fund, along the lines of what Alberta provided when it undertook more modest pharmacy changes.
The idea would be to provide short-term funding to give drugstores a chance to shift their model toward one in which more of their revenue comes from providing additional publicly funded health-care services, such as extensive consultations. (At present, their profits come largely from “professional allowances” – the payments from generic drug manufacturers in return for stocking their products, which the government plans to eliminate in order to achieve lower prices.)
What shape that funding will take, exactly, will likely be announced before this month is out. The obvious challenge for Health Minister Deb Matthews between now and then is to figure out how best to show she’s listened to complaints about her reforms, without cutting too deep into the province’s savings from lower prices. ...more
From the outset of Ontario’s drug wars, Dalton McGuinty’s government has been unapologetic about the fact that some pharmacies will be forced to close as a result of its reforms.
There’s little to suggest that a month-long public relations fight with pharmacists has done much to alter the Liberals’ thinking. But as the battle enters its final stages, the government seems to be preparing a concession – probably part of the game plan all along – aimed at limiting just how many of the stores will be forced under.
Government and industry sources suggest that the likeliest “give” will be some form of transitional fund, along the lines of what Alberta provided when it undertook more modest pharmacy changes.
The idea would be to provide short-term funding to give drugstores a chance to shift their model toward one in which more of their revenue comes from providing additional publicly funded health-care services, such as extensive consultations. (At present, their profits come largely from “professional allowances” – the payments from generic drug manufacturers in return for stocking their products, which the government plans to eliminate in order to achieve lower prices.)
What shape that funding will take, exactly, will likely be announced before this month is out. The obvious challenge for Health Minister Deb Matthews between now and then is to figure out how best to show she’s listened to complaints about her reforms, without cutting too deep into the province’s savings from lower prices. ...more
Pharmacy technical assistants do more than assist
From the Montreal Gazette:
Batman had Robin, the Lone Ranger had Tonto and pharmacists have technicians.
"They're our right arm," said Martine Dubois, a pharmacist at Pharmaprix on Cote-des-Neiges. "They play the key role in what we do."
Pharmacy technical assistants are specially trained workers who perform a large variety of day-to-day tasks in a multitude of pharmacy settings.
In case you're wondering, yes, they're definitely more than assistants.
"They do everything from customer service in community pharmacies to preparing cutting edge research medications in health care institutions," said Dubois, who is also a teacher and coordinator of the Pharmacy Technical Assistance program at Pearson Adult and Career Centre in LaSalle.
In hospital settings, technicians perform a wide range of tasks including medication preparation, inventory maintenance in the main pharmacy and in satellites, and management of automated medication machines. ...more
Batman had Robin, the Lone Ranger had Tonto and pharmacists have technicians.
"They're our right arm," said Martine Dubois, a pharmacist at Pharmaprix on Cote-des-Neiges. "They play the key role in what we do."
Pharmacy technical assistants are specially trained workers who perform a large variety of day-to-day tasks in a multitude of pharmacy settings.
In case you're wondering, yes, they're definitely more than assistants.
"They do everything from customer service in community pharmacies to preparing cutting edge research medications in health care institutions," said Dubois, who is also a teacher and coordinator of the Pharmacy Technical Assistance program at Pearson Adult and Career Centre in LaSalle.
In hospital settings, technicians perform a wide range of tasks including medication preparation, inventory maintenance in the main pharmacy and in satellites, and management of automated medication machines. ...more
Advocates want life-saving drugs made available to all residents
From the Daily Gleaner (NB):
Advocates calling for a universal catastrophic drug plan in New Brunswick say the province has to find a way to make access to these life-saving medications available to every citizen.
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are the only two provinces in Canada without catastrophic drug plans.
Two weeks ago, PEI Finance Minister Wes Sheridan announced the province would commit an additional $1.3 million to cover several new drugs for the provincial formulary.
In New Brunswick, the bi-partisan committee behind the poverty reduction plan has committed to making changes that will first protect low-income residents before exploring ways to introduce an expanded universal plan in the future.
Ellen Snider, manager of public issues for the Canadian Cancer Society of New Brunswick, said those promises should be commended, but she also believes the changes should be implemented more quickly. ...more
Advocates calling for a universal catastrophic drug plan in New Brunswick say the province has to find a way to make access to these life-saving medications available to every citizen.
New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are the only two provinces in Canada without catastrophic drug plans.
Two weeks ago, PEI Finance Minister Wes Sheridan announced the province would commit an additional $1.3 million to cover several new drugs for the provincial formulary.
In New Brunswick, the bi-partisan committee behind the poverty reduction plan has committed to making changes that will first protect low-income residents before exploring ways to introduce an expanded universal plan in the future.
Ellen Snider, manager of public issues for the Canadian Cancer Society of New Brunswick, said those promises should be commended, but she also believes the changes should be implemented more quickly. ...more
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Fear of metal in children’s medication prompted recall: company official
From the Globe and Mail:
Fears that children’s liquid medication could contain small metal particles is what prompted a major recall in Canada last weekend, according to a company official in the U.S. who said while the risk to consumers is remote, it does exist.
This comes after the Canadian branch of McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the company at the centre of the recall, said it didn’t know the identity of the substance, but that it posed no risk to consumers. The products were pulled off of Canadian shelves because they didn’t meet the “manufacturing specification,” similar to what would happen if there was a printing error on product labels, said company spokeswoman Tina Peyregatt.
“I mean, there’s no safety concern, but it’s not to the quality, the level of quality, that we adhere to, so we pull it off the shelf,” Ms. Peyregatt said in an interview Monday.
As information emerges about the serious nature of problems at the plant where the recalled medication was made and U.S. lawmakers prepare to investigate McNeil, the company’s response to the issue in Canada and lack of involvement from this country’s health regulator raises questions about the level of transparency and consumer protection available this side of the border. ...more
Fears that children’s liquid medication could contain small metal particles is what prompted a major recall in Canada last weekend, according to a company official in the U.S. who said while the risk to consumers is remote, it does exist.
This comes after the Canadian branch of McNeil Consumer Healthcare, the company at the centre of the recall, said it didn’t know the identity of the substance, but that it posed no risk to consumers. The products were pulled off of Canadian shelves because they didn’t meet the “manufacturing specification,” similar to what would happen if there was a printing error on product labels, said company spokeswoman Tina Peyregatt.
“I mean, there’s no safety concern, but it’s not to the quality, the level of quality, that we adhere to, so we pull it off the shelf,” Ms. Peyregatt said in an interview Monday.
As information emerges about the serious nature of problems at the plant where the recalled medication was made and U.S. lawmakers prepare to investigate McNeil, the company’s response to the issue in Canada and lack of involvement from this country’s health regulator raises questions about the level of transparency and consumer protection available this side of the border. ...more
P.E.I. pharmacists chafe at computer woes
From CBC News:
Pharmacists in Prince Edward Island are frustrated with continuing glitches in a computerized drug information system that has been in place for two years.
It was set up as part of a government plan to move to a complete system of electronic health records. But some pharmacists say the technology isn't what they hoped it would be.
Pharmacists are required by law to use the drug information system (DIS), sharing data on what drugs patients are using, what allergies they have, and their medical history.
Pharmacists say it's great information to have, but the system crashes at least once a month.
"It could be down for a couple of seconds, it could be down for a couple of hours, it could be down for several hours," said pharmacist Rob MacLellan. ...more
Pharmacists in Prince Edward Island are frustrated with continuing glitches in a computerized drug information system that has been in place for two years.
It was set up as part of a government plan to move to a complete system of electronic health records. But some pharmacists say the technology isn't what they hoped it would be.
Pharmacists are required by law to use the drug information system (DIS), sharing data on what drugs patients are using, what allergies they have, and their medical history.
Pharmacists say it's great information to have, but the system crashes at least once a month.
"It could be down for a couple of seconds, it could be down for a couple of hours, it could be down for several hours," said pharmacist Rob MacLellan. ...more
As the Pill turns 50, the little agent of modernity still arouses trouble
From the Globe and Mail:
Momentous change is rarely the thing of a moment. When we celebrate (or denounce) the 50th anniversary of the Pill on Sunday – Mother's Day, for the ironists in the crowd – we're picking out the date in an amazingly far-off calendar when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voiced its approval for a revolutionary form of birth control.
The little pill was going to transform the entire world, according to its wide-eyed backers, who predicted that dependable family planning would be a source of miracles that went well beyond keeping unwanted babies unborn. As often with utopian believers, they were on the right track for all the wrong reasons. ...more
Momentous change is rarely the thing of a moment. When we celebrate (or denounce) the 50th anniversary of the Pill on Sunday – Mother's Day, for the ironists in the crowd – we're picking out the date in an amazingly far-off calendar when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration voiced its approval for a revolutionary form of birth control.
The little pill was going to transform the entire world, according to its wide-eyed backers, who predicted that dependable family planning would be a source of miracles that went well beyond keeping unwanted babies unborn. As often with utopian believers, they were on the right track for all the wrong reasons. ...more
Misuse of Alzheimer drug patches can lead to OD, death, Health Canada warns
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
Health Canada and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada are warning against misuse of a drug patch for an Alzheimer's medication.
They say people have overdosed and even died after using the Exelon Patch in the wrong way.
They are reminding doctors, caregivers and patients that it's important to remove one patch before applying a new one to a different location on the back, upper arm or chest.
And they are stressing that the patches should be used whole, not cut into pieces.
There have been at least 129 reported cases of medication error or misuse worldwide involving the Exelon Patch, including two deaths.
Health Canada and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada are warning against misuse of a drug patch for an Alzheimer's medication.
They say people have overdosed and even died after using the Exelon Patch in the wrong way.
They are reminding doctors, caregivers and patients that it's important to remove one patch before applying a new one to a different location on the back, upper arm or chest.
And they are stressing that the patches should be used whole, not cut into pieces.
There have been at least 129 reported cases of medication error or misuse worldwide involving the Exelon Patch, including two deaths.
Shoppers Drug wants private label drugs
From the Toronto Star:
Life Brand antibiotics?
Shoppers Drug Mart is planning to extend its private label brand to its generic drug business, a move it says will cut the price paid by consumers.
But Ontario residents won’t see the benefits because the province’s proposed drug reform plans won’t permit store-brand generics, the retailer said.
“We want to have private label generics,” Shoppers Drug Mart’s chief executive officer Jurgen Schreiber told the company’s annual general meeting in Toronto Thursday.
“It will reduce generic costs further.”
Shoppers Drug already carries a variety of in-house products, from multivitamins to dishwasher detergent, under the name Life Brand, in its 1,234 stores across Canada.
A lot of retailers develop store brands to cut costs without hurting profits.
Store brands can be priced below national brands because they have lower marketing costs. They can also help build customer loyalty because they’re exclusive to that retailer. ...more
Life Brand antibiotics?
Shoppers Drug Mart is planning to extend its private label brand to its generic drug business, a move it says will cut the price paid by consumers.
But Ontario residents won’t see the benefits because the province’s proposed drug reform plans won’t permit store-brand generics, the retailer said.
“We want to have private label generics,” Shoppers Drug Mart’s chief executive officer Jurgen Schreiber told the company’s annual general meeting in Toronto Thursday.
“It will reduce generic costs further.”
Shoppers Drug already carries a variety of in-house products, from multivitamins to dishwasher detergent, under the name Life Brand, in its 1,234 stores across Canada.
A lot of retailers develop store brands to cut costs without hurting profits.
Store brands can be priced below national brands because they have lower marketing costs. They can also help build customer loyalty because they’re exclusive to that retailer. ...more
N.S. health minister says province too broke to fund costly vision-loss drug
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
Nova Scotia's health minister says the province is simply too broke to pay for a costly but effective drug used to treat those suffering from age-related vision loss.
A family delegation came to the legislature Thursday to ask Maureen MacDonald to consider funding for Lucentis, a drug used to combat macular degeneration.
It's estimated funding Lucentis would cost the province $4.5 million in the first year and the cost would rise to $10 million in the third year of its inclusion in the formulary.
Betty Jennings, who came to Province House on behalf of her 73-year-old mother, said her mother faces other health problems, ranging from depression to an increased chance of falls, if she doesn't get the drug.
"If you're asking where the money for this will come from, I think the money will come from all the medical treatments the government is not going to have to pay for if these people can see," she said. ...more
Nova Scotia's health minister says the province is simply too broke to pay for a costly but effective drug used to treat those suffering from age-related vision loss.
A family delegation came to the legislature Thursday to ask Maureen MacDonald to consider funding for Lucentis, a drug used to combat macular degeneration.
It's estimated funding Lucentis would cost the province $4.5 million in the first year and the cost would rise to $10 million in the third year of its inclusion in the formulary.
Betty Jennings, who came to Province House on behalf of her 73-year-old mother, said her mother faces other health problems, ranging from depression to an increased chance of falls, if she doesn't get the drug.
"If you're asking where the money for this will come from, I think the money will come from all the medical treatments the government is not going to have to pay for if these people can see," she said. ...more
Drug makers seek relief from price cuts
From the Toronto Star:
The manufacturing costs of some generic drugs are too high to slash prices by 50 per cent under Ontario’s controversial reforms, Health Minister Deb Matthews acknowledged Thursday.
Negotiations have been taking place for weeks with generic drug makers to work out exceptions to the rule, Matthews said after generic giant Apotex Inc. sent a letter to pharmacies warning of trouble ahead.
“The extent of the cuts announced by the government of Ontario could undermine our ability to keep some existing products in the market and potentially impact our ability to develop and bring to market new cost-saving drugs,” said the two-page letter signed by Apotex president Jack Kay.
The letter, dated Wednesday, did not specify which drugs could be in jeopardy because that information is viewed as sensitive in the cutthroat generic drug industry, sources said. There are about 10 generic companies in Ontario. ...more
The manufacturing costs of some generic drugs are too high to slash prices by 50 per cent under Ontario’s controversial reforms, Health Minister Deb Matthews acknowledged Thursday.
Negotiations have been taking place for weeks with generic drug makers to work out exceptions to the rule, Matthews said after generic giant Apotex Inc. sent a letter to pharmacies warning of trouble ahead.
“The extent of the cuts announced by the government of Ontario could undermine our ability to keep some existing products in the market and potentially impact our ability to develop and bring to market new cost-saving drugs,” said the two-page letter signed by Apotex president Jack Kay.
The letter, dated Wednesday, did not specify which drugs could be in jeopardy because that information is viewed as sensitive in the cutthroat generic drug industry, sources said. There are about 10 generic companies in Ontario. ...more
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