From CBC News:
Costs, resistance shrink pool of new antibiotics
Doctors have long warned that the more people take antibiotics, the more likely the drugs are to be less effective. But the fight against infection also faces another potential setback – few new antibiotics are even being developed.
Bacteria are becoming resistant to older antibiotics like penicillin and tetracyclines, but some drug companies have abandoned research into antibiotics.
Monday, July 19, 2004
From the Bennington (VT) Banner:
Vt. congressmen lead fight for drug imports
Vermont representatives are continuing to push legislation allowing reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada, appearing Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the ranking Democrat on the committee, accused the Senate Republican leadership of purposely blocking movement on the legislation and other attempts to import drugs.
Vt. congressmen lead fight for drug imports
Vermont representatives are continuing to push legislation allowing reimportation of prescription drugs from Canada, appearing Wednesday before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the ranking Democrat on the committee, accused the Senate Republican leadership of purposely blocking movement on the legislation and other attempts to import drugs.
From the Boston Globe:
Import of drugs has wide favor
A new poll by the AARP says about eight out of 10 older Americans favor legalizing the importation of prescription drugs from Canada, while the same number said the issue will play an important role when they vote this year.
The lobbying organization representing people 50 and over released its results yesterday as a bipartisan group of US senators continued its campaign to bring an importation bill to the floor, where advocates believe they have the votes required for passage. Politicians should take heed, says AARP.
Import of drugs has wide favor
A new poll by the AARP says about eight out of 10 older Americans favor legalizing the importation of prescription drugs from Canada, while the same number said the issue will play an important role when they vote this year.
The lobbying organization representing people 50 and over released its results yesterday as a bipartisan group of US senators continued its campaign to bring an importation bill to the floor, where advocates believe they have the votes required for passage. Politicians should take heed, says AARP.
From the Globe and Mail:
Offshore firms selling fake drugs as Canadian
Americans are being duped by rogue Internet pharmacies in distant places such as China and Belize that masquerade as Canadian businesses and sell potentially dangerous fake and unregulated drugs, U.S. regulators say.
A top U.S. Food and Drug Administration official told a U.S. Senate committee Wednesday that it's probing at least two bogus sites billing themselves as Canadian-based and selling drugs identified as Canadian generics.
Offshore firms selling fake drugs as Canadian
Americans are being duped by rogue Internet pharmacies in distant places such as China and Belize that masquerade as Canadian businesses and sell potentially dangerous fake and unregulated drugs, U.S. regulators say.
A top U.S. Food and Drug Administration official told a U.S. Senate committee Wednesday that it's probing at least two bogus sites billing themselves as Canadian-based and selling drugs identified as Canadian generics.
From the Washington Post:
Support Grows for Medicine Program
The Montgomery County Council appears likely to endorse a plan that would offer county employees and retirees the opportunity to buy lower-cost drugs -- in all likelihood from a Canadian intermediary -- as early as February of next year.
The council's three-member Management and Fiscal Policy Committee unanimously endorsed the plan Tuesday, bringing to five the number of council members who are on record in favor of the measure. "It's obvious that a majority of the council . . . now supports this proposal," said committee chairman Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County).
Support Grows for Medicine Program
The Montgomery County Council appears likely to endorse a plan that would offer county employees and retirees the opportunity to buy lower-cost drugs -- in all likelihood from a Canadian intermediary -- as early as February of next year.
The council's three-member Management and Fiscal Policy Committee unanimously endorsed the plan Tuesday, bringing to five the number of council members who are on record in favor of the measure. "It's obvious that a majority of the council . . . now supports this proposal," said committee chairman Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County).
From the Canadian Press:
Antibiotic use in kids down, but resistance feared in preschoolers: study
Antibiotic use among children is decreasing overall, but prescriptions of one class of the bacteria-killers have risen dramatically for children under five, raising fears that drug-resistant strains could soon develop among Canadian preschoolers, research suggests.
And in one of two studies published Tuesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers found that the decision to prescribe an antibiotic often depends not only on whether a doctor is a general practitioner or specialist, but also on the income level of parents and whether a child is male or female.
Antibiotic use in kids down, but resistance feared in preschoolers: study
Antibiotic use among children is decreasing overall, but prescriptions of one class of the bacteria-killers have risen dramatically for children under five, raising fears that drug-resistant strains could soon develop among Canadian preschoolers, research suggests.
And in one of two studies published Tuesday in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the researchers found that the decision to prescribe an antibiotic often depends not only on whether a doctor is a general practitioner or specialist, but also on the income level of parents and whether a child is male or female.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
From the Little Falls (NY) Times:
Schumer: Trade pact will block import of cheaper Canadian prescription drugs
Will a free trade agreement with Australia affect the possibility of Americans obtaining cheaper prescription drugs from Canada?
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer thinks so, and expressed his concern in a telephone press conference Thursday.
The House on Wednesday approved the free trade agreement by a vote of 314-109. The Senate is expected to follow Thursday with a vote to implement the agreement signed by the two countries last February.
Schumer: Trade pact will block import of cheaper Canadian prescription drugs
Will a free trade agreement with Australia affect the possibility of Americans obtaining cheaper prescription drugs from Canada?
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer thinks so, and expressed his concern in a telephone press conference Thursday.
The House on Wednesday approved the free trade agreement by a vote of 314-109. The Senate is expected to follow Thursday with a vote to implement the agreement signed by the two countries last February.
From Medical News Today:
Health Canada takes additional safety measures to ensure the safe use of Clozapine
Health Canada is taking additional steps to ensure the safe use of clozapine, a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Clozapine is used for patients that are unresponsive to, or not tolerant to, conventional drugs. The use of clozapine is known to potentially cause a decrease in white blood cells, known as agranulocytosis, which impairs the body's defense mechanism against infection. As such, patients must have regular blood tests to monitor their white blood cell count. Results are recorded in patient registries, which are accessed by treating physicians and pharmacists to ensure that the drug is not given to a patient at risk for agranulocytosis.
Health Canada takes additional safety measures to ensure the safe use of Clozapine
Health Canada is taking additional steps to ensure the safe use of clozapine, a drug used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Clozapine is used for patients that are unresponsive to, or not tolerant to, conventional drugs. The use of clozapine is known to potentially cause a decrease in white blood cells, known as agranulocytosis, which impairs the body's defense mechanism against infection. As such, patients must have regular blood tests to monitor their white blood cell count. Results are recorded in patient registries, which are accessed by treating physicians and pharmacists to ensure that the drug is not given to a patient at risk for agranulocytosis.
From the Bradenton (FL) Herald:
Bill stalls to reimport cheaper drugs
Geraldine and James Keon of Westland, Mich., joined a busload of seniors in Windsor, Canada, this month looking for bargains on prescription drugs.
Americans who bring prescription drugs they have purchased in Canada or other countries into the United States are breaking the law, but U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials say they are not interested in prosecuting or confiscating pharmaceuticals from individuals who purchase and bring medicine for themselves back from foreign countries.
In fact, busloads of senior citizens who travel to Canada often are open with Canadian and U.S. customs officials about the intent of their trips and what they are bringing back. The larger issue now for Americans who buy Canadian drugs is that pharmaceutical companies are cracking down on stores that sell to non-Canadians by limiting drug supplies or - in the case of Pfizer - making pharmacies sign statements to fill only Canadian prescriptions.
Bill stalls to reimport cheaper drugs
Geraldine and James Keon of Westland, Mich., joined a busload of seniors in Windsor, Canada, this month looking for bargains on prescription drugs.
Americans who bring prescription drugs they have purchased in Canada or other countries into the United States are breaking the law, but U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials say they are not interested in prosecuting or confiscating pharmaceuticals from individuals who purchase and bring medicine for themselves back from foreign countries.
In fact, busloads of senior citizens who travel to Canada often are open with Canadian and U.S. customs officials about the intent of their trips and what they are bringing back. The larger issue now for Americans who buy Canadian drugs is that pharmaceutical companies are cracking down on stores that sell to non-Canadians by limiting drug supplies or - in the case of Pfizer - making pharmacies sign statements to fill only Canadian prescriptions.
From the Detroit News:
Cities buy Canadian drugs, cut costs
For 30 years, Roger Landry has been rounding up criminals in this city near the Connecticut border. But in the eyes of federal regulators, Officer Landry is himself a lawbreaker.
He and his wife have made out handsomely from their illegal activity, pocketing an extra $1,000 this year. But rather than punish the pair, city officials are cheering them on. Thanks to the Landrys and 3,200 other city workers who have opted to order their prescription drugs from a licensed Canadian pharmacy, deficit-plagued Springfield has saved $2.5 million in the year since it became the first city in the nation to sponsor such a program.
Cities buy Canadian drugs, cut costs
For 30 years, Roger Landry has been rounding up criminals in this city near the Connecticut border. But in the eyes of federal regulators, Officer Landry is himself a lawbreaker.
He and his wife have made out handsomely from their illegal activity, pocketing an extra $1,000 this year. But rather than punish the pair, city officials are cheering them on. Thanks to the Landrys and 3,200 other city workers who have opted to order their prescription drugs from a licensed Canadian pharmacy, deficit-plagued Springfield has saved $2.5 million in the year since it became the first city in the nation to sponsor such a program.
From the Myrtle Beach (SC) Sun News:
Canadian drugs gain in support
Several years ago, the Bush administration's opposition to legalizing the purchase of less expensive drugs from Canada was so intense that Andy Troszok, of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, couldn't imagine meeting with White House officials about making the practice legal.
Even less likely, Troszok thought, was getting pharmacy benefit managers - the companies that manage drug benefits for U.S. employers - to consider buying medications from Canadian suppliers, where they're 30 percent to 60 percent cheaper.
Canadian drugs gain in support
Several years ago, the Bush administration's opposition to legalizing the purchase of less expensive drugs from Canada was so intense that Andy Troszok, of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, couldn't imagine meeting with White House officials about making the practice legal.
Even less likely, Troszok thought, was getting pharmacy benefit managers - the companies that manage drug benefits for U.S. employers - to consider buying medications from Canadian suppliers, where they're 30 percent to 60 percent cheaper.
Friday, July 16, 2004
From the Fort Francis (ON) Times:
Safeway eyeing cross-border pharmacy business
Canada Safeway, one of North America’s largest grocery chains, is studying plans to compete head-to-head with Internet pharmacies by exporting Canadian drugs to the United States to be sold in its network of 1,200 pharmacies.
Drugs from Canada, where prices are under government control, would be sold by Safeway’s parent company stores in the U.S., Barry Peachment, Safeway’s director of pharmacy, said in an interview yesterday.
Peachment said Safeway, which has about 190 pharmacies in Canada, has been forced to consider cross-border exportation because of the U.S. and Canadian governments’ decision to permit unfettered sales by Canadian Internet pharmacies to American consumers.
Safeway eyeing cross-border pharmacy business
Canada Safeway, one of North America’s largest grocery chains, is studying plans to compete head-to-head with Internet pharmacies by exporting Canadian drugs to the United States to be sold in its network of 1,200 pharmacies.
Drugs from Canada, where prices are under government control, would be sold by Safeway’s parent company stores in the U.S., Barry Peachment, Safeway’s director of pharmacy, said in an interview yesterday.
Peachment said Safeway, which has about 190 pharmacies in Canada, has been forced to consider cross-border exportation because of the U.S. and Canadian governments’ decision to permit unfettered sales by Canadian Internet pharmacies to American consumers.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
From the Vancouver Sun:
U.S. firm seeks B.C. MDs to prescribe mail order drugs
A U.S. company is trying to recruit Vancouver doctors for its cross-border, mail-order pharmacy.
On "craigslist" -- a San Francisco-based website that is the toast of the Internet at the moment, with articles about it in People magazine and the Los Angeles Times -- an unnamed American company has posted an ad saying it's looking for a "few ambitious" doctors to co-sign prescriptions for senior citizens and nursing home residents in California.
U.S. firm seeks B.C. MDs to prescribe mail order drugs
A U.S. company is trying to recruit Vancouver doctors for its cross-border, mail-order pharmacy.
On "craigslist" -- a San Francisco-based website that is the toast of the Internet at the moment, with articles about it in People magazine and the Los Angeles Times -- an unnamed American company has posted an ad saying it's looking for a "few ambitious" doctors to co-sign prescriptions for senior citizens and nursing home residents in California.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
From TheHill.com:
Slow-walking reimportation drug measure
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) blocked Democrats from attaching legislation on drug reimportation to a class-action reform bill, which he yanked off the Senate floor last week for the third time this year.
Drug reimportation legislation apparently has the numbers to pass the Senate and it already has passed the House, which has led some lawmakers, aides and lobbyists to question why the Senate has not acted.
Slow-walking reimportation drug measure
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) blocked Democrats from attaching legislation on drug reimportation to a class-action reform bill, which he yanked off the Senate floor last week for the third time this year.
Drug reimportation legislation apparently has the numbers to pass the Senate and it already has passed the House, which has led some lawmakers, aides and lobbyists to question why the Senate has not acted.
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer:
House votes to allow Canada drug imports
The House voted Tuesday to allow Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada and other countries at prices lower than found in the United States, but the provision's prospects are dim to become law this year.
The measure, approved as part of a $16.8 billion bill to fund the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration for next year, would prohibit the FDA from spending money to enforce its prohibition on imports of FDA-approved drugs.
A subcommittee put it into the bill last month at the instigation of Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio. The bill itself passed the House on Tuesday by a 389-31 vote.
House votes to allow Canada drug imports
The House voted Tuesday to allow Americans to buy prescription drugs from Canada and other countries at prices lower than found in the United States, but the provision's prospects are dim to become law this year.
The measure, approved as part of a $16.8 billion bill to fund the Agriculture Department and the Food and Drug Administration for next year, would prohibit the FDA from spending money to enforce its prohibition on imports of FDA-approved drugs.
A subcommittee put it into the bill last month at the instigation of Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio. The bill itself passed the House on Tuesday by a 389-31 vote.
From the Globe and Mail:
Rewards for drug purchases nixed
Ontario consumers can no longer collect Air Miles or other loyalty rewards for their prescription purchases -- a setback for pharmacies such as Pharma Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart that try to lure customers with these programs.
The Ontario Superior Court has upheld a recent decision of the Ontario College of Pharmacists to ban such rewards on the basis that they can be seen as an "inducement" to take prescriptions -- and as such are professionally unethical.
Rewards for drug purchases nixed
Ontario consumers can no longer collect Air Miles or other loyalty rewards for their prescription purchases -- a setback for pharmacies such as Pharma Plus and Shoppers Drug Mart that try to lure customers with these programs.
The Ontario Superior Court has upheld a recent decision of the Ontario College of Pharmacists to ban such rewards on the basis that they can be seen as an "inducement" to take prescriptions -- and as such are professionally unethical.
Monday, July 12, 2004
From JoinTogether.org:
Health Canada Investigates Oxycodone Prescriptions
Health Canada is investigating the sales of oxycodone by pharmacies in the Atlantic provinces of Canada because of growing concerns over misuse of the drug, the Medical Post reported July 6.
Pharmacists in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador have until Aug. 15 to submit records of every oxycodone prescription sold during the first six months of 2004.
Health Canada Investigates Oxycodone Prescriptions
Health Canada is investigating the sales of oxycodone by pharmacies in the Atlantic provinces of Canada because of growing concerns over misuse of the drug, the Medical Post reported July 6.
Pharmacists in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador have until Aug. 15 to submit records of every oxycodone prescription sold during the first six months of 2004.
Sunday, July 11, 2004
From CBC News:
Pharmacists to monitor use of OxyContin
Health Canada is telling pharmacists in Atlantic Canada to track the use of narcotics from the family of drugs that includes OxyContin.
OxyContin is a powerful pain medication that falls under the federal government's narcotic control act.
Pharmacists to monitor use of OxyContin
Health Canada is telling pharmacists in Atlantic Canada to track the use of narcotics from the family of drugs that includes OxyContin.
OxyContin is a powerful pain medication that falls under the federal government's narcotic control act.
From AARP:
Battle Lines Drawn on Rx Imports
Sensitive to a popular cause that has gained enormous momentum over the past six months, Congress is now closer to making it legal and safer for Americans to buy lower-cost prescription drugs from abroad—though what form that action will take is far from certain.
Previous attempts to legalize drug importation, including one signed into law in 2000, have all foundered on the "safety issue"—the fear that it would open the floodgates to counterfeit and otherwise harmful medications. President Bush, the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency responsible for drug safety, all cite safety in opposing legalization.
Battle Lines Drawn on Rx Imports
Sensitive to a popular cause that has gained enormous momentum over the past six months, Congress is now closer to making it legal and safer for Americans to buy lower-cost prescription drugs from abroad—though what form that action will take is far from certain.
Previous attempts to legalize drug importation, including one signed into law in 2000, have all foundered on the "safety issue"—the fear that it would open the floodgates to counterfeit and otherwise harmful medications. President Bush, the pharmaceutical industry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the agency responsible for drug safety, all cite safety in opposing legalization.
From New York Newsday:
Seniors travel north to buy medication
Jean Cook said she felt desperate -- so much so she boarded a bus this week for a four-hour trip to Montreal to save money on her costly prescription drug bills.
"You've got to do what you've got to do," said Cook, who toted a plastic bag filled with medicines that she said cost $270 less than what she pays for a three-month supply at her local pharmacy.
Still, she complained, "Why don't we spend money in our own backyard and help seniors get drugs?"
Seniors travel north to buy medication
Jean Cook said she felt desperate -- so much so she boarded a bus this week for a four-hour trip to Montreal to save money on her costly prescription drug bills.
"You've got to do what you've got to do," said Cook, who toted a plastic bag filled with medicines that she said cost $270 less than what she pays for a three-month supply at her local pharmacy.
Still, she complained, "Why don't we spend money in our own backyard and help seniors get drugs?"
From the Detroit Free Press:
SENIORS' PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS: Rx for hope and frustration
Geraldine and James Keon of Westland joined a busload of seniors in Windsor this week looking for bargains on prescription drugs.
Last year, their cross-border trips saved the Keons about $1,200 on seven prescriptions that they take for ailments including heart disease, high blood pressure and acid gas reflux.
Americans bought about $1 billion in pharmaceuticals from Canada last year, saving up to 70 percent over the cost of drugs in the United States, according to the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. Canadian drugs are cheaper because of government incentives for physicians to prescribe less expensive pharmaceuticals.
SENIORS' PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS: Rx for hope and frustration
Geraldine and James Keon of Westland joined a busload of seniors in Windsor this week looking for bargains on prescription drugs.
Last year, their cross-border trips saved the Keons about $1,200 on seven prescriptions that they take for ailments including heart disease, high blood pressure and acid gas reflux.
Americans bought about $1 billion in pharmaceuticals from Canada last year, saving up to 70 percent over the cost of drugs in the United States, according to the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. Canadian drugs are cheaper because of government incentives for physicians to prescribe less expensive pharmaceuticals.
From the Richmond (BC) Review:
Doctor reprimanded for role in net pharmacy
A local doctor has become the first physician in B.C. to be reprimanded for his involvement in the burgeoning billion-dollar Internet drug dispensing industry.
Dr. Satnam Singh Gandham, a family doctor whose practice is located at 201-6051 Gilbert Rd., admitted to authorizing drug prescriptions for patients in the United States whom he never saw.
Gandham did this for many months despite the fact this practice of countersigning prescriptions without having assessed the patients in person has been denounced by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. as well as other similar medical regulatory bodies across Canada.
This week, Gandham was fined $25,000 and was formally reprimanded by the Council of the College after he admitted to his role.
Doctor reprimanded for role in net pharmacy
A local doctor has become the first physician in B.C. to be reprimanded for his involvement in the burgeoning billion-dollar Internet drug dispensing industry.
Dr. Satnam Singh Gandham, a family doctor whose practice is located at 201-6051 Gilbert Rd., admitted to authorizing drug prescriptions for patients in the United States whom he never saw.
Gandham did this for many months despite the fact this practice of countersigning prescriptions without having assessed the patients in person has been denounced by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. as well as other similar medical regulatory bodies across Canada.
This week, Gandham was fined $25,000 and was formally reprimanded by the Council of the College after he admitted to his role.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
From Health Canada:
Health Canada releases important information on the dispensation of clozapine products in Canada
The Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD) and the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) would like to draw your attention to important upcoming revisions to the Product Monographs of all clozapine products marketed in Canada. These revisions will strengthen the labelling and address ongoing issues around patient consent for the sharing of information between registries. As you know, monitoring of patients with the use of registries is the risk mitigation strategy in place to address the known risk of agranulocytosis.
Health Canada releases important information on the dispensation of clozapine products in Canada
The Marketed Health Products Directorate (MHPD) and the Therapeutic Products Directorate (TPD) would like to draw your attention to important upcoming revisions to the Product Monographs of all clozapine products marketed in Canada. These revisions will strengthen the labelling and address ongoing issues around patient consent for the sharing of information between registries. As you know, monitoring of patients with the use of registries is the risk mitigation strategy in place to address the known risk of agranulocytosis.
From Yahoo News:
Painkillers May Slow Healing After Shoulder Surgery
Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to relieve pain after shoulder surgery may impair healing, new animal research suggests.
Rats that were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs had poorer healing than animals that were not given the drugs, researchers reported Friday at a meeting of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine in Quebec City, Canada.
Painkillers May Slow Healing After Shoulder Surgery
Anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used to relieve pain after shoulder surgery may impair healing, new animal research suggests.
Rats that were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs had poorer healing than animals that were not given the drugs, researchers reported Friday at a meeting of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine in Quebec City, Canada.
From Health Canada:
ARAVA (leflunomide) and interstitial lung disease
Cases of lung inflammation causing difficulty breathing have occurred rarely in patients receiving Arava®. Tell your doctor without delay if you experience new or worsening of shortness of breath and/or cough, with or without associated fever, at any time while you are taking Arava®.
ARAVA (leflunomide) and interstitial lung disease
Cases of lung inflammation causing difficulty breathing have occurred rarely in patients receiving Arava®. Tell your doctor without delay if you experience new or worsening of shortness of breath and/or cough, with or without associated fever, at any time while you are taking Arava®.
From Health Canada:
Association of Desyrel (trazodone) with drug interactions with medications that alter CYP 3A4 metabolism
In vitro drug metabolism studies suggest that there is a potential for drug interactions when trazodone is given with drugs that alter metabolism by CYP3A4, leading to adverse effects including nausea, hypotension and syncope.
Association of Desyrel (trazodone) with drug interactions with medications that alter CYP 3A4 metabolism
In vitro drug metabolism studies suggest that there is a potential for drug interactions when trazodone is given with drugs that alter metabolism by CYP3A4, leading to adverse effects including nausea, hypotension and syncope.
From CBC Prince Edward Island:
Methadone program on the way: Gillan
P.E.I.'s health minister said convincing some addictions workers that methadone can help people kick their drug habit has slowed a provincial methadone program.
Chester Gillan said the province believes methadone can help people who are addicted to narcotics. He said some people who work with addicts didn't think giving drugs to people with an addiction was the right way to go.
However, a review of how methadone has been working so far has shown it can help. Currently the Island is the only Canadian province without a methadone program.
Methadone program on the way: Gillan
P.E.I.'s health minister said convincing some addictions workers that methadone can help people kick their drug habit has slowed a provincial methadone program.
Chester Gillan said the province believes methadone can help people who are addicted to narcotics. He said some people who work with addicts didn't think giving drugs to people with an addiction was the right way to go.
However, a review of how methadone has been working so far has shown it can help. Currently the Island is the only Canadian province without a methadone program.
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
From the New York Times:
Drug Companies Seek to Mend Their Image
With drug prices skyrocketing, the pharmaceutical industry has long had plenty of critics. And in a measure of just how badly tarnished the industry's image has become, even some of its most prominent defenders are turning against it.
That could spell trouble, which is why the drug industry is about to begin a charm offensive to try to win back the nation's affection.
Roy Vagelos, the well-known former chairman of Merck & Company and one of the industry's most prominent boosters, now condemns drug makers for the "exorbitant" prices of new medicines and "galloping" annual increases of old ones. Government price controls, he predicts, are almost inevitable.
Drug Companies Seek to Mend Their Image
With drug prices skyrocketing, the pharmaceutical industry has long had plenty of critics. And in a measure of just how badly tarnished the industry's image has become, even some of its most prominent defenders are turning against it.
That could spell trouble, which is why the drug industry is about to begin a charm offensive to try to win back the nation's affection.
Roy Vagelos, the well-known former chairman of Merck & Company and one of the industry's most prominent boosters, now condemns drug makers for the "exorbitant" prices of new medicines and "galloping" annual increases of old ones. Government price controls, he predicts, are almost inevitable.
From CBC News:
Drug company offers discounts to 43M Americans
U.S. drug company Pfizer Inc. moved Wednesday to make lower-priced pharmaceuticals available to millions of Americans who don't have an insurance plan.
The company said it "will provide millions of working families without drug coverage access to Pfizer medicines at an average saving of 37 per cent," starting in August.
Drug company offers discounts to 43M Americans
U.S. drug company Pfizer Inc. moved Wednesday to make lower-priced pharmaceuticals available to millions of Americans who don't have an insurance plan.
The company said it "will provide millions of working families without drug coverage access to Pfizer medicines at an average saving of 37 per cent," starting in August.
From the Albany (NY) Times Union:
Drug run to Canada an Rx for seniors' costs
Ramona Olnedo boarded a bus to Canada early Tuesday for one simple reason: to save money.
The three-month supply of prescription drugs that the 68-year-old from Brooklyn will buy at a Montreal hotel later that night will cost her $770 less than it would at home.
The 14 hours she will spend on the round-trip bus are well worth it for that kind of savings, Olnedo said.
Drug run to Canada an Rx for seniors' costs
Ramona Olnedo boarded a bus to Canada early Tuesday for one simple reason: to save money.
The three-month supply of prescription drugs that the 68-year-old from Brooklyn will buy at a Montreal hotel later that night will cost her $770 less than it would at home.
The 14 hours she will spend on the round-trip bus are well worth it for that kind of savings, Olnedo said.
From the Lakeland (FL) Ledger:
Stop Scaring Florida's Seniors
Florida's many seniors who have turned to ordering drugs from Canada need to be aware of three things: 1. If a spokesman says something often enough, even if it's not true, many people will think it's true.
Example: Last week, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Health warned about buying drugs from foreign countries or over the Internet.
"It is the equivalent of selling drugs out of the trunk of a car," she said. "If you're utilizing services of an unlicensed practitioner, you don't have anybody you can turn to, nobody in your court, no assurance, no monitoring and no recourse . . . if something goes wrong."
Stop Scaring Florida's Seniors
Florida's many seniors who have turned to ordering drugs from Canada need to be aware of three things: 1. If a spokesman says something often enough, even if it's not true, many people will think it's true.
Example: Last week, a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Health warned about buying drugs from foreign countries or over the Internet.
"It is the equivalent of selling drugs out of the trunk of a car," she said. "If you're utilizing services of an unlicensed practitioner, you don't have anybody you can turn to, nobody in your court, no assurance, no monitoring and no recourse . . . if something goes wrong."
From the Alberta Daily Herald Tribune:
Cracking down on meth
Grande Prairie police are hailing a move by pharmacists across Western Canada to keep the ingredients used in creating the potent street drug crystal meth out of the hands of those who make it.
The change will mean products that contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine will only be available behind the counter and will only be sold in small quantities, Tracy Marsden, president of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, said Tuesday.
"This step is in support of efforts to curb the production and use of methamphetamine," said Marsden, who believes the measure is the first of its kind in Canada.
Cracking down on meth
Grande Prairie police are hailing a move by pharmacists across Western Canada to keep the ingredients used in creating the potent street drug crystal meth out of the hands of those who make it.
The change will mean products that contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine will only be available behind the counter and will only be sold in small quantities, Tracy Marsden, president of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, said Tuesday.
"This step is in support of efforts to curb the production and use of methamphetamine," said Marsden, who believes the measure is the first of its kind in Canada.
From the Winnipeg Sun:
New wrinkle in drug dispensing
The innovative work being done in an L-shaped building outside Winnipeg is about to transform the pharmacy business in Canada. So predicts Darren Chalus, general manager of Stream Pharmacy Solutions, the country's first automated dispensing facility.
"With one pharmacist we're able to fill upwards of 3,000 prescriptions in an eight-hour period, where a (regular pharmacy) could fill 200 during that time," Chalus said in an interview from the 12,000-square-foot plant in Homewood, which is about a 45-minute drive southwest of Winnipeg.
New wrinkle in drug dispensing
The innovative work being done in an L-shaped building outside Winnipeg is about to transform the pharmacy business in Canada. So predicts Darren Chalus, general manager of Stream Pharmacy Solutions, the country's first automated dispensing facility.
"With one pharmacist we're able to fill upwards of 3,000 prescriptions in an eight-hour period, where a (regular pharmacy) could fill 200 during that time," Chalus said in an interview from the 12,000-square-foot plant in Homewood, which is about a 45-minute drive southwest of Winnipeg.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
From the Globe and Mail:
Alberta makes ‘meth' tougher to make
Pharmacists across Alberta have decided to move two key ingredients for making crystal meth behind their counters in an effort to stem the burgeoning production of the street drug.
Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are the principal ingredients in d-methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive drug known on the street as "ice" or "crystal meth."
Alberta makes ‘meth' tougher to make
Pharmacists across Alberta have decided to move two key ingredients for making crystal meth behind their counters in an effort to stem the burgeoning production of the street drug.
Pseudoephedrine and ephedrine are the principal ingredients in d-methamphetamine, a potent and highly addictive drug known on the street as "ice" or "crystal meth."
From Bloomberg:
Canadian Drug Import Bills Divide U.S. Republicans
Republicans running for Congress in Ohio, Iowa and Florida are splitting with President George W. Bush over his opposition to importing drugs from Canada, where the government sets prices as much as 70 percent lower.
``I don't see why we shouldn't be able to import,'' said Ohio Republican Frank Cusimano, 39, who is trying to unseat a Democrat in the House. The issue became personal when his 58-year-old mother- in-law needed a two-week supply of the Pharmacia Corp. antibiotic Zyvox. It cost $697 and wasn't covered by insurance.
Canadian Drug Import Bills Divide U.S. Republicans
Republicans running for Congress in Ohio, Iowa and Florida are splitting with President George W. Bush over his opposition to importing drugs from Canada, where the government sets prices as much as 70 percent lower.
``I don't see why we shouldn't be able to import,'' said Ohio Republican Frank Cusimano, 39, who is trying to unseat a Democrat in the House. The issue became personal when his 58-year-old mother- in-law needed a two-week supply of the Pharmacia Corp. antibiotic Zyvox. It cost $697 and wasn't covered by insurance.
Monday, July 05, 2004
From Newsday (NY):
U.S., industry crack down on drug importation
Irving and Charlotte Diton of Melville waited and waited this spring for their shipment of prescription drugs from Canada. It never came. Finally, the elderly couple learned that U.S. Customs had seized the $531 three-month supply of medicine.
"It's an effort to scare people off," said Diton, a 75-year-old retired electrical engineer. "Of all the things that customs has on their mind, this seems like this should be a pretty low priority."
Even as Congress considers legislation to legalize the importation of drugs from Canada, efforts by older adults to get those medications have become increasingly challenging, with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection continuing to confiscate some packages and drugmakers cutting off supplies to Canadian pharmacies and distributors who ship their goods to Americans.
U.S., industry crack down on drug importation
Irving and Charlotte Diton of Melville waited and waited this spring for their shipment of prescription drugs from Canada. It never came. Finally, the elderly couple learned that U.S. Customs had seized the $531 three-month supply of medicine.
"It's an effort to scare people off," said Diton, a 75-year-old retired electrical engineer. "Of all the things that customs has on their mind, this seems like this should be a pretty low priority."
Even as Congress considers legislation to legalize the importation of drugs from Canada, efforts by older adults to get those medications have become increasingly challenging, with the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection continuing to confiscate some packages and drugmakers cutting off supplies to Canadian pharmacies and distributors who ship their goods to Americans.
From the Fort Worth (TX) Star Telegram:
Senior drug smugglers
I can be very frail if I need to be," Kate Stahl said recently. Frailty is not normally prized by political activists, but Stahl is an unlikely agitator. A retired medical secretary with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she is 85 years old, appears to weigh hardly that many pounds and spent much of her adult life in rural seclusion as the sole female resident on Little Dead Horse Lake, a small community about five miles outside Marcell, Minn.
Senior drug smugglers
I can be very frail if I need to be," Kate Stahl said recently. Frailty is not normally prized by political activists, but Stahl is an unlikely agitator. A retired medical secretary with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she is 85 years old, appears to weigh hardly that many pounds and spent much of her adult life in rural seclusion as the sole female resident on Little Dead Horse Lake, a small community about five miles outside Marcell, Minn.
From the Helena (MT) Independent Record:
Canadian connection
A local man who ran an Rx Depot franchise for a few months last summer until the company was shut down by a federal judge, is again helping local residents obtain cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Tom Kennedy opened Canadian Connection in April and has helped about 100 clients fill their prescriptions at lower prices north of the border.
For now, state and federal officials seem to be leaving businesses like Kennedy's alone as Congress contemplates what to do. At least two bills relating to drug prices are under consideration in the U.S. Senate. One would legalize the safe importation of prescription drugs from other countries, beginning with Canada. Drug manufacturers are urging Congress to back drug discount cards.
Canadian connection
A local man who ran an Rx Depot franchise for a few months last summer until the company was shut down by a federal judge, is again helping local residents obtain cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Tom Kennedy opened Canadian Connection in April and has helped about 100 clients fill their prescriptions at lower prices north of the border.
For now, state and federal officials seem to be leaving businesses like Kennedy's alone as Congress contemplates what to do. At least two bills relating to drug prices are under consideration in the U.S. Senate. One would legalize the safe importation of prescription drugs from other countries, beginning with Canada. Drug manufacturers are urging Congress to back drug discount cards.
Sunday, July 04, 2004
From the Lakeland (FL) Ledger:
Canadian Drug Providers Meet
About 20 owners of Canadian prescription services based in Florida gathered Monday evening in Lakeland to consider a legal defense against the state.
The meeting came in response to 12 cease-and-desist orders issued June 16, when the Florida Department of Health ordered the prescription services to shut down immediately because they were performing unlicensed pharmaceutical activities.
"If we shut down, our customers won't know where to go," said Audrey Meadows, the owner of Discount Drugs of CanAmerica at 4120 U.S. 98 N., where the owners met last night. "They can't go back to the corner pharmacy, because they don't want to and they can't afford to."
Canadian Drug Providers Meet
About 20 owners of Canadian prescription services based in Florida gathered Monday evening in Lakeland to consider a legal defense against the state.
The meeting came in response to 12 cease-and-desist orders issued June 16, when the Florida Department of Health ordered the prescription services to shut down immediately because they were performing unlicensed pharmaceutical activities.
"If we shut down, our customers won't know where to go," said Audrey Meadows, the owner of Discount Drugs of CanAmerica at 4120 U.S. 98 N., where the owners met last night. "They can't go back to the corner pharmacy, because they don't want to and they can't afford to."
From the Boston Globe:
Canadian drugs may be what the budget ordered
Newton employees and retirees ordered nearly 6,000 prescriptions of the cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor last year -- for a total cost to the city of $434,300.
If Newton had used the Internet to order all of the Lipitor from Canadian pharmacies, it would have saved about $90,000, according to a Globe West analysis using average prices in each country. That amount of money would have been nearly enough to hire two teachers.
For months, Newton officials have been quietly studying the idea of importing drugs from Canada, where government price controls make prescription drugs 20 to 80 percent cheaper.
Canadian drugs may be what the budget ordered
Newton employees and retirees ordered nearly 6,000 prescriptions of the cholesterol-reducing drug Lipitor last year -- for a total cost to the city of $434,300.
If Newton had used the Internet to order all of the Lipitor from Canadian pharmacies, it would have saved about $90,000, according to a Globe West analysis using average prices in each country. That amount of money would have been nearly enough to hire two teachers.
For months, Newton officials have been quietly studying the idea of importing drugs from Canada, where government price controls make prescription drugs 20 to 80 percent cheaper.
From the Lakeland (FL) Ledger:
Drug Services Refusing Florida's Offer
Thanks, but no thanks.
The state's Department of Health announced Tuesday it would take steps to make it easier for Canadian prescription services to become licensed as mail-order pharmacies. But there's a problem, according to the local businesses.
"We're not a pharmacy," said Daniel Meadows Jr., a customer service representative at Discount Drugs of CanAmerica at 4120 U.S. 98 N.
Drug Services Refusing Florida's Offer
Thanks, but no thanks.
The state's Department of Health announced Tuesday it would take steps to make it easier for Canadian prescription services to become licensed as mail-order pharmacies. But there's a problem, according to the local businesses.
"We're not a pharmacy," said Daniel Meadows Jr., a customer service representative at Discount Drugs of CanAmerica at 4120 U.S. 98 N.
From the South Bend (IN) Tribune:
Donnelly favors drug re-importation
Democratic congressional candidate Joe Donnelly has called on Congress to authorize the re-importation of prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada, and criticized Republican incumbent Chris Chocola for voting against the practice.
"Working families and all families deserve the opportunity to purchase their drugs from Canada and put the savings right in their pockets," Donnelly said.
Donnelly favors drug re-importation
Democratic congressional candidate Joe Donnelly has called on Congress to authorize the re-importation of prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in Canada, and criticized Republican incumbent Chris Chocola for voting against the practice.
"Working families and all families deserve the opportunity to purchase their drugs from Canada and put the savings right in their pockets," Donnelly said.
From the White Plains (NY) Journal News:
Protesting American drug policies
Senior citizens from Rockland and the metro area will travel to Canada next week to demand the federal government do something about the rising costs of prescription drugs in the United States.
That something, they say, is to approve a bill in the Senate that would make it legal to buy prescription drugs from Canada and 20 other industrialized countries.
While some of the riders on the RxExpress bus to Montreal will purchase drugs at cheaper prices there, the two-day trip is meant to send a message or two.
Protesting American drug policies
Senior citizens from Rockland and the metro area will travel to Canada next week to demand the federal government do something about the rising costs of prescription drugs in the United States.
That something, they say, is to approve a bill in the Senate that would make it legal to buy prescription drugs from Canada and 20 other industrialized countries.
While some of the riders on the RxExpress bus to Montreal will purchase drugs at cheaper prices there, the two-day trip is meant to send a message or two.
From the San Francisco Examiner:
Drug connection
A Canadian online drug company is reaping a business bonanza thanks to the San Francisco Health Department's Web site, which sends people on a virtual shopping trip to Vancouver, Alberta and Winnepeg.
"Visits to the Web site www.onlinecanadianpharmacy.com are up 349 percent in just one week,'' crows an announcement from the British Columbia-based Web site.
Drug connection
A Canadian online drug company is reaping a business bonanza thanks to the San Francisco Health Department's Web site, which sends people on a virtual shopping trip to Vancouver, Alberta and Winnepeg.
"Visits to the Web site www.onlinecanadianpharmacy.com are up 349 percent in just one week,'' crows an announcement from the British Columbia-based Web site.
From the Pawtucket (RI) Times:
State legalizes purchase of Canadian presciption drugs
Rhode Island has become the first state to make it legal to purchase prescription drugs from Canada, where prices can be three to four times lower than for the same medicine bought in this country.
Turning aside the importuning of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the Ocean State, as well as a letter of warning from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warning that the law would, "undermine key consumer protection standards and place your constituents at unnecessary risk of harm from unregulated pharmaceuticals" Carcieri allowed the measure to become law without his signature Thursday.
State legalizes purchase of Canadian presciption drugs
Rhode Island has become the first state to make it legal to purchase prescription drugs from Canada, where prices can be three to four times lower than for the same medicine bought in this country.
Turning aside the importuning of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in the Ocean State, as well as a letter of warning from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warning that the law would, "undermine key consumer protection standards and place your constituents at unnecessary risk of harm from unregulated pharmaceuticals" Carcieri allowed the measure to become law without his signature Thursday.
From the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News:
Knowles camp backs Canadian drug imports
U.S. Senate candidate Tony Knowles says in a new campaign ad that Americans ought to be able to import prescription drugs from Canada.
"We pay more than twice as much as Canadians for the same drugs, yet Congress forbids you from ordering the cheaper drugs," he says in his new TV spot.
The Knowles ad doesn't mention Sen. Lisa Murkowski, but his campaign issued a statement to reporters Friday listing Murkowski's record on the issue and alleging that she has "consistently sided with pharmaceutical companies."
Knowles camp backs Canadian drug imports
U.S. Senate candidate Tony Knowles says in a new campaign ad that Americans ought to be able to import prescription drugs from Canada.
"We pay more than twice as much as Canadians for the same drugs, yet Congress forbids you from ordering the cheaper drugs," he says in his new TV spot.
The Knowles ad doesn't mention Sen. Lisa Murkowski, but his campaign issued a statement to reporters Friday listing Murkowski's record on the issue and alleging that she has "consistently sided with pharmaceutical companies."
From Woonsocket.com (RI):
Canadian drug bill becomes law
A bill that will allow the state Department of Health to issue licenses to Canadian pharmacies became law without the governor’s signature.
The new law, sponsored by Sen. Roger Badeau (D-Dist. 20, Cumberland, Woonsocket), removes an obstacle for Rhode Islanders seeking to buy prescription medicines from Canada, where they are often substantially cheaper.
Carcieri had announced his support for the bill in April, but earlier this week said he might veto it. Several business and health groups as well as two major drugmakers lobbied for a veto, saying the imported drugs would endanger health and stifle the growth of the biotechnology industry.
Canadian drug bill becomes law
A bill that will allow the state Department of Health to issue licenses to Canadian pharmacies became law without the governor’s signature.
The new law, sponsored by Sen. Roger Badeau (D-Dist. 20, Cumberland, Woonsocket), removes an obstacle for Rhode Islanders seeking to buy prescription medicines from Canada, where they are often substantially cheaper.
Carcieri had announced his support for the bill in April, but earlier this week said he might veto it. Several business and health groups as well as two major drugmakers lobbied for a veto, saying the imported drugs would endanger health and stifle the growth of the biotechnology industry.
From Canada.com:
Younger men looking for a lift: Older teens, adults in their 20s are taking Viagra
Forget Bob Dole or Guy Lafleur. The next pitchman for Viagra may be McCauley Culkin.
Lured by the idea that fail-safe and firmer erections may be found in a pill bottle, younger and younger men are asking doctors for erectile dysfunction drugs even when their sexual "functioning" is normal.
Older teens and men in their 20s are taking Viagra or newer erection remedies routinely before dates or parties, doctors report.
Younger men looking for a lift: Older teens, adults in their 20s are taking Viagra
Forget Bob Dole or Guy Lafleur. The next pitchman for Viagra may be McCauley Culkin.
Lured by the idea that fail-safe and firmer erections may be found in a pill bottle, younger and younger men are asking doctors for erectile dysfunction drugs even when their sexual "functioning" is normal.
Older teens and men in their 20s are taking Viagra or newer erection remedies routinely before dates or parties, doctors report.
From the Billings (MT) Gazette:
More Americans buying drugs north of the border to cut costs
Until earlier this year, Mary Jane Muth hadn't given much thought to the price of prescription drugs.
"We had never had any major medical problems before this," said Muth, who lives in Billings with her husband, Don.
Mary Jane, 58, owns MJ's Therapeutic Massage and Don, 61, runs Don's Auto Shop.
On Feb. 5, after a routine physical, Don learned that he had colon cancer. That in itself was devastating, but other issues soon confronted the couple.
More Americans buying drugs north of the border to cut costs
Until earlier this year, Mary Jane Muth hadn't given much thought to the price of prescription drugs.
"We had never had any major medical problems before this," said Muth, who lives in Billings with her husband, Don.
Mary Jane, 58, owns MJ's Therapeutic Massage and Don, 61, runs Don's Auto Shop.
On Feb. 5, after a routine physical, Don learned that he had colon cancer. That in itself was devastating, but other issues soon confronted the couple.
From the Fort Myers (FL) News Press:
Seniors struggle with Canadian drug dispute
Loyal customers of cheaper Canadian drugs say Florida’s recent attempt to close neighborhood storefronts won’t deter them from finding other ways to save on their prescriptions.
Despite state and federal warnings that drugs purchased from foreign and unlicensed pharmacies cannot be regulated for safety, residents are turning to the Internet or direct mail ordering to fill their much-needed prescription medications.
Customers were aghast last month when they heard the state shut down 12 businesses — including one in Bonita Springs and one in Punta Gorda — that connected customers with Canada. The state accused them of acting as unlicensed pharmacies.
Seniors struggle with Canadian drug dispute
Loyal customers of cheaper Canadian drugs say Florida’s recent attempt to close neighborhood storefronts won’t deter them from finding other ways to save on their prescriptions.
Despite state and federal warnings that drugs purchased from foreign and unlicensed pharmacies cannot be regulated for safety, residents are turning to the Internet or direct mail ordering to fill their much-needed prescription medications.
Customers were aghast last month when they heard the state shut down 12 businesses — including one in Bonita Springs and one in Punta Gorda — that connected customers with Canada. The state accused them of acting as unlicensed pharmacies.
Saturday, July 03, 2004
From MSNBC:
Rx Processing brings Bay area closer to Canadian drugs
Rx Processing, a company that provides United States residents with access to Canadian pharmaceuticals, is setting up its corporate headquarters in Tampa.
And that's like entering the eye of the hurricane.
Florida is one of the more aggressive states in regulating companies that order Canadian prescription drugs, said David Zazoff, a spokesman for Rx Processing. But he also said the state's large population of senior citizens made it attractive to Rx Processing.
Rx Processing brings Bay area closer to Canadian drugs
Rx Processing, a company that provides United States residents with access to Canadian pharmaceuticals, is setting up its corporate headquarters in Tampa.
And that's like entering the eye of the hurricane.
Florida is one of the more aggressive states in regulating companies that order Canadian prescription drugs, said David Zazoff, a spokesman for Rx Processing. But he also said the state's large population of senior citizens made it attractive to Rx Processing.
From the Sarasota (FL) Herald Tribune:
Internet pharmacy definition unclear
Businesses ordering Canadian prescription drugs for consumers might insist they aren't pharmacies, but the state is trying to hem them into that definition on more than one front.
A law signed by Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday creates a broad definition of what constitutes an "Internet pharmacy" and sets up a separate license category.
Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Health took another approach to rein in the businesses. It invited so-called storefront pharmacies, which help consumers order cheaper medications from Canada, to become licensed as "mail-order" pharmacies.
Internet pharmacy definition unclear
Businesses ordering Canadian prescription drugs for consumers might insist they aren't pharmacies, but the state is trying to hem them into that definition on more than one front.
A law signed by Gov. Jeb Bush on Wednesday creates a broad definition of what constitutes an "Internet pharmacy" and sets up a separate license category.
Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Health took another approach to rein in the businesses. It invited so-called storefront pharmacies, which help consumers order cheaper medications from Canada, to become licensed as "mail-order" pharmacies.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
From the Boston Globe:
City finds a cure in drug imports
Since last fall, John Sullivan has been taking a daily dose of Lipitor and three other drugs imported from Canada as part of a city-sponsored program. He has a one-word response to warnings from the Food and Drug Administration that his drugs could be unsafe.
"Hogwash," said Sullivan, 77, a retired public schools administrator and widower.
As Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston gets ready to defy US government officials and launch a Canadian drug-purchasing plan next month, Springfield's municipal government is wrapping up its first year of an importation program that helped spawn a national movement. Local officials say the program has saved the city $3 million since it began in July -- short of the $7 to $9 million original estimate but still one of the few bright spots in a city on the brink of bankruptcy.
City finds a cure in drug imports
Since last fall, John Sullivan has been taking a daily dose of Lipitor and three other drugs imported from Canada as part of a city-sponsored program. He has a one-word response to warnings from the Food and Drug Administration that his drugs could be unsafe.
"Hogwash," said Sullivan, 77, a retired public schools administrator and widower.
As Mayor Thomas M. Menino of Boston gets ready to defy US government officials and launch a Canadian drug-purchasing plan next month, Springfield's municipal government is wrapping up its first year of an importation program that helped spawn a national movement. Local officials say the program has saved the city $3 million since it began in July -- short of the $7 to $9 million original estimate but still one of the few bright spots in a city on the brink of bankruptcy.
From the Columbus (GA) Ledger-Enquirer:
Fla. May Make Canadian Drugs Easier to Get
State health officials announced Tuesday they would make it easier for storefronts that order prescription drugs from Canada to become licensed as pharmacies, a week after warning a dozen stores they would be shut down.
John O. Agwunobi, secretary of the Florida Department of Health, said the efforts are meant to protect consumers by encouraging more stores to become licensed so the state can regulate them.
"It just makes sense if these guys are in the business of helping people and they want to protect the credibility of their sector of the pharmaceutical community," Agwunobi said.
Fla. May Make Canadian Drugs Easier to Get
State health officials announced Tuesday they would make it easier for storefronts that order prescription drugs from Canada to become licensed as pharmacies, a week after warning a dozen stores they would be shut down.
John O. Agwunobi, secretary of the Florida Department of Health, said the efforts are meant to protect consumers by encouraging more stores to become licensed so the state can regulate them.
"It just makes sense if these guys are in the business of helping people and they want to protect the credibility of their sector of the pharmaceutical community," Agwunobi said.
Monday, June 28, 2004
From the Palm Beach (FL) Post:
Unwanted prescription?
Calling your business a "pharmacy," a discount "drug" store, an "Rx" or an "apothecary" doesn't make it so. But doing so in Florida without a state license to practice pharmacy is now illegal.
The new state law, which Gov. Bush signed last month, strengthens health officials' efforts to shut down or force into regulation dozens of unlicensed storefronts. But Floridians who rely on some of the shops for what may otherwise be unaffordable medicine will take little comfort in this effort to protect consumers as long as Congress refuses to control drug costs.
Unwanted prescription?
Calling your business a "pharmacy," a discount "drug" store, an "Rx" or an "apothecary" doesn't make it so. But doing so in Florida without a state license to practice pharmacy is now illegal.
The new state law, which Gov. Bush signed last month, strengthens health officials' efforts to shut down or force into regulation dozens of unlicensed storefronts. But Floridians who rely on some of the shops for what may otherwise be unaffordable medicine will take little comfort in this effort to protect consumers as long as Congress refuses to control drug costs.
From the Stamford (Conn.) Advocate:
Business leaders oppose drug importation bill
Business groups and biotechnology companies on Monday called for a veto of a bill allowing prescription drugs to be imported from Canada, claiming there's no guarantee of the drugs' safety and the practice would damage the state's economy.
The briefing followed the General Assembly's approval last week of a bill allowing Canadian pharmacies to be licensed in Rhode Island, which could make it easier for some residents to buy cheaper drugs.
Business leaders oppose drug importation bill
Business groups and biotechnology companies on Monday called for a veto of a bill allowing prescription drugs to be imported from Canada, claiming there's no guarantee of the drugs' safety and the practice would damage the state's economy.
The briefing followed the General Assembly's approval last week of a bill allowing Canadian pharmacies to be licensed in Rhode Island, which could make it easier for some residents to buy cheaper drugs.
From the Fort Lauderdale (FL) Sun Sentinel:
Canadian drug plan saved city $3 million
Springfield saved $3 million in the first year it bought prescription drugs from Canada for city workers and retirees, less than half of the $7 million to $9 million originally estimated, city officials said.
The savings fell short because the participants didn't fully understand the plan's benefits and because the city boosted the co-payment of its traditional plan as incentive for people to use the Canadian plan with no co-payment, said insurance manager Christopher Collins.
Canadian drug plan saved city $3 million
Springfield saved $3 million in the first year it bought prescription drugs from Canada for city workers and retirees, less than half of the $7 million to $9 million originally estimated, city officials said.
The savings fell short because the participants didn't fully understand the plan's benefits and because the city boosted the co-payment of its traditional plan as incentive for people to use the Canadian plan with no co-payment, said insurance manager Christopher Collins.
Friday, June 25, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Canadians spend more on drugs than doctors
Canadians' drug purchases comprised 16.2 percent of the country's total health expenditures for 2003, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Of the estimated $16 billion spent on prescribed drugs in Canada in 2003, 47.2 percent was paid for with public funds. In 1998 the public share of prescription-drug costs was 42.5 percent.
CIHI's fourth annual Drug Expenditure in Canada report released Tuesday shows total drug spending reached $19.6 billion in 2003, up 17 percent from 2001. Prescribed drugs are believed to represent 82 percent of all drug spending nationwide.
Canadians spend more on drugs than doctors
Canadians' drug purchases comprised 16.2 percent of the country's total health expenditures for 2003, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
Of the estimated $16 billion spent on prescribed drugs in Canada in 2003, 47.2 percent was paid for with public funds. In 1998 the public share of prescription-drug costs was 42.5 percent.
CIHI's fourth annual Drug Expenditure in Canada report released Tuesday shows total drug spending reached $19.6 billion in 2003, up 17 percent from 2001. Prescribed drugs are believed to represent 82 percent of all drug spending nationwide.
From CNEWS:
Portland, Me., lets city employees buy Canadian prescription drugs
Portland city employees will have the option of buying some prescription drugs at lower cost through a Canadian company, officials announced Thursday.
Portland joins about three dozen U.S. cities and counties that have prescriptions filled through Ontario-based CanaRx, despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration efforts to stop the practice.
Portland, Me., lets city employees buy Canadian prescription drugs
Portland city employees will have the option of buying some prescription drugs at lower cost through a Canadian company, officials announced Thursday.
Portland joins about three dozen U.S. cities and counties that have prescriptions filled through Ontario-based CanaRx, despite U.S. Food and Drug Administration efforts to stop the practice.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Two Internet pharmacists face disciplinary hearing by Manitoba regulator
Manitoba's pharmacy watchdog has accused two Internet pharmacists of misconduct for knowingly filling prescriptions for U.S. customers who were not examined by Canadian doctors.
One of the pharmacists, Adelaine Saria of Winnipeg-based CanAmerica Drugs, also allegedly violated the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association's code of ethics by paying a Manitoba doctor to countersign U.S. prescriptions.
Two Internet pharmacists face disciplinary hearing by Manitoba regulator
Manitoba's pharmacy watchdog has accused two Internet pharmacists of misconduct for knowingly filling prescriptions for U.S. customers who were not examined by Canadian doctors.
One of the pharmacists, Adelaine Saria of Winnipeg-based CanAmerica Drugs, also allegedly violated the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association's code of ethics by paying a Manitoba doctor to countersign U.S. prescriptions.
Monday, June 21, 2004
From the Globe and Mail:
Canadian Internet drugs safer than from abroad, U.S. says
A U.S. report that says drug shipments to American consumers from Internet pharmacies in Canada are safer and more reliable than from other countries, is expected to fuel support for three bills before the U.S. Senate to legalize drug imports from Canada.
"You gotta love it," said David MacKay, executive director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association in Winnipeg.
"The argument should never have been are drugs from Canada safe. It should be how do you get Canadian drugs safely into the hands of American patients."
Canadian Internet drugs safer than from abroad, U.S. says
A U.S. report that says drug shipments to American consumers from Internet pharmacies in Canada are safer and more reliable than from other countries, is expected to fuel support for three bills before the U.S. Senate to legalize drug imports from Canada.
"You gotta love it," said David MacKay, executive director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association in Winnipeg.
"The argument should never have been are drugs from Canada safe. It should be how do you get Canadian drugs safely into the hands of American patients."
Sunday, June 20, 2004
From the Wausau (Wisc.) Daily Herald:
Seniors seek alternatives to Rx woes Wausau native helps pitch
Wisconsin seniors increasingly are turning to Canadian pharmacies to buy prescription drugs at discounted prices, and some innovative businessmen have created companies to make the process easier.
One of them, Wausau native Dan O'Hearn, sponsored a forum this week attended by about 100 people to tell them how the process can save them hundreds of dollars. Seniors, frustrated by the high costs of drugs and complicated federal and state plans intended to offer them discounts, find going through Canadian pharmacies to be an easier and cheaper way to obtain their medications.
Seniors seek alternatives to Rx woes Wausau native helps pitch
Wisconsin seniors increasingly are turning to Canadian pharmacies to buy prescription drugs at discounted prices, and some innovative businessmen have created companies to make the process easier.
One of them, Wausau native Dan O'Hearn, sponsored a forum this week attended by about 100 people to tell them how the process can save them hundreds of dollars. Seniors, frustrated by the high costs of drugs and complicated federal and state plans intended to offer them discounts, find going through Canadian pharmacies to be an easier and cheaper way to obtain their medications.
From CTV.ca:
Health Canada warns of cholesterol drug risks
Health Canada has issued a warning about a potentially dangerous condition linked to Crestor, one of the "statin" drugs used to lower cholesterol.
The medication, when taken by patients with certain other health problems, can cause a condition in which muscle cells break down, leading in some cases to kidney failure and even death, says an advisory letter issued to physicians.
AstraZeneca of Mississauga, Ont., Crestor's manufacturer, said eight Canadians taking the drug have experienced the condition - called rhabdomyolysis - since February 2003. All had underlying conditions which increased their risk of developing the muscle-destroying side-effect.
Health Canada warns of cholesterol drug risks
Health Canada has issued a warning about a potentially dangerous condition linked to Crestor, one of the "statin" drugs used to lower cholesterol.
The medication, when taken by patients with certain other health problems, can cause a condition in which muscle cells break down, leading in some cases to kidney failure and even death, says an advisory letter issued to physicians.
AstraZeneca of Mississauga, Ont., Crestor's manufacturer, said eight Canadians taking the drug have experienced the condition - called rhabdomyolysis - since February 2003. All had underlying conditions which increased their risk of developing the muscle-destroying side-effect.
From CBC.ca:
Internet pharmacies applaud U.S. report
Canada's internet pharmacies are welcoming a new American report that they say vindicates their industry.
A report by the American General Accounting Office – the equivalent of Canada's auditor general – found prescription drugs from Canadian websites pose fewer risks than medications purchased from online pharmacies in other countries.
In fact, somes Canadian internet pharmacies had stricter standards even than those in the United States, said David MacKay, director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. MacKay expects the report to soften Washington's stance.
Internet pharmacies applaud U.S. report
Canada's internet pharmacies are welcoming a new American report that they say vindicates their industry.
A report by the American General Accounting Office – the equivalent of Canada's auditor general – found prescription drugs from Canadian websites pose fewer risks than medications purchased from online pharmacies in other countries.
In fact, somes Canadian internet pharmacies had stricter standards even than those in the United States, said David MacKay, director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. MacKay expects the report to soften Washington's stance.
From the Lakeland (FL) Ledger:
Canadian Drug Firms Ordered To Cease
Polk County's Canadian prescription services got a wake-up call Friday when the Florida Department of Health issued a cease-and-desist order against Discount Drugs of Canada and Discount Medicine of Canada.
Discount Drugs of Canada has locations in Lakeland and Haines City. Discount Medicine of Canada has locations in Lakeland and Winter Haven.
These companies provide clients with price quotes, fill out the necessary paperwork and handle any additional clerical work needed to send prescriptions to licensed pharmacists in Canada.
Canadian Drug Firms Ordered To Cease
Polk County's Canadian prescription services got a wake-up call Friday when the Florida Department of Health issued a cease-and-desist order against Discount Drugs of Canada and Discount Medicine of Canada.
Discount Drugs of Canada has locations in Lakeland and Haines City. Discount Medicine of Canada has locations in Lakeland and Winter Haven.
These companies provide clients with price quotes, fill out the necessary paperwork and handle any additional clerical work needed to send prescriptions to licensed pharmacists in Canada.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
From NBC News 4 (CA):
Canadian Drugs Ordered Online Pose Few Risks
A report by the General Accounting Office found that in some instances, Canadian pharmacies had stricter standards than those in the United States.
GAO investigators purchased drugs from Internet pharmacies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Thailand and seven other countries. They found that the drugs obtained from Canada had fewer problems compared to medications purchased from online pharmacies in other countries.
Canadian Drugs Ordered Online Pose Few Risks
A report by the General Accounting Office found that in some instances, Canadian pharmacies had stricter standards than those in the United States.
GAO investigators purchased drugs from Internet pharmacies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Thailand and seven other countries. They found that the drugs obtained from Canada had fewer problems compared to medications purchased from online pharmacies in other countries.
From the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press:
2 pharmacies added to state Web site
Two more Canadian pharmacies have been added to the MinnesotaRxConnect.com Web site, bringing the number of sites to four, state Human Services Department officials announced Thursday.
Canada US Pharmacy and CanadaDrugs.com, both in Manitoba, have joined Total Care Pharmacy and Granville Pharmacy. Officials from the department and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy visited the newly added pharmacies in mid-April.
2 pharmacies added to state Web site
Two more Canadian pharmacies have been added to the MinnesotaRxConnect.com Web site, bringing the number of sites to four, state Human Services Department officials announced Thursday.
Canada US Pharmacy and CanadaDrugs.com, both in Manitoba, have joined Total Care Pharmacy and Granville Pharmacy. Officials from the department and the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy visited the newly added pharmacies in mid-April.
Monday, June 14, 2004
From the Australian:
Pro-lifers back pill U-turn
RIGHT to Life Australia (RLA) has welcomed reports the morning after pill could become a prescription-only drug again.
It said pharmacists had reported alarming increases in requests for the morning-after pill, mostly from teenagers.
RLA president Margaret Tighe today said giving young women unfettered access to a powerful hormonal substance was irresponsible.
"This (making the pill available) has been the most irresponsible act on the part of those in authority," she said.
(Editor's note: Not specifically a Canadian pharmacy story, but it does give insight into what has happened in a country that has made the morning after pill an OTC item, which is being proposed in Canada.)
Pro-lifers back pill U-turn
RIGHT to Life Australia (RLA) has welcomed reports the morning after pill could become a prescription-only drug again.
It said pharmacists had reported alarming increases in requests for the morning-after pill, mostly from teenagers.
RLA president Margaret Tighe today said giving young women unfettered access to a powerful hormonal substance was irresponsible.
"This (making the pill available) has been the most irresponsible act on the part of those in authority," she said.
(Editor's note: Not specifically a Canadian pharmacy story, but it does give insight into what has happened in a country that has made the morning after pill an OTC item, which is being proposed in Canada.)
Sunday, June 13, 2004
From the Montreal Gazette:
Pill poppers may be better dieting
Are Canadians popping pills to suppress medical symptoms that could be helped with diet or an exercise program instead?
In too many cases the answer appears to be 'yes,' at least, according to an analysis conducted for The Gazette by IMS Health, an independent Montreal-based research firm, and subsequent interviews with a wide range of Canadian doctors.
Pill poppers may be better dieting
Are Canadians popping pills to suppress medical symptoms that could be helped with diet or an exercise program instead?
In too many cases the answer appears to be 'yes,' at least, according to an analysis conducted for The Gazette by IMS Health, an independent Montreal-based research firm, and subsequent interviews with a wide range of Canadian doctors.
Saturday, June 12, 2004
From WMUR-TV (NH):
Federal Candidates Support Canadian Drug Importation
Nearly all the candidates hoping to represent New Hampshire in Washington support the legal importation of Canadian drugs, but they disagree on how prescriptions should get from manufacturers to mailboxes.
Several candidates so far have stepped forward to challenge Republican Sen. Judd Gregg and Reps. Charles Bass and Jeb Bradley, who face re-election this fall.
Across party lines, most say allowing Americans to fill prescriptions in Canada makes sense, given the public's growing frustration with drug prices and open defiance of the federal ban on such imports.
Federal Candidates Support Canadian Drug Importation
Nearly all the candidates hoping to represent New Hampshire in Washington support the legal importation of Canadian drugs, but they disagree on how prescriptions should get from manufacturers to mailboxes.
Several candidates so far have stepped forward to challenge Republican Sen. Judd Gregg and Reps. Charles Bass and Jeb Bradley, who face re-election this fall.
Across party lines, most say allowing Americans to fill prescriptions in Canada makes sense, given the public's growing frustration with drug prices and open defiance of the federal ban on such imports.
From the Globe and Mail:
More are suffering gastric bleeding from pain drugs
The popularity of a new generation of painkillers has led to a sharp increase in the number of people suffering from bleeding ulcers, according to a new study.
The research, published in today's edition of the British Medical Journal, suggests that about 2,000 additional people are being hospitalized annually with gastrointestinal bleeds in Canada as a result of taking the drugs, which are sold under the brand names Celebrex, Vioxx and Mobicox.
More are suffering gastric bleeding from pain drugs
The popularity of a new generation of painkillers has led to a sharp increase in the number of people suffering from bleeding ulcers, according to a new study.
The research, published in today's edition of the British Medical Journal, suggests that about 2,000 additional people are being hospitalized annually with gastrointestinal bleeds in Canada as a result of taking the drugs, which are sold under the brand names Celebrex, Vioxx and Mobicox.
From the Portland (OR) Tribune:
Canadian drugs still entice
The flow of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada isn’t likely to slow down.
Not if people like 73-year-old Felix Calkins of Portland are set on saving money and having easy access to northern druggists. That’s despite Oregon pharmacists warning, as they do in a new public education campaign unveiled Wednesday, not to buy the medications.
Health Canada, Canada’s equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is “not about to allow drugs that are counterfeit to be sold by pharmacies there,” says Calkins, who found that by buying blood pressure medication from Canada, he could save about $800 a year on his medications.
Canadian drugs still entice
The flow of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada isn’t likely to slow down.
Not if people like 73-year-old Felix Calkins of Portland are set on saving money and having easy access to northern druggists. That’s despite Oregon pharmacists warning, as they do in a new public education campaign unveiled Wednesday, not to buy the medications.
Health Canada, Canada’s equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is “not about to allow drugs that are counterfeit to be sold by pharmacies there,” says Calkins, who found that by buying blood pressure medication from Canada, he could save about $800 a year on his medications.
From the Indianapolis Star:
Senior group joins fight for imported drugs
United Senior Action of Indiana this morning filed a class-action lawsuit similar to one filed May 19 by another seniors group seeking to force Eli Lilly and other major drug companies to allow Americans to buy drugs from Canada.
United Senior Action's suit, also filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, earns it a place at the table as the litigation plays out, said Bill Kane, a partner in the Chicago law firm of Miller Faucher and Cafferty.
Senior group joins fight for imported drugs
United Senior Action of Indiana this morning filed a class-action lawsuit similar to one filed May 19 by another seniors group seeking to force Eli Lilly and other major drug companies to allow Americans to buy drugs from Canada.
United Senior Action's suit, also filed in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, earns it a place at the table as the litigation plays out, said Bill Kane, a partner in the Chicago law firm of Miller Faucher and Cafferty.
From the Toronto Star:
Drug errors affect 1 in 9 patients
Canadians put themselves at risk of infection, broken bones or drug mix-ups every time they set foot in hospitals, doctor's offices or local pharmacies, according to a report released yesterday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
"I think anytime anybody enters a hospital or they seek care, there's a potential for infection and there's a risk. Some of it is very minor, some of it is major, but there's always a potential risk," said John Ward, chair of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute.
"We will never eliminate error or adverse events completely, but we can certainly reduce the incidence," he said.
Drug errors affect 1 in 9 patients
Canadians put themselves at risk of infection, broken bones or drug mix-ups every time they set foot in hospitals, doctor's offices or local pharmacies, according to a report released yesterday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information.
"I think anytime anybody enters a hospital or they seek care, there's a potential for infection and there's a risk. Some of it is very minor, some of it is major, but there's always a potential risk," said John Ward, chair of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute.
"We will never eliminate error or adverse events completely, but we can certainly reduce the incidence," he said.
From KGW-TV (Ore.):
New campaign says foreign prescription drugs can be unsafe, ineffective
A new federal campaign seeks to warn consumers about the risks of buying prescription drugs from Canada and other foreign countries.
The campaign, "Looks Can Be Deceiving," says that pharmaceuticals purchased from outside the United States can be unsafe, ineffective or even counterfeit, with no guarantees of their strength or quality.
New campaign says foreign prescription drugs can be unsafe, ineffective
A new federal campaign seeks to warn consumers about the risks of buying prescription drugs from Canada and other foreign countries.
The campaign, "Looks Can Be Deceiving," says that pharmaceuticals purchased from outside the United States can be unsafe, ineffective or even counterfeit, with no guarantees of their strength or quality.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
From Bend.com (Ore.):
Feds, pharmacists urge halt to Canadian imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, addressing rising concerns about the illegal importation of prescription drugs, joined the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Oregon State Pharmacy Association Wednesday to launch a comprehensive consumer education campaign, warning Oregonians of the dangers of illegal drug importation.
Officials with the Coalition for Manitoba Pharmacy, a Canadian community pharmacy organization, joined their American counterparts at the announcement in Portland, to stress their shared concerns on the issue.
Feds, pharmacists urge halt to Canadian imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, addressing rising concerns about the illegal importation of prescription drugs, joined the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Oregon State Pharmacy Association Wednesday to launch a comprehensive consumer education campaign, warning Oregonians of the dangers of illegal drug importation.
Officials with the Coalition for Manitoba Pharmacy, a Canadian community pharmacy organization, joined their American counterparts at the announcement in Portland, to stress their shared concerns on the issue.
From the FDA:
FDA Public Health Advisory for Crestor (rosuvastatin)
Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals today released a revised package insert for Crestor (rosuvastatin) for use in the 22 member states of the European Union (EU). The changes to the European labeling are in response to postmarketing spontaneous adverse event reports in patients receiving Crestor and highlight certain patient populations who may be at an increased risk for serious muscle toxicity (myopathy) associated with Crestor use, especially at the highest approved dose of 40 mg. These risk factors and many of the recommendations for how to minimize the risk of myopathy are already captured in the FDA approved labeling for Crestor in the U.S. FDA is alerting physicians to the need to carefully read the Crestor product label and follow the recommendations for starting doses, dose adjustments, and maximum daily doses to minimize the risk of myopathy in individual patients.
FDA Public Health Advisory for Crestor (rosuvastatin)
Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals today released a revised package insert for Crestor (rosuvastatin) for use in the 22 member states of the European Union (EU). The changes to the European labeling are in response to postmarketing spontaneous adverse event reports in patients receiving Crestor and highlight certain patient populations who may be at an increased risk for serious muscle toxicity (myopathy) associated with Crestor use, especially at the highest approved dose of 40 mg. These risk factors and many of the recommendations for how to minimize the risk of myopathy are already captured in the FDA approved labeling for Crestor in the U.S. FDA is alerting physicians to the need to carefully read the Crestor product label and follow the recommendations for starting doses, dose adjustments, and maximum daily doses to minimize the risk of myopathy in individual patients.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Novartis firm Sandoz buys Quebec-based Sabex Holdings for $763 million
Swiss-based drug giant Novartis is paying $763 million Cdn to acquire a Quebec maker of generic drugs, Sabex Holdings Ltd.
Sabex, a specialist in injectable generic drugs such as morphine, has annual sales of about $120 million and 450 employees. The deal should help expand the Sabex operations and there wouldn't be any job losses or management changes, said Sandra MacTavish, a spokeswoman for Sandoz, the generic drug unit of Novartis.
Novartis firm Sandoz buys Quebec-based Sabex Holdings for $763 million
Swiss-based drug giant Novartis is paying $763 million Cdn to acquire a Quebec maker of generic drugs, Sabex Holdings Ltd.
Sabex, a specialist in injectable generic drugs such as morphine, has annual sales of about $120 million and 450 employees. The deal should help expand the Sabex operations and there wouldn't be any job losses or management changes, said Sandra MacTavish, a spokeswoman for Sandoz, the generic drug unit of Novartis.
From the Norwich (CT) Bulletin:
Canada trip to buy drugs is called off; Pfizer blamed
The president of the Connecticut Council of Senior Citizens asked U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons Monday to use his "substantial influence" with Pfizer Inc. to stop the company from threatening Canadian pharmacies that sell prescription drugs to Americans.
Charlene Block said that a senior bus trip to Montreal next week to purchase lower-cost prescription drugs had to be canceled because of Pfizer's recent actions against Canadian pharmacies and distributors, including the suspension of two distribution licenses.
Canada trip to buy drugs is called off; Pfizer blamed
The president of the Connecticut Council of Senior Citizens asked U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons Monday to use his "substantial influence" with Pfizer Inc. to stop the company from threatening Canadian pharmacies that sell prescription drugs to Americans.
Charlene Block said that a senior bus trip to Montreal next week to purchase lower-cost prescription drugs had to be canceled because of Pfizer's recent actions against Canadian pharmacies and distributors, including the suspension of two distribution licenses.
From the Lake County (WI) Reporter:
Store offers relief to high cost of drugs
The ever-rising cost of prescription drugs has led to a state lawsuit, to state and local governments looking for alternatives, and has become a major issue in this presidential election year.
A common underlying theme in all those aspects is the lower cost of prescription drugs our neighbors to the north are paying.
Those lower-cost prescription drugs are now just a short drive or local phone call away.
Jon Oaks and Mark Lindow, owners of American Advantage Insurance in Waukesha, obtained a Canada Drug Service franchise, which opened its doors Feb. 1.
Store offers relief to high cost of drugs
The ever-rising cost of prescription drugs has led to a state lawsuit, to state and local governments looking for alternatives, and has become a major issue in this presidential election year.
A common underlying theme in all those aspects is the lower cost of prescription drugs our neighbors to the north are paying.
Those lower-cost prescription drugs are now just a short drive or local phone call away.
Jon Oaks and Mark Lindow, owners of American Advantage Insurance in Waukesha, obtained a Canada Drug Service franchise, which opened its doors Feb. 1.
Monday, June 07, 2004
From the International Herald Tribune:
Novartis to buy Canadian drug maker
Novartis, Switzerland's largest drug company, said on Monday that it would acquire the closely held Canadian generic drug maker Sabex Holdings for $565 million in cash.
Sabex, based in Quebec, is a leading maker of injectable generic drugs and has annual sales of about $90 million. Novartis's Sandoz unit is the world's second-largest generic drug maker.
Novartis to buy Canadian drug maker
Novartis, Switzerland's largest drug company, said on Monday that it would acquire the closely held Canadian generic drug maker Sabex Holdings for $565 million in cash.
Sabex, based in Quebec, is a leading maker of injectable generic drugs and has annual sales of about $90 million. Novartis's Sandoz unit is the world's second-largest generic drug maker.
From the (Manchester, NH) Union Leader:
Drug bills vie for support
Competing plans in the U.S. Senate that would allow patients to buy prescriptions from Canada and Europe could mean that some sort of reimportation law is on the horizon, observers say.
The question on many minds is whether buying from foreign pharmacies really solves the problem of high prices in the United States.
Sen. Judd Gregg, R-NH, introduced a plan last week that would allow importation of prescriptions from Canada and Europe, under control of the Federal Drug Administration. Gregg chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, giving him some power over what a final version of the bill will look like.
Drug bills vie for support
Competing plans in the U.S. Senate that would allow patients to buy prescriptions from Canada and Europe could mean that some sort of reimportation law is on the horizon, observers say.
The question on many minds is whether buying from foreign pharmacies really solves the problem of high prices in the United States.
Sen. Judd Gregg, R-NH, introduced a plan last week that would allow importation of prescriptions from Canada and Europe, under control of the Federal Drug Administration. Gregg chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, giving him some power over what a final version of the bill will look like.
Sunday, June 06, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Health Canada has plan for drug shortages caused by Internet trade: documents
Health Canada is bracing for a drug shortage even as the department assures Canadians there is no evidence lucrative Internet pharmacies have created one, documents suggest.
In briefing notes prepared for federal Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew, department officials also warn of "likely implications for Canada's health-care system should there be no intervention to prevent/restrict cross-border drug sales."
Health Canada has plan for drug shortages caused by Internet trade: documents
Health Canada is bracing for a drug shortage even as the department assures Canadians there is no evidence lucrative Internet pharmacies have created one, documents suggest.
In briefing notes prepared for federal Health Minister Pierre Pettigrew, department officials also warn of "likely implications for Canada's health-care system should there be no intervention to prevent/restrict cross-border drug sales."
From the Carolina Channel:
Upstate Couple Says They're Still Saving With Canadian Drugs
Two years ago, Bob and Carmen Arick of Spartanburg said they were saving big money by ordering their prescription drugs from Canada.
The Aricks told Tim Waller this week that things haven't changed.
"I'm saving at least 40 to 50 percent off the U.S. price," Bob Arick said.
The Aricks order from a pharmacy in Montreal, getting the same drugs pharmacies in this country sell, including drugs from Eli Lilly and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Upstate Couple Says They're Still Saving With Canadian Drugs
Two years ago, Bob and Carmen Arick of Spartanburg said they were saving big money by ordering their prescription drugs from Canada.
The Aricks told Tim Waller this week that things haven't changed.
"I'm saving at least 40 to 50 percent off the U.S. price," Bob Arick said.
The Aricks order from a pharmacy in Montreal, getting the same drugs pharmacies in this country sell, including drugs from Eli Lilly and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
From the Kansas City Star:
Are risks worth the rewards?
The safety issue is being swept aside much too expediently when it comes to the push for liberalization of drug reimportation from Canada.
Even though there is growing political support for congressional approval of foreign-source access, safety concerns are being sacrificed to the clamor for cheaper prescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration has the authority to sanction reimportation but has been reluctant to do so because for safety reasons.
Are risks worth the rewards?
The safety issue is being swept aside much too expediently when it comes to the push for liberalization of drug reimportation from Canada.
Even though there is growing political support for congressional approval of foreign-source access, safety concerns are being sacrificed to the clamor for cheaper prescription drugs. The Food and Drug Administration has the authority to sanction reimportation but has been reluctant to do so because for safety reasons.
From the Los Angeles Daily News:
Pill makers rushing to push risks of buying drugs abroad
As California moves closer to passing laws that would make drug imports from Canada easier, the pharmaceutical industry is attempting to debunk the benefits of buying medication abroad.
Most of the anti-importation rhetoric stems from pharmaceutical companies that feel threatened by the glut of prescription drugs coming from Canada. The drug industry says it is difficult to ensure quality when prescriptions are filled in foreign countries. But advocates of drug imports are convinced that soaring costs can be tamed by tapping Canada, where regulations virtually parallel those of the United States.
Pill makers rushing to push risks of buying drugs abroad
As California moves closer to passing laws that would make drug imports from Canada easier, the pharmaceutical industry is attempting to debunk the benefits of buying medication abroad.
Most of the anti-importation rhetoric stems from pharmaceutical companies that feel threatened by the glut of prescription drugs coming from Canada. The drug industry says it is difficult to ensure quality when prescriptions are filled in foreign countries. But advocates of drug imports are convinced that soaring costs can be tamed by tapping Canada, where regulations virtually parallel those of the United States.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
From the Toronto Star:
Clean out medicine cabinet
The recent discovery of a tube of antibiotic cream from 1955 in the Abbotsford, B.C., home of a retired nurse prompts the question: Just what is hiding in Canada's medicine cabinets?
While most homes aren't harbouring decades-old medications, it's not uncommon for these items to take up shelf space well past their expiry dates.
And those not accustomed to taking stock of their supplies could — at the very least — be left with medicines reduced to the status of a placebo.
Clean out medicine cabinet
The recent discovery of a tube of antibiotic cream from 1955 in the Abbotsford, B.C., home of a retired nurse prompts the question: Just what is hiding in Canada's medicine cabinets?
While most homes aren't harbouring decades-old medications, it's not uncommon for these items to take up shelf space well past their expiry dates.
And those not accustomed to taking stock of their supplies could — at the very least — be left with medicines reduced to the status of a placebo.
From Bloomberg:
Massachusetts Town Defies Bush on Drug Imports, Saves $2.8 Mln
Springfield Massachusetts saved $2.8 million in the past year by importing prescription drugs from Canada for its employees and pensioners, defying the Bush administration, the world's biggest drugmakers and local doctors.
The ``Springfield Meds'' program benefits from cost reductions of as much as 70 percent because of Canada's price controls. The savings show why U.S. cities, counties and states are pressuring Congress to make it easier to import medicines.
While the Bush administration opposes imports, citing safety concerns, regulators helped New Hampshire Republican Senator Judd Gregg craft a proposal to make the process legal. Gregg announced his bill Wednesday and said his health committee would vote on it by the end of July. Two similar bills have been proposed in the Senate, and the House has passed an import measure.
Massachusetts Town Defies Bush on Drug Imports, Saves $2.8 Mln
Springfield Massachusetts saved $2.8 million in the past year by importing prescription drugs from Canada for its employees and pensioners, defying the Bush administration, the world's biggest drugmakers and local doctors.
The ``Springfield Meds'' program benefits from cost reductions of as much as 70 percent because of Canada's price controls. The savings show why U.S. cities, counties and states are pressuring Congress to make it easier to import medicines.
While the Bush administration opposes imports, citing safety concerns, regulators helped New Hampshire Republican Senator Judd Gregg craft a proposal to make the process legal. Gregg announced his bill Wednesday and said his health committee would vote on it by the end of July. Two similar bills have been proposed in the Senate, and the House has passed an import measure.
From the Washington Times:
Spat erupts over online drug advertising
Top online search engines are being accused of favoritism for allowing ads for discount Canadian prescription drugs but barring ads for pain and sex drugs.
The two biggest Internet search engines, google.com and yahoo.com say they plan to continue carrying ads for Canadian pharmacies, even though it is illegal for U.S. customers to buy drugs from them, but both have cracked down on the sale of such drugs as Viagra and Vicodin without prescriptions.
Spat erupts over online drug advertising
Top online search engines are being accused of favoritism for allowing ads for discount Canadian prescription drugs but barring ads for pain and sex drugs.
The two biggest Internet search engines, google.com and yahoo.com say they plan to continue carrying ads for Canadian pharmacies, even though it is illegal for U.S. customers to buy drugs from them, but both have cracked down on the sale of such drugs as Viagra and Vicodin without prescriptions.
From MLive.com (Mich.):
At long last, gum is legal in Singapore
For years, Hidayat Osman got around this city-state's ban on the sale of chewing gum by picking up an occasional pack in neighboring Malaysia.
So it was a pleasant surprise when the 24-year-old saw a few perfectly legal boxes of Wrigley's Orbit chewing gum tucked on a shelf behind a pharmacist's counter here.
"After all these years, it'll be nice to get it locally," he said, as he was about to ask for a pack.
Not so fast. The clerk pointed to a sign that says the pharmacist -- the only person who can legally dispense gum -- was out to lunch. "Wow. It's like a controlled substance," Mr. Osman laughed.
(Editor's note: Not a Canadian pharmacy story, but I thought it was interesting that pharmacists dispense chewing gum in Singapore.)
At long last, gum is legal in Singapore
For years, Hidayat Osman got around this city-state's ban on the sale of chewing gum by picking up an occasional pack in neighboring Malaysia.
So it was a pleasant surprise when the 24-year-old saw a few perfectly legal boxes of Wrigley's Orbit chewing gum tucked on a shelf behind a pharmacist's counter here.
"After all these years, it'll be nice to get it locally," he said, as he was about to ask for a pack.
Not so fast. The clerk pointed to a sign that says the pharmacist -- the only person who can legally dispense gum -- was out to lunch. "Wow. It's like a controlled substance," Mr. Osman laughed.
(Editor's note: Not a Canadian pharmacy story, but I thought it was interesting that pharmacists dispense chewing gum in Singapore.)
From Medical News Today (UK):
Gregg prescription drugs importation bill would allow only FDA-approved products USA
New Hampshire senator's proposed legislation provides government safeguards for imported prescription drugs.
Sen. Judd Gregg (R–N.H.) unveiled a drug importation bill on June 2 that would allow pharmacies and wholesalers to legally import prescription medicines from Canada and possibly Europe. Gregg is chair of the Senate Health Committee, which recently held a hearing to discuss whether prescription drug importation could be conducted without posing great harm to American consumers, This is the third drug importation bill introduced to the Senate this year.
Gregg prescription drugs importation bill would allow only FDA-approved products USA
New Hampshire senator's proposed legislation provides government safeguards for imported prescription drugs.
Sen. Judd Gregg (R–N.H.) unveiled a drug importation bill on June 2 that would allow pharmacies and wholesalers to legally import prescription medicines from Canada and possibly Europe. Gregg is chair of the Senate Health Committee, which recently held a hearing to discuss whether prescription drug importation could be conducted without posing great harm to American consumers, This is the third drug importation bill introduced to the Senate this year.
From the (Denver) Rocky Mountain News:
Canadian drug petition denied
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially denied a petition from Gov. Rod Blagojevich for a pilot program to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
Blagojevich and officials in other states have been pushing the Bush administration to change its policy prohibiting Canadian drug imports in a bid to save the state money on drug costs.
Canadian drug petition denied
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has officially denied a petition from Gov. Rod Blagojevich for a pilot program to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
Blagojevich and officials in other states have been pushing the Bush administration to change its policy prohibiting Canadian drug imports in a bid to save the state money on drug costs.
From the Boston Globe:
Senate battle looms over drug imports
A showdown is looming in the US Senate over prescription drug imports.
A Republican bill introduced this week to legalize imports takes a softer line against the US pharmaceutical industry than a competing, bipartisan bill, setting up a clash that will test the strength of importation advocates.
The expected confrontation hinges on the key difference between the tougher measure, backed by Democratic Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Republican John McCain of Arizona, among others, and the bill introduced Wednesday by New Hampshire Republican Judd Gregg, chairman of the Senate committee for health care.
Senate battle looms over drug imports
A showdown is looming in the US Senate over prescription drug imports.
A Republican bill introduced this week to legalize imports takes a softer line against the US pharmaceutical industry than a competing, bipartisan bill, setting up a clash that will test the strength of importation advocates.
The expected confrontation hinges on the key difference between the tougher measure, backed by Democratic Senator Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and Republican John McCain of Arizona, among others, and the bill introduced Wednesday by New Hampshire Republican Judd Gregg, chairman of the Senate committee for health care.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
From Bend.com (OR):
Smith co-authors bill to allow Canada drug imports
Sens. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H., of the Committee on Health Education, Labor, and Pensions on Wednesday introduced the Safe Importing of Medical Products and Rx Therapies (Safe IMPORT) Act to allow individuals, pharmacies, and wholesalers to safely import prescription drugs from Canada and as many as 15 Western European countries.
“Everyone agrees that we have to do something about the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Smith. “The real question is how to do it safely and without destroying incentives to produce life-saving medicine. We’ve struck a good balance here – one that will quickly make imports legal while providing the same protection we have for drugs purchased in the United States.”
Smith co-authors bill to allow Canada drug imports
Sens. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H., of the Committee on Health Education, Labor, and Pensions on Wednesday introduced the Safe Importing of Medical Products and Rx Therapies (Safe IMPORT) Act to allow individuals, pharmacies, and wholesalers to safely import prescription drugs from Canada and as many as 15 Western European countries.
“Everyone agrees that we have to do something about the high cost of prescription drugs,” said Smith. “The real question is how to do it safely and without destroying incentives to produce life-saving medicine. We’ve struck a good balance here – one that will quickly make imports legal while providing the same protection we have for drugs purchased in the United States.”
From NorthFulton.com (GA):
Canadian prescription drugs get storefront
More and more the pharmaceutical industry is being challenged in the United States by foreign prescription-drug exporters who are delivering drugs to U.S. citizens for a fraction of their cost at U.S. pharmacies.
The sales for the drugs have mostly come over the Internet, but in Roswell Atlanta Rx Assistance has given the Canadian prescription drug industry a local storefront.
A report earlier this year on National Public Radio told the story about a woman whose father had cancer. The drug to fight his cancer cost $47,000 a year, more than they could afford. So she now travels out of the country to buy the same drug for $1,200 a year. The move saved the man’s life.
Canadian prescription drugs get storefront
More and more the pharmaceutical industry is being challenged in the United States by foreign prescription-drug exporters who are delivering drugs to U.S. citizens for a fraction of their cost at U.S. pharmacies.
The sales for the drugs have mostly come over the Internet, but in Roswell Atlanta Rx Assistance has given the Canadian prescription drug industry a local storefront.
A report earlier this year on National Public Radio told the story about a woman whose father had cancer. The drug to fight his cancer cost $47,000 a year, more than they could afford. So she now travels out of the country to buy the same drug for $1,200 a year. The move saved the man’s life.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
From the Washington Post:
Importing a Fight With Boston's Biotech Industry
A biotechnology powerhouse. An importer of prescription drugs from Canada. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino says that his city can be both.
In July, Boston, which rivals San Francisco as the world capital of the biotechnology industry, is set to become the largest and most influential city to make it easier for public employees to buy imported pharmaceuticals. The effort is part of a nationwide movement that its architects say will make medicine more affordable for Americans, who pay among the highest drug prices in the world.
Importing a Fight With Boston's Biotech Industry
A biotechnology powerhouse. An importer of prescription drugs from Canada. Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino says that his city can be both.
In July, Boston, which rivals San Francisco as the world capital of the biotechnology industry, is set to become the largest and most influential city to make it easier for public employees to buy imported pharmaceuticals. The effort is part of a nationwide movement that its architects say will make medicine more affordable for Americans, who pay among the highest drug prices in the world.
From the Milwaukee Channel:
Oak Creek Employees Get Canadian Drugs
The Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek could become the first community in Wisconsin to offer its employees the option of buying prescription drugs from Canada.
The Oak Creek Common Council meets tonight to consider linking city employees to Canadian drugs.
Alderman Al Foeckler says it could save the city more than $100,000 -- and it could reduce or eliminate copayments for medication.
Oak Creek Employees Get Canadian Drugs
The Milwaukee suburb of Oak Creek could become the first community in Wisconsin to offer its employees the option of buying prescription drugs from Canada.
The Oak Creek Common Council meets tonight to consider linking city employees to Canadian drugs.
Alderman Al Foeckler says it could save the city more than $100,000 -- and it could reduce or eliminate copayments for medication.
From the North Adams (Mass.) Transcript:
Legalization of foreign drugs alive on two separate tracks in Washington
The estimated 6,900 Berkshire County seniors who can't afford to fill pricey prescriptions may have some relief by election day as the legalization of importing Canadian drugs moves forward on two separate tracks in Washington.
Adding momentum to the movement, 18 attorneys general, including Massachusetts top lawman Tom Reilly, have signed a letter backing re-importation, as have the heads of retail drug giants CVS pharmacy and Walgreens.
Legalization of foreign drugs alive on two separate tracks in Washington
The estimated 6,900 Berkshire County seniors who can't afford to fill pricey prescriptions may have some relief by election day as the legalization of importing Canadian drugs moves forward on two separate tracks in Washington.
Adding momentum to the movement, 18 attorneys general, including Massachusetts top lawman Tom Reilly, have signed a letter backing re-importation, as have the heads of retail drug giants CVS pharmacy and Walgreens.
From the Canadian Press:
200 pharmacies team up in PharmaChoice-United Pharmacist partnership
More than 200 independent pharmacies are joining forces across Canada as they face competition with such giant chains as Shoppers Drug Mart and supermarket drugstores.
PharmaChoice of Halifax and United Pharmacist Enterprises Limited said Monday they have agreed to create PharmaChoice Prairies and will use the PharmaChoice banner name.
200 pharmacies team up in PharmaChoice-United Pharmacist partnership
More than 200 independent pharmacies are joining forces across Canada as they face competition with such giant chains as Shoppers Drug Mart and supermarket drugstores.
PharmaChoice of Halifax and United Pharmacist Enterprises Limited said Monday they have agreed to create PharmaChoice Prairies and will use the PharmaChoice banner name.
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