Chemist & Druggist articles from February 2007

Chemist & Druggist archives from February 2007

Section 60 delayed to tie in with Scottish rollout.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... RPSGB Introduction delayed until technicians' directive extended to Scotland Ailsa Colquhoun The Section 60 Order will not be introduced until legislation regulating technicians in Scotland is in place, the House of Lords has ruled....

John D'Arcy departs NPA.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... NPA `Exceptional ambassador' moves on John D'Arcy has resigned as NPA chief executive to become Rowlands' commercial director from May. "I've been at the NPA a third of my life. I'm leaving the organisation on a high and am looking...

RPSGB ups the pressure.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Politics MPs urged to support regulations MPs appointed to a committee considering the pharmacy Section 60 regulations have been urged by the pharmacy profession to give the measure their approval. A leaked copy of an email sent to MPs...

#1m bill for Section 60.(finanace of Royal Pharmaceutical Society)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Tom Hawkins The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has revealed that it faces a bill for #1 million to fund changes being set out in the Section 60 Order. In an explanatory memorandum to the order, which was passed in the House of Lords this...

In brief: Wholesalers want review.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... British wholesalers are calling on health ministers to urgently review the pharmaceutical products supply chain in light of emerging distribution models. These could result in reduced competition between wholesalers and an increased cost to the...

In brief: SPGC seeks AZ talks.(talks of Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council and AstraZeneca PLC)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council (SPGC) is seeking talks with AstraZeneca, following speculation it could stop twice-daily medicine deliveries. The SPGC said the move would hamper pharmacists' "ability to deliver the same levels...

In brief: Women dominate RPSGB.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The register of pharmacists in Great Britain is set to become bigger, more feminised and ever more diverse, the RPSGB has forecast. From its report on the RPSGB registers 2006, the Society notes that there are now approximately 46,000...

In brief: NCSO update.(no cheaper stock obtainable)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO endorsements for the following items for January prescriptions: bisacodyl 5mg gastro-resistant tablets. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

In brief: SPGC election.
February 3, 2007... The SPGC is calling for contractors to stand for election to its pharmacy contractors' committees. Nomination forms and a revised model constitution of pharmacy contractors' committees in Scotland are available from the SPGC. The...

Patients push for out-of-hours.(survey about services of pharmacists)(Survey)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Survey Pharmacists prepared to adapt hours to match GPs and lure patients Wesley Yin-Poole Pharmacists could follow GPs in offering more out-of-hours services after a government survey revealed patients want greater flexibility in...

In brief: Max acts up.(appointment of Max Gosney as editor of Chemist and Druggist)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Max Gosney has been appointed C+D's acting news editor. If you have a story that you think we should cover then please contact Max on 01732 377315 or email him at mgosney@cmpmedica.com Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

In brief: Boots steps into China.(Alliance Boots acquires GP Corp )(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Alliance Boots has established a foothold in the booming Chinese pharmaceuticals market through a #30 million joint venture. The UK pharmacy giant has taken a 50 per cent stake in China's third largest pharmaceutical wholesaler - GP Corp -...

In brief: NI premieres IP course.(Northern Ireland's Centre for Postgraduate Pharmaceutical Education and Training)(Independent Prescribing Course)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Northern Ireland's Centre for Postgraduate Pharmaceutical Education and Training (NICPPET) has gained full accreditation to run the UK's first full independent prescribing course. The six-module course - the first in the country open to...

In brief: Bristol-Myers tightlipped.(Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Bristol-Myers Squibb has refused to comment on speculation that it is in merger talks with sanofi-aventis to create the world's largest pharmaceutical firm. The companies are understood to have signed a preliminary accord and could merge by...

In brief: CD-Rom information.(intelliPharm)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The intelliPharm CD-Rom included in the January 27 issue of C+D is designed to help pharmacists comply with the new contract and includes templated SOPs to help pharmacists successfully deliver essential services. More information at...

MUR support steers rapid rise in delivery.(Hampshire & Isle of Wight (IoW) Local Pharmaceutical Committee)(Medicines Use Reviews)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Practice LPCs providing extra help as MUR numbers rise Ailsa Colquhoun Hampshire & Isle of Wight (IoW) LPC is hiring extra pharmacists to help contractors push ahead with medicines use reviews. The two MUR instructors will provide...

MUR media training.(Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee trains pharmacists on medicines use reviews)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... PSNC is running media training seminars designed to help LPCs promote MURs. The seminars cover how the media works, what makes the news and how pharmacists can raise the profile of their services with the local media, GPs, PCTs and the...

Pharmacy in dark on records.(access to electronic patient records)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... IT Level of pharmacist access still undecided A question mark remains over the level of pharmacist access to electronic patient records as plans for a pilot of the project get under way. Chief executive of Connecting for Health (CfH)...

Welsh NHS Confederation.(appointment of Chris Martin)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... A Pembrokeshire pharmacist has scooped a top role at the Welsh NHS Confederation. Chris Martin, also non-executive director at UniChem, will represent Mid & West Wales on the group's management committee. Mr Martin outlined plans to champion...

Script charges under spotlight.(United Kingdom's National Health Service prescription charges)
February 3, 2007... Medicines Charge depending on drug benefit Most NHS prescription charges in England should be scrapped and applied instead to treatments with little or no clinical benefit, according to public health doctors. Dr Tim Crayford, president...

Pharmacy helps the aged.(services of Practice Brighton University)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Practice Brighton University team wins award for groundbreaking project Emma Wilkinson Pharmacists have an important role in helping elderly patients get the best out of their medications, an award winning project at Brighton...

Reprimand for pharmacist.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Statutory Committee Behaviour inappropriate A Jersey pharmacist accused of abusing and grabbing two female members of staff and dragging one out of the store where they worked has been reprimanded. Chair of the Royal Pharmacueutical...

Wales busts 53 fraudsters.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Wales But no sanctions for pharmacists Welsh fraud investigators secured 53 sanctions against NHS employees and contractors during 2005-06. This included 24 civil, 15 criminal and 14 disciplinary sanctions against doctors, dentists and...

160-year old pharmacy under threat.(divestments of WC & K King Chemist )(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Legal Islington Council in property sell-off The future of an historic pharmacy is in doubt under plans for a multi- million pound property sell-off by the local council. WC & K King Chemist in Finsbury, London, is one of 200...

In brief: EPS user concerns.(electronic procurement system )
February 3, 2007... Independent pharmacists who attended Cegedim Rx's first user group meeting in Chertsey expressed concerns about the nomination function of EPS and the changing processes that the system would bring to their work. Contractors said there was...

In brief: Numark opens up training.
February 3, 2007... Numark has opened its training workshops to non-members for the first time. They will cover medication reviews for pharmacists and VMS for assistants. The UK tour will run from February 1 to March 22. To register, contact Betty Kelly on 01827...

Manichem.(investments of Reading-based pharmacy )(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Manichem, a Reading-based pharmacy multiple with 38 branches across the south of England, is investing in Retail Skills training for its counter staff. More than 30 people are piloting the course, which is offered through C+D and Hamacher, and...

Opinion: House of Commons reception kicks off centenary celebrations.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... We are delighted that our pharmacy graduate, Sandra Gidley MP (Bath BPharm graduate 1978, nee Rawson) has invited 150 alumni and staff to start the Bath Centenary Celebrations with an evening reception at the House of Commons. There will...

In brief: Social pharmacy chair.(appointment of Karen Hassell)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Karen Hassell of the University of Manchester's School of Pharmacy has been appointed to a new chair, in social pharmacy. Professor Hassell, currently director of the Centre for Pharmacy Workforce Studies, said she was keen to extend...

In brief: Midcounties expansion.(Midcounties Co-operative pharmacy group )(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The Midcounties Co-operative pharmacy group has purchased three pharmacies in Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire to take the number of pharmacies in its portfolio to 37. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Features: Pharmacy Champions - Pharmacists leading the way.(dialogue with Herbert (Bert) Jones)(Interview)
February 3, 2007... Name: Herbert (Bert) Jones Pharmacy: Linthorns, Birmingham What has he done? Worked for nearly 40 years as a pharmacy technician at Linthorns and has a refreshing approach to pharmacy Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?...

Opinion: Could fitness to practise referral become `trial by media'?(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Comment from the editor Innocent until proven guilty - isn't that how it's meant to be? Well yes, it would appear so, unless you are a health professional. As the government's legislation to update the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's...

Opinion: As community pharmacy faces up to a.(John D'Arcy)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... As community pharmacy faces up to a challenging year, it is surprising to note the number of top jobs that have been vacated recently. Colin Baldwin has retired from the CCA, Frank Owens and Barry Andrews have admirably served the SPGC and...

Your views: A word in your ear.
February 3, 2007... Broaching sensitive issues with customers can be awkward but new resources should make it easier One month into 2007 and statistics show that many of those new year resolutions that were made with such conviction have already fallen by the...

Opinion: Northern Ireland Notebook - The cost of representation.(Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland)
February 3, 2007... PSNI has impressed me: a business plan that reads like a business plan is encouraging indeed. I can now see how our profession could retain a local regulatory role, but the cost of this will be great and the question must be asked if the...

Opinion: Xrayser - A backward step too far.
February 3, 2007... The threat of ethical deliveries being cut to once daily has been around for some time, but I always assumed that such a retrograde step would never be allowed to happen. It looks less likely, however, that anyone is able or willing to stop the...

Opinion: Xrayser - Patient pack palaver.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Patient packs are a great idea but it's a real shame that we've never been able to get maximum benefit from them. All the ridiculous red tape and lack of co-operation from some manufacturers make them just one more administrative burden. ...

Pharmacy update: Treating cystitis and PMS.(Disease/Disorder overview)
February 3, 2007... Clinical features and OTC treatments for cystitis and premenstrual syndrome Alan Nathan Many women suffer from cystitis and premenstrual syndrome at some stage in their lives and large numbers of remedies are sold. This article looks...

Pharmacy update: Continuing Professional Development.
February 3, 2007... Reflect Are you able to offer rational advice to women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome? Is any OTC treatment effective? Can you list six occasions when you should refer cystitis symptoms to a GP? Plan By reading this article...

In brief: Teva UK has launched.
February 3, 2007... Teva UK has launched a generic version of Bristol-Myers Squibb's Half Sinemet CR and Sinemet CR. The POM carbidopa with levodopa treatment for parkinsonism is available in packs of 60 CR tablets of 25mg/100mg and 50mg/200mg. www.tevauk.com...

In brief: Nice has again refused.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Nice has again refused to recommend cetuximab (Erbitux,) despite an appeal by cancer charities Bowel Cancer UK and Cancerbackup. The charities argued that the treatment is more cost-effective than others that have been recommended by Nice. ...

In brief: The Health Protection Agency.(new guidelines on malaria treatment)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The Health Protection Agency has published new guidelines on malaria treatment. The best-practice guidance lists three main therapeutic options for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in adults in the UK - oral quinine plus...

In brief: A topical anaesthetic spray.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... A topical anaesthetic spray may be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, suggest the results of a UK study. A randomised study of 54 men showed a spray delivering 22.5mg of lidocaine and 7.5mg of prilocaine in three metered spray...

In brief: Austrian researchers.(research of antibiotics)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Austrian researchers have reported a novel way of increasing the potency of current antiobiotics by administering them in the presence of certain bacteriophages. The bacteriophages channel through bacterial cell membranes, disrupting the...

In brief: The RPSGB Law and Ethics Committee.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... The RPSGB Law & Ethics Committee is calling for pharmacists to be alert for unusual requests for products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine. Commonly used in cold remedies, these ingredients can be used to synthesise the street drug...

In brief: Specific allergen injection.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Specific allergen injection immunotherapy is effective in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, a Cochrane review has concluded. Further reviews of oral, nasal and sublingual immunotherapy treatments are planned. Copyright: CMP...

In brief: Another Cochrane analysis.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Another Cochrane analysis published this week concludes that the available evidence does not support the use of beta-blockers as first- line treatment in hypertension. The analysis found they had only a small effect in reducing stroke and had...

Clinical news: Cochrane report favours smoking cessation drug.(The Cochrane Collaboration)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Cochrane reviewers have given the thumbs up to the newly licensed smoking cessation aid, varenicline. A review of the trials to date of the partial nicotine receptor agonist concluded that it increases the chance of quitting successfully...

Clinical news: Long-term opioids are `acceptable'.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... GPs should not be afraid to prescribe long-term strong opioid medication for people with chronic non-cancer pain, a study of patient need suggests. Despite evidence-based guidelines supporting the appropriate use of strong opioids, such as...

Clinical news: Drug advice for heavy menstruation.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Nice has urged the use of drug therapies and minor surgery over hysterectomy for women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding. New guidance recommends the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system as the first-line option followed by...

Products & Marketing: Spray your way to daily vits.
February 3, 2007... Multivitamin Spray has been launched by Cellfood. Sprayed under the tongue six times a day, the product provides 12 vitamins at near or above the 100 per cent RDA level, says Cellfood. The formulation further includes Cellfood's oxygenating...

Products & Marketing: Complan moves into P territory.
February 3, 2007... Complan has entered new territory with the introduction of a P product, intended primarily to fulfil prescriptions. The Complan Shake, approved by the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances, has an enhanced vitamin and mineral profile...

Products & Marketing: Eyes right with Agepha.
February 3, 2007... Two brands have been introduced to the UK by Agepha. Ocusan is a preservative-free, elastoviscous eye-drop product containing sodium hyaluronate (0.15 per cent). It regenerates the tear film, moistens the surface of the eye and enhances...

Products & Marketing: Ads make for gripping viewing.
February 3, 2007... Poligrip Comfiseal Strips are being supported with a #600,000 above-the- line package spanning TV and press advertising. Ads are running on satellite TV and the Pharmacy Channel during February featuring a confident denture wearing career...

Products & Marketing: Cast iron facts from Milupa.
February 3, 2007... `Feeding your toddler' is a new professional practice resource for health professionals from infant formula milk brand Milupa Aptamil. Designed to provide concise information, the guide covers topics including a balanced diet and coping with...

In brief: Smart launch from Braun.
February 3, 2007... The SmartControl3 is the latest introduction to the men's shaving sector from Braun. The foil shaver features a three-stage cutting system with a `smart foil' that has computer-designed holes shaped to trap facial hairs growing in different...

Products & Marketing: Babies get the silent treatment.
February 3, 2007... Infacol is appearing in a new advertisement in the healthcare professional press. Taking a `Silent night' theme, the ad is designed to convey the message that the colic drops treat wind, colic and griping pain. Ads will run from March. A...

Products & Marketing: Listerine's taste of victory.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Listerine Advanced Tartar Control has won the oralcare category in this year's Product of the Year Awards. Voted for by more than 10,000 consumers, the accolade gives the product the right to carry the red Product of the Year logo for 2007. ...

Products & Marketing: Summer's coming.
February 3, 2007... Perfectslim pro-massage is a new product from L'Oreal Paris. The two- step anti-cellulite manual massage system has massage rollers to squeeze and roll the skin and a post-massage firming concentrate in gel form. Nutrisummer Mist has been...

Features: Boxing clever.
February 3, 2007... Are toiletries still worth fighting for in pharmacy? Sarah Thackray finds that you may need to duck and dive a bit to keep up with the big boys, but with a little ingenuity you can play to your strengths Growing price and margin pressures...

Features: Toiletry trends.(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... * Last year saw a decline of 0.5 per cent of total toiletry sales in pharmacies and drugstores in contrast to an increase of 4.5 per cent in multiple grocers. * Pharmacies and drugstores still retain dominance in skincare, sun...

Features: Two pharmacists give differing opinions.(opinions of Shiv Bagga and Ash Soni)(Brief article)
February 3, 2007... Two pharmacists give differing opinions about how they see the future of toiletries in pharmacy Toiletries are a "necessary evil" in the pharmacy, according to Ash Soni of Copes Pharmacy in Streatham, South London. "In terms of space...

Features: Finger on the pulse of toothbrush sales.
February 3, 2007... Procter & Gamble hopes to add value growth to the manual toothbrush category with its `pulsing' Oral-B Pulsar manual toothbrush this year. The brush is designed to provide more effective cleaning with bristles that pivot back and forth to...

Features: New scent for old favourite.
February 3, 2007... Yardley is extending its floral based Classics range with a fresh new fragrance for spring and summer. Yardley Honeysuckle is a delicate green floral scent which combines honeysuckle with peony, jasmine, lilac, honey and musk. It is available...

Features: Vichy kit targets skin troubles.
February 3, 2007... Vichy is extending its pharmacy-only Normaderm range of products for skin prone to imperfections with a three-week intensive skincare treatment. The Normaderm Intensive Renovating Care kit (#25.00) is formulated to target congested pores...

Features: The beauty of own-label.
February 3, 2007... AAH Pharmaceuticals has extended its Vantage range to provide pharmacies with a value own-label offering for key toiletry products. A new range of health and beauty products includes hair gels, bath foams and creams plus cotton wool pads, balls...

Features: Fresh boost for Lynx.
February 3, 2007... Unilever hopes to entice new users into male toiletries and add excitement to the category with the relaunch of its brand leading Lynx range this year. The entire range has been updated with new and improved fragrance formulations. In addition,...

Features: New look for Dove beauties.
February 3, 2007... The Dove range is being relaunched in a move aimed at reinforcing the everyday moisturising credentials of the brand. The range features improved formulations and new packaging designed to encourage cross- category purchasing of deodorants,...

Should the Pill be sold OTC?(over-the-counter sales of contraceptive drugs)
February 10, 2007... If the consultations and follow-up with patients are done under the correct protocols, selling the Pill over the counter would be a good thing. It will mean wider availability and remove a barrier for patients travelling to the UK from overseas...

Correction: Section 60 Order.(Correction notice)
February 10, 2007... Parts of the Section 60 Order covering technicians in England and Wales have been delayed until legislation regulating technicians in Scotland is in place. However, all other areas of the Section 60 Order will not be subject to delay as...

#300m PCT cash boost.(primary care trusts)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Practice Funds to update buildings and equipment PCTs are to receive more than #300 million to modernise their buildings and their equipment. The cash boost will see PCTs get #323m to maintain and modernise building stocks and replace...

IN BRIEF: DH extends consultation.(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Health ministers have extended the consultation on the reimbursement and remuneration arrangements for stoma and incontinence appliances until April 2. This will allow respondents to consider the amended terms of service relating to stoma and...

Correction: passtheprereg.com.(Correction notice)
February 10, 2007... The www.passtheprereg.com website has been launched by university lecturer Alan Nathan and not the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as published in last week's C+D. Mr Nathan, lecturer in pharmacy practice at King's College London, has designed the...

IN BRIEF: C+D part of PSNC events.
February 10, 2007... C+D will be exhibiting at PSNC's forthcoming `Success for Pharmacy' events, which have been organised by Ceuta Healthcare and take place on March 4 in Telford, March 11 in Leeds and March 18 in London (Heathrow). For more information go to...

Primary care report boost for pharmacy.(role of pharmacists in primary care)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Practice Pharmacists should be front line resource Tom Hawkins Pharmacists should become "even more invaluable" as a front line resource for NHS patients, a senior government healthcare adviser said this week. The DH's primary...

Lord Fraser cleared of charges.(Statutory Committee)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Legal Charges dropped due to lack of evidence Scottish prosecutors have dropped `air rage' charges against Statutory Committee chairman Lord Fraser of Carmyllie due to insufficient evidence. Tayside Police arrested Lord Fraser at...

Asda plans city branches with GP surgeries.(ASDA Group Ltd.)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Retailing Asda will offer consultation rooms for PCTs to provide GP services Tom Hawkins Asda is considering opening pharmacies in city branches under the 100- hour control of entry exemption as part of plans to house GP surgeries...

RPSGB'S Welsh Executive.(Peter Jones)(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain )(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... It was all smiles in Wales this week as the RPSGB's Welsh Executive unveiled its new premises at Cardiff Business Park on Tuesday. Ann Lewis, RPSGB secretary and registrar; Cath O'Brien, director for the RPSGB's Welsh Executive; Peter Jones,...

Police to access records.(confidential patient information)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... RPSGB Society confirms request is justified Police officers could force pharmacists to disclose confidential patient information as part of a major crime investigation, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society has said. A number of contractors...

PSNC seeks action in seven areas.(Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... PSNC is to meet healthcare chiefs to develop its response to the forthcoming control of entry review, and to take forward negotiations for the 2007-08 pay deal. Following an early meeting with Anne Galbraith, who is chairing the control of...

Patients calm over bird flu.
February 10, 2007... Practice No concerns from turkey farm neighbours The outbreak of bird flu in Suffolk has not fazed pharmacy customers, contractors have told C+D. "I think because we've been through it all before, people aren't bothered by this," said...

The protection game.(Information Governance Game)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... Practice Learn to handle sensitive information A board game has been launched to help pharmacists protect confidential patient information. The IG (Information Governance) Game involves up to 14 players fielding questions on the...

The final countdown.(smoking ban in public spaces in Wales)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... A digital clock in Cardiff is counting down to the April 2 smoking ban in enclosed public spaces in Wales. A second clock will tour towns and villages. John Griffiths, deputy minister for health and social services, said the ban would curtail...

IN BRIEF: BOC quits Welsh supply.(British Oxygen Corp.)(Brief article)
February 10, 2007... BOC has completed its last delivery of oxygen to pharmacies in Wales, leaving fellow gas supplier Air Products to assume complete control of the vital service. "Following discussions with both Air Products and the Welsh Assembly Government, it...