Chemist & Druggist articles from February 2006

Chemist & Druggist archives from February 2006

White Paper aims at community.(planning in healthcare industry)
February 4, 2006... Pharmacies will have opportunities to offer more services after the Government announced plans this week to make primary care the main focus of future investment. The pharmacy contract will develop in line with the aims of the Department...

The White Paper at a glance.(British healh care reforms)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The White Paper has four main principles for health and social care services in the community: * More emphasis on prevention and early intervention services. * Patients to have more choice and influence over health services. * More...

Public supports pharmacy service.(reaction to British White Paper reforms of pharmacy usage)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The consultation carried out ahead of the White Paper clearly identified public support for pharmacy services, with many people commenting how they were already accessing services through pharmacies, health secretary Patricia Hewitt said at the...

News: Your Views.(Letter to the Editor)
February 4, 2006... "I think the White Paper has missed the point. Pharmacy could play a valuable role in primary healthcare but I don't think the Government wants to fund it. The other problem is with practice based commissioning. I don't think there's any...

Pharmacy divided on Paper.(management of pharmacies)
February 4, 2006... The White Paper has received a mixed response from pharmacy representatives, with some viewing it as a mixed opportunity and others considering it a challenge. NPA chief executive John D'Arcy said he was a "bit disappointed" that there...

In brief: RPSiS chairman.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Rose Marie Parr, RPSiS vice-chairman, is to step in as chairman, following the resignation of Angela Timoney, who has held the position for 19 months. She cited family reasons for her departure. She will remain a member of the executive....

Inbrief: Imodium stolen.
February 4, 2006... A large quantity of Imodium 6 packs were stolen on January 11 between McNeil's manufacturing facility and its distribution centre. The batch numbers of the stolen packs are: BN 05KV023 and BN 05KV033. The packs had not been cleared for...

Multiples increase share by 50pc in past decade.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The number of independent pharmacies in England and Wales continues to decline as multiple chains increased their share by a half in the past decade, Government figures have revealed. The percentage of pharmacies in chains of more than five...

Pharmacy stats at a glance.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... * Pharmacies in England and Wales dispensed 674.9m items for the year ending March 31, 2005, an increase of 29.4m in 12 months. * Last year, the mean number of prescription items dispensed per pharmacy was 5,384 per month. A quarter of...

Pharmacists and their staff raise public awareness.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Pharmacists and their staff in Bury St Edmunds hit the streets dressed as refuse collectors to help combat medicine wastage. Local contractors unloaded rubbish bags from a garbage truck as part of the display by Suffolk West Primary Care Trust...

Script charge system will stay, DoH chief says.(United Kingdom. Department of Health)(prescription costing)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The Government has no plans to review prescription costs or the list of medical conditions that attract exemption, chief health officials have revealed. Speaking at a health select committee inquiry into NHS charges, Felicity Harvey, head...

Scotland appoint 61 contract champions to aid implementation.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Scottish pharmacists have appointed 61 contract `champions' to take forward implementation of the new Scottish contract. The champions have already met; at a recent workshop, they discussed how they would develop the role of champion, and...

Scots consult on script overhaul.(medical economics)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The Scottish Executive has proposed six options for reforming the NHS prescription charge system in Scotland. The aim of the consultation is to encourage debate on a range of options, which include: * Extending the exemptions available...

Local branches to host anti-violence training.(training to pharmacists)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Pharmacists in England are to be given training via the RPSGB's branch network on how to handle physical attacks from patients. The NHS Counter Fraud and Security Management Service will carry out the training. The Society is encouraging...

United Co-op Health Care at Shaw recognised for its customer service.(best customer service by pharmacies)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The United Co-op Health Care pharmacy at Shaw, near Oldham, Lancashire, was recognised for its customer service in the annual Pride in Oldham awards when it reached the final in the Business Award category and finished as one of two runners-up....

Make IT a priority, minister is told.(information technology)(technology application)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The lack of priority given to a secure electronic connection between pharmacists and GPs was raised with Jane Kennedy, the health minister, at last week's meeting of the All-Party Pharmacy Group. Chairman Howard Stoate said: "It really is a...

Practice: Barnet award.(awards for pharmacist)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... A Barnet pharmacist has won an award for supporting patients. Mr Anil Shah, of K Waterhouse Pharmacy in Southgate, received the Barnet Civic Award for "hard work and commitment" to the local community, said councillors. Copyright: CMP...

MHRA probing more than 100 web sales of drugs.(Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The UK drug regulator is currently investigating over 100 cases of illegal medicine sales over the internet, health minister Jane Kennedy told a Commons debate last week. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has...

MUR workshop.(Essex LPC's medicines use review workshop)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... More than 90 Essex pharmacists attended a medicines use review workshop organised by Essex LPC last week. Professor Claire Mackie of the Medway School of Pharmacy looked at using an MUR as a tool to identify patients who might benefit from...

Rethinking APPG rules for transparency.(All-Party Pharmacy Grou)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Parliamentary watchdogs have recommended a rethink of the rules governing the all-party parliamentary groups, following reports that they lack financial transparency. In a letter to the Committee on Standards and Privileges, Sir Alistair...

Call for appliance pricing changes.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The Department of Health's stoma and appliance consultation has produced mixed responses from supply chain representatives. Wholesaler representatives have called for prices for appliances and dressings in primary care to be set with...

Keele given MPharm OK.(licensing for pharmacy colleges)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Keele University will start accepting pharmacy undergraduates from September. The university's MPharm course has been formally approved by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's education committee, but will not be granted full accreditation...

Pastures new for AAH director.(AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd)(Mandeep Mudhar is leaving)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Mandeep Mudhar, director of marketing at AAH Pharmaceuticals, is leaving the wholesaler next month to join ADL Healthcare. Dr Mudhar has been with AAH for seven years. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Comment from the Editor: Make allies in social care.(social services' alliance with health care services)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
February 4, 2006... With all the focus on health MOTs and cottage hospitals, you'd think that pharmacy wasn't part of the latest health White Paper. Well, it doesn't seem to feature too often by name in the document, but it is clear that the Department of...

What impact will GPs' commissioning of services have on pharmacy?
February 4, 2006... "Good - GPs might initially hold out but eventually will come round to marketing those services" Jitesh Popat, Slough "A mixture of all three: I think attitudes will vary depending on the GP you are working with" Valerie Smith,...

Three cheers for OTC statins.(Over The Counter)(research on vascular diseases)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Dr Stephen Mann of McNeil Ltd hopes pharmacists will say... Last week NICE released new guidance on the prescription of statins - broadening access to these drugs to an estimated further 3.3 million British people. The move rationalises...

Northern Ireland notebook: Technically confusing.(Letter to the Editor)
February 4, 2006... We are seeing some frenetic activity from the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland regarding pharmacy support staff. But it is rather confusing. Last year, PSNI completed a consultation on it becoming the registering body for...

Xrayser: The chaos theory of pharmacy practice.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... "Oh my God, what next?" I sigh, as I consider the implications of PCT reforms and practice based commissioning. Our PEC colleagues are rightly concerned about the possible ensuing chaos (C&D, January 28, p4), and the outcome is about as clear...

Xrayser: Advertising that gives me cramps.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... An OTC medicines manufacturer's advertising campaign for a product will provide a welcome boost for my OTC sales but I question the methods of one company's clever promotional tactics. I came across an advert for an OTC medicine for women...

Xrayser: Going into battle with MDS.(MTS Medication Technologies)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... I wonder if the military has considered what sort of medication is suitable for use in its new MDS packing from MTS Medication Technologies (C&D, January 28, p8). The Society's recommendation that drugs should not be left in MDS systems...

Openshop: The Independent Pharmacy Federation responds to AIMp.(Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies)
February 4, 2006... "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." Charles Darwin. Independent pharmacy contractors have suffered the combined effects of a quarter of a century of...

Industry interview: Good move.(acquisitions in pharmaceutical industry)
February 4, 2006... Generics giant TEVA has bought rival IVAX. Managing director John Beighton tells Max Gosney why bigger means better for pharmacy customers Big money mergers between pharmaceutical giants may not always captivate busy pharmacists. But TEVA's...

Letter: Ever heard of caveat emptor?(Letter to the Editor)
February 4, 2006... Xrayser's comment piece "It's all Greek to me" (C&D, January 28, p17) raises a number of rather puzzling issues. In the first place why is Xrayser buying a product whose authenticity has not been checked? All legitimate parallel...

Pharmacyupdate: Join the pony club.(care and treatment to horses)
February 4, 2006... This article can help in the following CPD competencies: G1h, G1t, C2a, C1f. A list is available at www.uptodate.org.uk/home/PlanRecord.shtml In this fourth article in a series on veterinary medicines, Sarah Cockbill describes a wide range...

EMEA suggests wider drug use.(European Medicines Evalution Agency)(approval for drugs)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The use of Lyrica (pregabalin) and Remicade (infliximab) look set to increase following judgements made by the European regulator. At its meeting last week, the European Medicines Evalution Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for...

Depression theories challenged.(drug therapy for depression)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Two papers published this week have challenged commonly-held beliefs about depression. The first paper contests the opinion that no improvement in mood can be expected in the first couple of weeks of antidepressant (AD) therapy. A...

Ketek caution advice.(caution in usage of drugs for hepatic impairment)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The European Medicines Evaluation Agency is advising that Ketek (telithromycin) should be used only with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. EMEA has issued the reminder following a number of reports of serious acute hepatitis,...

Possible role for Cox-2s in breast cancer.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Cox-2 inhibitors may have been given a new lease of life, following a study that has linked the drugs to a reduced risk of breast cancer. US researchers compared the effects of different Cox-2s, NSAIDs and paracetamol in 323 breast cancer...

Scriptlines: Procoralan.
February 4, 2006... Procoralan (ivabradine), an angina pectoris treatment for patients who cannot take beta-blockers, has been launched by Servier. Ivabradine selectively inhibits the sinus node If channels to reduce heart rate while maintaining cardiac...

Scriptlines: Exubera.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Exubera - the first inhaled insulin - looks set to launch this May. Pfizer, which has developed the diabetes product in conjunction with Nektar Therapeutics, made the announcement last week after Exubera was granted marketing authorisation...

Scriptlines: Aranesp.
February 4, 2006... Responsibility for the supply of Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) and Mimpara (cinacalcet) will pass from Farillon to Healthcare Logistics on February 6. After this date, orders should be faxed through to 01234 248795, telephoned to 0870 871...

Scriptlines: Efexor 75mg.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... A manufacturing problem is currently affecting the supply of Efexor 75mg tablets (venlafaxine). No other presentations or strengths are affected. For more information: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Tel: 01628 604377 Copyright: CMP...

Clearasil changes its spots.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The Clearasil brand has been relaunched with a contemporary image and new lines. Aiming for a more sophisticated look to attract a wider audience, packs have been given a softer shade of blue, moving away from its familiar bright turquoise...

Digital thermometer from Braun.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Braun has entered the digital thermometer market with the launch of the PRT 1000 high speed digital thermometer. Giving a reading in 10 seconds, the thermometer is suitable for all family members. Designed for rectal use, the PRT 1000 has a...

Wilkinson shows its metal.
February 4, 2006... Wilkinson Sword is launching two new razors, one for men, one for women. The Quattro Titanium for men is the first razor to feature blades with a titanium undercoating, claims the manufacturer, which stay sharp to reduce drag and pull on...

Second time round for Canesten.
February 4, 2006... Canesten Duo makes its comeback to TV screens this month until April, marking the start of a #5.5 million spend this year. Repeating its successful advertising campaign of last year, Canesten Duo is the only thrush product to combine an...

Packing in more value.
February 4, 2006... BR Pharmaceuticals has repackaged and relaunched its Valupak Lifestyles range, introducing clearer, information-based labels and a lower price tag. The range has been rationalised from 14 to focus on the six top-selling tailored...

Radox goes to heaven.
February 4, 2006... Heavenly is a new range of bath products from Radox. Designed to give an indulgent feel, the range will be supported by a #450,000 women's press campaign running from April to July and national distribution of money-off coupons to generate...

Get SnapLab happy.
February 4, 2006... The Sony SnapLab, a desktop based digital photofinishing printer, has been launched. Aiming to provide "photographic-quality printed images" at an affordable price, the SnapLab is the latest addition to the Print by Sony family. Featuring...

Scriptlines: DesmoMelt.(sublingual desmopressin products)
February 4, 2006... Ferring Pharmaceuticals has introduced three sublingual desmopressin products. DesmoMelt 120mcg tablets are indicated for the treatment of primary nocturnal enuresis in patients aged five to 65 years. Recommended dosing is one tablet,...

Scriptlines: Peptamen Junior.
February 4, 2006... Nestle has launched Peptamen Junior, an ACBS-approved nutritionally complete supplement. The vanilla-flavour powder may be prescribed as the sole source of nutrition or as a nutritional supplement for children aged three to 10 years who...

Scriptlines: Bard bags.
February 4, 2006... Bard D1MT non-drainable two litre night bags now feature a "snap off" tap, allowing easier emptying before the single-use product is discarded. For more information: Bard Ltd Tel: 01293 527888 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Nelsons invests in Rescue.
February 4, 2006... Rescue Remedy is receiving a #1 million boost in the shape of print, radio and online promotions, direct marketing and point of sale materials. Activity will focus around two bursts scheduled for March to April and September to October....

Advertising feature: What is our unique selling point+.
February 4, 2006... Lyclear Creme Rinse - The only treatment that can kill head lice and their eggs in just ten minutes Lyclear Creme Rinse (Permethrin 1%) is the number one OTC and prescription treatment for head lice* Why? Lyclear Creme Rinse...

SPECIALS: Taking a special interest.(forecast in pharma industry)
February 4, 2006... The specials industry is continually developing products and revising formulations. But how much longer can this growth and innovation continue? Steve Bremer reports Increasing demand for specials is fuelling growth in the industry. But...

SPECIALS: The journey of a special.(American College of Sports Medicine)
February 4, 2006... ACSM members add value at every stage of the process. This includes: A request from a pharmacist Customer liaison, including agreement of delivery timescales Formulation of the individualised product and stability assessment if...

SPECIALS: Examples of professional care from ACSM members.(skin care treatment)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... When a patient could not stabilise on a generic alternative to a branded topical steroid lotion an ACSM member had to develop a lotion with exactly the same consistency and smell to the withdrawn product, even down to sourcing the same...

SPECIALS: The specials industry - the facts.(investment in pharma industry)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... ACSM members had invested #32.3 million in their businesses in terms of capital investment and stocks and #1.2m in training and developing their staff, when last audited. Commercial specials manufacturers can save pharmacists around 40 minutes...

ETP in action.(electronic transmission of prescriptions)(technology application in drug prescriptions)
February 4, 2006... The Brigstock Pharmacy in Croydon went ETP live last May. Proprietor Beran Patel tells Max Gosney how the technology has fared The ETP system sits in silence as the team at the Brigstock Pharmacy process the first of the day's prescriptions...

ETP essentials - tips from the expert.
February 4, 2006... Mr Patel's advice on ETP: * Don't Panic: "A lot of people are computer phobic. But the ETP system is incredibly simple to operate." * The right system: "There are various systems on the market so take a good look at the options. Look...

Back ISSUES: Weird science.(detox pads to extract harmful toxins)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Every once in a while we are sent a press release that makes us go `huh?' Try this for size. The release in question arrived with what appears to be a round teabag attached to it. Why? Well, not only does a teabag make a traditional cuppa,...

Cash in the attic?(John Harvey's collection of apothecary pieces and medical equipment)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... A pharmacist's collection of curiosities from chemists fetched more than #15,000 at auction. John Harvey's collection of over 2,000 items from the 19th and 20th centuries attracted bidders from around the world. John, who worked as a...

Baby boost.(Salford's Hope Hospital gets money from Mawdsleys Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The neonatal unit of Salford's Hope Hospital received a New Year boost with a #250 cheque from Mawdsleys. Instead of sending Christmas cards, Mawdsleys staff decided to donate money to the hospital, which is close to the company's Salford...

Appointment: Novexel.(Waldron, Gordon)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Novexel has appointed Gordon Waldron as chief financial officer. Mr Waldron joins the company from French biotechnology company SYNT:EM, where he was vice-president finance and CFO from 1997. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Appointment: Maelor Pharmaceuticals.(Geoff McMillan)
February 4, 2006... Geoff McMillan has been appointed as non-executive chairman of Maelor Pharmaceuticals. Mr McMillan, who has over 20 years' experience within pharma and biopharma sectors, replaces retiring chairman Alastair Macpherson. Copyright: CMP...

Appointment: AAH.(AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd. appointed Mark James)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... AAH has appointed Mark James as commercial director. Mr James has been the company's operations director since 1997 and will replace Paul Forster-Jones who will leave the company at the end of May. Steve Anderson, who has worked with AAH for 19...

Appointment: ProStraken Group.(Alan Walker)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... ProStraken Group has announced Alan Walker has been appointed to the board of the company as an executive director. Mr Walker has been executive vice-president of global commercial operations with the company since 2001. Copyright: CMP...

Appointment: Pfizer.(Amal Naj)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Pfizer has named Amal Naj as vice-president, investor development and strategy. He succeeds Jim Gardner, who is retiring after working with Pfizer for 29 years. Mr Naj will represent Pfizer to investors in the USA and overseas. Copyright:...

BEAUTY COUNTER: It's a tough job.(detox programmes )
February 4, 2006... Lesley Keen on health and beauty news and products It was interesting to see a great deal of press coverage of research suggesting that detox programmes may not do much good. The contention was that the body is perfectly capable of...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Routine Maintenance.
February 4, 2006... Ask any dermatologist the secret of beautiful skin and you can bet they'll talk about good skincare before they mention the name of any wonder products. Sarah Purcell gets back to basics and looks at the importance of establishing a proper...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Cleansers to recommend.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... * Vichy Normaderm Exfoliating Cleansing Gel (#8.00) is a good cleanser for oily skin; * L'Oreal Pure Zone Deep Purifying Gel Wash (#4.99); * Nivea Young Wash-Off cleansing gel (#4.25) is specially designed for teenage skin; *...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Toners to recommend.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... * Nivea Young Freshen Up Toner (#4.25) is alcohol-free. * Nivea Visage Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Plus cleansing milk (#4.49) is a cleanser with anti-ageing properties. * Lancome Confort Tonique (#16.50); * Olay Total Effects age-defying...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Moisturisers to recommend.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... * Garnier Nutritionist Daily Moisturiser for normal/combination skin (#7.99) helps to control shine; * Eluage Creme (#24.95) is a daily anti-ageing treatment that is great for mature skins; * Vichy Thermal Fix (#12.25) gives 24-hour...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Wipes clean up.(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... While beauticians and dermatologists may only recommend wipes for occasional use and not to replace the cleanse/tone/moisturise routine, many women love their ease and convenience for everyday use. According to Mintel's report on skincare (Nov...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Eluage tackles ageing.(Pierre Fabre S.A.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... New from the French skincare company Pierre Fabre is anti-ageing Eluage. The two Eluage products bring together hyaluronic acid fragments and retinaldehyde in a patented formula to enhance the production and retention of hyaluronic acid in the...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Star treatment.(Nails Inc.)
February 4, 2006... After Christmas, budgets are tight and a visit to a beauty salon is out of the question for many of us So Beauty Counter picked up three heavily discounted gift sets in the sales to see how much of a feelgood factor a home treatment could...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Lip gloss.
February 4, 2006... Our lips are on the move all the time we're awake as we eat, drink, smile, talk and send out all those non-verbal facial communications. So it seems that it's a bit of a cosmic design fault that leaves these facial gymnasts with no natural...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Faster, more comfortable epilation.(Braun GmbH)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Braun aims to consolidate its position as the leading epilator brand with the launch of the Silk-epil X'Elle range. The three models in the range are designed to remove 95 per cent of hair in a single stroke for faster results. The 40...

BEAUTY COUNTER: World class competition.(Gillette U.K. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Consumers have the chance to win a trip to the World Cup Final for themselves and three friends in a `money-can't-buy' promotion with M3Power Nitro razors and packs of M3Power blades. Gillette, which is the official men's grooming...

BEAUTY COUNTER: More power to Venus.(Gillette U.K. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Gillette launches its first powered wet shaving system for women with Venus Vibrance. The Vibrance is powered by an AAA battery in the handle and is expected to attract new consumers into the market and encourage existing users to trade up. ...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Braun traces the Contours.(Braun (UK) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Braun has extended its shave range with the Contour Series. The four models have innovative features, including a Contour Hugging Head, which adjusts automatically to the facial contours for closeness and comfort. The SmartFoil is patterned...

BEAUTY COUNTER: New triple-blade from BiC.(BiC (UK) Ltd's Comfort 3 Advance)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... BiC's new Comfort 3 Advance is designed to appeal to young consumers. It features a robust handle design, rubber grip and triple blade technology for a close shave. The new product also has a pivotal head which adjusts to facial contours...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Lashings of volume and length.(Coty (UK) Ltd's Volume Extend Mascara)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... Rimmel promises 15 times more volume and 50 per cent more length and curve with new double-ended Volume Extend Mascara. The new product contains two patent-pending formulas, each with its own patent-pending brush. First, the white...

BEAUTY COUNTER: Grocers on a winning streak.(Verdict Research Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 4, 2006... The market research specialist Verdict Research reports that the grocery sector is widening its lead in the health and beauty sector. Its report, entitled Health & Beauty Retailers 2005, says spending on health and beauty in grocers...