Chemist & Druggist articles from December 2004

Chemist & Druggist archives from December 2004

NI sees pharmacists as excellent.(Northern Ireland)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Northern Ireland pharmacists and their counter staff are seen as excellent or good by 96 per cent of the public. The survey, carried out by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, was to assess the level of public...

Switch for eye drops proposed.(Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
December 4, 2004... A consultation on whether chloramphenicol eye drops should be made available over the counter has been announced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Reclassifying the product from POM to P status would enable...

Talks on independent prescribing.(prescribing for pharmacists)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The Department of Health has begun talks with stakeholders about independent prescribing for pharmacists and plans to launch a formal consultation in 2005. The DoH said: "As part of the normal policy development process, departmental...

Survey finds fees and CPD will deter part-timers.(Center for Professional Development )
December 4, 2004... A survey suggests that increased fees and compulsory CPD will deter part-time pharmacists from practising. A telephone survey of 636 part-timers found that 22 per cent would not be renewing their Royal Pharmaceutical Society membership next...

#3,000 in update prizes.(continuing education package)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... C&D's continuing education package Pharmacy Update will boast #3,000 in prize money next year (see p22-23). There is a #5 saving off the #30 fee for those who register before January 31, while pharmacists in Northern Ireland will have their...

Generics agreement out soon.(British Generics Manufacturers Association)(generics reimbursement)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The British Generics Manufacturers Association has outlined the generics reimbursement scheme, due to be implemented at the same time as the new pharmacy contract. Reimbursement values will be based on the prices, volumes and average...

Pleased with the overwhelming yes vote.(pharmacy contract )(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Not a dinner at Hogwarts, but health minister Rosie Winterton addressing guests at the National Pharmaceutical Association Triennial Chairman's Dinner at the Apothecaries' Hall in the City of London on Monday. Both Ms Winterton and NPA chairman...

Electronic transfer rollout must be done fairly, warns NPA chairman.(National Pharmaceutical Association)
December 4, 2004... NPA chairman Ash Soni has urged the Government to guard against disadvantaging pharmacies during the introduction of electronic transfer of prescriptions. Mr Soni told health minister Rosie Winterton of his concerns at the NPA's Triennial...

How to run successful repeat dispensing.(National Prescribing Centre)
December 4, 2004... The National Prescribing Centre has published some pointers to success in repeat dispensing schemes. One recommendation in Dispensing with repeats is to "take advice from pharmacists, GPs and other clinical practitioners wishing to provide...

Pharmacy bodies feed into `Vision'.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Welsh pharmacy organisations are working with the NHS Confederation on a "Vision for the NHS in Wales in 2015". Bodies including the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Wales, Community Pharmacy Wales, the Welsh School of Pharmacy and WCPPE,...

Dilip Joshi's pharmacy opening.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... PSNC vice-chairman Dilip Joshi's pharmacy opening last week attracted a large crowd of well-wishers who saw local MP Kate Hoey cut the ribbon. Mr Joshi's pharmacy, fitted out by Summit Retail Display, has relocated to a site between two GP...

Diabetes guidance.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has published information for pharmacists involved in the care of patients with diabetes. Endorsed by Diabetes UK, the guidance outlines essential and desirable practice for identifying and managing diabetes...

Valdecoxib.
December 4, 2004... Pfizer has pointed out that its Cox-2 inhibitor Bextra (valdecoxib) is licensed for dysmenorrhoea. Last week's Pharmacy Update (C&D November 27, p21) wrongly said that after the withdrawal of Vioxx (rofecoxib), no Cox-2 inhibitors were licensed...

Patient groups rely on industry.
December 4, 2004... Many patient organisations would struggle or be forced to close if donations from pharmaceutical companies were abolished, MPs heard last week. Replacing industry funding with contributions from charitable foundations, government or the...

PAGB PERSPECTIVE: Chloramphenicol is going OTC - at long last.(over the counter)
December 4, 2004... The consultation on OTC availability of chloramphenicol is good news, says PAGB executive director Sheila Kelly At last, the POM to P switch that pharmacists have been asking for. The announcement that consultation has begun on...

Exclusive healthcare partner.(Lloydspharmacy and Birmingham City Football Club)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Lloydspharmacy has become the exclusive healthcare partner for Birmingham City Football Club. The chain will target fans at each home game with healthcare messages and provide on-site screening services such as BP testing at some matches. The...

Pharmacy2U has 60+ GPs.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Pharmacy2U has signed up over 60 GP practices to its electronic prescription management service, but community pharmacists are worried about the impact on their businesses. Pharmacy2U managing director Daniel Lee says the company is "not...

First teaching pharmacy gets the Green Light.
December 4, 2004... A London pharmacy is believed to be the first community pharmacy in Europe to become a teaching pharmacy for undergraduates. Students at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, will be able to observe and take part in patient...

RPSGB eases online fee payments.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society )(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has announced improvements to its online retention fee payment service. Available online at www.rpsgb.org/payment, the credit or debit card facility no longer requires members to return a retention fee form...

Action on Arm's Length Bodies due.(Prescription Pricing Authority)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The Prescription Pricing Authority will be dissolved by October 1 as part of the Department of Health's review of its Arm's Length Bodies. Along with the NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service, the Dental Practice Board and the...

Consumer body highlights flaws in pharmacy advice.
December 4, 2004... Although pharmacists are generally highly regarded by consumers, `mystery shopper' campaigns have revealed some flaws in their advice, particularly among independents, Scottish Consumer Council director Martyn Evans has said. This was an...

Newcomer brands take centre stage.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Consumer brand development at William Ransom will centre on the Snufflebabe and Cariad ranges next year. Announcing an interim retained profit of #2.4 million on sales of #14.3m, chief executive Tim Dye said he expected to see steady...

Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2004.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Vantage pharmacists John and Jane Swail of Swails Pharmacy, Moy, Northern Ireland, have won the Pharmacy of the Year category in the Neighbourhood Retailer Awards 2004, for the third time. Mystery shoppers visited the pharmacy and marks were...

APS Berk is now Teva UK.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The pharmaceutical company APS Berk has been relaunched as Teva UK Limited. Effective from December 1, the name change follows the 1996 acquisition of the generics manufacturer by the global drug firm Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Teva...

Toys booted.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Boots may be re-considering its decision to sell sex toys because it may damage the company brand, according to reports in the FT and the Guardian this week. Boots was reported last month to be in discussion with SSL about stocking its sex...

Comment from the Editor.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
December 4, 2004... The launch this week of possibly Europe's first teaching community pharmacy reveals an excellent way of educating young people about to enter the profession. The initiative that the Green Light Pharmacy in London has been working on for...

Opinion.
December 4, 2004... Our question to pharmacists this week was: Which of the following will best address the shortage of pharmacists? Increase salary, improve working conditions, increase support staff, hand over dispensing to technicians? Robert Jones,...

Letter: SOS appeal is `distasteful' says former RPSGB president.(Letter to the Editor)
December 4, 2004... I suppose there is nothing wrong with putting a begging letter as a flier in C&D last week but I found it distasteful. Why? Because: * Their intervention (the SOS "fall guys" who challenged the Council in the High Court) was thrown out and...

Eyeing up chloramphenicol.
December 4, 2004... At last! I may soon be able to sell chloramphenicol eye drops over the counter. The MHRA's consultation document on a POM to P switch signals the launch of a perfect OTC medicine. This product is for an easily diagnosed common condition,...

NORTHERN IRELAND NOTEBOOK: Can we raise cash without the fireworks?(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... The early summer weather was unusually warm and from the far end of the lawns the first salvos of `sun-bursts' and `sky dragons' exploded against the gathering twilight. Guests in black ties and flowing gowns spread across the spacious lawns...

Welcome back, Beauty Counter.
December 4, 2004... I'm pleased to welcome back Beauty Counter magazine to our tea-room. It's smaller than it used to be but looks modern and interesting. My cosmetics range continues to shrink but this is an ideal way for my assistants to keep up to date with the...

Kodak move signals end of an era.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Photo processing has always been more of an added value service than a significant part of my business, and it has been declining steadily since the advent of digital cameras. The competition has a mini-lab so only a small selection of my...

Letter: Zocor Heart Pro: J&J.MSD responds to its critics.(Letter to the Editor)
December 4, 2004... FP Reader's `alternative view' of Zocor Heart Pro (C&D, November 20, p16) paints a misleading picture of this important switch for pharmacy and his assertions should not go unchallenged. He also goes on to suggest that the consumer...

Letter: WCPPE reiterates its case for a different CPD model.(Letter to the Editor)
December 4, 2004... We both welcome the opportunity to respond to the comments made by Fred Ayling (CPD officer, RPSGB) following our recent article Hobson's Choice? (C&D November 13 p16-17). WCPPE has had, and continues to have, an active research interest...

Letter: North East London LPC sets out its contract creed.(Letter to the Editor)
December 4, 2004... North East London Local Pharmaceutical Committee welcomes the opportunity to reposition community pharmacy via the `new contract'. We believe in a nationally negotiated contract and support PSNC in the work it does but not in all areas. We have...

OPENSHOP: An alternative distribution of funds.
December 4, 2004... Noel Baumber FRPharmS, a member of PSNC in the 1990s, compares the proposed funding arrangements under the new contract with that of 1996 It is a shame that there was only Plan A versus the old contract as the choice in the recent PSNC...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Impacted earwax.
December 4, 2004... Mark Greener and Julian F Guest wax lyrical about this condition and look at the possible treatments Objectives * To know the general composition of earwax * To be aware of the incidence of impacted cerumen * To know which...

Aldara now for carcinoma.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Aldara (imiquimod) 5 per cent cream is now licensed to treat small superficial basal cell carcinoma in adults. The topical immune modifier cream should be applied five days a week for six weeks, before normal sleeping hours and left on the...

Seretide with counter.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... GlaxoSmithKline has announced it will introduce Serevent Evohaler (salmeterol/fluticasone) as a metered dose inhaler with integrated counter from December 20. The new inhaler will let patients know how much medication they have left. The...

Step down for asthma isn't best approach.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... For asthma patients requiring inhaled corticosteroids, starting with a moderate dose is equivalent to starting at a high dose and stepping down, say Australian researchers. The researchers reviewed 13 trials covering high to low doses of...

Report calls for steps to improve bone health.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... With over three quarters of patients taking osteoporosis medications stopping their treatment within a year, researchers say a new management approach for the disease is necessary. Researchers found 77 per cent of patients taking once-daily...

Teens using dope raises risk of psychosis.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Frequent use of recreational cannabis in adolescence and young adulthood increases the risk of psychosis in later life, say researchers from the Netherlands and Germany. The findings showed cannabis use in young people moderately increased...

DTB: hypnotics are over-prescribed.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Hypnotic drugs are over-prescribed in the UK and represent a risk to public health, claims the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin. Patients take medications such as benzodiazepines or newer Z-drugs for months and years as sleeping tablets, yet...

Pharmacy FORUM: Pregnancy preparation.
December 4, 2004... Planning a pregnancy is an exciting time but it can also be confusing. Pharmacists and pharmacy assistants are well placed to help women think about their options as there is now clear evidence that making the right choices before conception...

Preconceive for your folic acid needs before and during pregnancy.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Preconceive from Lanes is a folic acid supplement that has been developed to provide the recommended 400mcg a day in one easy-to- swallow tablet and is the only folic acid supplement on the drug tariff list. Preconceive provides the consumer...

BP testing in three easy steps.(Microlife Health Management )(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Microlife Health Management is launching an easy-to-use home blood pressure monitor range into pharmacies. The As Easy as 123 range features specially designed monitors with single button operation and extra large digital displays. ...

Vantage targets cold sores.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... AAH Pharmaceuticals is launching a cold sore treatment into its Vantage own-label range. Vantage Clearsore Aciclovir Cream 5 per cent w/w is formulated for the topical treatment of cold sores on the lips and face. Price: #2.99 ...

Diabetes guides to improve customer care.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Roche Diagnostics has produced a series of educational advice leaflets designed to improve customer care and support for people with diabetes. The leaflets have been introduced following feedback from a diabetes survey run via the...

Lemsip is set for take off.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare is backing its Lemsip brand with a winter TV campaign during the cold and flu season. A new commercial for Lemsip Cold & Flu Sinus 12Hr Ibuprofen + Pseudoephedrine features a sinus suffering stewardess on a...

Making eyes at Christmas time.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Novartis Consumer Health is supporting VitalEyes with a #250,000 advertising campaign to maximise the brand's peak selling period during the Christmas party season. Advertising is appearing in women's magazines, retailer publications like...

Pre-Xmas boost for Zanprol.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Zanprol 10mg omeprazole tablets are being backed by a #385,000 pre- Christmas radio and press campaign. On air until December 22, the radio campaign is timed to raise awareness of the brand during the festive season when heartburn...

Sanjo takes to the floor.(Sanjo cosmetic bags and holdalls )(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Paul Murray has produced a revolving floor stand for Sanjo cosmetic bags and holdalls which were recently acquired by the company. The stand is designed to display the economy, classic and premium collections of Sanjo bags for men and...

Mums create their own toddler meals.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Heinz is launching a new range of toddler meals based on real mums' recipes. Heinz Mum's Own Toddler Meals come in a microwaveable tray that can also be used as a serving bowl. The trays are designed to be light and convenient to take out...

New year relaunch for Nelsons Arnica.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Nelsonbach is relaunching its Nelsons Arnica cream with a new name and look from January. Arnicare Arnica cream will be the first in a new homoeopathic range to be called Arnicare. The new packaging is designed to widen the product's...

Covonia stolen.
December 4, 2004... A shipment of Covonia Throat Spray (batch code 07J04) has been stolen in transit to the Thornton & Ross distribution centre in Huddersfield. The expiry date on this batch is 10/2009. Pharmacists are being asked to alert Thornton & Ross...

Palmer's TV debut.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream and Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks are on TV for the first time. On air until February 6, the advertising focuses on the beauty of pregnancy and highlights the unwanted side effects of stretch...

Heinz drives snack sales for the little ones.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... A new range of toddler finger foods is being introduced under the Heinz Farley's brand. The range comprises three products positioned as healthy, convenient snacks between meals for consumption on the go. The snacks are suitable for...

Easy opening for foil pill packs.(Rexcom Europe Ltd)(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... A lightweight, portable device has been designed to help people who have difficulty removing pills and tablets from foil blister packaging. Pill Press is suitable for people who suffer with arthritis and other forms of muscular weakness in...

Golden opportunity for Rimmel.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Coty is launching a glamorous variation of Full Volume lipstick in its Rimmel range. Rimmel Full Volume Gold Lipstick is a high-shine version of the original formula shot through with gold reflective pearls. The lipstick is formulated...

Christmas closures.
December 4, 2004... * Coloplast will close at 3pm on December 24 and reopen at 9am on December 29. It will be open until 3pm on December 31 and will close until 9am on January 4. * Roche's drug information desk for enquiries on prescription medicines will...

Rennie sponsors festive viewing.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Roche Consumer Health is investing #2 million in a campaign to support its Rennie indigestion remedy over the two week Christmas period when people traditionally over-indulge. The brand will sponsor Christmas TV programmes from December 15...

Pharmacy FORUM: Upper respiratory tract infections.
December 4, 2004... With the weather getting colder, and the incidence of coughs and colds on the rise, your customers may be asking you if they should sniff and bear it, or take time off to recuperate. This Pharmacy Forum looks at patient attitudes as revealed in...

Promotion: VICKS.
December 4, 2004... For those patients who feel they don't have time to take it easy, a hard working remedy can help relieve cold symptoms, allowing the body's natural defences to fight the virus and patients to get on with their lives. With over 100 years of...

SHOPFITTING: Ship shape shop?(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... CONTRACT The new pharmacy contract is looming on the horizon and brings with it unprecedented emphasis on your pharmacy's image and whether it offers the necessary facilities. Fiona Salvage asks shopfitting experts to divulge their...

SHOPFITTING: PSNC's view.(Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee )
December 4, 2004... Alastair Buxton, PSNC head of NHS Services, outlines what he thinks are the shopfitting essentials in light of the new contract The new contract will see a number of new services. Essential services, such as repeat dispensing and advice on...

SHOPFITTING: The shopfitter's view.
December 4, 2004... Dollar Rae expresses its view on the new contract requirements Q In an ideal world what design elements would a pharmacy need for the new contract? A The dispensary would still be at the heart of the operation. To exploit fully the...

SHOPFITTING: The NPA's view.(National Pharmaceutical Association )(Interview)
December 4, 2004... Neil Williamson, NPA head of planning and design, answers C&D's shopfitting questions Q In an ideal world what design elements would a pharmacy need for the new contract? A The planning department of the NPA, working with pharmacists,...

Counselling POINT: heartburn.
December 4, 2004... Q "The run up to Christmas is hectic and I'm struggling to balance work with my social life. I'm feeling a bit stressed and as a result I have started to suffer from heartburn. Can you recommend something to take away the discomfort; it seems...

SHOPFITTING: Pharmacy groups' views.
December 4, 2004... Multiples and virtual chains offer their opinions on shopfitting and the new contract Nucare Nucare's commercial manager Alan Turner says: "Nucare's design for professional consultation areas includes the following criteria: *...

SHOPFITTING: The manufacturer's view.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Recent research by supplement manufacturer Seven Seas has found poor fixtures and cluttered display can deter customers from parting with their hard-earned cash. Focusing its research on the vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) sector,...

AAH Pharmaceuticals - Appointment.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... AAH Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Monica Rishi as services support manager. Working within the pharmacy marketing team, Ms Rishi's responsibilities include overseeing Vantage's category management and merchandising...

NHS - Appointment.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Alan Burns has been named service implementation director to the National Programme for IT into the NHS. The role is a 15-month secondment combining three days a week at NPfIT with Mr Burns's existing position as Trent Strategic Health...

SSL International - Appointment.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... SSL International has appointed Susan Murray as non-executive director, effective from January 1. Until earlier this year, Ms Murray was Littlewoods Stores' chief executive and was previously worldwide president and chief executive officer of...

ASA slaps NMA's wrists.(Advertising Standards Association )(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Avid readers may remember a C&D Backissues article calling for the Advertising Standards Agency to look at an advert run in the Sunday newspapers for NMA Fematol (C&D, August 21, p42). The ad in the Sunday Telegraph featured a woman, naked...

Old Trafford abseil makes #1,000.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... Pharmacist Fazaz Letif has raised around #1,100 after completing a 100ft abseil down the side of a stand at Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground. The September 5 stunt was the latest in a series of challenges the pharmacist...

Charity to be set up.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... A charity has been set up to manage the donation and delivery of medical products to developing countries. To mark the launch of International Health Partners UK earlier this month, UniChem donated a travel pack containing 45 products from over...

Make mine a small one, barman.(Brief Article)
December 4, 2004... With Christmas approaching, Danish scientists may not appear to be an obvious source of festive cheer. But according to national newspaper reports, the Centre for Alcohol Research in Copenhagen has recommended regular, moderate drinking for...

Pharmacy prescribing moves up the agenda.(National Pharmaceutical Association )
December 11, 2004... The NPA has published a position paper on pharmacists as independent prescribers ahead of the DoH's formal consultation due early in 2005. The paper outlines the benefits the service would bring to patients, to the NHS and to pharmacists,...

Contract impacts on PCTs.(Patient Care Technican)
December 11, 2004... Nearly half of all PCTs and strategic health authorities will lose out financially when the new pharmacy contract is implemented, according to DoH calculations. Figures comparing estimated savings from generics with payments to pharmacies...

Winner of UniChem Great Business Awards.(Brief Article)
December 11, 2004... Pharmacist Raymond Hall is the overall winner of this year's UniChem Great Business Awards. He owns The Pharmacy in Hull and won his award for his success after a major refurbishment and service improvements including "One call does it all"...

Charter now in force.(Brief Article)
December 11, 2004... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's new Charter came into effect on Tuesday. This was earlier than expected to allow Council to agree revised election regulations under the new Charter. Pharmacists will be consulted on the proposals. ...

Blunkett OFT row.(Brief Article)
December 11, 2004... Trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt has hit back at a new biography which claims David Blunkett criticised her handling of the OFT report on community pharmacies. The biography of Mr Blunkett quotes him criticising Ms Hewitt, and...

Shipman fifth report.(Brief Article)
December 11, 2004... The Shipman Inquiry's fifth report was expected to be laid in Parliament on Thursday, after C&D went to press. It will cover whistleblowing, monitoring and disciplinary systems and complaints, and how these related to Harold Shipman, the former...

Hep C campaign.(Brief Article)
December 11, 2004... The Department of Health has launched FaCe It, a #2 million, two-year campaign to raise awareness of hepatitis C. It will explain how the virus spreads, how to avoid infection and how to get tested for those at risk. Up to 200,000 people in...