From the Alberta Daily Herald Tribune:
More than 25 different sedative-type drugs, including the date-rape drug Rohypnol, could be the one used to terrorize fourth-floor staff at Grande Prairie's QEII hospital, says an Alberta pharmaceutical expert.
For the past 16 months, there have been more than 20 reports of staff on the floor experiencing dizziness, memory loss and having to go home and sleep for hours. Union officials have said that at least three staff members have tested positive for a drug in their system. Peace Country Health has told staff members not to share their food and drink or leave it unattended. RCMP are investigating. ...more
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Beta blockers don't help low-risk patients after non-cardiac surgery: study
From the Canadian Press:
New research raises concerns about the popular practice of giving most heart patients drugs that reduce the heart's workload before and after major surgery.
Guidelines recommend giving beta blocker pills to people at high risk of heart problems if they are undergoing non-cardiac surgery. But hospitals routinely prescribe the drugs to most heart patients, even those at lower risk of complications, who are having an operation. Researchers found that low-risk patients given the drugs were significantly more likely to die. ...more
New research raises concerns about the popular practice of giving most heart patients drugs that reduce the heart's workload before and after major surgery.
Guidelines recommend giving beta blocker pills to people at high risk of heart problems if they are undergoing non-cardiac surgery. But hospitals routinely prescribe the drugs to most heart patients, even those at lower risk of complications, who are having an operation. Researchers found that low-risk patients given the drugs were significantly more likely to die. ...more
Study finds Echinacea doesn't help colds
From CTV News:
It's long been touted as an ideal drug-free way to fend off the common cold. But a new study suggests that Echinacea is better at boosting hopes than it is at boosting the immune system.
The U.S. study found that patients who take the popular herbal remedy fare no better than those who take a dummy treatment. ...more
It's long been touted as an ideal drug-free way to fend off the common cold. But a new study suggests that Echinacea is better at boosting hopes than it is at boosting the immune system.
The U.S. study found that patients who take the popular herbal remedy fare no better than those who take a dummy treatment. ...more
Quebec to fund costly breast cancer drug
From CBC Montreal:
Quebec is one of three provinces which will pay for expanded use of the expensive cancer-fighting drug Herceptin.
In May, clinical trial results suggested Herceptin (Trastuzumab) in addition to traditional chemotherapy can prevent recurrence of breast cancer and improve overall survival rates from the disease. ...more
Quebec is one of three provinces which will pay for expanded use of the expensive cancer-fighting drug Herceptin.
In May, clinical trial results suggested Herceptin (Trastuzumab) in addition to traditional chemotherapy can prevent recurrence of breast cancer and improve overall survival rates from the disease. ...more
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Local discount-prescription businesses diversifying as Canada warns of pull-back
From the Fort Myers (FL) News Press:
Customers worried their access to cheaper Canadian drugs might be jeopardized need not fear: the world is at their fingertips.
Canadian health officials last month announced they intend to ban the bulk export of prescription drugs when supplies are low there, sending a ripple of concern through thousands of Southwest Florida residents who rely on Canada to save them money. ...more
Customers worried their access to cheaper Canadian drugs might be jeopardized need not fear: the world is at their fingertips.
Canadian health officials last month announced they intend to ban the bulk export of prescription drugs when supplies are low there, sending a ripple of concern through thousands of Southwest Florida residents who rely on Canada to save them money. ...more
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Health Canada advises about vision problems possibly associated with Viagra, Cialis and Levitra
From Health Canada:
Health Canada is advising individuals who use the drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra to consult their physicians and seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden vision loss or vision-related problems while taking these drugs. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are drugs used to treat impotence and erectile dysfunction in men. ...more
Health Canada is advising individuals who use the drugs Viagra, Cialis and Levitra to consult their physicians and seek immediate medical attention if they experience sudden vision loss or vision-related problems while taking these drugs. Viagra, Cialis and Levitra are drugs used to treat impotence and erectile dysfunction in men. ...more
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Important Safety Information on Concomitant Use of PAXIL or PAXIL CR and pimozide (Orap)
From Health Canada:
The concomitant use of PAXIL® or PAXIL CR™ and pimozide (Orap®) is contraindicated as paroxetine has been shown to increase plasma pimozide levels. Elevation of pimozide blood concentration may result in QT interval prolongation and severe arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes.
...more
The concomitant use of PAXIL® or PAXIL CR™ and pimozide (Orap®) is contraindicated as paroxetine has been shown to increase plasma pimozide levels. Elevation of pimozide blood concentration may result in QT interval prolongation and severe arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes.
...more
Senate panel endorses drug bill
From the Portland (Maine) Press Herald:
A Senate committee approved legislation Thursday to allow people to buy prescription drugs from other countries, but the prospects for the bill's ultimate passage remain uncertain.
The Senate Commerce Committee voted 13-8 to add the legislation from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, to a bill governing the Federal Trade Commission. Snowe said the goal behind the bill is to take advantage of lower, government-limited prices in other countries. ...more
A Senate committee approved legislation Thursday to allow people to buy prescription drugs from other countries, but the prospects for the bill's ultimate passage remain uncertain.
The Senate Commerce Committee voted 13-8 to add the legislation from U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, to a bill governing the Federal Trade Commission. Snowe said the goal behind the bill is to take advantage of lower, government-limited prices in other countries. ...more
State advances its quest for Canadian drugs
From In Business Las Vegas:
The Nevada Pharmacy Board is one step closer to making Canadian drugs available to Nevadans.
Pharmacy Board lawyer Louis Ling and incoming executive director Larry Pinson visited with about 20 Canadian pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for a few days last week.
The pharmacies are interested in selling prescription drugs to Nevadans -- at a lower rate on brand-name drugs than is available from U.S. pharmacies. Canada has mandated discounts imposed on pharmaceutical manufacturers, while the United States does not. ...more
The Nevada Pharmacy Board is one step closer to making Canadian drugs available to Nevadans.
Pharmacy Board lawyer Louis Ling and incoming executive director Larry Pinson visited with about 20 Canadian pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for a few days last week.
The pharmacies are interested in selling prescription drugs to Nevadans -- at a lower rate on brand-name drugs than is available from U.S. pharmacies. Canada has mandated discounts imposed on pharmaceutical manufacturers, while the United States does not. ...more
Democrats propose bill to let Michigan residents buy cheaper drugs
From the Detroit Free Press:
State House Democrats say Michigan residents could save big on prescription drugs if the state joins a program letting them buy medicines from Canada and other countries.
Democrats planned to announce legislation Monday that would allow Michigan to get into the I-SaveRx program, which helps individuals buy about 150 brand-name drugs at a lower price because they are shipped from outside the United States. ...more
State House Democrats say Michigan residents could save big on prescription drugs if the state joins a program letting them buy medicines from Canada and other countries.
Democrats planned to announce legislation Monday that would allow Michigan to get into the I-SaveRx program, which helps individuals buy about 150 brand-name drugs at a lower price because they are shipped from outside the United States. ...more
Red tape, not politics, keeps abortion pill out of Canada
From the Ottawa Citizen:
In virtually any industrialized country, women seeking to terminate pregnancies need not check into a hospital or abortion clinic. They need only take a fistful of pills and a glass of water: in every country, that is, except Canada, where RU-486, the "abortion pill," remains unavailable a quarter century after it was invented. ...more
In virtually any industrialized country, women seeking to terminate pregnancies need not check into a hospital or abortion clinic. They need only take a fistful of pills and a glass of water: in every country, that is, except Canada, where RU-486, the "abortion pill," remains unavailable a quarter century after it was invented. ...more
Lawsuit alleges Eli Lilly Parkinson's drug linked to gambling
From the Globe and Mail:
A second lawsuit has been filed in Ontario that alleges a connection between gambling and a popular drug to treat Parkinson's disease.
Eli Lilly Canada Inc. of Toronto said it received a statement of claim that alleges its Permax drug causes "compulsive, obsessive behaviour, including pathological gambling."...more
A second lawsuit has been filed in Ontario that alleges a connection between gambling and a popular drug to treat Parkinson's disease.
Eli Lilly Canada Inc. of Toronto said it received a statement of claim that alleges its Permax drug causes "compulsive, obsessive behaviour, including pathological gambling."...more
Ontario myeloma patients want life-saving drug in wake of Herceptin approval
From the Canadian Press:
Many people in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec are celebrating this weekend after their provincial governments approved the expensive breast cancer drug Herceptin.
But for a group of people in Ontario suffering from a type of cancer with its own fast-tracked wonder drug that didn't get funded, the announcement brought only disappointment and feelings of desperation. ...more
Many people in Ontario, Saskatchewan and Quebec are celebrating this weekend after their provincial governments approved the expensive breast cancer drug Herceptin.
But for a group of people in Ontario suffering from a type of cancer with its own fast-tracked wonder drug that didn't get funded, the announcement brought only disappointment and feelings of desperation. ...more
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Two countries join drug program
From the Peoria (Ill.) Journal Star:
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's struggling I-SaveRx prescription drug program is gaining two more countries from which enrollees can order medication.
Blagojovich said Monday that Australia and New Zealand will join the program this fall. ...more
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's struggling I-SaveRx prescription drug program is gaining two more countries from which enrollees can order medication.
Blagojovich said Monday that Australia and New Zealand will join the program this fall. ...more
Monday, July 18, 2005
Illinois Expands I-Save-RX Program To Australia, New Zealand
From KSDK-TV (MO):
Governor Rod Blagojevich says the I-Save-RX drug import program will expand to Australia and New Zealand as a source for prescription medicine.
The expansion was announced just weeks after Canada's health minister said his country would no longer be a cheap drug store for the United States. ...more
Governor Rod Blagojevich says the I-Save-RX drug import program will expand to Australia and New Zealand as a source for prescription medicine.
The expansion was announced just weeks after Canada's health minister said his country would no longer be a cheap drug store for the United States. ...more
Friday, July 15, 2005
Ontarians warned not to hoard ’flu drugs
From the Fort Frances (Ontario)Times:
Canadians confronted with the threat of a global pandemic should refrain from stockpiling antiviral drugs to avoid depleting national supplies and hurting efforts to mitigate the impact of an influenza outbreak, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health warned yesterday.
Canadians are increasingly asking their doctors for back-up doses of Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, a practice Dr. Sheela Basrur is trying to discourage. ...more
Canadians confronted with the threat of a global pandemic should refrain from stockpiling antiviral drugs to avoid depleting national supplies and hurting efforts to mitigate the impact of an influenza outbreak, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health warned yesterday.
Canadians are increasingly asking their doctors for back-up doses of Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, a practice Dr. Sheela Basrur is trying to discourage. ...more
Health Canada issues advisory over statins
From CTV.ca:
Some patients with underlying health conditions could be at risk of serious side-effects from widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, Health Canada advised Tuesday.
The medications, which include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Lescol and Lescol XL (fluvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin), put some patients with pre-existing medical conditions at greater risk of muscle-related problems. ...more
Some patients with underlying health conditions could be at risk of serious side-effects from widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins, Health Canada advised Tuesday.
The medications, which include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Mevacor (lovastatin), Lescol and Lescol XL (fluvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin), put some patients with pre-existing medical conditions at greater risk of muscle-related problems. ...more
Prestigious award for Mountain pharmacist
From the Hamilton Mountain News:
For the past three years Hamilton pharmacist Irene Hogan has been helping women with their special health care needs.
Ms. Hogan, who operates a women's health specialty practice at the three DayNight pharmacies on the Mountain, was recently presented with the Patient Care Achievement Award for Specialty Practice at the Canadian Pharmacists Association's annual convention in Quebec City. ...more
For the past three years Hamilton pharmacist Irene Hogan has been helping women with their special health care needs.
Ms. Hogan, who operates a women's health specialty practice at the three DayNight pharmacies on the Mountain, was recently presented with the Patient Care Achievement Award for Specialty Practice at the Canadian Pharmacists Association's annual convention in Quebec City. ...more
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Put ibuprofen behind counter: health panel
From CBC Nova Scotia:
The popular pain reliever ibuprofen may be moved behind the counter at pharmacies in Nova Scotia, if a panel recommendation is implemented.
The national drug review panel was formed to review the use of COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, medications prescribed to relieve pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis....more
The popular pain reliever ibuprofen may be moved behind the counter at pharmacies in Nova Scotia, if a panel recommendation is implemented.
The national drug review panel was formed to review the use of COX-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, medications prescribed to relieve pain from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis....more
Business Press
From the Las Vegas Business Press:
University Medical Center Director of Pharmacy Don Frisch thinks the poor will have a tough time using Nevada's Canadian drug importation system.
Oncologist Dr. Arnold Wax is passionate when he talks about skyrocketing drug prices in the United States. The Southern Nevada physician has seen his patients make difficult choices. Some have had to skimp on buying potentially lifesaving drugs while substituting cheaper, less-effective, alternatives in their place. ...more
University Medical Center Director of Pharmacy Don Frisch thinks the poor will have a tough time using Nevada's Canadian drug importation system.
Oncologist Dr. Arnold Wax is passionate when he talks about skyrocketing drug prices in the United States. The Southern Nevada physician has seen his patients make difficult choices. Some have had to skimp on buying potentially lifesaving drugs while substituting cheaper, less-effective, alternatives in their place. ...more
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