Chemist & Druggist articles from August 2004

Chemist & Druggist archives from August 2004

NPA pledges to back Shipman pharmacist.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain )(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The NPA has promised to defend the pharmacist criticised in the Shipman report against any action by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Chief executive John D'Arcy said the NPA would offer its "full support" to pharmacist Ghislaine Brant,...

Gidley urges continued fight on community pharmacy.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Pharmacists must still lobby against the deregulation of the community pharmacy network as the Government may not yet have decided its final response, an MP and pharmacist has said. They need to keep reminding everyone what a valuable...

Update MCQ enclosed.
August 7, 2004... This week's issue contains the questionnaire for the following Pharmacy Update modules carried in July: * Stopping antidepressants (1308) * Ankylosing spondylitis (1309) * SSRIs in cancer(1310). Pharmacy Update is a distance...

Multiples discount first OTC statin.(Over the Counter statin)(Zocor Heart-Pro )
August 7, 2004... The Co-operative Pharmacy Group and Moss Pharmacy have announced price cuts of the first OTC statin launched last week. Co-operative Pharmacy Group said that it would sell Zocor Heart-Pro at #9.79 instead of the recommended retail price of...

Plans for electronic script signatures.
August 7, 2004... The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is consulting on proposals for signing electronic prescriptions. The MHRA is proposing to amend the POM Order 1997 to allow the use of advanced electronic signatures, which are more...

Cash on offer to Welsh pharmacists.
August 7, 2004... Pharmacists working in Wales are eligible for two Government research grants. The Pharmacy Practice Development Scheme offers a maximum of #10,000 for research in six specific areas, while the chief medical officer's research budget offers...

NPA online set for expansion.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... An NPA pilot to allow members to have online access to its information department is to be expanded after proving successful. Chief executive John D'Arcy said although members found the four-week pilot easy to use and helpful, it did not...

Final year research project.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Mohammed Ouhadj, a pharmacy student at Nottingham University, has won a #250 award from the Co-operative Pharmacy Technical Panel for his final year research project on lessening the impact of MRSA. He received his cheque from Co-op Group...

CHRE opposed to earlier input in disciplinary cases.(Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence opposes undue leniency)
August 7, 2004... The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence sees no need for an earlier input into health regulators' disciplinary processes, despite having to go to court to challenge their rulings. Last week a High Court judge agreed that CHRE was...

2,000 technicians keen to register.
August 7, 2004... More than 2,000 pharmacy technicians have registered interest in the proposed technicians' register, yet pharmacy bodies still don't know what the final number could be. So far, the RPSGB has received details from 1,725 technicians who...

Pharmacy multiples and OTC industry set training standards for staff.
August 7, 2004... The UK's largest pharmacy multiples have teamed up with OTC manufacturers to develop good practice guidelines for the pharmaceutical industry's training packages for pharmacy staff. The new `good practice checklist' has 10 guiding...

GPs get #108m for premises.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The Government will give GPs in England an extra #108 million to help refurbish and develop their surgeries but has not announced any funding for pharmacy premises. This is in addition to the #1.19 billion already being invested in primary care...

NPC helps prescribers.
August 7, 2004... The National Prescribing Centre has published guidance material on its website for allied health professionals seeking and wishing to maintain supplementary prescriber status. For more information:...

UK big pharma set up university research fund.(AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer)
August 7, 2004... AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, working with the British Pharmacological Society, have established a fund of #1 million a year for the next four years to support UK university research in pharmacology, physiology and toxicology. ...

Counter Fraud generics case grows.(generic drug industry)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service investigations into anti-competitive behaviour in the generic drug industry have issued a further set of proceedings. On August 2, the secretary of state for health, the Prescription...

Duke of York opens Research Centre.(Tripos Discovery Research Centre )(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... HRH The Duke of York has opened the #16 million Tripos Discovery Research Centre in Bude, North Cornwall. The expanded American-owned company has created more than 65,000sq ft of laboratories, offices and 100 high-tech jobs. The expansion was...

New owner for Lady Jane.(Richardson Sheffield buys distribution rights from Cork International UK )(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Richardson Sheffield has bought the distribution rights for Lady Jayne, Manicare and Home Living ranges from Cork International UK which is in receivership. Manicare and Lady Jayne customers are being contacted with details of the new...

Pfizer tackles Viagra fakes.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Pfizer is taking legal action against illegitimate online pharmacies and working with law enforcement agencies to block sales of counterfeit versions of Viagra. It has also launched a public awareness campaign and online resource at...

P&G sticks with Ceuta.(Procter & Gamble Ltd. and Ceuta Healthcare Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Procter & Gamble has extended its outsourcing contract with Ceuta to include P&G's full range of haircare, skincare, feminine care, Max Factor, babycare and personal healthcare products. "This is the first time P&G has outsourced its total...

Numark conference.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Numark's 2005 conference will be held in Mauritius from Sunday January 30 to Sunday February 6. The venue is the Sugar Beach Resort and all members are welcome to attend at a cost of #1,545 per person (based on two people sharing). Conference...

Neen buys Aquaflex.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Neen Healthcare, provider of stress incontinence products, has bought the Aquaflex brand from SSL International for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition will see Neen, part of the Mobilis Healthcare Group, broaden its product portfolio and the...

Nexphase roadshow.
August 7, 2004... Enigma Health is hosting roadshows demonstrating its Nexphase pharmacy management system to community pharmacists. The first will be held at Hanbury Manor, Ware, Herts, on September 12. For free tickets call 01932 584984. Copyright: CMP...

Provalis gets Erdotin.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Provalis has entered into an agreement with Edmond Pharma under which Provalis will distribute respiratory treatment Erdotin in the UK and Republic of Ireland for at least 10 years. Provalis will be the exclusive distributor for the first five...

IVAX buys Medco.
August 7, 2004... IVAX Corporation has bought Peruvian pharmaceutical company Medco, which develops, manufactures and sells branded OTC and prescription products, as well as generic prescription drugs. Roberto Prego, vice- president IVAX Latin America, said:...

Elan in Lilly deal.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Elan Corporation has entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with Eli Lilly and Company for Elan to supplement Lilly's manufacture of duloxetine hydrochloride capsules from mid-2005. The capsule form of duloxetine will be manufactured...

Shake-up in the top tier for Alliance UniChem.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Ian Meakins has been appointed chief executive of Alliance UniChem and will take up the post later this year. His predecessor, Stefano Pessina, becomes executive deputy chairman responsible for strategic development. Jeff Harris continues...

Refurbished pharmacy.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Bill Hoult, president of United Co-operatives, has opened the Society's refurbished pharmacy at the Northenden Health Centre, on the outskirts of Manchester. New features include an advice point and a consultation room. Manager Reshma Trikam...

Barker is new ABPI director-general.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Dr Richard Barker has been named the new director-general of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. He takes over from Dr Trevor Jones, who retires on August 31. Dr Barker has more than 20 years' experience in the...

Striking off for child porn offences.(strucks off pharmacist from register)
August 7, 2004... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has struck off a pharmacist convicted of possessing indecent images of children who asked for one last chance to prove himself. Martin Atkinson, of Dorset, asked the Statutory Committee to allow him to...

Wrong labelling mistake.(Professional misconduct)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... A pharmacist whose labelling error put an eight-year-old boy at risk by stating that the medicine should be taken three times a day instead of one, has been reprimanded for his mistake. Derek Evans, 56, of Herts, was found guilty of...

RPSGB restores pharmacist who falsely claimed #100,000.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain )(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... A pharmacist struck off after he was imprisoned for falsely claiming nearly #100,000 for drugs in his daughter's name that he did not dispense has been reinstated by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Robert Jones, of South Glamorgan, was...

Accreditation proves skills, says PSNC.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Pharmacists offering advanced services under the new contract will need to be accredited to reassure the NHS they have the necessary skills, PSNC has said. Responding to questions asked by health economist Darrin Baines, PSNC chief...

PAGB PERSPECTIVE: Keep taking the tablets.(Over the Counter drugs)
August 7, 2004... Patients' perceptions about duration of treatment need addressing, says Sheila Kelly, PAGB executive director "OTC medicines don't have courses of treatment - you just take one tablet." That was the feedback from a few focus groups PAGB...

GSL Voltarol could affect patient safety.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Modern Humanities Research Association)(Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The NPA has expressed concern over the P to GSL switch for Voltarol Pain-Eze Emulgel (diclofenac) because its proposed indications are unclear and could affect patient safety. One of the indications for the product will be for treating...

Calpol susp to go GSL.
August 7, 2004... Pfizer has applied to have Calpol Infant Suspension, Calpol Sugar Free Infant Suspension and Calpol Six Plus Fastmelts reclassified from P to GSL. As the suspensions are already available as GSL in packs of 20 x 5ml sachets, but as P for...

OPEN SHOP: Vote yes, urges Gill Hawksworth.
August 7, 2004... RPSGB immediate past president Gill Hawksworth reflects on the Charter ballot and explains why she supports the new proposals When I suggested a way forward - a window of opportunity to save the Charter - at the June Council meeting, I...

Pharmacy FORUM: The whys and hows of OTC statins.(Over the Counter Statins)
August 7, 2004... This Pharmacy Forum is the second in a series of three exploring the availability of over the counter statins. This forum aims to look in more detail at statins, exploring their history, mode of action, efficacy and safety In the 1950s...

Comment from the Editor.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... It's gratifying to see that over 2,000 pharmacy technicians have already contacted the RPSGB in advance of a register of technicians being introduced. While it is a little worrying that no one can be sure just how big the register will be...

Opinion.
August 7, 2004... Last week's question was: In light of eBay listing OTC medicines, how do you regard online pharmacy services in relation to community pharmacies? "It provides an additional choice for consumers, especially those who can't get out. But I...

Your views: If looks could kill.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The Donaldson report offers smokers no comfort, says Mark Dickinson There has been substantial media coverage of the chief medical officer, Liam Donaldson's, annual report, On the State of Public Health, which looks at the damage smoking...

NORTHERN IRELAND NOTEBOOK: Head in the sand?(Ulster Chemists' Association)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... It has not been a good few months for the Ulster Chemists' Association. Two of its high profile members have been up before the Statutory Committee, which has been lenient, putting both on probation for 12 months with the requirement they get...

The simvastatin challenge.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... The OTC launch of simvastatin is a bold move for everyone involved. This is a controversial decision that is politically, financially and clinically motivated, but not necessarily in that order. And pharmacists are caught in the centre, pushed...

Packaging paranoia.(pharmacists more prone to paranoia)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Pharmacists are particularly prone to paranoia and the feeling that the rest of the world is conspiring against them. Packaging like Arrow Generics' bendrofluazide reinforces this view. Arrow's packaging for its 2.5mg and 5mg tablets...

Dispensing GPs taking over the world.(general practitioners)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... A foreigner noting record levels of dispensing GPs (see C&D, July 31, p5) may conclude that either Britain is becoming an increasingly rural nation or that community pharmacy services are declining. Obviously neither is true. But no one can...

PHARMACY UPDATE - Vit A: use with care.
August 7, 2004... Dr Ann Walker starts a series of articles on the vitamins most likely to be deficient in the modern diet Objectives * To know the functions and sources of vitamin A * To be aware of the minimum requirements * To be aware of...

Topical NSAIDs no good for osteoarthritis.(Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Guidelines recommending long-term use of topical NSAIDs for osteoarthritis need to be revised as they only work for two weeks, claim researchers from Nottingham. Topical NSAIDs were no better than placebo for pain relief in osteoarthritis,...

DTB wants Avelox advert claim retracted.(Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin)(Bayer AG)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Claims that moxifloxacin provides "rapid relief from chest infections" are unsubstantiated, misleading and should be withdrawn, the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin has said. The trials' designs which were the basis of Bayer's claims for its...

Schizophrenia drugs need more trials.(Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Side effects from atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia require urgent clinical research as too few trials have assessed the differences, claims the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. The DTB said research into side effects such as weight...

Dermatix on prescription.(Valeant Pharmaceuticals International)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Dermatix, a topical silicone gel scar reduction treatment, is now available on NHS prescription. It is indicated for keloid and hypertrophic scar development prevention. It is suitable for use on the face, and cosmetics can be used after...

Krystals round bottles.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Krystals has launched a range of eight cylindrical plastic bottles for dispensing pharmaceuticals. Available in amber with UV protection, the bottles will soon be available in red, green, brown, yellow, blue, white and clear, all with UV...

Cerazette.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Cerazette has now received UK approval for a change in the license to allow a 12-hour missed pill window. This is in addition to the European approval it received last month (C&D, July 3, p25). Women should continue to take Cerazette at the...

ZD list addition.(Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Ursodeoxycholic acid capsules 250mg and tablets 150mg will be added to Drug Tariff Part II (Zero Discount) List B in the September edition. Prescriptions should be endorsed `ZD' if no discount has been received. For more information:...

Swiss supplement for travellers.(Pynogin GmBH)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... A Swiss natural supplement formulated to help reduce the risk of DVT for travellers is being launched into UK pharmacies. Each Zinopin capsule contains 100mg pycnogenol (standardised pine bark extract) to increase circulation and promote...

Mosquito spray has family appeal.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Anti-Mosquito Spray is a new natural mosquito repellent in a spray format. Like the recently launched Anti-Mosquito Dry Wipes, the product's active ingredient is menthoglycol, a natural extract of the Chinese eucalyptus citriodora plant....

Natural approach to lice.(MPM Consumer Products)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... MPM Consumer Products is launching two aromatherapy-based products for head lice infestations. Dr Johnson's Nit & Lice Shampoo and Nit & Lice Conditioner contain essential oils of tea tree and neem with no chemical pesticides. The...

Five ways to keep kids safe in the home.(NUK)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... NUK is extending its range of baby products into the home safety market. Safe Kids is a range of five safety devices developed to help parents with young children. Products include a drawer anchor, window clamp, door stop, universal...

Tooth whitening without visiting the dentist.(Body & Soul)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... White Radiance is a new home tooth whitening system based on oxidising agent carbamide peroxide. Presented as a thick gel, White Radiance is applied to the teeth via a moulded dental `tray' that should remain in the mouth for between two...

Go wild with new Coty scents.(Coty U.K. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... September will see Coty introduce a collection of Chupa Chups fragrances for girls aged 13-17. The Chupa Chups I Love Me range comprises four fragrances - Pop Vinyl, Night Fever, Urban Groove and Soul Shine. Packaging for the eau de...

Hot stuff from L'Oreal.(L'Oreal Paris)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... L'Oreal Paris is introducing two heat activated hair styling products into its Studio Line range. Studio Line Hot Straight and Hot Curl have been specially developed for use with heated appliances. Hot Straight contains smoothing...

Vitabiotics to run own distribution.(Vitabiotics Ltd.)(Robinson Healthcare)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Vitabiotics has taken over the sales and distribution for its vitamin product range from Robinson Healthcare. The company has prepared for the change by increasing the warehouse facilities at its premises in North West London. The...

Close shave for free.(BIC)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... An in-store promotion in September will encourage trial of BIC's Comfort 3 triple blade shaver for men amongst new users. The `Try me for free' promotion will offer a full refund to consumers when proof of purchase is received. ...

Passion in the aisles.(Lynx PLC)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Racy new TV advertising for Lynx body spray will be on TV from mid August as part of a #3.5 million campaign running until mid November. It will reflect the product's 24-7 message and its consumers' main obsession - the mating game. ...

New look for herbal balms.(Power Health Products)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Power Health is introducing a fresh new look for its Nature Knows Best herbal balms. Packaging has been redesigned for the nine products in the range - Leg and Vein Balm, Arthur's Balm for joint care, Comfrey, Arnica Witch Hazel Balm,...

INSIGHT: Child support agency.(National Service Framework)
August 7, 2004... The Welsh Assembly's consultation on a National Service Framework for Children, Young People and Maternity Services will be ready soon. Rowena McArtney discusses its impact Since devolution in 1999, the Welsh Assembly Government has made...

EDUCATION: Register an interest.(pharmacists training programs)
August 7, 2004... Fifty years ago the Royal Pharmaceutical Society introduced pre- registration training for pharmacists. Asha Fowells reports on current views on the programme 1954 was a year of change for the Pharmaceutical Society. This was the result of...

EDUCATION: The multiple's view.
August 7, 2004... The 2001 introduction of the performance standards pre-registration programme by the RPSGB presented an ideal opportunity to review Tesco's curriculum, says Tesco pre-registration programme manager Karen Marsden. The biggest change has been the...

EDUCATION: The tutor's view.
August 7, 2004... Carole Smith has been a pre-registration tutor for eight years, and thinks of it as a normal part of her job. "I had a good pre-reg myself so I wanted to do it. There are stressful moments throughout the year but it is worthwhile. And it is...

EDUCATION: The sandwich placement tutor's view.
August 7, 2004... Undergraduates on Bradford University's sandwich degree split their pre- registration year into two six-month placements, one in each of the third and final years of their degrees. Students apply from a university-maintained list of positions...

EDUCATION: The trainee's view.(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... Colin McGregor graduated from Strathclyde University last summer and chose to do his pre-registration year with the Co-op group, having worked for them during his holidays. He trained in the Alloa branch,which is busier than any he had...

EDUCATION: The new School of Pharmacy view.
August 7, 2004... The first intake of undergraduates may only have started their studies at the University of East Anglia School of Pharmacy last September, but staff are already thinking about the pre-registration year. In the light of large companies...

EDUCATION: The hospital tutor's view.(Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Randell McKay speaks)(Brief Article)
August 7, 2004... As pre-registration manager and principal pharmacist at Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Randell McKay has co-ordinated two- week hospital placements for community pre-registration students based along the South East coast since...

Conference - Social Pharmacy Workshop: Self-esteem in pharmacy.
August 7, 2004... The 13th International Social Pharmacy Workshop was held in Malta in July. Sonia Sanghani reports Self-esteem in pharmacy and among pharmacists is a function of four factors, according to Professor Anthony Serracino Inglott, head of the...

INSIGHT: Get radio active.(technology usage in pharmaceutical industry)
August 7, 2004... Adrian Morant reports on the latest IT developments displayed at a BT open day It is no secret that the ubiquitous PC has had a profound effect on the work of the community pharmacist. It has taken much of the burden out of labelling...

BACK ISSUES: From a long line of pharmacists.
August 7, 2004... A little digging into the past can be quite revealing, as retired pharmacist Roger Mills found out I have recently been researching my family pharmaceutical history and have discovered that I can trace family involvement back to 1877. ...

Scotland sets out pay models for contract.(Scottish Executive)
August 14, 2004... The Scottish Executive has published details of how community pharmacists will be paid under their new contract. The chronic medication service and the minor ailment service will be based on capitation payments, possibly on top of a basic...

Retention fee to rise 25pc to #256.
August 14, 2004... Pharmacists' retention fees are set to increase by #51 to #256 next year - a 25 per cent increase. At the same time, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is proposing to introduce a simplified two-tier fee structure, with one level for...

Reforms for generics model soon.(United Kingdom. Department of Health plans for generic medicines reimbursements)(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... The Government will start to implement a new model for the future supply and reimbursement of generic medicines this year. It made the announcement in a summary of responses to the proposed changes to generic medicine supply and...

Lloydspharmacy testing service.(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... Lloydspharmacy has screened 500,000 customers for type 2 diabetes to help the NHS find the "missing million" since the testing service began in June 2003. Of those tested, 25,000 were referred to their GP as a result of the free test from...

#10k up for grabs.(community pharmacists are financed by Community Development and Health Network)(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... Funding of up to #10,000 to develop initiatives between community pharmacists and their local communities is available from Northern Ireland's Community Development and Health Network. Projects should: satisfy a community need; show...

Pharmacists to be local leaders.(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... Pharmacists will be developed into professional leaders within their locality, under plans discussed by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Council last week. Developing pharmacists as local leaders would: improve the quality of local...

Walk-In Centre adds pharmacy.(United Kingdom. National Health Service)(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... One of the 17 new NHS Walk-In Centres for England will have an on-site pharmacy, the Government announced last week. Birmingham's Walk-In Centre will incorporate a pharmacy, health minister John Hutton said. The 17 new centres are...

Report of medicine price cuts is unconfirmed.(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... A report that pharmaceutical companies could face a 10 per cent price cut on branded medicines sold to the NHS could not be confirmed or denied this week. The Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme is currently being renegotiated by the...

Pharmacists gain local approval.(John Hutton approves)(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... Health minister John Hutton has announced that 11 local pharmaceutical services pilots have been approved in the third wave of the scheme. Under the schemes, community pharmacists will tackle a range of issues including out-of-hours; drug...

Pharmacists off premises.(rules for selling of other items in drugstores)(Brief Article)
August 14, 2004... Community pharmacies can remain open without a pharmacist if nothing happens that requires a pharmacist, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Statutory Committee chairman has ruled. Lord Fraser of Carmyllie QC highlighted that superstores'...