From the Brandon Sun:
Swiss drug giant Hoffman-La Roche moved to temporarily suspend pharmacy sales of its drug Tamiflu in Canada on Tuesday to conserve stocks as flu season nears.
It also issued a companywide directive that supplies of the drug destined for the public market worldwide should be prioritized for use as treatment for seasonal flu. ...more
Monday, October 31, 2005
Emergency contraceptives now more available
From the Nunasiaq News:
Women in Nunavut have new levels of access to emergency contraceptives, commonly known as the “morning after” pill.
If taken within 72 hours after sex, emergency contraceptives can cut the risk of pregnancy by as much as 89 per cent.
Health Canada announced that women across the country would be able to get emergency contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription in the spring of 2004. The drugs rolled out slowly across Canada as pharmacists received special training so they could dispense the pill safely. ...more
Women in Nunavut have new levels of access to emergency contraceptives, commonly known as the “morning after” pill.
If taken within 72 hours after sex, emergency contraceptives can cut the risk of pregnancy by as much as 89 per cent.
Health Canada announced that women across the country would be able to get emergency contraceptives without a doctor’s prescription in the spring of 2004. The drugs rolled out slowly across Canada as pharmacists received special training so they could dispense the pill safely. ...more
West faces barriers in restricting meth ingredients
From the Edmonton Sun:
Getting the western provinces and territories to agree on a plan to restrict sales of cold medicine used to make crystal meth hasn’t been as easy as planned, says Saskatchewan’s new minister for addiction services.
In June, western Canadian politicians at a conference called by Premier Lorne Calvert agreed to come up with a plan by Oct. 1 to put restrictions on the sale of medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Both are used in making the highly addictive crystal methamphetamine.
...more
Getting the western provinces and territories to agree on a plan to restrict sales of cold medicine used to make crystal meth hasn’t been as easy as planned, says Saskatchewan’s new minister for addiction services.
In June, western Canadian politicians at a conference called by Premier Lorne Calvert agreed to come up with a plan by Oct. 1 to put restrictions on the sale of medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Both are used in making the highly addictive crystal methamphetamine.
...more
Canadian drug market lags
From MSNBC:
The daily publicity over importing prescription drugs from Canada has quieted this year, but cheap drugs from Canada are still bought and sold in Sacramento.
A small storefront on Arden Way that's linked to a pharmacy in Winnipeg has processed 5,500 prescriptions since it opened 18 months ago. At least two other outlets still help local folks buy inexpensive medicine from Canada. ...more
The daily publicity over importing prescription drugs from Canada has quieted this year, but cheap drugs from Canada are still bought and sold in Sacramento.
A small storefront on Arden Way that's linked to a pharmacy in Winnipeg has processed 5,500 prescriptions since it opened 18 months ago. At least two other outlets still help local folks buy inexpensive medicine from Canada. ...more
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Prescription pipeline from Canada steadily drying up
From Florida Today:
Charles Barker, 75, comes to Melbourne every few weeks to pick up his mail-order prescription medications.
Parker gets them from Canada to save more than $300 a month. He lived in Palm Bay for more than 50 years but is moving to the Panhandle.
When he checked his post office box recently, though, he didn't get his three-month supply of glaucoma medicine. Instead, he found a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration saying his medicine had been confiscated. ...more
Charles Barker, 75, comes to Melbourne every few weeks to pick up his mail-order prescription medications.
Parker gets them from Canada to save more than $300 a month. He lived in Palm Bay for more than 50 years but is moving to the Panhandle.
When he checked his post office box recently, though, he didn't get his three-month supply of glaucoma medicine. Instead, he found a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration saying his medicine had been confiscated. ...more
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Canada to increase antiviral stockpile with more Tamiflu, other drugs
From the Canadian Press:
Canada will be increasing its stockpile of antiviral drugs to protect against a possible flu pandemic, with additional purchases of Tamiflu and new purchases of the drug Relenza, the country's chief medical officer of health said Tuesday.
Dr. David Butler-Jones told The Canadian Press some provinces have intentions to buy an additional five million pills - or 500,000 treatment courses - of the drug oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, over the next two fiscal years. ...more
Canada will be increasing its stockpile of antiviral drugs to protect against a possible flu pandemic, with additional purchases of Tamiflu and new purchases of the drug Relenza, the country's chief medical officer of health said Tuesday.
Dr. David Butler-Jones told The Canadian Press some provinces have intentions to buy an additional five million pills - or 500,000 treatment courses - of the drug oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, over the next two fiscal years. ...more
No plan yet on crystal meth ingredients
From CBC Saskatchewan:
In June, Western Canadian politicians in Regina for a crystal-meth conference said they'd work out a plan to control ingredients used to make the street drug.
The deadline for coming up with specifics for restricting the sale of cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was Oct. 1.
However, weeks after that date there's still no agreement. ...more
In June, Western Canadian politicians in Regina for a crystal-meth conference said they'd work out a plan to control ingredients used to make the street drug.
The deadline for coming up with specifics for restricting the sale of cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine was Oct. 1.
However, weeks after that date there's still no agreement. ...more
Tamiflu sales temporarily on hold in Canada
From CTV News:
A higher-than-normal increase in demand has forced the Canadian drug maker of Tamiflu to temporarily pull it off the market, amid growing concerns over an imminent flu pandemic.
Oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication that is widely considered to be the best defence against the spread of a bird flu pandemic.
...more
A higher-than-normal increase in demand has forced the Canadian drug maker of Tamiflu to temporarily pull it off the market, amid growing concerns over an imminent flu pandemic.
Oseltamivir, sold as Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication that is widely considered to be the best defence against the spread of a bird flu pandemic.
...more
Monday, October 24, 2005
Diet drug may go over the counter
From Newsday (NY):
Drugstore shelves are brimming with shakes, herbs and other products to facilitate weight loss — but the vast majority of them have not been shown to work. It's possible that a proven medication that helps modestly with weight loss may join their ranks next year.
The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has asked the Food and Drug Administration for permission to sell a low-dose version of its diet drug Xenical over the counter. If approved, Xenical would be the first weight loss medication to make the switch from prescription to nonprescription status. ...more
Drugstore shelves are brimming with shakes, herbs and other products to facilitate weight loss — but the vast majority of them have not been shown to work. It's possible that a proven medication that helps modestly with weight loss may join their ranks next year.
The pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline has asked the Food and Drug Administration for permission to sell a low-dose version of its diet drug Xenical over the counter. If approved, Xenical would be the first weight loss medication to make the switch from prescription to nonprescription status. ...more
Important Safety Information on Flomax (tamsulosin) and Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)
From Health Canada:
This communication is to inform you of a surgical condition termed Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)1 that has been observed during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in some patients currently or recently treated with alpha -1 blocker therapy. This variant of small pupil syndrome is characterised by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. ...more
This communication is to inform you of a surgical condition termed Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome (IFIS)1 that has been observed during phacoemulsification cataract surgery in some patients currently or recently treated with alpha -1 blocker therapy. This variant of small pupil syndrome is characterised by the combination of a flaccid iris that billows in response to intraoperative irrigation currents, progressive intraoperative miosis despite preoperative dilation with standard mydriatic drugs, and potential prolapse of the iris toward the phacoemulsification incisions. ...more
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Key Nevada lawmakers push Canadian drug plan
From the Las Vegas Sun:
Two lawmakers who had key roles in developing a new state law to let Nevadans buy lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada have urged the attorney general's office to produce an opinion that doesn't undercut the law.
In a letter to Attorney General Brian Sandoval, Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, and Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, said the opinion should reflect state lawmakers' intent to help Nevadans get "safe prescription drugs at fair prices." ...more
Two lawmakers who had key roles in developing a new state law to let Nevadans buy lower-priced prescription drugs from Canada have urged the attorney general's office to produce an opinion that doesn't undercut the law.
In a letter to Attorney General Brian Sandoval, Assembly Majority Leader Barbara Buckley, D-Las Vegas, and Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, said the opinion should reflect state lawmakers' intent to help Nevadans get "safe prescription drugs at fair prices." ...more
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Pharmacists lead the charge
From 24 Hours Vancouver:
The provincial New Democrats and Liberals don't agree on much. In fact, you don't even want to be in the same room with them if the issue of privatization or labour relations comes up.
But both sides of the house seem to agree tobacco sales should be banned in pharmacies ...more
The provincial New Democrats and Liberals don't agree on much. In fact, you don't even want to be in the same room with them if the issue of privatization or labour relations comes up.
But both sides of the house seem to agree tobacco sales should be banned in pharmacies ...more
Plenty of anti-viral drugs in storage
From the Ottawa Sun:
The federal Public Health Agency has stockpiled 23 million doses of an anti-viral drug as part of its overall preparedness plan against the next pandemic breakout.
"One of the activities of preparing for the next pandemic is creating a national anti-viral stockpile ... and the stockpile is of the brand name Tamiflu," said agency spokesman Aggie Adamczyk yesterday. ...more
The federal Public Health Agency has stockpiled 23 million doses of an anti-viral drug as part of its overall preparedness plan against the next pandemic breakout.
"One of the activities of preparing for the next pandemic is creating a national anti-viral stockpile ... and the stockpile is of the brand name Tamiflu," said agency spokesman Aggie Adamczyk yesterday. ...more
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Bill would open door to Canadian imports
From the Gazette (MD):
Government officials, banking on millions in possible savings, took steps this week to allow county employees to buy cheaper medications from Canada.
On Tuesday, the County Council introduced legislation that would direct the county’s Department of Human Resources to offer a prescription drug benefit that would be supplied by ‘‘domestic or foreign pharmacy benefit managers.” ...more
Government officials, banking on millions in possible savings, took steps this week to allow county employees to buy cheaper medications from Canada.
On Tuesday, the County Council introduced legislation that would direct the county’s Department of Human Resources to offer a prescription drug benefit that would be supplied by ‘‘domestic or foreign pharmacy benefit managers.” ...more
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Some asthma drugs used improperly may increase risk of death: Health Canada
From the Canadian Press:
A class of asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-2 agonists may increase the risk of death if used improperly, Health Canada warned Tuesday.
The drugs are prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and cough.
Based on data from a large patient trial, Health Canada said the danger of asthma-related death may be greater in patients taking long-acting beta-2 agonists without using inhaled corticosteroids at the same time. ...more
A class of asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-2 agonists may increase the risk of death if used improperly, Health Canada warned Tuesday.
The drugs are prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath and cough.
Based on data from a large patient trial, Health Canada said the danger of asthma-related death may be greater in patients taking long-acting beta-2 agonists without using inhaled corticosteroids at the same time. ...more
The Globe and Mail: Katz writing new prescription for success
From the Globe and Mail:
Drug-store retailer Katz Group Canada Ltd. is fixing for a fight with industry top dog Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. by borrowing a page from the Shoppers book on merchandising.
Katz is trying to simplify its grab bag of chains, which operate under Pharma Plus, Rexall and other banners, and wants to make the Rexall brand the unifying force for its network of about 1,900 pharmacies. ...more
Drug-store retailer Katz Group Canada Ltd. is fixing for a fight with industry top dog Shoppers Drug Mart Corp. by borrowing a page from the Shoppers book on merchandising.
Katz is trying to simplify its grab bag of chains, which operate under Pharma Plus, Rexall and other banners, and wants to make the Rexall brand the unifying force for its network of about 1,900 pharmacies. ...more
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Safety information about a class of asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-2 agonists
From Health Canada:
Health Canada is advising Canadians of the possible increased risks of asthma-related deaths associated with the use of a class of asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-2 agonists. Further, Health Canada is reminding Canadians of the recommended uses of long-acting beta-2 agonists.
The asthma medications are salmeterol, which is sold under the brand name Serevent; formoterol, sold as Foradil and Oxeze; as well as two combination products containing salmeterol or formoterol in addition to an inhaled corticosteroid. The combination product with salmeterol is sold as Advair, while the formoterol product is sold as Symbicort. ...more
Health Canada is advising Canadians of the possible increased risks of asthma-related deaths associated with the use of a class of asthma drugs known as long-acting beta-2 agonists. Further, Health Canada is reminding Canadians of the recommended uses of long-acting beta-2 agonists.
The asthma medications are salmeterol, which is sold under the brand name Serevent; formoterol, sold as Foradil and Oxeze; as well as two combination products containing salmeterol or formoterol in addition to an inhaled corticosteroid. The combination product with salmeterol is sold as Advair, while the formoterol product is sold as Symbicort. ...more
Few are using I-SaveRx for prescriptions
From the Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph:
A controversial plan to connect Illinoisans with low-priced prescription drugs from outside of the United States has not drawn huge numbers of participants.
But, on the eve of the first anniversary of the I-SaveRx program, Gov. Rod Blagojevich deemed the program a success. ...more
A controversial plan to connect Illinoisans with low-priced prescription drugs from outside of the United States has not drawn huge numbers of participants.
But, on the eve of the first anniversary of the I-SaveRx program, Gov. Rod Blagojevich deemed the program a success. ...more
Sunday, October 02, 2005
India co. to sell generic drugs in Canada
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer:
India's largest drug company announced Thursday it was entering the Canadian generic drug market with the launch of a subsidiary called Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. said the firm already had regulatory approval to sell eight products and four others were awaiting approval. ...more
India's largest drug company announced Thursday it was entering the Canadian generic drug market with the launch of a subsidiary called Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. said the firm already had regulatory approval to sell eight products and four others were awaiting approval. ...more
Sask. tops in prescriptions
From the Regina Leader Post:
Saskatchewan families are the biggest spenders when it comes to out-of-pocket prescription drug purchases, according to a Statistics Canada study.
The study looked at household spending on prescription drugs between 1992 and 2002. Saskatchewan families spent an average of $415 on medications in 2002, the highest in Canada. < href="http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/city_province/story.html?id=85341557-6372-4a14-b86b-07e4badcbc1b">...more
Saskatchewan families are the biggest spenders when it comes to out-of-pocket prescription drug purchases, according to a Statistics Canada study.
The study looked at household spending on prescription drugs between 1992 and 2002. Saskatchewan families spent an average of $415 on medications in 2002, the highest in Canada. < href="http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/news/city_province/story.html?id=85341557-6372-4a14-b86b-07e4badcbc1b">...more
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