From CBC News:
The New Brunswick Pharmaceutical Society says it will soon have new rules in place allowing its members to vaccinate people against swine flu despite a series of internal delays.
The provincial government plans to offer the swine flu vaccine to every New Brunswick resident this fall.
Last year, the Liberal government passed a law that gave pharmacists the authority to renew prescriptions and give needles. These steps would open the door for pharmacists to join in public health efforts such as the swine flu vaccination program.
But the pharmaceutical society, the profession's self-regulating body, still hasn't approved its own rules governing how its members will actually meet these requirements. This delay means pharmacists still cannot actually give needles or renews prescriptions.
"Hindsight's a wonderful thing. It should have been in place for last year, I suppose. But we can only do so much with the resources that are available," said Gary Meek, the society's assistant registrar. ...more
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Canada shuns drugs without prescriptions
From Canada.com:
Canadians' upper lips are among the stiffest in the world when it comes to enduring minor health woes, according to a new global study.
Comparing more than 25,000 consumers in 50 markets, researchers found Canadians were twice as likely to say they never take over-the-counter drugs -- 10% versus 5% worldwide -- while fully two-thirds of us (66%) claim to tough out our ailments, waiting to see if they improve naturally before resorting to medication.
Analysts for market research firm Nielsen, which conducted the Global Online Consumer Survey, described us as "minimalists" when it comes to self-medication, reporting that "Canadians seem to have a higher tolerance for ailments than the rest of the world."
The recession has only made us more stalwart. One in four Canadians cite the economy for anticipated changes in drug use, with 26% of that group expecting to use OTC medications less frequently, 13% intending to take less than the recommended dosages, 10% planning to purchase in smaller quantities, and 4% saying they'll cut out non-prescription meds altogether. ...more
Canadians' upper lips are among the stiffest in the world when it comes to enduring minor health woes, according to a new global study.
Comparing more than 25,000 consumers in 50 markets, researchers found Canadians were twice as likely to say they never take over-the-counter drugs -- 10% versus 5% worldwide -- while fully two-thirds of us (66%) claim to tough out our ailments, waiting to see if they improve naturally before resorting to medication.
Analysts for market research firm Nielsen, which conducted the Global Online Consumer Survey, described us as "minimalists" when it comes to self-medication, reporting that "Canadians seem to have a higher tolerance for ailments than the rest of the world."
The recession has only made us more stalwart. One in four Canadians cite the economy for anticipated changes in drug use, with 26% of that group expecting to use OTC medications less frequently, 13% intending to take less than the recommended dosages, 10% planning to purchase in smaller quantities, and 4% saying they'll cut out non-prescription meds altogether. ...more
New diabetes drugs added to Saskatchewan's drug formulary
From the Regina Leader Post:
The Canadian Diabetes Association is applauding the Ministry of Health for adding a new long-acting insulin analog to its drug formulary.
Since January, the Saskatchewan Drug Plan has added three insulin products to the formulary. Effective Jan. 1, insulin glargine (brand name Lantus) was added under the exception drug status (EDS) program. EDS can be approved for patients who meet certain medical criteria. Physicians or pharmacists can submit requests for EDS approval on behalf of their patients. Insulin detemir (brand name Levemir) was added as an EDS medication effective July 1. Insulin glulisine (brand name Apidra) was added as an EDS medication in April.
In addition, the EDS criteria were revised effective July 1 for the rapid acting insulin products currently listed as EDS medications: insulin aspart (brand name NovoRapid), insulin glulisine (brand name Apidra) and insulin lispro (brand name Humalog). ...more
The Canadian Diabetes Association is applauding the Ministry of Health for adding a new long-acting insulin analog to its drug formulary.
Since January, the Saskatchewan Drug Plan has added three insulin products to the formulary. Effective Jan. 1, insulin glargine (brand name Lantus) was added under the exception drug status (EDS) program. EDS can be approved for patients who meet certain medical criteria. Physicians or pharmacists can submit requests for EDS approval on behalf of their patients. Insulin detemir (brand name Levemir) was added as an EDS medication effective July 1. Insulin glulisine (brand name Apidra) was added as an EDS medication in April.
In addition, the EDS criteria were revised effective July 1 for the rapid acting insulin products currently listed as EDS medications: insulin aspart (brand name NovoRapid), insulin glulisine (brand name Apidra) and insulin lispro (brand name Humalog). ...more
Canada will get vaccine by October: health chief
From the Globe and Mail:
Canada will have a pandemic vaccine by early next month, and could speed up delivery to Canadians if the swine-flu virus turns more severe in the fall, the country's chief public-health officer says.
David Butler-Jones's comments run contrary to the federal government's insistence that Canadians should not expect to be immunized until mid-November, and follow a rash of criticism that Canada is lagging behind other countries in vaccine delivery.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal took a swipe at Ottawa this week, accusing it of delaying the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine. The governments of Australia, the United States and several European countries are planning to immunize their citizens with a vaccine starting in October.
But Health Canada's decision to fortify vaccine with adjuvants – chemical boosters that can increase production – will mire the vaccine in a time-consuming regulatory process, the CMAJ said in an editorial. ...more
Canada will have a pandemic vaccine by early next month, and could speed up delivery to Canadians if the swine-flu virus turns more severe in the fall, the country's chief public-health officer says.
David Butler-Jones's comments run contrary to the federal government's insistence that Canadians should not expect to be immunized until mid-November, and follow a rash of criticism that Canada is lagging behind other countries in vaccine delivery.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal took a swipe at Ottawa this week, accusing it of delaying the rollout of the H1N1 vaccine. The governments of Australia, the United States and several European countries are planning to immunize their citizens with a vaccine starting in October.
But Health Canada's decision to fortify vaccine with adjuvants – chemical boosters that can increase production – will mire the vaccine in a time-consuming regulatory process, the CMAJ said in an editorial. ...more
First Nations need own health system: task force
From the Saskatoon Star Phoenix:
First Nations could soon form their own health regions, own their own pharmacies and control their own health information and research, say members of a new task force.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Medicine Chest Task Force and various First Nations chiefs from across the province gathered at the First Nations University of Canada's Saskatoon campus to announce a series of partnerships with the university and others.
"We're building capacity in First Nations country. We have inherent rights and we're taking responsibility for ourselves," said Red Pheasant First Nation Chief Sheldon Wuttunee. ...more
First Nations could soon form their own health regions, own their own pharmacies and control their own health information and research, say members of a new task force.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Medicine Chest Task Force and various First Nations chiefs from across the province gathered at the First Nations University of Canada's Saskatoon campus to announce a series of partnerships with the university and others.
"We're building capacity in First Nations country. We have inherent rights and we're taking responsibility for ourselves," said Red Pheasant First Nation Chief Sheldon Wuttunee. ...more
Apotex faces U.S. ban on drug imports - analyst
From Reuters:
Apotex Inc faces a ban on products entering the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the Canadian drugmaker about a number of manufacturing breaches at a Toronto factory, according to an industry analyst.
The action, which affects new product, follows a June 25 warning letter and a late 2008 inspection of the Etobicoke facility, which cited a number of deviations from U.S. manufacturing codes.
Neither the privately held generic drugmaker, which is a significant supplier to the U.S. market, nor the FDA immediately responded to requests for comment. ...more
Apotex Inc faces a ban on products entering the United States after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned the Canadian drugmaker about a number of manufacturing breaches at a Toronto factory, according to an industry analyst.
The action, which affects new product, follows a June 25 warning letter and a late 2008 inspection of the Etobicoke facility, which cited a number of deviations from U.S. manufacturing codes.
Neither the privately held generic drugmaker, which is a significant supplier to the U.S. market, nor the FDA immediately responded to requests for comment. ...more
Caution on mix of cholesterol-lowering meds
From CBC News:
Combining a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication with omega-3 supplements may not be the best approach, a new review suggests.
Statins are medications that prevent the liver from producing cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Every year, Canadian doctors write more than 12 million prescriptions for statins, making them the most-prescribed drugs in the country. Omega-3's are heart-healthy oils that some evidence suggests help reduce the risk of coronary disease.
In the Nov. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Mukul Sharma, medical director of the Regional Stroke Centre at the Ottawa Hospital, and his team reviewed five different cholesterol-lowering medications that can be combined as well as omega-3 supplements sold over the counter. They concluded there is little evidence to support mixing them. ...more
Combining a prescription cholesterol-lowering medication with omega-3 supplements may not be the best approach, a new review suggests.
Statins are medications that prevent the liver from producing cholesterol, which can help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Every year, Canadian doctors write more than 12 million prescriptions for statins, making them the most-prescribed drugs in the country. Omega-3's are heart-healthy oils that some evidence suggests help reduce the risk of coronary disease.
In the Nov. 3 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, Dr. Mukul Sharma, medical director of the Regional Stroke Centre at the Ottawa Hospital, and his team reviewed five different cholesterol-lowering medications that can be combined as well as omega-3 supplements sold over the counter. They concluded there is little evidence to support mixing them. ...more
Monday, August 31, 2009
New drug 'spectacular' at preventing strokes: study
From the Montreal Gazette:
For the first time since the blood thinner warfarin was introduced more than half a century ago, Canadian researchers are reporting that a new drug is safer and more effective at reducing the risk of stroke in high-risk patients.
An estimated 250,000 Canadians suffer from atrial fibrillation, or AF, a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to quiver and beat chaotically. Blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart, allowing clots to form and travel up to the arteries that feed the brain, creating a stroke. AF patients are at five times greater risk of developing stroke, and twice as likely to die from one, than patients without the condition.
The disorder affects about three per cent of the population over age 45, and about six per cent over age 65, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Warfarin has been the drug of choice for reducing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation for more than 20 years. But it increases the risk of major bleeding, sometimes into the brain. About half the patients who might benefit can't take it, "and when they do try and take it, they often end up having to stop it for a variety of reasons," says Dr. Stuart Connolly, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton. ...more
For the first time since the blood thinner warfarin was introduced more than half a century ago, Canadian researchers are reporting that a new drug is safer and more effective at reducing the risk of stroke in high-risk patients.
An estimated 250,000 Canadians suffer from atrial fibrillation, or AF, a potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder that causes the heart to quiver and beat chaotically. Blood can pool in the upper chambers of the heart, allowing clots to form and travel up to the arteries that feed the brain, creating a stroke. AF patients are at five times greater risk of developing stroke, and twice as likely to die from one, than patients without the condition.
The disorder affects about three per cent of the population over age 45, and about six per cent over age 65, according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Warfarin has been the drug of choice for reducing stroke risk in atrial fibrillation for more than 20 years. But it increases the risk of major bleeding, sometimes into the brain. About half the patients who might benefit can't take it, "and when they do try and take it, they often end up having to stop it for a variety of reasons," says Dr. Stuart Connolly, a professor of medicine at McMaster University in Hamilton. ...more
500 pharmacists training to give jabs for swine flu
From the Herald (Ireland):
Around 500 pharmacists have now signed up to a training programme which would enable them to administer the swine flu vaccine.
The Health Service Executive has not yet indicated whether pharmacists will be involved in the planned flu vaccination programme.
However, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) said it believed that "it would be prudent to allow as wide a range of health professionals as possible to address the challenges that face us this winter."
A spokesperson said that the IPU would hope that pharmacists would be included in the plan for administration of the swine flu vaccine to the public in the coming months.
"In Portugal, 40pc of all seasonal flu vaccines are administered by pharmacists. In the US, pharmacists have been involved in vaccinations since the mid-1990s," she said. ...more
Around 500 pharmacists have now signed up to a training programme which would enable them to administer the swine flu vaccine.
The Health Service Executive has not yet indicated whether pharmacists will be involved in the planned flu vaccination programme.
However, the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) said it believed that "it would be prudent to allow as wide a range of health professionals as possible to address the challenges that face us this winter."
A spokesperson said that the IPU would hope that pharmacists would be included in the plan for administration of the swine flu vaccine to the public in the coming months.
"In Portugal, 40pc of all seasonal flu vaccines are administered by pharmacists. In the US, pharmacists have been involved in vaccinations since the mid-1990s," she said. ...more
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Pharmacists tapped for injections
From the Edmonton Journal:
Pharmacists and paramedics could be called on to help inject the H1N1 vaccine this fall alongside nurses and doctors as part of a provincial plan to protect as many Albertans as possible from the new flu strain.
"This is one potential," said John Tuckwell, spokesman for Alberta Health and Wellness. "The immunization is the best defence against the virus and so our goal is to get as many Albertans vaccinated as quickly as possible."
Pharmacists were given additional responsibilities in April 2007, allowing them to refill prescriptions, change drug therapies or administer injections without direct physician instruction as long as they take training courses and successfully apply for certification. About 300 pharmacists out of a total of just under 4,000 in Alberta are authorized to give injection drugs, the Alberta College of Pharmacists says. ...more
Pharmacists and paramedics could be called on to help inject the H1N1 vaccine this fall alongside nurses and doctors as part of a provincial plan to protect as many Albertans as possible from the new flu strain.
"This is one potential," said John Tuckwell, spokesman for Alberta Health and Wellness. "The immunization is the best defence against the virus and so our goal is to get as many Albertans vaccinated as quickly as possible."
Pharmacists were given additional responsibilities in April 2007, allowing them to refill prescriptions, change drug therapies or administer injections without direct physician instruction as long as they take training courses and successfully apply for certification. About 300 pharmacists out of a total of just under 4,000 in Alberta are authorized to give injection drugs, the Alberta College of Pharmacists says. ...more
Steady Drop in Hip Fractures
From the New York Times:
Rates of hip fractures, an often devastating consequence of osteoporosis, have been steadily falling for two decades in Canada, a new study finds. And a similar trend occurred in the United States, researchers found. But it is not clear why.
Skip to next paragraph
Drugs that slow the rate of bone loss may be part of the reason, but they cannot be the entire explanation, osteoporosis researchers say. And although experts can point to other possible factors — like fall prevention efforts and a heavier population — the declining rates remain a medical mystery.
The new study, published Wednesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed Canadian hospitalization data. From 1985 through 2005, the researchers report, hip fracture rates, adjusted for the age of the population, fell by 32 percent in women and by 25 percent in men. ...more
Rates of hip fractures, an often devastating consequence of osteoporosis, have been steadily falling for two decades in Canada, a new study finds. And a similar trend occurred in the United States, researchers found. But it is not clear why.
Skip to next paragraph
Drugs that slow the rate of bone loss may be part of the reason, but they cannot be the entire explanation, osteoporosis researchers say. And although experts can point to other possible factors — like fall prevention efforts and a heavier population — the declining rates remain a medical mystery.
The new study, published Wednesday in The Journal of the American Medical Association, analyzed Canadian hospitalization data. From 1985 through 2005, the researchers report, hip fracture rates, adjusted for the age of the population, fell by 32 percent in women and by 25 percent in men. ...more
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Manitoba's aboriginals, pregnant women and homeless get priority for flu drug
From the Canadian Press:
The province that experienced an acute outbreak of swine flu on its northern reserves is making it easier for aboriginals and other vulnerable patients to get free antiviral drugs in a bid to lessen the impact of the virus come fall.
Manitoba has set out who can get Tamiflu more quickly under its pharmacare program. The groups include aboriginals, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, smokers and the obese. The homeless and those with immune deficiencies, including cancer patients, will also get priority.
The changes, which will make it easier for doctors to prescribe Tamiflu quickly, were set out in a regulation that takes effect Aug. 18. People who don't meet the medical criteria can still buy a prescription for Tamiflu but it may not be covered by the province.
Under the old system, doctors had to justify each prescription which involved phone calls, faxes and paperwork.
Provincial Health Minister Theresa Oswald said her government wants to make sure that those who need the antivirals get them quickly. ...more
The province that experienced an acute outbreak of swine flu on its northern reserves is making it easier for aboriginals and other vulnerable patients to get free antiviral drugs in a bid to lessen the impact of the virus come fall.
Manitoba has set out who can get Tamiflu more quickly under its pharmacare program. The groups include aboriginals, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, smokers and the obese. The homeless and those with immune deficiencies, including cancer patients, will also get priority.
The changes, which will make it easier for doctors to prescribe Tamiflu quickly, were set out in a regulation that takes effect Aug. 18. People who don't meet the medical criteria can still buy a prescription for Tamiflu but it may not be covered by the province.
Under the old system, doctors had to justify each prescription which involved phone calls, faxes and paperwork.
Provincial Health Minister Theresa Oswald said her government wants to make sure that those who need the antivirals get them quickly. ...more
Pharmacists urged back to work
From the Irish Times:
The Irish Pharmacy Union this evening urged pharmacists to resume normal services immediately “in the interests of patient safety.”
In a statement this evening, the IPU said they were urging members to return to work “in order to prevent a recurrence of the chaotic scenes of yesterday and last week, and in light of commitments made by the Minister in recent statements.”
The union’s executive is holding an emergency meeting in Dublin this evening to discuss the ongoing dispute.
IPU president Liz Hoctor said some of the issues at stake had not been resolved and warned that further disruption to services was almost inevitable if they were not. ...more
The Irish Pharmacy Union this evening urged pharmacists to resume normal services immediately “in the interests of patient safety.”
In a statement this evening, the IPU said they were urging members to return to work “in order to prevent a recurrence of the chaotic scenes of yesterday and last week, and in light of commitments made by the Minister in recent statements.”
The union’s executive is holding an emergency meeting in Dublin this evening to discuss the ongoing dispute.
IPU president Liz Hoctor said some of the issues at stake had not been resolved and warned that further disruption to services was almost inevitable if they were not. ...more
Monday, August 10, 2009
New online drug listing service may eliminate print catalogues
From the New Brunswick Business Journal:
Tired of receiving a plethora of different drug catalogues at his Saint John pharmacies, Peter Hebert knew there was a more organized and innovative way to get drug information out to pharmacists.
So in 1991, the now-retired pharmacist approached his salesman brother Tony for help and together they created Moncton-based drug catalogue company, Total Pricing Systems Inc.
This fall the Heberts will launch the mobile version of their online catalogue, PPS Pharma, which healthcare workers can access using any smart phone in any wireless network.
The first cellphone-friendly drug listing service in Canada, it will further eliminate the unwanted stacks of print catalogues Peter grew so tired of nearly 20 years ago.
"We believe what we've developed is very innovative," says Tony, the company's president. "We're trying to be the electronic connection to the drug industry." ...more
Tired of receiving a plethora of different drug catalogues at his Saint John pharmacies, Peter Hebert knew there was a more organized and innovative way to get drug information out to pharmacists.
So in 1991, the now-retired pharmacist approached his salesman brother Tony for help and together they created Moncton-based drug catalogue company, Total Pricing Systems Inc.
This fall the Heberts will launch the mobile version of their online catalogue, PPS Pharma, which healthcare workers can access using any smart phone in any wireless network.
The first cellphone-friendly drug listing service in Canada, it will further eliminate the unwanted stacks of print catalogues Peter grew so tired of nearly 20 years ago.
"We believe what we've developed is very innovative," says Tony, the company's president. "We're trying to be the electronic connection to the drug industry." ...more
Chinese dispensaries puzzled by legal revision
From Asahi.com:
Purveyors of Chinese herbal medicines--and their long-time mail-order customers-- are up in arms over a revised law that took effect June 1 banning sale of such medicines through the mail or online.
Advocates say the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law must be amended to allow the continued mail-order sales of Chinese herbal medicines.
Classified in the same category as drugs that carry a medium risk of side effects, medicines such as Chinese remedies, common cold medicines and analgesic fever reducers must now be sold over the counter by pharmacists or other specialists.
Like before the revision, buyers don't need a prescription.
In general, the only mail order or online sales of OTC drugs now permitted are items that have few side effects, such as vitamins and elixirs for stomach upsets. ...more
Purveyors of Chinese herbal medicines--and their long-time mail-order customers-- are up in arms over a revised law that took effect June 1 banning sale of such medicines through the mail or online.
Advocates say the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law must be amended to allow the continued mail-order sales of Chinese herbal medicines.
Classified in the same category as drugs that carry a medium risk of side effects, medicines such as Chinese remedies, common cold medicines and analgesic fever reducers must now be sold over the counter by pharmacists or other specialists.
Like before the revision, buyers don't need a prescription.
In general, the only mail order or online sales of OTC drugs now permitted are items that have few side effects, such as vitamins and elixirs for stomach upsets. ...more
Many U.S. teens share medications
From CBC News:
Many U.S. teens have lent or borrowed prescription medications such as antibiotics and acne medication, a survey suggests.
When researchers interviewed 529 people aged 12 to 17 in 11 U.S cities or suburbs, they found one in five reported they had borrowed or lent a prescription.
A third of the teens who took a borrowed prescription did not tell their doctor, the team said in this week's online issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.
"Other researchers have studied people selling prescription drugs, but we looked at people with good intentions, trying, for instance, to help a friend who lacked money or transportation for a doctor's visit," co-author Chris Mayhorn, a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University, said in a release from the Center for the Advancement of Health.
Increased antibiotic resistance is also possible, since neither the lender nor the borrower was likely to take the full course of the drugs, the researchers noted. ...more
Many U.S. teens have lent or borrowed prescription medications such as antibiotics and acne medication, a survey suggests.
When researchers interviewed 529 people aged 12 to 17 in 11 U.S cities or suburbs, they found one in five reported they had borrowed or lent a prescription.
A third of the teens who took a borrowed prescription did not tell their doctor, the team said in this week's online issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health.
"Other researchers have studied people selling prescription drugs, but we looked at people with good intentions, trying, for instance, to help a friend who lacked money or transportation for a doctor's visit," co-author Chris Mayhorn, a professor of psychology at North Carolina State University, said in a release from the Center for the Advancement of Health.
Increased antibiotic resistance is also possible, since neither the lender nor the borrower was likely to take the full course of the drugs, the researchers noted. ...more
Canada dismisses warning about flu drug
From the Globe and Mail:
Canadian health authorities will not change their practice of prescribing the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to treat cases of pandemic H1N1 flu in children, despite a new study that raises questions about the drug’s effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Oxford cautioned about the broad use of anti-viral drugs to treat children 12 years of age and younger suffering from seasonal flu. They found anti-viral drugs have little or no effect on asthma flare-ups, ear infections or bacterial infections in children. Tamiflu was also linked to increased vomiting.
The authors questioned whether children would face the same risks when being treated with anti-virals for the pandemic H1N1 flu virus.
But the Public Health Agency of Canada assured parents Monday that Tamiflu has a strong safety profile, and has recommended doctors prescribe it for infection prevention and to treat cases of H1N1 in infants under one year. ...more
Canadian health authorities will not change their practice of prescribing the anti-viral drug Tamiflu to treat cases of pandemic H1N1 flu in children, despite a new study that raises questions about the drug’s effectiveness.
Researchers at the University of Oxford cautioned about the broad use of anti-viral drugs to treat children 12 years of age and younger suffering from seasonal flu. They found anti-viral drugs have little or no effect on asthma flare-ups, ear infections or bacterial infections in children. Tamiflu was also linked to increased vomiting.
The authors questioned whether children would face the same risks when being treated with anti-virals for the pandemic H1N1 flu virus.
But the Public Health Agency of Canada assured parents Monday that Tamiflu has a strong safety profile, and has recommended doctors prescribe it for infection prevention and to treat cases of H1N1 in infants under one year. ...more
Dispensing with the niceties
From the Irish Times:
The pharmacy dispute over the State drugs scheme is already leaving many people with chronic conditions stranded, but its potential impact could yet be greater
This day last week, the ongoing pharmacy dispute began, with the withdrawal of several hundred pharmacies from the State drugs scheme, the system that issues prescriptions to medical card holders and those on the drugs payment scheme. Prior to the dispute, 1,521 pharmacies had a contract with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to dispense these prescriptions.
At its core, the dispute is about money. Last year, participating pharmacists were paid a total of €540 million to dispense drugs under the community drugs scheme. As part of an ongoing series of cutbacks, the Government decided to reduce the payments it made to pharmacies to carry out this service.
Towards the end of last month, Minister for Health Mary Harney declared that even with the new cuts in payments from the Government, participating pharmacies would still keep a margin of 25 per cent on the drugs they dispensed.
“I believe that pharmacists will still continue to be adequately rewarded for the huge skill that they bring in dispensing medicines to our patients,” she said. ...more
The pharmacy dispute over the State drugs scheme is already leaving many people with chronic conditions stranded, but its potential impact could yet be greater
This day last week, the ongoing pharmacy dispute began, with the withdrawal of several hundred pharmacies from the State drugs scheme, the system that issues prescriptions to medical card holders and those on the drugs payment scheme. Prior to the dispute, 1,521 pharmacies had a contract with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to dispense these prescriptions.
At its core, the dispute is about money. Last year, participating pharmacists were paid a total of €540 million to dispense drugs under the community drugs scheme. As part of an ongoing series of cutbacks, the Government decided to reduce the payments it made to pharmacies to carry out this service.
Towards the end of last month, Minister for Health Mary Harney declared that even with the new cuts in payments from the Government, participating pharmacies would still keep a margin of 25 per cent on the drugs they dispensed.
“I believe that pharmacists will still continue to be adequately rewarded for the huge skill that they bring in dispensing medicines to our patients,” she said. ...more
Pope tells pharmacists avoid filling prescriptions for 'immoral purposes'
From the Lewiston (ME) Sun Journal:
Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholic pharmacists on Monday to use conscientious objection to avoid dispensing drugs with "immoral purposes such as, for example, abortion or euthanasia."
In a speech to participants at the 25th International Congress of Catholic Pharmacists, Benedict said that conscientious objection was a right that must be recognized by the pharmaceutical profession.
Such objector status, he said, would "enable them not to collaborate directly or indirectly in supplying products that have clearly immoral purposes such as, for example, abortion or euthanasia."
In his speech, the pope also said that pharmacists have an educational role toward patients so that drugs are used in a morally and ethically correct way. ...more
Pope Benedict XVI urged Catholic pharmacists on Monday to use conscientious objection to avoid dispensing drugs with "immoral purposes such as, for example, abortion or euthanasia."
In a speech to participants at the 25th International Congress of Catholic Pharmacists, Benedict said that conscientious objection was a right that must be recognized by the pharmaceutical profession.
Such objector status, he said, would "enable them not to collaborate directly or indirectly in supplying products that have clearly immoral purposes such as, for example, abortion or euthanasia."
In his speech, the pope also said that pharmacists have an educational role toward patients so that drugs are used in a morally and ethically correct way. ...more
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Flu vaccine may be more dangerous than virus: ethicist
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
The race to create a vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus could place the public at a greater risk than the illness the vaccine is designed to prevent, says a University of Manitoba ethicist.
Arthur Schafer, director of the U of M's Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, said it appears a vaccine will be rushed to the public before it can be determined properly that it's safe - or if it even works.
Schafer said the scientific research shows the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines in the past has been marginal. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs, designed to mitigate the effects of flu, is equally unimpressive, and research shows the drugs can have dangerous side effects, he added.
"Good ethics requires good facts, and the ethical debate so far has been who should be the first (to get the vaccine) and there has been virtually no discussion of the safety and effectiveness of the drug," he said. ...more
The race to create a vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus could place the public at a greater risk than the illness the vaccine is designed to prevent, says a University of Manitoba ethicist.
Arthur Schafer, director of the U of M's Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics, said it appears a vaccine will be rushed to the public before it can be determined properly that it's safe - or if it even works.
Schafer said the scientific research shows the effectiveness of seasonal flu vaccines in the past has been marginal. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs, designed to mitigate the effects of flu, is equally unimpressive, and research shows the drugs can have dangerous side effects, he added.
"Good ethics requires good facts, and the ethical debate so far has been who should be the first (to get the vaccine) and there has been virtually no discussion of the safety and effectiveness of the drug," he said. ...more
Pharmacist at a loss
From the Sudbury Star:
Pharmacist Jason Keeping is planning on having a minimal supply of OxyContin at his pharmacies after being hit twice by robbers in the last few months.
Keeping's staff at Hanmer Medical Pharmacy was still reeling Thursday from being held up at gunpoint the day before. Keeping's other operation, Lalonde Pharmacy in Capreol, was robbed May 5.
"It's just terrible," Keeping said. "I'm sure it's going to get worse. Every pharmacy seems to be at risk right now, especially smaller pharmacies."
Five pharmacies have been held up for OxyContin since early July in Greater Sudbury.
Aside from being a safety risk for Keeping and his staff, being robbed takes a financial toll. The pills are expensive and insurance doesn't cover everything. It also creates a mountain of work. ...more
Pharmacist Jason Keeping is planning on having a minimal supply of OxyContin at his pharmacies after being hit twice by robbers in the last few months.
Keeping's staff at Hanmer Medical Pharmacy was still reeling Thursday from being held up at gunpoint the day before. Keeping's other operation, Lalonde Pharmacy in Capreol, was robbed May 5.
"It's just terrible," Keeping said. "I'm sure it's going to get worse. Every pharmacy seems to be at risk right now, especially smaller pharmacies."
Five pharmacies have been held up for OxyContin since early July in Greater Sudbury.
Aside from being a safety risk for Keeping and his staff, being robbed takes a financial toll. The pills are expensive and insurance doesn't cover everything. It also creates a mountain of work. ...more
Nurses and pharmacists to be given off-label prescribing rights
From Pulse (UK):
Exclusive: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is planning a controversial change in the law to allow nurses and pharmacists to prescribe off-label treatments, in a move that has split prescribing experts.
The UK drug regulator says it expects regulations to change by the end of the year, but critics say the move could expose patients to potentially dangerous treatments.
It is the latest in a series of developments to loosen the rules surrounding non-medical prescribing, coming just weeks after Pulse revealed proposals to extend prescribing rights to physiotherapists, dieticians and chiropodists.
The MHRA now says it wants to ‘regularise’ restrictions on prescribers and allow prescribing nurses and pharmacists the same freedoms as doctors.
Such a change will require the Home Office and the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs to alter Misuse of Drugs Regulations - but the Government has already accepted the recommendations, made by the MHRA’s Commission on Human Medicines. ...more
Exclusive: The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is planning a controversial change in the law to allow nurses and pharmacists to prescribe off-label treatments, in a move that has split prescribing experts.
The UK drug regulator says it expects regulations to change by the end of the year, but critics say the move could expose patients to potentially dangerous treatments.
It is the latest in a series of developments to loosen the rules surrounding non-medical prescribing, coming just weeks after Pulse revealed proposals to extend prescribing rights to physiotherapists, dieticians and chiropodists.
The MHRA now says it wants to ‘regularise’ restrictions on prescribers and allow prescribing nurses and pharmacists the same freedoms as doctors.
Such a change will require the Home Office and the Advisory Council for the Misuse of Drugs to alter Misuse of Drugs Regulations - but the Government has already accepted the recommendations, made by the MHRA’s Commission on Human Medicines. ...more
Thursday, August 06, 2009
H1N1 drugs available to First Nations, official says
From the Winnipeg Free Press:
A senior Manitoba Health official said its stockpile of H1N1 antiviral drugs was made available to Health Canada for distribution among the province's First Nation communities.
Terry Goertzen, an assistant deputy minister of health, said Ottawa did not request from Manitoba more than the 45 courses, or 450 doses, of Tamiflu it was given in mid-May to deal with an H1N1 outbreak on reserves.
"When it comes to health care on First Nation communities, (Ottawa) takes the lead," Goertzen said, adding no special requests for additional antiviral drugs were made to deal with the outbreak in the Island Lake communities.
Chiefs from Garden Hill and St. Theresa Point are demanding to know why their communities received next to no antiviral drugs when the northwestern Ontario First Nation of Sandy Lake was given 1,800 doses to control an H1N1 outbreak there. ...more
A senior Manitoba Health official said its stockpile of H1N1 antiviral drugs was made available to Health Canada for distribution among the province's First Nation communities.
Terry Goertzen, an assistant deputy minister of health, said Ottawa did not request from Manitoba more than the 45 courses, or 450 doses, of Tamiflu it was given in mid-May to deal with an H1N1 outbreak on reserves.
"When it comes to health care on First Nation communities, (Ottawa) takes the lead," Goertzen said, adding no special requests for additional antiviral drugs were made to deal with the outbreak in the Island Lake communities.
Chiefs from Garden Hill and St. Theresa Point are demanding to know why their communities received next to no antiviral drugs when the northwestern Ontario First Nation of Sandy Lake was given 1,800 doses to control an H1N1 outbreak there. ...more
Ontario’s law curbing the cost of generic drugs sparks changes
From CMAJ:
Ontario shook up the world of generic drug pricing across the country 3 years ago when it passed Bill 102, the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act.
In turn, the executive officer of Ontario’s $4-billion-a-year drug benefit plan saw her own life disrupted.
In late April, Helen Stevenson was flanked by plainclothes Ontario Provincial Police bodyguards when she delivered a speech to IMS Health Canada. It was the day after the province announced a series of legal actions and imposed penalties totaling $33.8 million in a crackdown on violations of the Act.
Stevenson confirms that her need for security continues because of threats made in connection with her job.
For complicated reasons, Canadian prices for generic drugs — copies of brand-name drugs which have lost patent protection — are among the highest in the world (see Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, Non-Patented Prescription Drug Prices Reporting, 2006.) ...more
Ontario shook up the world of generic drug pricing across the country 3 years ago when it passed Bill 102, the Transparent Drug System for Patients Act.
In turn, the executive officer of Ontario’s $4-billion-a-year drug benefit plan saw her own life disrupted.
In late April, Helen Stevenson was flanked by plainclothes Ontario Provincial Police bodyguards when she delivered a speech to IMS Health Canada. It was the day after the province announced a series of legal actions and imposed penalties totaling $33.8 million in a crackdown on violations of the Act.
Stevenson confirms that her need for security continues because of threats made in connection with her job.
For complicated reasons, Canadian prices for generic drugs — copies of brand-name drugs which have lost patent protection — are among the highest in the world (see Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, Non-Patented Prescription Drug Prices Reporting, 2006.) ...more
PU claims 'widespread' problems
From the Irish Times:
Pharmacists have reported “widespread” problems for patients today as they sought to have prescriptions filled under a HSE contingency plan to deal with the withdrawal of hundreds of pharmacists from State schemes.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said there were “major problems” today in Mayo, Donegal, Carlow, Waterford, north Dublin, Wexford, Kerry, Offaly, Clare and Galway.
In response, the HSE said its temporary dispensing facilities were “busy but manageable” over the course of the day.
Hundreds of pharmacists have withdrawn from operating the State drug schemes, including the medical card and long-term illness schemes, in protest at the Government's decision to cut fees by €133 million over a full year. Up to a dozen temporary dispensing centres have been established by the HSE to help fill the shortfall in supply caused by the pharmacists’ action.
But the IPU claimed today the contingency measures are inadequate, that many patients are facing delays of up to eight hours to have prescriptions filled and that the HSE pharmacies do not have some medications in stock. ...more
Pharmacists have reported “widespread” problems for patients today as they sought to have prescriptions filled under a HSE contingency plan to deal with the withdrawal of hundreds of pharmacists from State schemes.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said there were “major problems” today in Mayo, Donegal, Carlow, Waterford, north Dublin, Wexford, Kerry, Offaly, Clare and Galway.
In response, the HSE said its temporary dispensing facilities were “busy but manageable” over the course of the day.
Hundreds of pharmacists have withdrawn from operating the State drug schemes, including the medical card and long-term illness schemes, in protest at the Government's decision to cut fees by €133 million over a full year. Up to a dozen temporary dispensing centres have been established by the HSE to help fill the shortfall in supply caused by the pharmacists’ action.
But the IPU claimed today the contingency measures are inadequate, that many patients are facing delays of up to eight hours to have prescriptions filled and that the HSE pharmacies do not have some medications in stock. ...more
Online pharma spammers capitalize on Canada's health-care reputation
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Cyber-criminals from Russia are taking advantage of Canada's reputation for quality health care, bombarding the Internet with unwanted e-mail advertising counterfeit and potentially lethal male-enhancement drugs and painkillers, according to online security experts.
"Almost every illegal pharmacy that's out there invokes Canada," said John Praed, a Virginia-based lawyer who has filed a lawsuit to investigate the online pharmaceutical market.
"This will taint Canada," Praed said.
The current king of the online pharmaceutical spamming world calls itself "Canadian Pharmacy," which according to Praed is an illegitimate operation based in Russia that distributes more than 75 different counterfeit medications produced in India and China. He said they use Canada as a selling tool because the biggest market for online drugs is the U.S., and Canada has a reputation for providing cheap, safe medications to Americans.
It is estimated that more than 200 legitimate online pharmacies are based in Canada, but they are being undermined by the illegal operations co-opting Canada's reputation, said Tim Smith, general manager of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. (CIPA is the membership association for online Canadian pharmacies licensed to sell medications internationally.) ...more
Cyber-criminals from Russia are taking advantage of Canada's reputation for quality health care, bombarding the Internet with unwanted e-mail advertising counterfeit and potentially lethal male-enhancement drugs and painkillers, according to online security experts.
"Almost every illegal pharmacy that's out there invokes Canada," said John Praed, a Virginia-based lawyer who has filed a lawsuit to investigate the online pharmaceutical market.
"This will taint Canada," Praed said.
The current king of the online pharmaceutical spamming world calls itself "Canadian Pharmacy," which according to Praed is an illegitimate operation based in Russia that distributes more than 75 different counterfeit medications produced in India and China. He said they use Canada as a selling tool because the biggest market for online drugs is the U.S., and Canada has a reputation for providing cheap, safe medications to Americans.
It is estimated that more than 200 legitimate online pharmacies are based in Canada, but they are being undermined by the illegal operations co-opting Canada's reputation, said Tim Smith, general manager of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. (CIPA is the membership association for online Canadian pharmacies licensed to sell medications internationally.) ...more
Pharmacy condemns codeine decision
From Pharmacy News (AU):
Tighter controls on over-the-counter codeine combinations will not address the problem of misuse of the products and will put significant pressure on pharmacists, say the profession's peak bodies.
Both the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have expressed disappointment with the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) decision to upschedule OTC combination analgesics containing codeine (CACC) to Schedule 3 in a bid to address concerns of misuse and abuse of the products.
The Guild said the scheduling changes would only mask the problem and were unlikely to influence individual misuse behaviour.
It said it was regrettable that the committee rejected its proposal to adopt real-time monitoring and reporting of these products through its NotifyRx technology, calling it a "missed opportunity". ...more
Tighter controls on over-the-counter codeine combinations will not address the problem of misuse of the products and will put significant pressure on pharmacists, say the profession's peak bodies.
Both the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) have expressed disappointment with the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) decision to upschedule OTC combination analgesics containing codeine (CACC) to Schedule 3 in a bid to address concerns of misuse and abuse of the products.
The Guild said the scheduling changes would only mask the problem and were unlikely to influence individual misuse behaviour.
It said it was regrettable that the committee rejected its proposal to adopt real-time monitoring and reporting of these products through its NotifyRx technology, calling it a "missed opportunity". ...more
Human tests of swine flu vaccine start
From CBC News:
Human tests of a potential swine flu vaccine have begun, a spokesperson for Novartis said Wednesday, as other drug companies also prepared to start trials.
Novartis is testing a vaccine in a yearlong trial of 6,000 people of all ages in Britain, Germany and the United States, said Novartis spokesman Eric Althoff.
"We initiated clinical trials about 10 days ago," Althoff told The Associated Press.
A Briton received the first shot of H1N1 pandemic vaccine about 10 days ago, he said.
Novartis expects two doses will be required. The trial will also test this assumption.
Sanofi-Pasteur, which makes about 40 per cent of the world's flu vaccines, expects to start testing its swine flu vaccine within days in the U.S. and Europe, said spokesman Benoit Rungeard. ...more
Human tests of a potential swine flu vaccine have begun, a spokesperson for Novartis said Wednesday, as other drug companies also prepared to start trials.
Novartis is testing a vaccine in a yearlong trial of 6,000 people of all ages in Britain, Germany and the United States, said Novartis spokesman Eric Althoff.
"We initiated clinical trials about 10 days ago," Althoff told The Associated Press.
A Briton received the first shot of H1N1 pandemic vaccine about 10 days ago, he said.
Novartis expects two doses will be required. The trial will also test this assumption.
Sanofi-Pasteur, which makes about 40 per cent of the world's flu vaccines, expects to start testing its swine flu vaccine within days in the U.S. and Europe, said spokesman Benoit Rungeard. ...more
University of Alberta to offer doctorate of pharmacy degree
From the Edmonton Journal:
The University of Alberta will establish a new doctorate of pharmacy degree, the first of its kind in Western Canada, in part to prepare practitioners for a growing slate of responsibilities in the health-care system.
"Recent legislative changes in Alberta mean that pharmacists can now have the right to prescribe, and as part of a team they can help to manage a patient's drug therapy," said Sharon Mitchell, the U of A's assistant dean of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
The university currently offers a five-year bachelor's degree program in pharmacy.
The new doctorate, which must still be approved by the province, will be six years long and feature a more intensive curriculum in subjects such as patient assessment and evidence-based medicine, Mitchell said. ...more
The University of Alberta will establish a new doctorate of pharmacy degree, the first of its kind in Western Canada, in part to prepare practitioners for a growing slate of responsibilities in the health-care system.
"Recent legislative changes in Alberta mean that pharmacists can now have the right to prescribe, and as part of a team they can help to manage a patient's drug therapy," said Sharon Mitchell, the U of A's assistant dean of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.
The university currently offers a five-year bachelor's degree program in pharmacy.
The new doctorate, which must still be approved by the province, will be six years long and feature a more intensive curriculum in subjects such as patient assessment and evidence-based medicine, Mitchell said. ...more
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Pharmacists in 7 cities strike in defiance of association leadership
From the Jordan Times:
Hundreds of pharmacies outside the capital observed a four-hour work stoppage on Sunday to protest a sales tax on pharmaceuticals, despite calls by the Jordan Pharmacists Association (JPhA) to call off the strike.
“All” pharmacies in Mafraq, Ajloun, Karak and Salt decided to ignore the JPhA council and shut their doors from 8:00am until noon, according to association activists.
Moreover, around 90 per cent of pharmacies in Zarqa, Jerash and Madaba also joined the work stoppage, according to Malik Saad Maaitah, an activist from the JPhA’s Zarqa branch.
On Saturday, JPhA President Taher Shakhshir issued a statement calling on all pharmacies to refrain from closing their doors on the grounds that an agreement with the government over the controversial law was imminent.
But the JPhA council decision did not sit well with the leaders of some JPhA branches, who decided to act on their own, according to Maaitah. ...more
Hundreds of pharmacies outside the capital observed a four-hour work stoppage on Sunday to protest a sales tax on pharmaceuticals, despite calls by the Jordan Pharmacists Association (JPhA) to call off the strike.
“All” pharmacies in Mafraq, Ajloun, Karak and Salt decided to ignore the JPhA council and shut their doors from 8:00am until noon, according to association activists.
Moreover, around 90 per cent of pharmacies in Zarqa, Jerash and Madaba also joined the work stoppage, according to Malik Saad Maaitah, an activist from the JPhA’s Zarqa branch.
On Saturday, JPhA President Taher Shakhshir issued a statement calling on all pharmacies to refrain from closing their doors on the grounds that an agreement with the government over the controversial law was imminent.
But the JPhA council decision did not sit well with the leaders of some JPhA branches, who decided to act on their own, according to Maaitah. ...more
Monday, July 27, 2009
Canada tallies swine flu vaccine needs
From CBC News:
Canadian health officials are deciding on how much swine flu vaccine will be needed in the country this fall.
Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, said Monday the order must be placed by the end of the month, and that officials are working on a firm number of how many people will want or need the vaccine.
King noted the whole vaccine order will not be ready at the same time, but said officials expect the vaccine to first become available in mid-November.
At a meeting in Toronto, King told public health units from across the province to factor the H1N1 virus into their back-to-school preparations. Younger people are more likely to fall ill, which means people in campus residences could be at greater risk, she said.
"We know that there's a high degree of susceptibility in persons under the age of 50," King said. ...more
Canadian health officials are deciding on how much swine flu vaccine will be needed in the country this fall.
Dr. Arlene King, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, said Monday the order must be placed by the end of the month, and that officials are working on a firm number of how many people will want or need the vaccine.
King noted the whole vaccine order will not be ready at the same time, but said officials expect the vaccine to first become available in mid-November.
At a meeting in Toronto, King told public health units from across the province to factor the H1N1 virus into their back-to-school preparations. Younger people are more likely to fall ill, which means people in campus residences could be at greater risk, she said.
"We know that there's a high degree of susceptibility in persons under the age of 50," King said. ...more
Ireland “set for pharma supply crisis from Aug 1”
From Pharma Times:
Patients enrolled in Ireland’s Community Drugs Schemes may have difficulty getting their prescriptions filled from August 1, as more than 1,100 community pharmacists have said they will stop dispensing medicines under the SchemesHSE from that date.
The pharmacists’ action follows following a move by Mary Harney, the Minister for Health and Children, to cut payments to pharmacists under the Schemes by 34%. Early this week, the Health Service Executive (HSE), which is responsible for providing health and personal social services for everyone living in the Republic, will publish information on its website and in newspapers on pharmacies that will be open for Schemes business. The Executive has also urged the pharmacists to reconsider their decision.
The HSE's chief pharmacist, Kate Mulvenna, said: “we are asking pharmacists who have chosen to terminate their contract to assist us in ensuring minimal disruption to patients who need access to their medications. By handing over prescription records to their clients, on request, and by identifying to the HSE patients who may require extra supports, pharmacists can help ensure that their clients can continue to access their medications." ...more”
Patients enrolled in Ireland’s Community Drugs Schemes may have difficulty getting their prescriptions filled from August 1, as more than 1,100 community pharmacists have said they will stop dispensing medicines under the SchemesHSE from that date.
The pharmacists’ action follows following a move by Mary Harney, the Minister for Health and Children, to cut payments to pharmacists under the Schemes by 34%. Early this week, the Health Service Executive (HSE), which is responsible for providing health and personal social services for everyone living in the Republic, will publish information on its website and in newspapers on pharmacies that will be open for Schemes business. The Executive has also urged the pharmacists to reconsider their decision.
The HSE's chief pharmacist, Kate Mulvenna, said: “we are asking pharmacists who have chosen to terminate their contract to assist us in ensuring minimal disruption to patients who need access to their medications. By handing over prescription records to their clients, on request, and by identifying to the HSE patients who may require extra supports, pharmacists can help ensure that their clients can continue to access their medications." ...more”
Alberta to offer free flu shots
From the Calgary Herald:
Albertans will be eligible for a free vaccine against seasonal influenza this fall and, though the shots won't protect against the H1N1 virus, experts predict a high level of interest amid the swine flu pandemic.
Alberta Health on Thursday announced an expansion of its annual flu shots--which have historically been offered to high-risk groups for free -- into an $8-million vaccination program for everyone over six months of age.
The program comes as the province prepares a separate vaccination plan for H1N1, the new influenza virus that first emerged in Mexico this spring and spread around the world.
"Although this is coming in at the same time as the H1N1 virus, this is something that was in the works for some time," said Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer of health for Alberta.
"We've decided to go ahead with that plan, even though we are dealing with something else on top of it."
Corriveau conceded the health system will face a significant increase in workload as it tries to deliver the two vaccines to all Albertans. He said the province is also drafting a communications strategy so patients understand the difference between the shots. ...more
Albertans will be eligible for a free vaccine against seasonal influenza this fall and, though the shots won't protect against the H1N1 virus, experts predict a high level of interest amid the swine flu pandemic.
Alberta Health on Thursday announced an expansion of its annual flu shots--which have historically been offered to high-risk groups for free -- into an $8-million vaccination program for everyone over six months of age.
The program comes as the province prepares a separate vaccination plan for H1N1, the new influenza virus that first emerged in Mexico this spring and spread around the world.
"Although this is coming in at the same time as the H1N1 virus, this is something that was in the works for some time," said Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer of health for Alberta.
"We've decided to go ahead with that plan, even though we are dealing with something else on top of it."
Corriveau conceded the health system will face a significant increase in workload as it tries to deliver the two vaccines to all Albertans. He said the province is also drafting a communications strategy so patients understand the difference between the shots. ...more
Don’t take symptoms lightly — pharmacists
From the Halifax Chronicle Herald:
Some pharmacists in Halifax are sending clients with bad coughs and other flu-like symptoms directly to their doctors in light of the H1N1 outbreak in the province.
And, it’s likely there will be more such referrals after Friday’s first recorded swine flu death, they say.
"I have recommended on at least two occasions when someone had quite a bad cough . . . that they seek medical attention right away," said Mary Ellen Savage, a pharmacist at Kyte’s Pharmasave in Dartmouth.
"For that type of symptom, I’m trying to refer them immediately."
A pharmacist at a Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in central Halifax said those with flu-like symptoms are being told they should get checked out "as soon as possible." ...more
Some pharmacists in Halifax are sending clients with bad coughs and other flu-like symptoms directly to their doctors in light of the H1N1 outbreak in the province.
And, it’s likely there will be more such referrals after Friday’s first recorded swine flu death, they say.
"I have recommended on at least two occasions when someone had quite a bad cough . . . that they seek medical attention right away," said Mary Ellen Savage, a pharmacist at Kyte’s Pharmasave in Dartmouth.
"For that type of symptom, I’m trying to refer them immediately."
A pharmacist at a Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in central Halifax said those with flu-like symptoms are being told they should get checked out "as soon as possible." ...more
Swine flu fears prompt run on UK pharmacies
From CNN.com:
Pharmacies in England are reporting a run on supplies like surgical masks, thermometers and anti-bacterial gels by customers concerned about swine flu amid a surge in the number of people infected by the virus.
In some cases, drug stores in England say they are out of the items and may not get more in for weeks or months.
"People are very panicked," said a pharmacy assistant at Zafash Pharmacy in southwest London. "That's why everyone is running for thermometers, surgical masks, and anti-bacterial gels."
The UK's Department of Health estimated this week that there were around 100,000 new cases of swine flu in England in the week ending July 17 -- nearly double the number of cases for the previous seven days. ...more
Pharmacies in England are reporting a run on supplies like surgical masks, thermometers and anti-bacterial gels by customers concerned about swine flu amid a surge in the number of people infected by the virus.
In some cases, drug stores in England say they are out of the items and may not get more in for weeks or months.
"People are very panicked," said a pharmacy assistant at Zafash Pharmacy in southwest London. "That's why everyone is running for thermometers, surgical masks, and anti-bacterial gels."
The UK's Department of Health estimated this week that there were around 100,000 new cases of swine flu in England in the week ending July 17 -- nearly double the number of cases for the previous seven days. ...more
Staff shake-up at pharmacies seen as cure
From the Standard (HK):
The city's 500 pharmacies and dispensaries may be required to have full-time pharmacists - instead of them being present for just a third of their business hours - under a looming overhaul of the industry.
Under current laws, a pharmacy need only have a pharmacist working 6.7 hours if it is open for business 10 hours a day.
But members of a top-level committee, formed after a spate of drug contamination blunders that have killed six people, have reached a consensus that fully staffed pharmacies is the way to go, The Standard has been told.
The government proposal means dispensaries will have to create an additional shift for a pharmacist. ...more
The city's 500 pharmacies and dispensaries may be required to have full-time pharmacists - instead of them being present for just a third of their business hours - under a looming overhaul of the industry.
Under current laws, a pharmacy need only have a pharmacist working 6.7 hours if it is open for business 10 hours a day.
But members of a top-level committee, formed after a spate of drug contamination blunders that have killed six people, have reached a consensus that fully staffed pharmacies is the way to go, The Standard has been told.
The government proposal means dispensaries will have to create an additional shift for a pharmacist. ...more
Pharmacist out on bail
From the Victoria Times Colonist:
A Saanich pharmacist has been released on $10,000 bail.
Ali Laal, owner of Pharmaesthetics Inc. at 3960 Quadra St. and the People's Pharmacy in Esquimalt, was arrested last Thursday after police found a loaded handgun at his store.
Laal was originally arrested July 5 and charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm and careless use or storage of a firearm. The assault charges relate to incidents involving his wife and daughter. ...more
A Saanich pharmacist has been released on $10,000 bail.
Ali Laal, owner of Pharmaesthetics Inc. at 3960 Quadra St. and the People's Pharmacy in Esquimalt, was arrested last Thursday after police found a loaded handgun at his store.
Laal was originally arrested July 5 and charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm and careless use or storage of a firearm. The assault charges relate to incidents involving his wife and daughter. ...more
Cost-lowering drug reform expected to hit Shoppers
From the Globe and Mail:
Proposed drug reforms in Ontario could pinch the bottom line of Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. and other pharmacies - and eventually have a ripple effect on drugstores across the country.
The Ontario government quietly introduced proposals this month that could reduce funding it provides to pharmacies while promoting new ways of pricing and distributing drugs in a bid to lower provincial drug costs.
Yesterday, Shoppers, the country's largest pharmacy chain, flagged the reforms as ones which "may have an adverse impact on the company's business, sales and profitability," while releasing its second-quarter results, which were respectable amid the recessionary climate. The proposed reforms could be implemented as early as this fall.
Jurgen Schreiber, chief executive officer of Shoppers, told analysts it's too early to assess the impact. But he said Shoppers also wants to trim pharmacy costs, so he welcomes the discussions with the Ontario government over the next month to find "joint solutions." ...more
Proposed drug reforms in Ontario could pinch the bottom line of Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. and other pharmacies - and eventually have a ripple effect on drugstores across the country.
The Ontario government quietly introduced proposals this month that could reduce funding it provides to pharmacies while promoting new ways of pricing and distributing drugs in a bid to lower provincial drug costs.
Yesterday, Shoppers, the country's largest pharmacy chain, flagged the reforms as ones which "may have an adverse impact on the company's business, sales and profitability," while releasing its second-quarter results, which were respectable amid the recessionary climate. The proposed reforms could be implemented as early as this fall.
Jurgen Schreiber, chief executive officer of Shoppers, told analysts it's too early to assess the impact. But he said Shoppers also wants to trim pharmacy costs, so he welcomes the discussions with the Ontario government over the next month to find "joint solutions." ...more
Tamiflu approved for Canadian babies
From CBC News:
Canadian infants under one year old who are sick with the flu may receive the antiviral drug Tamiflu, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced Thursday under new swine flu pandemic guidelines.
The Public Health Agency of Canada prepared the interim guidance to help doctors treating infants with influenza-like illness during the H1N1 pandemic.
"The public health emergency created by the pandemic, and this group's increased vulnerability from influenza, created the urgent circumstances that deemed this necessary," Aglukkaq said.
"Although there are limited data supporting the use of Tamiflu in children under one, there now exists an urgent need for recommendations to treat this population, given this group's increased risk for morbidity and mortality from influenza," the agency said on its website.
Regulators in the United States and Britain have made similar changes, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief medical officer of health, told a teleconference with reporters. ...more
Canadian infants under one year old who are sick with the flu may receive the antiviral drug Tamiflu, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq announced Thursday under new swine flu pandemic guidelines.
The Public Health Agency of Canada prepared the interim guidance to help doctors treating infants with influenza-like illness during the H1N1 pandemic.
"The public health emergency created by the pandemic, and this group's increased vulnerability from influenza, created the urgent circumstances that deemed this necessary," Aglukkaq said.
"Although there are limited data supporting the use of Tamiflu in children under one, there now exists an urgent need for recommendations to treat this population, given this group's increased risk for morbidity and mortality from influenza," the agency said on its website.
Regulators in the United States and Britain have made similar changes, Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief medical officer of health, told a teleconference with reporters. ...more
Prescription sales right tonic for Shoppers Drug
From Reuters:
Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada's biggest pharmacy chain, reported a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday that matched expectations, helped by stronger sales of prescription drugs and beauty care products.
Shoppers said it earned C$136.1 million ($123.7 million), or 63 Canadian cents a share, for the second quarter, ended June 20, up from C$126.6 million, or 58 Canadian cents a share, for the same period last year.
The company said the 2009 results were also helped by the inclusion of Easter holiday weekend sales.
Revenue climbed 8.5 percent to C$2.29 billion, with same store sales rising 5.7 percent. ...more
Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada's biggest pharmacy chain, reported a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday that matched expectations, helped by stronger sales of prescription drugs and beauty care products.
Shoppers said it earned C$136.1 million ($123.7 million), or 63 Canadian cents a share, for the second quarter, ended June 20, up from C$126.6 million, or 58 Canadian cents a share, for the same period last year.
The company said the 2009 results were also helped by the inclusion of Easter holiday weekend sales.
Revenue climbed 8.5 percent to C$2.29 billion, with same store sales rising 5.7 percent. ...more
Pfizer, Microsoft sue Viagra spammers
From the Globe and Mail:
Pfizer Inc. and Microsoft Corp. are teaming up to fight the slew of spam e-mails hawking Viagra that invade consumers' computers.
The companies said Thursday they had filed a total of 17 lawsuits against defendants involved in the sale and distribution of the blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug.
Microsoft, the Redmond, Wash., software giant, has targeted spammers before, but this is the first time the company has joined forces with a nontechnology firm.
As many as one in every four spam e-mails advertise Viagra, Microsoft and Pfizer said.
Consumers often mistakenly think the e-mails are sent by New York-based Pfizer and that the drugs they order through these on-line pharmacies are legitimate, said Beth Levine, Pfizer's general counsel for U.S. pharmaceuticals. ...more
Pfizer Inc. and Microsoft Corp. are teaming up to fight the slew of spam e-mails hawking Viagra that invade consumers' computers.
The companies said Thursday they had filed a total of 17 lawsuits against defendants involved in the sale and distribution of the blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug.
Microsoft, the Redmond, Wash., software giant, has targeted spammers before, but this is the first time the company has joined forces with a nontechnology firm.
As many as one in every four spam e-mails advertise Viagra, Microsoft and Pfizer said.
Consumers often mistakenly think the e-mails are sent by New York-based Pfizer and that the drugs they order through these on-line pharmacies are legitimate, said Beth Levine, Pfizer's general counsel for U.S. pharmaceuticals. ...more
Province proposes changes to allow B.C. pharmacists to give injections to patients
From Business in Vancouver:
B.C. pharmacists will soon have the authority to give injections to patients if regulatory changes proposed Tuesday are approved.
The Ministry of Health Services is proposing changes to the Health Professions Act that would allow qualified pharmacists to administer vaccinations and other injections to patients.
Under the proposed regulations, interested pharmacists will be required to complete a comprehensive training program before receiving authorization from the College of Pharmacists of B.C.
The standards of practice and training program are being developed jointly between the BC Pharmacy Association, the College of Pharmacists of B.C. and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
The province is expecting the regulatory changes and training to be completed by mid-fall to allow pharmacists time to prepare for the annual flu vaccination campaign the province is launching this fall. ...more
B.C. pharmacists will soon have the authority to give injections to patients if regulatory changes proposed Tuesday are approved.
The Ministry of Health Services is proposing changes to the Health Professions Act that would allow qualified pharmacists to administer vaccinations and other injections to patients.
Under the proposed regulations, interested pharmacists will be required to complete a comprehensive training program before receiving authorization from the College of Pharmacists of B.C.
The standards of practice and training program are being developed jointly between the BC Pharmacy Association, the College of Pharmacists of B.C. and the BC Centre for Disease Control.
The province is expecting the regulatory changes and training to be completed by mid-fall to allow pharmacists time to prepare for the annual flu vaccination campaign the province is launching this fall. ...more
Miracle diet pill alli sold to slim women by chemists
From the Times (UK):
High street chemists are selling a new over-the-counter diet pill to women who do not have weight problems, a report has claimed.
During an investigation into the fat-busting drug alli, Which?, the consumer magazine, found that half of independent pharmacies approved the sale to researchers who did not need it.
Trials have showed that adding alli to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet can help people to lose 50 per cent more fat than by dieting alone. Alli aids weight loss by blocking absorption of fat from food into the body. However, licensing conditions for the tablets, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, stipulate the drug should only be sold to overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above.
Two weeks after the pill went on sale in May in chemists’ shops, Which? sent seven undercover researchers to 32 outlets, including small chains and retailers such as Boots and Lloyds. ...more
High street chemists are selling a new over-the-counter diet pill to women who do not have weight problems, a report has claimed.
During an investigation into the fat-busting drug alli, Which?, the consumer magazine, found that half of independent pharmacies approved the sale to researchers who did not need it.
Trials have showed that adding alli to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet can help people to lose 50 per cent more fat than by dieting alone. Alli aids weight loss by blocking absorption of fat from food into the body. However, licensing conditions for the tablets, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, stipulate the drug should only be sold to overweight people with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or above.
Two weeks after the pill went on sale in May in chemists’ shops, Which? sent seven undercover researchers to 32 outlets, including small chains and retailers such as Boots and Lloyds. ...more
Planet Pharmacy to open 750 outlets
From Trade Arabia:
Planet Pharmacy, a Dubai-based pharmacy retailer, is set to launch 250 pharmacies across the UAE and over 500 in Saudi Arabia by 2012, making it the largest pharmacy chain in the Middle East.
The company, which is a joint venture between Julphar and the private equity division of Global Investment House, will open pharmacies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by December this year.
The pharmacies, to be named Health First, will be launched with the objective of growing to be the market leader in the pharmaceutical retail business across the region.
John Makepeace, chief executive of Planet Pharmacy, said: “Planet Pharmacy and its Health First stores have a vision of becoming the biggest and most trusted pharmacy brand in the Middle East within the next three years.” ...more
Planet Pharmacy, a Dubai-based pharmacy retailer, is set to launch 250 pharmacies across the UAE and over 500 in Saudi Arabia by 2012, making it the largest pharmacy chain in the Middle East.
The company, which is a joint venture between Julphar and the private equity division of Global Investment House, will open pharmacies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by December this year.
The pharmacies, to be named Health First, will be launched with the objective of growing to be the market leader in the pharmaceutical retail business across the region.
John Makepeace, chief executive of Planet Pharmacy, said: “Planet Pharmacy and its Health First stores have a vision of becoming the biggest and most trusted pharmacy brand in the Middle East within the next three years.” ...more
Pharmacists in Bahrain Oppose Draft Law
From the Khaleej Times:
A draft law giving businessmen right to open pharmacies in Bahrain has been rejected by pharmacists.
The Bahrain Pharmacists Society at an extraordinary meeting held last week called upon parliament not to pass the bill to protect economic interests of its members.
The current law regulating working of pharmacies was issued in 1997 and allows only Bahrainis with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy to open a pharmacy. The proposed bill allows investors from various nationalities to enter the business. ...more
A draft law giving businessmen right to open pharmacies in Bahrain has been rejected by pharmacists.
The Bahrain Pharmacists Society at an extraordinary meeting held last week called upon parliament not to pass the bill to protect economic interests of its members.
The current law regulating working of pharmacies was issued in 1997 and allows only Bahrainis with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy to open a pharmacy. The proposed bill allows investors from various nationalities to enter the business. ...more
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Canadian swine flu vaccine set for October
From CBC News:
Canada will have enough H1N1 vaccine in place by late October to deal with any swine flu outbreak, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said Friday.
Aglukkaq told reporters that drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline Inc., with whom Ottawa has a contract to develop a swine flu treatment, should be able to produce enough of the drug by then to treat a major spread of the infection.
"Everyone who needs vaccine will be able to get at least one dose before Christmas," Aglukkaq said as she gave an update on the H1N1 flu.
Many countries have been scrambling to stockpile treatments for swine flu after the disease began spreading in April. But the lack of available product has forced some governments to develop supply plans in case of a major outbreak of the H1N1 virus.
The World Health Organization now predicts that a fully tested vaccine for the virus will not be ready for general use before November instead of an earlier fall forecast. Worse still, the United Nations agency has said there will likely not be enough of the serum to go around. ...more
Canada will have enough H1N1 vaccine in place by late October to deal with any swine flu outbreak, federal Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said Friday.
Aglukkaq told reporters that drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline Inc., with whom Ottawa has a contract to develop a swine flu treatment, should be able to produce enough of the drug by then to treat a major spread of the infection.
"Everyone who needs vaccine will be able to get at least one dose before Christmas," Aglukkaq said as she gave an update on the H1N1 flu.
Many countries have been scrambling to stockpile treatments for swine flu after the disease began spreading in April. But the lack of available product has forced some governments to develop supply plans in case of a major outbreak of the H1N1 virus.
The World Health Organization now predicts that a fully tested vaccine for the virus will not be ready for general use before November instead of an earlier fall forecast. Worse still, the United Nations agency has said there will likely not be enough of the serum to go around. ...more
Canada will have enough vaccines to share
From the Globe and Mail:
Canadians will have a better chance of getting vaccinated against the pandemic influenza than people in many other countries, including the United States and Britain, thanks to nearly a decade of planning for the disease's arrival.
“We're actually in a fairly unique position of having domestic capacity, of having planned for that in Canada now for many years,” David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, said in an interview with The Globe and Mail Thursday.
In 2001, the federal government began a 10-year agreement with a drug company that was eventually sold to GlaxoSmithKline. That contract obligates the giant pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide vaccine to every Canadian who wants it in the event of a pandemic.
Canada was the first country in the world to sign such an agreement, and, in exchange, it has given the company money to expand the capacity of its plant at Ste-Foy, Que.
“Three or four years ago, we could fill about eight million doses a month,” said Dr. Butler-Jones. “Now it's up closer to 14 million. So, within a couple of months, we have enough vaccine essentially for everybody living in Canada to get at least one dose, which would probably be sufficient for most of us.” ...more
Canadians will have a better chance of getting vaccinated against the pandemic influenza than people in many other countries, including the United States and Britain, thanks to nearly a decade of planning for the disease's arrival.
“We're actually in a fairly unique position of having domestic capacity, of having planned for that in Canada now for many years,” David Butler-Jones, Canada's chief public health officer, said in an interview with The Globe and Mail Thursday.
In 2001, the federal government began a 10-year agreement with a drug company that was eventually sold to GlaxoSmithKline. That contract obligates the giant pharmaceutical manufacturer to provide vaccine to every Canadian who wants it in the event of a pandemic.
Canada was the first country in the world to sign such an agreement, and, in exchange, it has given the company money to expand the capacity of its plant at Ste-Foy, Que.
“Three or four years ago, we could fill about eight million doses a month,” said Dr. Butler-Jones. “Now it's up closer to 14 million. So, within a couple of months, we have enough vaccine essentially for everybody living in Canada to get at least one dose, which would probably be sufficient for most of us.” ...more
Digital pen a Loch Lomond first
From the Saint John (NB) Telegraph Journal:
The digital pen is mightier than the ink pen, not to mention more efficient, accurate and safer. The Loch Lomond Villa introduced the technology on Thursday, becoming the first such institution in Atlantic Canada to use the digital pen system.
Looking like a normal pen, it's used by doctors to write prescriptions. Once the pen is placed in its holder, it downloads the information to the computer and transmits it to a pharmacy. A special paper is used to write on, and a camera in the pen records the writing and then encrypts it.
Before the technology was introduced, the prescription were written by doctors, collated by staff and then faxed to the pharmacy, a much slower practice that could lead to duplication and errors.
According to Loch Lomond Villa CEO Cindy Donovan, the switch to the digital pen is seamless and requires no special training for staff. ...more
The digital pen is mightier than the ink pen, not to mention more efficient, accurate and safer. The Loch Lomond Villa introduced the technology on Thursday, becoming the first such institution in Atlantic Canada to use the digital pen system.
Looking like a normal pen, it's used by doctors to write prescriptions. Once the pen is placed in its holder, it downloads the information to the computer and transmits it to a pharmacy. A special paper is used to write on, and a camera in the pen records the writing and then encrypts it.
Before the technology was introduced, the prescription were written by doctors, collated by staff and then faxed to the pharmacy, a much slower practice that could lead to duplication and errors.
According to Loch Lomond Villa CEO Cindy Donovan, the switch to the digital pen is seamless and requires no special training for staff. ...more
B.C. residents shell out $25M for Viagra in 2008
From the Calgary Herald:
B.C. residents spend 25 per cent less per capita on medicine than the rest of Canada — except when it comes to prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction.
A new University of B.C. report on prescription drug spending does not explain whether the greater use of drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra is due to a higher proportion of men in B.C.
Experts say it might have to do with cultural factors — the drugs are used "recreationally" in the homosexual community.
"We know they are used in the gay community as performance-enhancing drugs, so that's a theory to explain the higher spending here, but I have no data to back that up," said Alan Cassels, a drug policy researcher at the University of Victoria.
Commenting on the findings in the Canadian Rx Atlas by the UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, Cassels said B.C. doctors "tend to be more conservative when prescribing drugs, but maybe not when it comes to Viagra." ...more
B.C. residents spend 25 per cent less per capita on medicine than the rest of Canada — except when it comes to prescription drugs for erectile dysfunction.
A new University of B.C. report on prescription drug spending does not explain whether the greater use of drugs such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra is due to a higher proportion of men in B.C.
Experts say it might have to do with cultural factors — the drugs are used "recreationally" in the homosexual community.
"We know they are used in the gay community as performance-enhancing drugs, so that's a theory to explain the higher spending here, but I have no data to back that up," said Alan Cassels, a drug policy researcher at the University of Victoria.
Commenting on the findings in the Canadian Rx Atlas by the UBC Centre for Health Services and Policy Research, Cassels said B.C. doctors "tend to be more conservative when prescribing drugs, but maybe not when it comes to Viagra." ...more
Pharmacist arrested after loaded gun found in store
From the Victoria Times Colonist:
A Saanich pharmacist is being held in custody after police found a loaded handgun at his store Thursday afternoon.
Ali Laal, owner of Pharmaesthetics Inc. at 3960 Quadra St. and the People's Pharmacy in Esquimalt, was originally arrested July 5 and charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm and careless use or storage of a firearm. The assault charges relate to incidents involving his wife and daughter.
Laal was released the next day on $1,000 bail and conditions to stay away from his alleged victims and a home on Excelsior Road in Saanich.
On Thursday, Saanich police executed a search warrant at the Quadra Street pharmacy and arrested Laal again, this time in connection with a 2008 investigation, said Sgt. John Price.
However, after the loaded handgun was discovered, the 50-year-old businessman was charged with possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, breach of recognizance by having a firearm and possessing a firearm while prohibited by a court order. ...more
A Saanich pharmacist is being held in custody after police found a loaded handgun at his store Thursday afternoon.
Ali Laal, owner of Pharmaesthetics Inc. at 3960 Quadra St. and the People's Pharmacy in Esquimalt, was originally arrested July 5 and charged with assault, assault causing bodily harm and careless use or storage of a firearm. The assault charges relate to incidents involving his wife and daughter.
Laal was released the next day on $1,000 bail and conditions to stay away from his alleged victims and a home on Excelsior Road in Saanich.
On Thursday, Saanich police executed a search warrant at the Quadra Street pharmacy and arrested Laal again, this time in connection with a 2008 investigation, said Sgt. John Price.
However, after the loaded handgun was discovered, the 50-year-old businessman was charged with possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, breach of recognizance by having a firearm and possessing a firearm while prohibited by a court order. ...more
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Que. man first case of drug-resistant H1N1 strain in Canada
From Canada.com:
The first Canadian case of swine flu that is resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu raises a red flag but flu experts Wednesday were still far from pushing the panic button.
The resistant virus was found in a Quebec man, 60, who was given a preventive dose of the antiviral as a precaution because he had a pulmonary condition. His son fell sick with the virus.
But the father also became ill and researchers at a Quebec City laboratory on emerging viruses and antiviral resistance discovered he had a new strain of drug-resistant H1N1 virus.
It's believed the virus adapted to the drug and became resistant. There is no evidence the man transmitted the resistant virus to anyone else and he recovered quickly without going to hospital. ...more
The first Canadian case of swine flu that is resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu raises a red flag but flu experts Wednesday were still far from pushing the panic button.
The resistant virus was found in a Quebec man, 60, who was given a preventive dose of the antiviral as a precaution because he had a pulmonary condition. His son fell sick with the virus.
But the father also became ill and researchers at a Quebec City laboratory on emerging viruses and antiviral resistance discovered he had a new strain of drug-resistant H1N1 virus.
It's believed the virus adapted to the drug and became resistant. There is no evidence the man transmitted the resistant virus to anyone else and he recovered quickly without going to hospital. ...more
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Family of dead Alta. man seeks class-action lawsuit against drug-makers
From the Calgary Herald:
The last time Ellen Robb spoke with her brother, he was doing chores and laundry at home, optimistic that with his chronic back pain under control, he would soon be back at work as an electrician.
Four days later, after many unanswered phone calls, Robb found Doug Hoy dead on his apartment floor, barefoot as if he were on his way to get his laundry basket across the hall.
Months later, a toxicology report revealed Hoy’s blood had three times the safe amount of fentanyl, Robb said.
Fentanyl is an opiate 80 to 100 times as strong as morphine, and approved for use as a pain medication in Canada and the United States.
Hoy had been prescribed the fentanyl patch to treat his severe chronic back pain after another powerful opiate, OxyContin, failed to bring relief.
Now, Robb and her family have taken steps to launch a class-action lawsuit against five pharmaceutical companies, alleging the companies that design, test and distribute fentanyl patches were negligent in warning people about the risks of breathing problems or death, as well as severe weakness, drowsiness and confusion. ...more
The last time Ellen Robb spoke with her brother, he was doing chores and laundry at home, optimistic that with his chronic back pain under control, he would soon be back at work as an electrician.
Four days later, after many unanswered phone calls, Robb found Doug Hoy dead on his apartment floor, barefoot as if he were on his way to get his laundry basket across the hall.
Months later, a toxicology report revealed Hoy’s blood had three times the safe amount of fentanyl, Robb said.
Fentanyl is an opiate 80 to 100 times as strong as morphine, and approved for use as a pain medication in Canada and the United States.
Hoy had been prescribed the fentanyl patch to treat his severe chronic back pain after another powerful opiate, OxyContin, failed to bring relief.
Now, Robb and her family have taken steps to launch a class-action lawsuit against five pharmaceutical companies, alleging the companies that design, test and distribute fentanyl patches were negligent in warning people about the risks of breathing problems or death, as well as severe weakness, drowsiness and confusion. ...more
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Welcome to Canada, Eh!
I never post press releases here, but I decided to make an exception this time. I cannot even guess how many times I have been asked, "When is naproxen going to be available without a prescription in Canada?" This release verifies that naproxen will now be available in most Canadian provinces as an OTC item.
From Newswire (PRESS RELEASE):
The wait is over and Canadians only need to go to their local pharmacy to access ALEVE(R) (naproxen sodium) - the first over-the-counter naproxen sodium tablet. With just one pill, ALEVE(R) offers Canadians convenient access to pain relief for up to 12 hours. It is an option for the nearly 4.5 million Canadian men and women with arthritis(1) to relieve their joint and arthritis pain, helping them get back to doing the activities they love to do. ALEVE(R), which is marketed and manufactured by Bayer HealthCare, is available over-the-counter in a 24-count bottle in most provinces. A larger 100-count bottle is available behind the counter - just ask the pharmacist. ALEVE(R) is not available over-the-counter in British Columbia, Quebec or Newfoundland. ...more
Paper prescriptions meet their match
From Saint John (NB) Telegraph Journal:
Whether it's justified or not, doctors are notorious for having illegible handwriting. But if a New Brunswick start-up can prove its service is worthwhile, patients may no longer wonder how pharmacists can read prescriptions.
Saint John-based MedRunner is working on a prototype for a virtual prescription service that would not only make picking up medicine quicker, easier and more efficient but also integrate with, and contribute to, a patient's medical record.
"In paper prescriptions there's so much room for error, and adverse reactions," says MedRunner co-founder Todd Murphy, an MBA student at the University of New Brunswick
If a prescription were misread it could result in death, he says, but in a virtual system that mistake is far less likely.
The company has the Department of Health's approval to work in co-operation with the pharmaceutical association to test the service to prove the concept works.
The service, which is still under development, would be part of New Brunswick's province-wide e-health records system, which would allow doctors to easily access a patient's medical and list of past and current prescriptions when deciding on a treatment. ...more
Whether it's justified or not, doctors are notorious for having illegible handwriting. But if a New Brunswick start-up can prove its service is worthwhile, patients may no longer wonder how pharmacists can read prescriptions.
Saint John-based MedRunner is working on a prototype for a virtual prescription service that would not only make picking up medicine quicker, easier and more efficient but also integrate with, and contribute to, a patient's medical record.
"In paper prescriptions there's so much room for error, and adverse reactions," says MedRunner co-founder Todd Murphy, an MBA student at the University of New Brunswick
If a prescription were misread it could result in death, he says, but in a virtual system that mistake is far less likely.
The company has the Department of Health's approval to work in co-operation with the pharmaceutical association to test the service to prove the concept works.
The service, which is still under development, would be part of New Brunswick's province-wide e-health records system, which would allow doctors to easily access a patient's medical and list of past and current prescriptions when deciding on a treatment. ...more
Apotex warned as U.S. drug agency cracks down
I have not heard if Health Canada is looking into these issues on our side of the border or not...
From Reuters:
Canada's Apotex Inc could face a freeze on new drug applications in the United States as well as a ban on products entering the country after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned it of a number of manufacturing breaches at a Toronto factory.
The June 25 warning, which followed a late 2008 inspection of the Etobicoke, Ontario facility, cited a number of manufacturing deviations from U.S. manufacturing codes.
Among the breaches, the agency charged that Apotex did not thoroughly investigate the failure of batches of some drugs and also noted an unusual high number of rejected batches.
This, the FDA suggested in the letter, "demonstrates a lack of adequate process controls and raises significant concerns regarding the capability and reliability of (Apotex's) processes to consistently manufacture drug products meeting predetermined specifications." ...more
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Women's only pharmacy to open in Vancouver
From Canada.com:
The first women's only pharmacy in North America will open its doors Tuesday in Vancouver.
The pharmacy, located in the city's troubled Downtown Eastside, is called Lu's: A Pharmacy for Women, and is aimed at providing female-oriented services to clients.
Caryn Duncan, executive director of the Vancouver Women's Health Collective, came up with the idea of opening a pharmacy for women in 2006.
She lives in the area and often saw queues of patrons spilling out of pharmacies onto sidewalks and having to speak to pharmacists through security glass.
"They're, I think, quite hostile places and women don't feel safe," Duncan said. "Women are walking distances to have prescriptions filled and we're hoping that they will think to come to Lu's." ...more
The first women's only pharmacy in North America will open its doors Tuesday in Vancouver.
The pharmacy, located in the city's troubled Downtown Eastside, is called Lu's: A Pharmacy for Women, and is aimed at providing female-oriented services to clients.
Caryn Duncan, executive director of the Vancouver Women's Health Collective, came up with the idea of opening a pharmacy for women in 2006.
She lives in the area and often saw queues of patrons spilling out of pharmacies onto sidewalks and having to speak to pharmacists through security glass.
"They're, I think, quite hostile places and women don't feel safe," Duncan said. "Women are walking distances to have prescriptions filled and we're hoping that they will think to come to Lu's." ...more
Internet drug purchases included in spending bills
From the Associated Press:
The Senate dealt a blow to the drug lobby Thursday by voting to permit people in the United States to order lower-cost drugs from Canada over the Internet.
The prescription drug plan, by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., passed the Senate by a 55-36 vote that added it to a $42.9 billion bill funding the Homeland Security Department. The Senate then approved the homeland security measure by a 84-6 vote Thursday night.
Critics said Vitter's amendment would open a gaping loophole that would expose people to Internet scams and unsafe drugs, but the allure of importing U.S.-made drugs from other countries where government policies have driven prices lower has long had a pull on lawmakers.
But so too has the drug lobby, which has always defeated attempts to allow consumers widespread access to "reimported" drugs. Several Democratic leaders, including Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his top lieutenant, Dick Durbin of Illinois, initially opposed Vitter's amendment, only switching their votes after it became clear the popular idea would pass.
Their doubts about the idea may ensure the drug importation rule gets dropped during House-Senate negotiations on a final bill. Currently, U.S. travelers may return with a three-month supply of drugs when crossing the border. ...more
The Senate dealt a blow to the drug lobby Thursday by voting to permit people in the United States to order lower-cost drugs from Canada over the Internet.
The prescription drug plan, by Sen. David Vitter, R-La., passed the Senate by a 55-36 vote that added it to a $42.9 billion bill funding the Homeland Security Department. The Senate then approved the homeland security measure by a 84-6 vote Thursday night.
Critics said Vitter's amendment would open a gaping loophole that would expose people to Internet scams and unsafe drugs, but the allure of importing U.S.-made drugs from other countries where government policies have driven prices lower has long had a pull on lawmakers.
But so too has the drug lobby, which has always defeated attempts to allow consumers widespread access to "reimported" drugs. Several Democratic leaders, including Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and his top lieutenant, Dick Durbin of Illinois, initially opposed Vitter's amendment, only switching their votes after it became clear the popular idea would pass.
Their doubts about the idea may ensure the drug importation rule gets dropped during House-Senate negotiations on a final bill. Currently, U.S. travelers may return with a three-month supply of drugs when crossing the border. ...more
Drug marketers try to cut through the wombleminki
From the Globe and Mail:
In the dubious privacy of a bowling club, two balding, grey-haired men are talking about sex. Their eyebrows raised, their bellies pulling slightly at the fabric of their maroon team shirts, one tells the other how pharmaceuticals have helped him in the bedroom.
“Viagra spanglechuff,” he says gleefully, chuckling with self-satisfaction. “Dip minky Viagra”
That's the 2007 campaign by Toronto-based ad agency Taxi for the infamous little blue pill. The gibberish is a more creative way of masking content that wouldn't make it onto the airwaves otherwise. But the offending language isn't the sordid details of elderly sex lives – it's the description of what Viagra actually does.
In Canada, prescription drug advertising is strictly regulated, and this kind of regulation, it seems, is on everyone's lips these days. New developments in the advertising laws have called into question how marketing should be legislated in this country.
The creatives at Taxi had to develop “the international language of Viagra” because in Canada, the English language wouldn't do. Ads can state the name of the drug, but Health Canada does not allow them to say what it's for. This kind of direct-to-consumer drug advertising is allowed stateside, however, and one Canadian company took notice. ...more
In the dubious privacy of a bowling club, two balding, grey-haired men are talking about sex. Their eyebrows raised, their bellies pulling slightly at the fabric of their maroon team shirts, one tells the other how pharmaceuticals have helped him in the bedroom.
“Viagra spanglechuff,” he says gleefully, chuckling with self-satisfaction. “Dip minky Viagra”
That's the 2007 campaign by Toronto-based ad agency Taxi for the infamous little blue pill. The gibberish is a more creative way of masking content that wouldn't make it onto the airwaves otherwise. But the offending language isn't the sordid details of elderly sex lives – it's the description of what Viagra actually does.
In Canada, prescription drug advertising is strictly regulated, and this kind of regulation, it seems, is on everyone's lips these days. New developments in the advertising laws have called into question how marketing should be legislated in this country.
The creatives at Taxi had to develop “the international language of Viagra” because in Canada, the English language wouldn't do. Ads can state the name of the drug, but Health Canada does not allow them to say what it's for. This kind of direct-to-consumer drug advertising is allowed stateside, however, and one Canadian company took notice. ...more
Health Canada probing potential link between diabetes drug and cancer
From the Canadian Press:
Health Canada is investigating the diabetes drug Lantus after research suggested there may be an increased risk of developing various types of cancer among those taking the medication.
Lantus is a long-acting synthetic insulin similar to human insulin that is used to control blood sugar in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It has been marketed in Canada since February 2005 by Sanofi-Aventis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency recently announced they would be reviewing Lantus (insulin glargine) after four studies looked at the potential link between the drug and cancer in diabetics.
"Three of the four studies suggested a very slightly increased risk of cancer associated with use of Lantus, while the fourth study found no link between the drug and the development of cancer," Health Canada said in an advisory Thursday. ...more
Health Canada is investigating the diabetes drug Lantus after research suggested there may be an increased risk of developing various types of cancer among those taking the medication.
Lantus is a long-acting synthetic insulin similar to human insulin that is used to control blood sugar in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It has been marketed in Canada since February 2005 by Sanofi-Aventis.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency recently announced they would be reviewing Lantus (insulin glargine) after four studies looked at the potential link between the drug and cancer in diabetics.
"Three of the four studies suggested a very slightly increased risk of cancer associated with use of Lantus, while the fourth study found no link between the drug and the development of cancer," Health Canada said in an advisory Thursday. ...more
Antipsychotic drugs being dispensed more often: Study
From Canada.com:
Antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being prescribed to senior citizens to treat symptoms of dementia, despite the risk of serious side-effects and even death that some of them pose, according to a new study.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information report released Thursday, found that the proportion of Canadian seniors who submitted claims for antipsychotic drugs through public drug plans in six different provinces, increased to five per cent from 4.3 per cent between 2001 and 2007.
The jump occurred during a period when several warnings about the risks of certain antipsychotic drugs among patients with dementia were issued by Health Canada, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and by drug manufacturers, based on studies that had shown an increased risk of stroke or death. Guidelines were also issued that advised doctors to strongly weigh the benefits of the antipsychotic drugs against their risks. ...more
Antipsychotic drugs are increasingly being prescribed to senior citizens to treat symptoms of dementia, despite the risk of serious side-effects and even death that some of them pose, according to a new study.
The Canadian Institute for Health Information report released Thursday, found that the proportion of Canadian seniors who submitted claims for antipsychotic drugs through public drug plans in six different provinces, increased to five per cent from 4.3 per cent between 2001 and 2007.
The jump occurred during a period when several warnings about the risks of certain antipsychotic drugs among patients with dementia were issued by Health Canada, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States and by drug manufacturers, based on studies that had shown an increased risk of stroke or death. Guidelines were also issued that advised doctors to strongly weigh the benefits of the antipsychotic drugs against their risks. ...more
Pfizer Fails to Maintain Patent on Norvasc in Canada
From Bloomberg:
Pfizer Inc., the world’s biggest drugmaker, failed to maintain its patent on the hypertension drug Norvasc in Canada after a federal judge granted Ratiopharm GmbH permission to sell a generic version of the medicine.
More than 7.8 million prescriptions of amlodipine besylate, marketed by Pfizer as Norvasc, are sold annually in Canada, Ulm, Germany-based Ratiopharm said today. A generic version probably will save Canadian patients about C$180 million ($155 million) a year, the closely held company said. Pfizer said it will appeal.
“We are extremely pleased at the decision by the Federal Court,” Jean-Guy Goulet, chief executive officer of Ratiopharm Canada, said in a statement. “This decision opens the amlodipine patent to generic manufacturers in Canada, the last major jurisdiction where the patent was held.”
Ratiopharm challenged the Canadian patent in 2004 and won in 2006. Pfizer successfully reversed the ruling on appeal. Ratiopharm then sued to invalidate Pfizer’s patent, with Judge Roger Hughes ruling in favor of Ratiopharm yesterday. ...more
Pfizer Inc., the world’s biggest drugmaker, failed to maintain its patent on the hypertension drug Norvasc in Canada after a federal judge granted Ratiopharm GmbH permission to sell a generic version of the medicine.
More than 7.8 million prescriptions of amlodipine besylate, marketed by Pfizer as Norvasc, are sold annually in Canada, Ulm, Germany-based Ratiopharm said today. A generic version probably will save Canadian patients about C$180 million ($155 million) a year, the closely held company said. Pfizer said it will appeal.
“We are extremely pleased at the decision by the Federal Court,” Jean-Guy Goulet, chief executive officer of Ratiopharm Canada, said in a statement. “This decision opens the amlodipine patent to generic manufacturers in Canada, the last major jurisdiction where the patent was held.”
Ratiopharm challenged the Canadian patent in 2004 and won in 2006. Pfizer successfully reversed the ruling on appeal. Ratiopharm then sued to invalidate Pfizer’s patent, with Judge Roger Hughes ruling in favor of Ratiopharm yesterday. ...more
Drug spending continues to rise: OECD
From the London (Ont.) Free Press:
Spending on prescription and non-prescription drugs continues to rise in Canada, making us the second-highest per-capita drug spender among western nations.
But the pharmaceutical industry says it’s money well used because effective new drugs can reduce costs in other parts of the health-care system.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development figures show Canada’s pharmaceutical spending averaged $691 US per person in 2007, up from $644 the previous year. In 1960, the first year for which the OECD compiled data, Canadians spent just $16 apiece on pharmaceuticals.
The top spender in 2007 was the United States, at $878 per capita.
Canadian drug spending also rose slightly as a slice of overall health spending, to 17.7% of the total. It’s been inching up since the early ’60s, when it was 12.9%. The figure includes medical “non-durables” such as bandages and vitamins, not just prescription drugs. ...more
Spending on prescription and non-prescription drugs continues to rise in Canada, making us the second-highest per-capita drug spender among western nations.
But the pharmaceutical industry says it’s money well used because effective new drugs can reduce costs in other parts of the health-care system.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development figures show Canada’s pharmaceutical spending averaged $691 US per person in 2007, up from $644 the previous year. In 1960, the first year for which the OECD compiled data, Canadians spent just $16 apiece on pharmaceuticals.
The top spender in 2007 was the United States, at $878 per capita.
Canadian drug spending also rose slightly as a slice of overall health spending, to 17.7% of the total. It’s been inching up since the early ’60s, when it was 12.9%. The figure includes medical “non-durables” such as bandages and vitamins, not just prescription drugs. ...more
Blood test may miss statin-related muscle injury: study
From CBC News:
Muscle damage related to the use of statins is not uncommon, but now researchers say tissue classified as injured by the cholesterol-lowering drugs can't always be detected through a standard blood test.
Studies suggest 10 to 15 per cent of people taking statins experience some kind of muscle pain or weakness as a side effect of the treatment. A smaller but unknown percentage have stronger, persistent pain, called myopathy.
If doctors suspect statins are causing pain, they usually test for an enzyme in the blood known as creatin phosphokinase (CPK), which leaks from damaged muscles.
But a study by U.S. and Swiss researchers published in the July 7 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal found muscle damage even when tests came back negative for elevated levels of serum CPK.
The researchers looked at leg muscle biopsies from 44 people who had "clinically diagnosed statin-associated myopathy" and were either currently taking statins or had recently taken them.
They found that 25 of those patients also had muscle injury, in spite of normal blood tests. Only one patient with "structural injury" had a circulating level of creatine phosphokinase that was elevated more than the upper limit of normal, the researchers said. ...more
Muscle damage related to the use of statins is not uncommon, but now researchers say tissue classified as injured by the cholesterol-lowering drugs can't always be detected through a standard blood test.
Studies suggest 10 to 15 per cent of people taking statins experience some kind of muscle pain or weakness as a side effect of the treatment. A smaller but unknown percentage have stronger, persistent pain, called myopathy.
If doctors suspect statins are causing pain, they usually test for an enzyme in the blood known as creatin phosphokinase (CPK), which leaks from damaged muscles.
But a study by U.S. and Swiss researchers published in the July 7 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal found muscle damage even when tests came back negative for elevated levels of serum CPK.
The researchers looked at leg muscle biopsies from 44 people who had "clinically diagnosed statin-associated myopathy" and were either currently taking statins or had recently taken them.
They found that 25 of those patients also had muscle injury, in spite of normal blood tests. Only one patient with "structural injury" had a circulating level of creatine phosphokinase that was elevated more than the upper limit of normal, the researchers said. ...more
Health Canada, FDA warn of swine flu scams
From the National Post:
Health authorities in Canada and the United States are on high alert for Internet scams related to swine flu and are cracking down on websites that are selling unauthorized products and making illegal claims about how to prevent and treat the illness.
Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are tracking the websites and have issued dozens of warning letters to force the removal of offensive claims.
Among the products that have popped up online are: a pill that is purported to cure a swine-flu infection within hours; a spray that claimed to leave a layer of ionic silver on the skin that would kill the virus; fake test kits; a shampoo; nasal sprays; wall-mounted ultraviolet light machines that allegedly prevent the spread and destroy the virus; and an electronic instrument that declared its "photobionic energy" and "deeply penetrating mega-frequency life-force energy waves"would strengthen the immune system and prevent infection. The machine costs thousands of dollars. ...more
Health authorities in Canada and the United States are on high alert for Internet scams related to swine flu and are cracking down on websites that are selling unauthorized products and making illegal claims about how to prevent and treat the illness.
Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are tracking the websites and have issued dozens of warning letters to force the removal of offensive claims.
Among the products that have popped up online are: a pill that is purported to cure a swine-flu infection within hours; a spray that claimed to leave a layer of ionic silver on the skin that would kill the virus; fake test kits; a shampoo; nasal sprays; wall-mounted ultraviolet light machines that allegedly prevent the spread and destroy the virus; and an electronic instrument that declared its "photobionic energy" and "deeply penetrating mega-frequency life-force energy waves"would strengthen the immune system and prevent infection. The machine costs thousands of dollars. ...more
Asthma drug linked to suicide attempts, thoughts of self-harm
From Canada.com:
The side-effects of a popular asthma medication that has been sold in Canada for 12 years has been linked to suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide, as well as feelings of depression and hostility.
The July 2009 issue of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter from Health Canada cites montelukast sodium — which has been marketed in Canada since 1997 as Singulair — as having several connections to the alarming reactions.
Between its introduction to the Canadian market and Jan. 31, 2009, Singulair has been linked to two suicide attempts in Canada and 11 cases where users had thoughts of suicide or self-harm. In 29 other cases, 14 of which were labelled as "serious adverse reactions," those affected suffered from depression, hostility or other psychosis. No deaths have been linked to the drug's side-effects. ...more
The side-effects of a popular asthma medication that has been sold in Canada for 12 years has been linked to suicide attempts and thoughts of suicide, as well as feelings of depression and hostility.
The July 2009 issue of the Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter from Health Canada cites montelukast sodium — which has been marketed in Canada since 1997 as Singulair — as having several connections to the alarming reactions.
Between its introduction to the Canadian market and Jan. 31, 2009, Singulair has been linked to two suicide attempts in Canada and 11 cases where users had thoughts of suicide or self-harm. In 29 other cases, 14 of which were labelled as "serious adverse reactions," those affected suffered from depression, hostility or other psychosis. No deaths have been linked to the drug's side-effects. ...more
Expansion returns Jean Coutu to profitability
From the Vancouver Sun:
Canadian pharmacy company Jean Coutu Group Inc. reported a profit of $10.3-million in the first quarter on Tuesday, thanks to several franchise store openings.
The earnings for the first quarter ended May 30 of the 2010 fiscal year, at 4 cents per share, are an improvement over a net loss of $20.2-million (8 cents) in the same period last year.
Revenue, from merchandise sales to franchises plus franchising activities, rose almost 8% to $619.3-million from $574.3-million in the first quarter of 2009.
"We have reached our objectives in spite of the economic conditions that prevailed during this quarter," Francois Coutu, chief executive, said in a statement. "We intend to maintain the rhythm of our network's expansion and renovation projects and the development of our product offering." ...more
Canadian pharmacy company Jean Coutu Group Inc. reported a profit of $10.3-million in the first quarter on Tuesday, thanks to several franchise store openings.
The earnings for the first quarter ended May 30 of the 2010 fiscal year, at 4 cents per share, are an improvement over a net loss of $20.2-million (8 cents) in the same period last year.
Revenue, from merchandise sales to franchises plus franchising activities, rose almost 8% to $619.3-million from $574.3-million in the first quarter of 2009.
"We have reached our objectives in spite of the economic conditions that prevailed during this quarter," Francois Coutu, chief executive, said in a statement. "We intend to maintain the rhythm of our network's expansion and renovation projects and the development of our product offering." ...more
Monday, July 06, 2009
Drug regulators seek curbs on acetaminophen products
From the Calgary Herald:
American drug regulators are considering pulling some products with acetaminophen off the shelves and Health Canada is keeping a close eye on the deliberations as it also moves to warn consumers about the risk of liver damage due to an overdose of the drug.
Acetaminophen, widely used as a pain reliever and to reduce fever, is generally a safe and effective drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but when a patient exceeds the recommended dosage, it has been known to cause abnormalities in liver function, liver failure and death.
The FDA has made various efforts since the 1990s to stem what it calls "a public health concern," but it has been unsuccessful in reducing the number of cases of liver damage related to the drug. ..more
American drug regulators are considering pulling some products with acetaminophen off the shelves and Health Canada is keeping a close eye on the deliberations as it also moves to warn consumers about the risk of liver damage due to an overdose of the drug.
Acetaminophen, widely used as a pain reliever and to reduce fever, is generally a safe and effective drug, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but when a patient exceeds the recommended dosage, it has been known to cause abnormalities in liver function, liver failure and death.
The FDA has made various efforts since the 1990s to stem what it calls "a public health concern," but it has been unsuccessful in reducing the number of cases of liver damage related to the drug. ..more
Canadian-made HIV vaccine close to human trial
From the National Post:
It has been 20 years in the making but researchers at the University of Western Ontario say they're confident their HIV vaccine is only months away from being approved for human trials.
Lead researcher Dr. Chil-Yong Kang said Thursday the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can come as soon as two or three months.
"We've been working on the HIV virus since 1987. This is a very important day for us," Dr. Kang said while attending a conference in South Korea. "It is a very important milestone for us, this vaccine."
The SAV001-H vaccine has already been tested on monkeys and rats with no side effects. ...more
It has been 20 years in the making but researchers at the University of Western Ontario say they're confident their HIV vaccine is only months away from being approved for human trials.
Lead researcher Dr. Chil-Yong Kang said Thursday the approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can come as soon as two or three months.
"We've been working on the HIV virus since 1987. This is a very important day for us," Dr. Kang said while attending a conference in South Korea. "It is a very important milestone for us, this vaccine."
The SAV001-H vaccine has already been tested on monkeys and rats with no side effects. ...more
Antipsychotic drug use spiralling in kids, research says
From CBC News:
Medical research out of the University of British Columbia suggests the number of children taking medications known as atypical antipsychotics has increased tenfold over the past decade, CBC News has learned.
The drugs — a class of medicines used to treat psychosis and other mental and emotional conditions — can have potentially serious side-effects, and are linked to increases in stroke and sudden death in adults.
Health Canada has not approved atypical antipsychotics for children.
"None of the atypical antipsychotics approved in Canada [Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Clozapine, Paliperidone, Ziprasidone] are indicated for use in children," Philippe Laroche, a Health Canada spokesman, told CBC News in an email on Thursday. ...more
Medical research out of the University of British Columbia suggests the number of children taking medications known as atypical antipsychotics has increased tenfold over the past decade, CBC News has learned.
The drugs — a class of medicines used to treat psychosis and other mental and emotional conditions — can have potentially serious side-effects, and are linked to increases in stroke and sudden death in adults.
Health Canada has not approved atypical antipsychotics for children.
"None of the atypical antipsychotics approved in Canada [Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine, Clozapine, Paliperidone, Ziprasidone] are indicated for use in children," Philippe Laroche, a Health Canada spokesman, told CBC News in an email on Thursday. ...more
Health Canada weighs options as U.S. FDA adds "black box" warnings
From the Ottawa Citizen:
Health Canada is still in discussions with Pfizer Inc., about whether to add safety warnings to packages containing anti-smoking drugs that may have psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
South of the border, U.S. health officials Wednesday ordered Pfizer Inc and GlaxoSmithKline PLC to add strong "black box" warnings on their anti-smoking drugs to highlight the risk of serious mental health problems.
Philippe Laroche, spokesman for Health Canada, said the federal agency expect to reach an agreement with the pharmaceutical giant by the end of this summer, or the fall.
"In addition to updated safety information regarding the risk of psychiatric events, new labelling will also incorporate information regarding angioedema, serious skin reactions and accidental injury," said Laroche in an email to Canwest News Service.
The U.S. warnings, which must be added to Pfizer's Champix and Glaxo's Zyban, follow more than five thousand reports of depression, hostility and other behavioural changes in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration said. ...more
Health Canada is still in discussions with Pfizer Inc., about whether to add safety warnings to packages containing anti-smoking drugs that may have psychiatric side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
South of the border, U.S. health officials Wednesday ordered Pfizer Inc and GlaxoSmithKline PLC to add strong "black box" warnings on their anti-smoking drugs to highlight the risk of serious mental health problems.
Philippe Laroche, spokesman for Health Canada, said the federal agency expect to reach an agreement with the pharmaceutical giant by the end of this summer, or the fall.
"In addition to updated safety information regarding the risk of psychiatric events, new labelling will also incorporate information regarding angioedema, serious skin reactions and accidental injury," said Laroche in an email to Canwest News Service.
The U.S. warnings, which must be added to Pfizer's Champix and Glaxo's Zyban, follow more than five thousand reports of depression, hostility and other behavioural changes in the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration said. ...more
Tamiflu-resistant strain of swine flu found in Hong Kong
From CBC News:
Health officials in Hong Kong reported Friday a single instance in which a strain of the swine flu was found to be resistant to Tamiflu, the main antiviral drug used to treat the virus.
The case involved a 16-year-old girl who came from the United States in mid-June, had mild symptoms, and was eventually discharged.
The current strain of H1N1 influenza A virus has been circulating in several countries since it first appeared in Mexico in April.
The Tamiflu-resistant strain in Hong Kong was found during routine sensitivity testing of the swine flu virus to both oseltamivir and zanamivir, the Hong Kong Department of Health said in a statement on its website.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the two antiviral drugs that appear to be effective in treating the H1N1 virus, Health Canada says. ...more
Health officials in Hong Kong reported Friday a single instance in which a strain of the swine flu was found to be resistant to Tamiflu, the main antiviral drug used to treat the virus.
The case involved a 16-year-old girl who came from the United States in mid-June, had mild symptoms, and was eventually discharged.
The current strain of H1N1 influenza A virus has been circulating in several countries since it first appeared in Mexico in April.
The Tamiflu-resistant strain in Hong Kong was found during routine sensitivity testing of the swine flu virus to both oseltamivir and zanamivir, the Hong Kong Department of Health said in a statement on its website.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the two antiviral drugs that appear to be effective in treating the H1N1 virus, Health Canada says. ...more
Cardiovascular medication costs jumped 200%
From CTV News:
The use of cardiovascular drugs has increased so dramatically in Canada that costs associated with the medications have jumped 200 per cent in a decade, new research suggests.
The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, put the total cost of cardiovascular drugs in 2006 at more than $5 billion. Statins, which lower cholesterol, accounted for nearly 40 per cent of those costs.
According to the researchers, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death and disability in Canada, and cardiovascular drugs are the most commonly prescribed medications.
If the pace continues, the researchers warned, costs could spiral to $10.6 billion by 2020 and could threaten the viability of government-funded drug insurance programs.
"This rapid escalation in costs for cardiovascular drugs threatens the sustainability of public drug insurance programs," the authors wrote. "Increases of this magnitude over such a relatively short period deserve further scrutiny." ...more
The use of cardiovascular drugs has increased so dramatically in Canada that costs associated with the medications have jumped 200 per cent in a decade, new research suggests.
The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, put the total cost of cardiovascular drugs in 2006 at more than $5 billion. Statins, which lower cholesterol, accounted for nearly 40 per cent of those costs.
According to the researchers, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death and disability in Canada, and cardiovascular drugs are the most commonly prescribed medications.
If the pace continues, the researchers warned, costs could spiral to $10.6 billion by 2020 and could threaten the viability of government-funded drug insurance programs.
"This rapid escalation in costs for cardiovascular drugs threatens the sustainability of public drug insurance programs," the authors wrote. "Increases of this magnitude over such a relatively short period deserve further scrutiny." ...more
HSE paying pharmacists full price for discounted drugs
This sounds similar to generic rebates in Canada...
From the Irish Business News:
Pharmacists are being offered discounts of as much as 80 per cent off the list price they invoice the Health Service Executive (HSE) for certain medicines. Discounts of 40, 50 and 60 per cent on bulk purchases by pharmacies were not uncommon.
Documents seen by this newspaper show major discounts being offered to pharmacists on a wide range of some of the most commonly used medicines, including antibiotics, painkillers and anti-cholesterol drugs, by pharmaceutical companies.
A document written by one pharmaceutical company clearly illustrated the potential saving to pharmacists.
It outlined how the pharmacy could invoice the HSE just over €4,000 for a large batch of anti-depressants under an agreed contract with the state, but the pharmacist could avail of discounts enabling it to purchase them for just over €1,000. ...more
Pharmacist doles out bitter pill
From Express Buzz:
All he needed was two tablets to save his mother which would cost him more than Rs 2. But, Rafeeq Ahmed, had not bargained for the rude shock that life was waiting to throw back at him. On reaching the pharmacy, Rafeeq realised that he had forgotten to take his wallet.
As his need was urgent, Rafeeq requested the pharmacist to give him the tablets and he would pay later, but the pharmacist refused to oblige.
A desperate Rafeeq tried to snatch the tablets and left his watch behind at the counter but the pharmacist caught him and beat him up leaving him with a fractured jaw.
Rafeeq had to shell out Rs 70,000 for his surgery and now wants to sue the pharmacist. He has filed a complaint with the Hennur police on Friday. ...more
All he needed was two tablets to save his mother which would cost him more than Rs 2. But, Rafeeq Ahmed, had not bargained for the rude shock that life was waiting to throw back at him. On reaching the pharmacy, Rafeeq realised that he had forgotten to take his wallet.
As his need was urgent, Rafeeq requested the pharmacist to give him the tablets and he would pay later, but the pharmacist refused to oblige.
A desperate Rafeeq tried to snatch the tablets and left his watch behind at the counter but the pharmacist caught him and beat him up leaving him with a fractured jaw.
Rafeeq had to shell out Rs 70,000 for his surgery and now wants to sue the pharmacist. He has filed a complaint with the Hennur police on Friday. ...more
Pharmacists try to cash in on swine flu
From News.com.au:
Fears have emerged that pharmacists are trying to cash in on the shortage of the one drug experts say can treat swine flu.
A pharmacist in Sydney's northwest has been found selling a course of 10 tablets of Tamiflu for $68.85. That is about $20 more than his four competitors who are within walking distance.
Customers are paying the price after finding that other pharmacists have run out of the tablets or do not realise they are paying too much.
"He is taking advantage of people because a lot of people need this," the mother of a nine-year-old boy who was prescribed Tamiflu said yesterday.
"I went there after another chemist had none but I didn't realise I was paying more. He has hiked up the price because there is not enough around."
Even one of his competitors expressed surprise yesterday at how much the pharmacist was charging, saying it was "a bit steep". ...more
Fears have emerged that pharmacists are trying to cash in on the shortage of the one drug experts say can treat swine flu.
A pharmacist in Sydney's northwest has been found selling a course of 10 tablets of Tamiflu for $68.85. That is about $20 more than his four competitors who are within walking distance.
Customers are paying the price after finding that other pharmacists have run out of the tablets or do not realise they are paying too much.
"He is taking advantage of people because a lot of people need this," the mother of a nine-year-old boy who was prescribed Tamiflu said yesterday.
"I went there after another chemist had none but I didn't realise I was paying more. He has hiked up the price because there is not enough around."
Even one of his competitors expressed surprise yesterday at how much the pharmacist was charging, saying it was "a bit steep". ...more
Friday, June 26, 2009
A prescription for convenience
From the Globe and Mail:
Shortly after being named Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-term Care last summer, David Caplan was getting a routine eye exam at Toronto's Sunnybrook hospital when his wife, who works there as a nurse, asked him to look at a new drug-dispensing device.
“After my appointment, my wife said, ‘You've got to come check this out,' and she showed me the machine that was in place,” he said. “I thought it was a fantastic idea – it's new technology that a variety of companies could develop and support and it's a really innovative way of improving patient care.”
In a matter of minutes, Mr. Caplan's wife, Leigh, had accomplished what years of lobbying the Ontario government couldn't.
The machine that Mr. Caplan is referring to is the brainchild of an Oakville, Ont.-based startup called PCA Services Inc.
While its executives bristle at this description, their innovation, which they call PharmaTrust, is akin to a high-tech vending machine (more closely resembling an ABM) for pharmaceutical drugs. ...more
Shortly after being named Ontario's Minister of Health and Long-term Care last summer, David Caplan was getting a routine eye exam at Toronto's Sunnybrook hospital when his wife, who works there as a nurse, asked him to look at a new drug-dispensing device.
“After my appointment, my wife said, ‘You've got to come check this out,' and she showed me the machine that was in place,” he said. “I thought it was a fantastic idea – it's new technology that a variety of companies could develop and support and it's a really innovative way of improving patient care.”
In a matter of minutes, Mr. Caplan's wife, Leigh, had accomplished what years of lobbying the Ontario government couldn't.
The machine that Mr. Caplan is referring to is the brainchild of an Oakville, Ont.-based startup called PCA Services Inc.
While its executives bristle at this description, their innovation, which they call PharmaTrust, is akin to a high-tech vending machine (more closely resembling an ABM) for pharmaceutical drugs. ...more
Health Canada to crack down on TV ads for vaccines
From the National Post:
Health Canada says it is cracking down on the growing number of TV ads that tout the benefits of vaccines for everything from hepatitis to travellers' diarrhea, yet say little about the products' risks and other shortcomings.
Responding to outside complaints, the department has persuaded some manufacturers to change "unbalanced" commercials, issued letters urging the industry to include both negative and positive information in ads and begun developing new vaccine marketing guidelines.
The action highlights, however, the fact that vaccine advertising falls into a legal grey area with little regulation - in contrast to the tight restrictions placed on consumer ads for prescription drugs.
Health Canada still has no plans to make vaccines subject to similarly stringent rules, but the measures it is taking are welcome and overdue, said the head of a marketing review agency.
"There are gaps in the system and this is one that a truck could drive through," said Ray Chepesiuk, commissioner of the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board. "We consider [vaccines] to be serious medicine that have some risks - safety information the public should be aware of.... You can't say all good things and ignore the bad things." ...more
Health Canada says it is cracking down on the growing number of TV ads that tout the benefits of vaccines for everything from hepatitis to travellers' diarrhea, yet say little about the products' risks and other shortcomings.
Responding to outside complaints, the department has persuaded some manufacturers to change "unbalanced" commercials, issued letters urging the industry to include both negative and positive information in ads and begun developing new vaccine marketing guidelines.
The action highlights, however, the fact that vaccine advertising falls into a legal grey area with little regulation - in contrast to the tight restrictions placed on consumer ads for prescription drugs.
Health Canada still has no plans to make vaccines subject to similarly stringent rules, but the measures it is taking are welcome and overdue, said the head of a marketing review agency.
"There are gaps in the system and this is one that a truck could drive through," said Ray Chepesiuk, commissioner of the Pharmaceutical Advertising Advisory Board. "We consider [vaccines] to be serious medicine that have some risks - safety information the public should be aware of.... You can't say all good things and ignore the bad things." ...more
Firm has high hopes for blockbuster drug
From the St. Catharines (Ont.) Standard:
The clinical setting inside Biolyse Pharma Corp. resembles the space-plague movie The Andromeda Strain.
Except this St. Catharines firm is developing what could be a real miracle drug for a horrible earthly disease.
In lab tests, the as-yet-unamed drug so far seems to kill all cancer cells; if it continues to perform as well in human trials, it could revolutionize cancer treatment, generate billions of dollars for Biolyse and create hundreds of new jobs in St. Catharines.
Biolyse executive vice-president John Fulton is more blunt: “I’ve heard talk in the labs referring to this as the Holy Grail of cancer drugs.” ...more
The clinical setting inside Biolyse Pharma Corp. resembles the space-plague movie The Andromeda Strain.
Except this St. Catharines firm is developing what could be a real miracle drug for a horrible earthly disease.
In lab tests, the as-yet-unamed drug so far seems to kill all cancer cells; if it continues to perform as well in human trials, it could revolutionize cancer treatment, generate billions of dollars for Biolyse and create hundreds of new jobs in St. Catharines.
Biolyse executive vice-president John Fulton is more blunt: “I’ve heard talk in the labs referring to this as the Holy Grail of cancer drugs.” ...more
Shoppers Drug Mart may get lift from prescription legislation
From the Financial Post:
Could changes to the dispensing powers of pharmacists be a boon for Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd.?
Analyst Robert Gibson of Octagon Capital notes pending or already enacted legislation across Canada will lead to changes in pay for pharmacists by their home provinces, although there will not be much clarity on the issue until 2010.
“We believe that the fee the pharmacist will get for extending, adapting, or adjusting a prescription, for example, will be less than what doctors are charging for a similar service,” Mr. Gibson wrote in a note to clients, hiking his target price on the stock to $57 from $49.25. He maintained his "buy" rating on the shares. “Thus, it is in the provincial governments’ interest to proceed.” ...more
Could changes to the dispensing powers of pharmacists be a boon for Shoppers Drug Mart Ltd.?
Analyst Robert Gibson of Octagon Capital notes pending or already enacted legislation across Canada will lead to changes in pay for pharmacists by their home provinces, although there will not be much clarity on the issue until 2010.
“We believe that the fee the pharmacist will get for extending, adapting, or adjusting a prescription, for example, will be less than what doctors are charging for a similar service,” Mr. Gibson wrote in a note to clients, hiking his target price on the stock to $57 from $49.25. He maintained his "buy" rating on the shares. “Thus, it is in the provincial governments’ interest to proceed.” ...more
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Researchers work to erase women's hormone-replacement fear
From the Ottawa Citizen:
A research team led by Ottawa scientists is creating and testing synthetic hormones to take the fear out of hormone-replacement therapy for menopausal women.
There's a lot at stake, from the well-being of women to a pharmaceutical market worth billions a year.
"There are plenty of women who would like to have such a drug," said Carleton University Professor Jim Wright, a chemist.
Wright and the research team, led by Tony Durst at the University of Ottawa, have just received a $267,000 research grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It could lead to the creation of a blockbuster new drug.
About a decade ago, hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) was touted as a magic bullet for many menopausal women. HRT boosts hormone levels and helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause, from hot flashes to osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease that can be deadly because it leads to serious fractures. About one in three women who sustain hip fractures from osteoporosis die within a year. ...more
A research team led by Ottawa scientists is creating and testing synthetic hormones to take the fear out of hormone-replacement therapy for menopausal women.
There's a lot at stake, from the well-being of women to a pharmaceutical market worth billions a year.
"There are plenty of women who would like to have such a drug," said Carleton University Professor Jim Wright, a chemist.
Wright and the research team, led by Tony Durst at the University of Ottawa, have just received a $267,000 research grant from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. It could lead to the creation of a blockbuster new drug.
About a decade ago, hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) was touted as a magic bullet for many menopausal women. HRT boosts hormone levels and helps to reduce the symptoms of menopause, from hot flashes to osteoporosis, the brittle-bone disease that can be deadly because it leads to serious fractures. About one in three women who sustain hip fractures from osteoporosis die within a year. ...more
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Pharmacists focus on patients, not pills
From Metro News Ottawa:
Escaping the ashes of a terrible war, Dragana Skokovic-Sunjic came to Canada to start a new life as a pharmacist, helping patients not only receive their medication but understand it as well.
Skokovic-Sunjic, 45, completed a four-year degree in Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia and her first job was as a teaching assistant in the medical faculty. She left Sarajevo, today’s capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the 1990s to escape the war that tore apart the former Yugoslavia and came to Canada to finally pursue a career as a pharmacist because she found the pharmacists she met inspiring.
“I was always impressed with the professionalism of pharmacists behind the counter, so that’s what inspired me,” she said.
Now a pharmacist at Dell Pharmacy in Beamsville, Ont., Skokovic-Sunjic says coming to Canada to start a new life wasn’t easy but she felt motivated to succeed in a field that she loved.
“Starting with a new country and a new language, it was a very challenging time but the challenge inspired me in a way,” she said. ...more
Escaping the ashes of a terrible war, Dragana Skokovic-Sunjic came to Canada to start a new life as a pharmacist, helping patients not only receive their medication but understand it as well.
Skokovic-Sunjic, 45, completed a four-year degree in Pharmacy at the University of Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia and her first job was as a teaching assistant in the medical faculty. She left Sarajevo, today’s capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the 1990s to escape the war that tore apart the former Yugoslavia and came to Canada to finally pursue a career as a pharmacist because she found the pharmacists she met inspiring.
“I was always impressed with the professionalism of pharmacists behind the counter, so that’s what inspired me,” she said.
Now a pharmacist at Dell Pharmacy in Beamsville, Ont., Skokovic-Sunjic says coming to Canada to start a new life wasn’t easy but she felt motivated to succeed in a field that she loved.
“Starting with a new country and a new language, it was a very challenging time but the challenge inspired me in a way,” she said. ...more
Victoria senior seeks change to "appalling" drug-dispensing fees
From the Vancouver Sun:
Retiree Jennifer Wheeler was confused by the various prices she paid for prescription drugs. So she decided to do a little investigating.
After contacting 10 pharmacies, Wheeler was astonished to discover the dispensing fee -- money charged for preparing a prescription -- ranged from a low of $7.48 at one major retail outlet to a high of $11.60 at another.
"I was a little appalled," said the 74-year-old Victoria woman. "What I hadn't realized was the cost of buying the drug is different from store to store."
Wheeler had stumbled on to a pricing issue pharmacists are at pains to explain.
The fee covers the cost of the service every pharmacist provides when dispensing medicine. But that service is now expanding, as calls upon the health system increase and the population ages.
The provincial Ministry of Health, for example, recently authorized pharmacists to renew routine prescriptions. Under certain conditions, they can even alter them.
Parkash Ragsdale, deputy chief executive officer with the B.C. Pharmacy Association, said the cost of dispensing a drug properly has been estimated at $13.60. ...more
Retiree Jennifer Wheeler was confused by the various prices she paid for prescription drugs. So she decided to do a little investigating.
After contacting 10 pharmacies, Wheeler was astonished to discover the dispensing fee -- money charged for preparing a prescription -- ranged from a low of $7.48 at one major retail outlet to a high of $11.60 at another.
"I was a little appalled," said the 74-year-old Victoria woman. "What I hadn't realized was the cost of buying the drug is different from store to store."
Wheeler had stumbled on to a pricing issue pharmacists are at pains to explain.
The fee covers the cost of the service every pharmacist provides when dispensing medicine. But that service is now expanding, as calls upon the health system increase and the population ages.
The provincial Ministry of Health, for example, recently authorized pharmacists to renew routine prescriptions. Under certain conditions, they can even alter them.
Parkash Ragsdale, deputy chief executive officer with the B.C. Pharmacy Association, said the cost of dispensing a drug properly has been estimated at $13.60. ...more
Choice of eye drug comes with possible conflict for MDs
From the Vancouver Sun:
British Columbia's plan to fund two new drugs gives doctors more choices in treating age-related macular degeneration, but it comes with a potential conflict of interest.
Last week, the government started covering Lucentis and Avastin, two chemically similar drugs that stop the damage done by age-related macular degeneration.
The disease attacks the retina and affects an estimated 3,500 British Columbians annually. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Under the government's new plan, retinal specialists will be reimbursed $530 for each treatment of either drug and the associated costs of the drug program, including a $132 injection fee, travel, administration and storage.
While the reimbursement rates for the two drugs are the same, their costs are very different.
Doctors buy Lucentis at a cost of $1,575 per vial, which is split into four treatments. Avastin costs from $300 to $375 per vial and can be split into 20 treatments.
So, doctors purchasing and prescribing Avastin will put out $300 to $375 per vial, but could be paid as much as $10,600. The potential payout is less attractive for Lucentis, with its higher price tag. ...more
British Columbia's plan to fund two new drugs gives doctors more choices in treating age-related macular degeneration, but it comes with a potential conflict of interest.
Last week, the government started covering Lucentis and Avastin, two chemically similar drugs that stop the damage done by age-related macular degeneration.
The disease attacks the retina and affects an estimated 3,500 British Columbians annually. It is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Under the government's new plan, retinal specialists will be reimbursed $530 for each treatment of either drug and the associated costs of the drug program, including a $132 injection fee, travel, administration and storage.
While the reimbursement rates for the two drugs are the same, their costs are very different.
Doctors buy Lucentis at a cost of $1,575 per vial, which is split into four treatments. Avastin costs from $300 to $375 per vial and can be split into 20 treatments.
So, doctors purchasing and prescribing Avastin will put out $300 to $375 per vial, but could be paid as much as $10,600. The potential payout is less attractive for Lucentis, with its higher price tag. ...more
Hospital pharmacists overworked, provide little advice: survey
From Taiwan News Online:
Pharmacists working in Taiwan hospitals tend to have too heavy a workload, which leaves them little time to advise patients, according to the results of a survey released Saturday by the Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation.
The survey, conducted from Jan. 19-21 at 20 medical centers around Taiwan, found that, on average, the pharmacists served 450 patients per day during the three-day period leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday this year.
The results revealed that more than one quarter of pharmacists are so busy that they cannot provide any verbal information to patients.
Among those who could do so, 80 percent only spoke if the patients asked them questions, with the conversations averaging just 35 seconds, the results showed.
Also, 6.3 percent of pharmacists do not verify the identities of patients before distributing medicines to them, which could increase the chances of mistakes, the poll found.
Meanwhile, approximately 60 percent of the patients surveyed thought that pharmacists should explain to them matters such as possible side effects of the medicines and whether there is likely to be any interaction with other drugs or food. However, only about one quarter of pharmacists offer such information verbally to patients, the survey showed. ...more
Pharmacists working in Taiwan hospitals tend to have too heavy a workload, which leaves them little time to advise patients, according to the results of a survey released Saturday by the Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation.
The survey, conducted from Jan. 19-21 at 20 medical centers around Taiwan, found that, on average, the pharmacists served 450 patients per day during the three-day period leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday this year.
The results revealed that more than one quarter of pharmacists are so busy that they cannot provide any verbal information to patients.
Among those who could do so, 80 percent only spoke if the patients asked them questions, with the conversations averaging just 35 seconds, the results showed.
Also, 6.3 percent of pharmacists do not verify the identities of patients before distributing medicines to them, which could increase the chances of mistakes, the poll found.
Meanwhile, approximately 60 percent of the patients surveyed thought that pharmacists should explain to them matters such as possible side effects of the medicines and whether there is likely to be any interaction with other drugs or food. However, only about one quarter of pharmacists offer such information verbally to patients, the survey showed. ...more
Ottawa seizing Mexican cancer drug
From the National Post:
Cancer patients desperate enough to order cheaper, unlicensed versions of the drug thalidomide from Mexico now face another challenge to getting treatment: Federal authorities have reportedly begun seizing supplies of the life-extending medicine at the border.
"Health Canada is stopping every single box of thalidomide," said an official with a Mexican company that makes the pills, who asked not to be named. "Patients are starting to die because of this."
Patient advocates said they had also heard reports that Health Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency have instituted a crackdown on shipments of thalidomide from Mexico and other developing countries.
Health Canada officials would not comment directly on whether they had stepped up seizures, but said their policy has always been to bar unsanctioned imports of such drugs into the country.
The development has nevertheless heightened calls on provincial governments to reimburse the steep costs of the one permitted brand of thalidomide and a similar, newer drug, both of which can add years to the lives of people with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. ...more
Cancer patients desperate enough to order cheaper, unlicensed versions of the drug thalidomide from Mexico now face another challenge to getting treatment: Federal authorities have reportedly begun seizing supplies of the life-extending medicine at the border.
"Health Canada is stopping every single box of thalidomide," said an official with a Mexican company that makes the pills, who asked not to be named. "Patients are starting to die because of this."
Patient advocates said they had also heard reports that Health Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency have instituted a crackdown on shipments of thalidomide from Mexico and other developing countries.
Health Canada officials would not comment directly on whether they had stepped up seizures, but said their policy has always been to bar unsanctioned imports of such drugs into the country.
The development has nevertheless heightened calls on provincial governments to reimburse the steep costs of the one permitted brand of thalidomide and a similar, newer drug, both of which can add years to the lives of people with multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer. ...more
Canada backs drug financing mechanism
From the National Post:
Jim Flaherty, the Minister of Finance, helped cut the ribbon on Friday in Italy on a largely unheralded initiative that could represent one of Canada's most significant contributions ever to improving global health.
The $1.5-billion initiative is known as the Advance Market Commitment, or AMC, and Canadian officials as well as those involved in improving global public health say it will save nearly a million lives by 2030 in the world's poorest countries.
"It is novel. This hasn't been done before," Mr. Flaherty said before leaving for Italy and a weekend meeting of G8 finance ministers.
The finance ministers gathered in Lecce to discuss some of the world's most pressing financial problems but Mr. Flaherty, along with the finance ministers from Italy and other countries, held a brief ceremony ahead of those talks to officially launch AMC, a culmination of more than two years of work. ...more
Jim Flaherty, the Minister of Finance, helped cut the ribbon on Friday in Italy on a largely unheralded initiative that could represent one of Canada's most significant contributions ever to improving global health.
The $1.5-billion initiative is known as the Advance Market Commitment, or AMC, and Canadian officials as well as those involved in improving global public health say it will save nearly a million lives by 2030 in the world's poorest countries.
"It is novel. This hasn't been done before," Mr. Flaherty said before leaving for Italy and a weekend meeting of G8 finance ministers.
The finance ministers gathered in Lecce to discuss some of the world's most pressing financial problems but Mr. Flaherty, along with the finance ministers from Italy and other countries, held a brief ceremony ahead of those talks to officially launch AMC, a culmination of more than two years of work. ...more
Flu drugs relatively safe for pregnant, breastfeeding women, should be used: study
From the Canadian Press:
The antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women, say the authors of review of data that includes previously unpublished evidence.
The analysis, published electronically on Monday by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggested Tamiflu is the best bet for pregnant women, but either drug can be used safely by breastfeeding women who come down with influenza.
The review may assuage concerns of women who contract swine flu and are worried about whether or not to use antiviral drugs. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications than their non-pregnant peers when they catch seasonal flu. Evidence from some previous pandemics suggests they can be hit disproportionately hard by a strain of pandemic influenza.
"During the current pandemic, we shouldn't hesitate to treat those patients at increased risk," said senior author Dr. Shinya Ito, head of the division of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. ...more
The antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza are relatively safe for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women, say the authors of review of data that includes previously unpublished evidence.
The analysis, published electronically on Monday by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggested Tamiflu is the best bet for pregnant women, but either drug can be used safely by breastfeeding women who come down with influenza.
The review may assuage concerns of women who contract swine flu and are worried about whether or not to use antiviral drugs. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications than their non-pregnant peers when they catch seasonal flu. Evidence from some previous pandemics suggests they can be hit disproportionately hard by a strain of pandemic influenza.
"During the current pandemic, we shouldn't hesitate to treat those patients at increased risk," said senior author Dr. Shinya Ito, head of the division of clinical pharmacology and toxicology at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. ...more
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Pfizer oral drug may shake up arthritis market
From Reuters:
An experimental oral drug from Pfizer could shake up the rheumatoid arthritis market, after impressive results were presented at a medical meeting in Denmark this week.
The drug, known only by the code CP-690,550, is likely to prove a cheaper and more convenient alternative to costly anti-TNF biotech treatments, which have led the field in the past decade, medical experts and industry analysts said.
"The next wave of drugs will be oral. I think what companies are trying to develop are oral agents that can be at least as effective or almost as effective as an anti-TNF," said lead investigator Roy Fleischmann of University of Texas, Dallas.
"Having a compound that is more convenient and cheaper, with a similar risk-benefit ratio to a more expensive biologic, is very important, particularly in these tough economic times," he told Reuters in a telephone interview. ...more
An experimental oral drug from Pfizer could shake up the rheumatoid arthritis market, after impressive results were presented at a medical meeting in Denmark this week.
The drug, known only by the code CP-690,550, is likely to prove a cheaper and more convenient alternative to costly anti-TNF biotech treatments, which have led the field in the past decade, medical experts and industry analysts said.
"The next wave of drugs will be oral. I think what companies are trying to develop are oral agents that can be at least as effective or almost as effective as an anti-TNF," said lead investigator Roy Fleischmann of University of Texas, Dallas.
"Having a compound that is more convenient and cheaper, with a similar risk-benefit ratio to a more expensive biologic, is very important, particularly in these tough economic times," he told Reuters in a telephone interview. ...more
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