Chemist & Druggist articles from December 2006

Chemist & Druggist archives from December 2006

Pfizer offers minimum 8.5 per cent discount under direct supply deal.
December 2, 2006... Industry Contractors must spend more than #20,833 per month to qualify for more than minimum discount Max Gosney Pharmacists can expect an 8.5 to 11.5 per cent volume-based discount on Pfizer products under the drugs firm's direct to...

Scotland will suffer under Pfizer discounts, warns NPA.(National Pharmacy Association)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Scottish contractors could be left short-changed under Pfizer's proposed discount structure, the NPA has warned. Pfizer's discounts fall short of current incentives offered by the Scottish pharmacy contract, claimed the organisation. ...

Pharmacists drafted into the war on terror.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Practice `Know your customer' leaflet urges vigilance over certain chemicals Jennifer Rigby Pharmacists are being warned that the next terror attack could come from bombs made from everyday ingredients purchased in their stores. A...

Contract test unchanged.(Andy Burnham; Drugstores)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Legal Burnham says no fall-out from rewording Pharmacy minister Andy Burnham has assured contractors that rewording the control of entry test will not change the criteria applied to pharmacy contract applications. Mr Burnham defended...

In brief: Leaving thoughts.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Over 61 per cent of pharmacists owning one business have thought about leaving the profession or selling up, compared to just 55 per cent of pharmacies with up to five branches, according to research in Pharmacy Today magazine. The...

In brief: PSNI reminder.(Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have until Tuesday December 5 to nominate a colleague for a Fellowship of the PSNI. Nominees must have been registered with the PSNI for at least 10 years. PSNI has also...

In brief: CD info goes online.(website relating to controlled drugs)(www.rpsgb.org)(World of Pharmacy)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Information about controlled drugs has been added to the World of Pharmacy area on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's website at www.rpsgb.org Users should click on Use of Medicines in the navigation bar to find frequently asked questions...

In brief: November endorsement.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... The Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO endorsements for the following item for November 2006 prescriptions: Ketoprofen capsules 100mg. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

We need support to sell our services to GPs, say pharmacists.(general practitioners)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Exclusive Contractors call for action after survey shows absence of PBC plans Jennifer Rigby Pharmacists have called for extra support to help them rally GPs over practice based commissioning after research revealed three quarters had...

GPs get PBC backing.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... The government has announced plans to increase the number of GPs directly commissioning health services. The blueprint offers guidance for primary care trusts (PCTs) to ensure that doctors are able to take forward PBC with maximum support...

PEC future up for grabs.(professional executive committees)
December 2, 2006... Policy DH consultation could lead to more pharmacy-friendly PECs Ailsa Colquhoun Professional executive committees (PECs) could become more pharmacy friendly under a Department of Health consultation to ensure the bodies better meet...

Hewitt holds firm on formula.(Patricia Hewitt)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Politics Allocations will not be reopened Patricia Hewitt, the health secretary, refused Conservative demands at a heated Commons select committee hearing for the `unfair' funding formula for regional health authorities (RHAs) and primary...

DHS increases stoma funds.(Department of Health )(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Policy Additional #2.60 per prescription The Department of Health is to pay an additional #2.60 per stoma prescription dispensed under new stoma and incontinence service proposals. A DH consultation is proposing to change pharmacists'...

Lloyds eyes up medicines management.(Lloydspharmacy)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Multiples Company keen on more enhanced services after hitting diabetes milestone Having carried out one million diabetes screening tests since 2003, Lloydspharmacy is now looking at how patients can be signposted to enhanced services such...

Pharmacists gain from drug cost-cutting plan.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Practice PBC scheme rewards rationalisation Emma Wilkinson Pharmacists in Stockport are being paid a percentage of the savings made from a new scheme, which enables them to rationalise medicines use. Half the pharmacies in the area...

Special award for 50 years' service.(awards)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... It's a pity England's cricketers haven't learned a thing or two from pharmacist Daphne Rose in Kent, who notched up a glorious half century in pharmacy this week. Ms Rose, 65, manages the Day Lewis branch in Westerham and has worked her way up...

Sexual health role increases.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Practice More consumers seek advice in the pharmacy Pharmacists are increasingly being asked for advice on sexual health and contraception, a survey has found. Durex asked 800 UK independent pharmacists about their role in providing...

Diabetes risk should not halt diuretics use.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Medicines Researchers find increased risk has no effect on clinical outcome The increased risk of diabetes associated with diuretic drugs has no effect on clinical outcomes and should not prevent their use as first- line treatment, a major...

Type 1 diabetes may soon be preventable, say researchers.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Medicines Prize-winning work moves to clinical trials Two prize-winning researchers working on the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes have claimed that the disease may soon become preventable. The researchers have both won the...

In brief: Anti-competitive appeal.
December 2, 2006... The Competition Commission is calling on pharmacists to give specific evidence that grocers in the UK are engaging in anti-competitive practices in relation to the supply of goods. In a letter to the Independent Pharmacy Federation, which...

In brief: NPA launches SOP.(National Pharmacy Association)(standard operating procedure)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... The NPA has produced a standard operating procedure (SOP) for Scottish pharmacists carrying out the national patient group direction for the urgent provision of repeat medicines and appliances. The NPA SOP provides an overview of the PGD,...

In brief: Ibuprofen on the run.(two batches of Galpharm Ibuprofen 200mg x 16 tablets stolen)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Galpharm International is trying to trace two stolen batches of Ibuprofen 200mg x 16 tablets. The tablets, which expire in August 2009, are in Galpharm packaging and carry batch numbers IN6045/IN6046 and PL 16028/0013. They have not...

In brief: New frontiers.
December 2, 2006... The Company Chemists Association is offering UK pharmacy companies the chance to team up with international partners at its New Frontiers 2007 event. It takes place from March 4 to 7 at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Ware, Hertfordshire. ...

Welsh Numark members ponder MUR challenge.(medicines use review)(Conference news)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Wales Contractors must combat space restrictions to boost tally Jane Ellis Medicines use reviews and enhanced services are the main areas of concern for Numark members in Wales, according to delegates at Numark's Welsh Advisory...

RPSGB urged to adopt Royal College-type role.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... RPSGB Route could clarify RPSGB and fulfil original vision for the CPP The College of Pharmacy Practice has offered to discuss with the RPSGB a move to a Royal College-type structure for the profession. The CPP sees this route both as...

Council in talks over separation of roles.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... RPSGB council members are to discuss the proposed separation of the Society's regulatory and profession leadership functions at their December meeting. According to the RPSGB, members will be considering a paper on the way forward for the...

Nice to face review of prescription decisions?(National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence)(Aricept)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Policy Health select committee expected to announce investigation The Commons health select committee is expected to announce it is investigating the controversial decisions by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence not...

Opinion: Letter - The changing face of pharmacy?(Letter to the editor)
December 2, 2006... I enclose a copy of a prescription from our local medical practice that was presented at our pharmacy, Buckley's Ltd of 589 Liverpool Road, Platt Bridge, Wigan, a few weeks ago. It would appear that the practice is undertaking a new role in...

Opinion: Your views - Tory MPs say Labour's NHS plans are cuts too far.
December 2, 2006... Community pharmacists could be forgiven for thinking they do not matter as far as Tony Blair's final term of office is concerned. A computer check will reveal that the words `pharmacists' and `pharmacy' did not pass the lips of MPs during...

Opinion: Comment from the editor - It's time to talk to your doctor.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... It's good to talk. BT's most successful slogan reminds us of how important communication is, so why do we still act surprised when a fellow healthcare professional doesn't know what we're up to? There's one lesson that every pharmacist...

Opinion: Details of Pfizer discount structure.(marketing)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... The details of the Pfizer discount structure are exclusively revealed in C+D this week (see page 4). Depending on the volume of your Pfizer ordering, you will receive between 8.5 and 11.5 per cent discount. The NPA says this is about right if...

Opinion: Your views - Why we must split the dual roles of the Society.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)
December 2, 2006... Mark Koziol hopes the RPSGB does not waste another 10 years gazing at the government's regulatory navel It is no secret that the PDA strongly advocates that the Society should split its current functions of regulation and representation and...

Opinion: Northern Ireland Notebook - Filed under B (for bin!).(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... The negativity we oft project abroad on the state of our profession such as our lack of proper utilisation within the health service, and insufficient funding mask the fact that we are perhaps more to blame for our woes than those poor souls at...

Opinion: Xrayser - Fighting discrimination against medicines.(helping patients understand medications)(Viewpoint essay)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Many patients with heart failure do not understand their condition or the medications they are taking, according to new research (C+D, November 25, p18). So tell me something I don't know. I didn't need to start carrying out MURs to realise...

Opinion: Xrayser - Stress busting from the Society.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Luckily along with a demand for #283 to remain on the Register for another year there came a leaflet on coping with stress. I wonder if the Samaritans would be interested in my feelings of being bullied into handing over large sums of money to...

Opinion: Your views - Compromise and negotiation in Parliament.(Mental Health law)
December 2, 2006... Beverley Parkin stresses the importance of pharmacists having their say on the new Mental Health Bill We are reminded almost daily now that Tony Blair is in his final months in Downing Street. From his last party conference as Prime...

Opinion: Locum's viewpoint - Room for improvement.(labelling medication)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... It always slightly surprises me that whereas our Lords and Masters can set standards for just about everything under the sun, no-one has yet addressed the subject of the woeful standard of labelling medication in the nation's pharmacies. To put...

Pharmacy update: Colds, flus and sore throats.(over the counter drugs)
December 2, 2006... Advising on OTC treatment Alan Nathan Two common upper respiratory tract conditions - the common cold and influenza - show similar symptoms and are often confused by patients. Treatment The same non-prescription medicines are...

Pharmacy update: Continuing professional development.
December 2, 2006... Reflect On what basis do you recommend products for colds? Have you a favoured remedy and is there sound evidence for its efficacy? Do you or your assistants recommend all-encompassing cold remedies that may be treating symptoms the...

Clinical news: HTA analysis proves worth of rheumatoid arthritis drugs.(Health Technology Assessment)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis but access to them is limited in some areas, according to a Health Technology Assessment. In 2002, Nice recommended etanercept and infliximab for patients...

In brief: PCTs should fund vitamin D.(primary care trust)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... PCTs should fund vitamin D supplements for Asian children for at least the first two years of life, researchers writing in Archives of Disease in Childhood have reported. An investigation of vitamin D deficiency in Burnley found that most...

In brief: AstraZeneca is to discontinue.(quinidine bisulphate 250mg )(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... AstraZeneca is to discontinue quinidine bisulphate 250mg from December 31. It is indicated for maintaining sinus rhythm following cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, and suppression of supraventricular and ventricular tachyarrhythmias. For...

In brief: Risedronate may be more effective.(preventing fractures in women with osteoporosis)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Risedronate may be more effective than alendronate in preventing fractures in women with osteoporosis, a large retrospective study has revealed. Published in Osteoporosis International, the study found patients taking once-weekly risedronate...

Products & Marketing: Nutritional advice.(Forest Laboratories Inc.)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Forest Laboratories has published a free nutritional booklet for parents of infants and young children. `Nutritional Top Tips', by dieticians Nigel Denby and Kathy Klein, includes advice on how to wean infants, suggestions for nutritional...

Products & Marketing: Tubifast gloves for children and adults.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Molnlycke Health Care has added Tubifast gloves for children and adults who suffer from hand eczema to its Tubifast Garments range. The gloves can be worn throughout the day and night without hampering day-to-day activities. The...

Products & Marketing: Zantac's got xmas presence.(marketing campaigns of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Ltd.)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Zantac 75 will be back on television this month with a repeat outing for the `blue man' ad. The #390,000 campaign is the second for the brand this yearand brings the TV spend for thelast six months to #915,000,reports GSK. Ads break on...

In brief: Business scents.(fragrance marketing)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Superdrug expects to sell 2.5 million bottles of fine fragrance and aftershave in the run up to Christmas fuelled by a price cutting exercise seeing top brand names slashed by up to 60 per cent. The company predicts consumers will save #15...

In brief: Success for Sudocrem.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Sudocrem has won two awards in the parenting press. Practical Parenting named it `Number one choice' in the skincare category while Prima Baby awarded the product `Best value' and `Best buy'. Forest Laboratories Tel: 01322 550550 ...

In brief: Kent's dozen.(Kent Brushes)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... A collection of 12 make-up brushes has been launched by Kent Brushes. The Twelve range uses soft natural hair to apply powder products and synthetic fibres to apply liquid and cream products. Variants include an eye groomer brush, lip brush,...

Products & Marketing: Impulsive gifts from Unilever.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... A range of Christmas gifts has been released by Unilever spanning the Dove, Lynx, Sure Sport, Lux and Impulse brands. The festive array includes 11 Lynx packs ranging from a #4.89 body spray and shower gel pairing to an #11.49 eau de...

BRAND FOCUS: GlucOsamax Extra from Health Perception.(joint care product introduction)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Health Perception, the leading glucosamine specialist, has launched a new maximum strength joint care product crammed with the best ingredients to help maintain healthy joints. New GlucOsamax Extra is a dual tablet formulation designed to...

In brief: Wellpoint signposting.(Wellpoint Group Ltd.)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Wellpoint has updated the software on its interactive health centres to include details of 2,150 national support groups. This will help pharmacists meet the signposting requirements of the pharmacy contract, says the company. More than 1,000...

In brief: Recharging sales.(Panasonic Battery Sales Group)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Panasonic is urging pharmacists to make the most of the pre-Christmas surge in sales of batteries. According to the company, sales traditionally triple in the run up to the festive season. As well as the company's `power station' counter...

Products: Bacteria wiped out in one fell swoop.(Paul Murray)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Zero Bacteria is a new range of antimicrobial products available from Paul Murray. Positioned as the professionals' choice for consumers, the range of foam, spray and wipe formats is said to be effective against 99.9 per cent of all germs...

Products: Bisodol relieves the festive fug.(marketing campaign)(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Bisodol is on TV this Christmas with the support of a #1 million marketing campaign. The TV ads for Bisodol Indigestion Relief Tablets draw attention to the effects of eating and drinking too much over the festive season. They will run...

Products: Breathe easy with Kleerway.
December 2, 2006... Kleerway is a new nasal dilator said to make breathing easier by increasing the cross-sectional area of the nasal valve. The latex-free strips can be used to ease congestion during a cold, flu or when allergy symptoms are problematic. ...

Products: Neutrogena offers Norwegian solutions to the winter blues.(Brief article)
December 2, 2006... Neutrogena Norwegian Formula has created new products and display units. Fast Absorbing Hand Cream is said to "keep hands hydrated and comforted". It is absorbed instantly, leaving no stickiness or greasy residue, says the brand. Intense...

Features: Getting down to business.(survey on pharmacy management)(Survey)
December 2, 2006... The second part of C+D's survey of 200 pharmacists quizzes contractors on commerce C+D reporters Use a pencil and not a pen is probably the safest advice when drawing up your pharmacy business plan. Change appears to be the rule of...

Features: The Numark view.(survey on pharmacist-physician communication)
December 2, 2006... "The survey results show that pharmacists are not talking to their GPs yet about practice based commissioning. We're keen to engage with GPs and are working towards better communication. We plan support that will help the pharmacist introduce...

Features: Whose liability is it anyway?
December 2, 2006... When someone else's error can land you in the dock: the first in a series of articles from Charles Russell Solicitors looks at the issue of dispensing liability David Reissner and Rachel Warren Mr U (not his real initial) is...

Features: Pharmacy Champions - Pharmacists leading the way.(Jane Hollyer and Ali Hayes of Pines Pharmacy)(Interview)
December 2, 2006... Names: Jane Hollyer and Ali Hayes Pharmacy: Pines Pharmacy, Exmouth, Devon What have they done? A major refit 12 months ago and a new consultation room have allowed them to offer a number of new services What have you set up?...

Society to split functions.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)
December 9, 2006... RPSGB `Momentous decision' as Society accepts current organisation is untenable Jennifer Rigby The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has finally caved in to pressure from all sides to separate its dual regulatory and representative roles....

Independents express anger at Pfizer deal.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Retailing Fears scheme will impact on cash flow Tom Hawkins Independent pharmacists have said they will be left out of pocket by the discounts on Pfizer's proposed distribution scheme. Critics argued that the discounts, revealed...

Wholesalers consider next move.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Wholesalers Services and discount structures under review Tom Hawkins Existing wholesaler services and discount structures could be reassessed in the wake of the discount system outlined by Pfizer. AAH, Mawdsleys, Phoenix and...

In brief: Filling self-care gaps.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Pharmacists can fill gaps in access to self-care so that all patients can benefit, experts have said. Speaking at the APPG on Primary Care and Public Health annual reception last week, Harry Cayton, national director for patients and the...

In brief: Drug Tariff prices.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Generic prescriptions for levothyroxine sodium sugar-free oral solution 100mcg/5ml, 50mcg/ 5ml and 25mcg/5ml will not be subject to discount deduction from December 1. The items will appear in Part II of the Drug Tariff in January 2007. ...

In brief: Restricted records access.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Access to electronic patient records will only be given to health professionals who have registered for a smartcard and use a password, health minister Caroline Flint said. In response to a written question, she added that plans to integrate...

In brief: WAG studies MURs.(Welsh Assembly Government)(medicines use reviews)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... The Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned Cardiff University to look at the factors affecting the delivery of medicines use reviews. Community Pharmacy Wales notes that more than 60 per cent of contractors and premises are now accredited...

In brief: UniChem offers advice.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... UniChem is offering undergraduate students advice and information on `owning your own pharmacy' in a programme of presentations being made to UK schools of pharmacy. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Promoting pharmacy in Scotland.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Gordon Brown met Robbie McGregor and Harry McQuillan of the SPGC, Margaret Ryan and Lyndon Braddick of the RPSGB, Alex MacKinnon of the SPGC and Alistair Jack of the RPSGB, as the organisations toured the political conferences promoting...

RPSGB hears case in favour of decriminalising dispensing errors.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... RPSGB Infringements committee argues it would help patient safety Adrienne de Mont Arguments in favour of decriminalising dispensing and labelling errors were to be put to this week's Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Council meeting. ...

Prepare for quitters.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Researchers from the University of Bath have warned that NHS smoking cessation services may struggle to cope with demand in the run up to the smoking ban, judging by the Scottish experience. In the three months before the ban in Scotland the...

IPMI details Foster concerns.(Report)
December 9, 2006... RPSGB Report fails to acknowledge Society changes The Foster report does not do justice to the many changes already being implemented by the RPSGB, the Institute of Pharmacy Management International has pointed out in its response. ...

Manufacturers seek switch for chloramphenicol eye ointment.(transdermal drug delivery systems)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Medicines Reclassification sought for acute bacterial conjunctivitis treatment Jane Ellis Three pharmaceutical companies have applied to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for their chloramphenicol 1 per cent eye...

Pharmacists must push the PBC agenda.(practice based commissioning)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Practice Call for pharmacy to engage with PBC Pharmacists actively seeking to take part in practice based commissioning have called on the rest of the profession to get involved. Hampshire & IoW LPC chief officer Michael Holden said:...

Chloramphenicol eye drops.(reclassified and sales of eye drops)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... "We sell a lot of chloramphenicol eye drops. They're really popular, especially if a patient cannot get a doctor's appointment. The ointment could be more effective as it stays in the eye area longer. There's certainly a market for it. It would...

Rules to control CD management.(compact disc)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Medicines NHS bodies to appoint overall supervisor New regulations will require healthcare organisations such as primary care trusts and health boards to set up arrangements for the safe management and use of controlled drugs. These...

System opens up possibility of video MURs.(Systems Solutions )(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Medicines Software offers link to pharmacy network Systems Solutions has paved the way for medicines use reviews to be conducted remotely by incorporating video conferencing functionality into its QicScript PMR system. The Dublin firm...

NI tackles patient safety and care quality.(Northern Ireland)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Northern Ireland's health ministers are to publish guidance on whistle- blowing for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in the early part of next year. The initiative comes as part of a broad action plan designed to improve...

Pharmacists told to stand up and be counted.
December 9, 2006... Politics Call for a stronger voice to represent the industry nationally Jennifer Rigby Pharmacists are being held back because they are too polite to say what they can do, experts concluded at the fourth evidence session of the future...

Back to work on a blog.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... When Dee Spencer decided to return to community pharmacy, she was prepared for a challenge. Her thrice-weekly web-log is testament to her journey, from the grapefruit-loving statin patient to the man who dropped his trousers to unveil a...

Stronger voice needed.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Both LPCs and PCTs said that pharmacists need a stronger voice to represent them nationally. Paul McCorry, from East Riding & Hull LPC, said: "I think the Society should be shouting louder about pharmacy." John Hewitt, from Bexley,...

Funds needed for smoking cessation support.(ban for workplace smoking)(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Legislation Ban could prompt NHS to commission more smoking cessation services Pharmacists who offer smoking cessation services may benefit from legislation that comes into force on July 1, 2007, to ban smoking in all enclosed public...

Light shed on Cox-2 heart and stroke risk.(Brief article)
December 9, 2006... Medicines Inhibitors may affect blood thinning and increase risk of clotting Researchers at Imperial College believe they may have discovered the reason why Cox-2 inhibitors are associated with heart attacks and strokes. A study by...