Chemist & Druggist articles from February 2008

Chemist & Druggist archives from February 2008

Comment from the Editor.(impact of alliance of Company Chemists' Association and the Association of Independent Multiple pharmacies on other contractors)(Editorial)
February 2, 2008... How do you feel about the news this week that the large and the not quite so large pharmacy multiples have joined forces (p8)? Will it be business as usual or does the tie up between the Company Chemists' Association and the Association of...

Cat M cuts hit contractor salaries.
February 2, 2008... Pharmacy owners forced to go without pay as businesses fail to break even after January prescription payments Jennifer Richardson Some contractors have been forced to forego their own salaries as a result of category M clawback. ...

Darzi review in listening mode.(Lord Darzi)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Pharmacists will be able to have their say on Lord Darzi's NHS review at two events led by Keith Ridge, England's chief pharmaceutical officer. Dr Ridge has been asked to seek feedback on how pharmacy can contribute to the Darzi review on...

AAH confirms dismissals.(AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd. dismissing Steve Dunn and Ian Davidson )(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... AAH Pharmaceuticals has confirmed that Steve Dunn and Ian Davidson were dismissed from their positions as managing and finance director respectively before Christmas. The wholesaler also confirmed it received a High Court claim last Friday...

IN BRIEF: Awaiting retention forms.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Over 6,000 pharmacists have yet to return their retention form, the RPSGB confirmed this week. Of the 48,450 pharmacists who received a 2008 retention form, 36,516 have registered as practising, 5,014 as non- practising, and 6,241 forms are...

IN BRIEF: #811m overpay?
February 2, 2008... Andrew Lansley has accused the DH of overpaying #811 million to pharmacists, as C+D went to press. The shadow health secretary said incompetence had led to excess payments of #300m and #511m from 2005- 07. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Pharmacy star needed.(British Broadcasting Corp. requiring pharmacists)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... BBC Two is seeking a pharmacist willing to compare natural remedies with OTC medicines, on camera. The work will form part of a new series showcasing natural remedies for minor complaints. Contact Sophie Leonard on 020 7307 2743 or...

IN BRIEF: PBC information `poor'.
February 2, 2008... The second quarterly practice survey by the DH showed around 40 per cent of GP practices still believe they receive poor information from PCTs on practice-based commissioning. http://tinyurl.com/39bt4r Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: MHRA prosecution.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... A Manchester man was sentenced for illegally importing unlicensed steroid creams and supplying them to patients, following a joint prosecution by the MHRA and the police. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

MPs shun pharmacies.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... C+D launches campaign after `amazing lack of contact' with sector is revealed Max Gosney The minister responsible for pharmacy in England made just one official visit to a community pharmacy in her first four months in the job. ...

Push for national minor ailments scheme.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Minor ailments cost the NHS #2 billion a year and GPs an hour a day, a survey has shown. The research has prompted PSNC to join forces with the OTC manufacturers' trade body, the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, to launch a fresh...

CCA and AIMp merger.(Company Chemists Associations merger with Association of Independent Multiple pharmacies)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... There are benefits for the whole profession, says new organisation Jennifer Richardson The Company Chemists' Association and the Association of Independent Multiple pharmacies have joined forces in a bid to increase the influence of...

LPC inbox: Grasp the MUR nettle.(more user-friendly product for pharmacists )(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Finally we have the new MUR form and service specification. It has only taken 18 months to go through the hoops at the Department of Health, but after much effort from a number of LPCs, PCTs and PSNC we have a more user-friendly product for...

Pay services with surplus.(management of profits by pharmacies)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Surplus buying profits should be put back into the pot to pay for pharmacy services, the UK's leading multiples have said. A target of 70 per cent of excess purchase profits should be available for reinvestment, the Company Chemists'...

Monty Panesar launches Lloydspharmacy campaign.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... England cricketer Monty Panesar has launched a Lloydspharmacy campaign to raise awareness of type 2 diabetes' prevalence among Asian men. After visiting the multiple's flagship Vauxhall branch, the bowler met MPs at a parliamentary reception to...

Wales ponders remote control.(automation in drugstores)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Pharmacies in rural parts of Wales could be set for remote access points and automation, a senior government official has said. Jeremy Savage, deputy chief pharmaceutical advisor to the Welsh Assembly Government, told C+D he was looking at...

Yes minister.
February 2, 2008... C+D launches the Building Bridges campaign to showcase to MPs the vital services offered by their local pharmacy C+D has launched a campaign to get MPs to visit pharmacies in a bid to showcase your potential to those in power. Building...

Xrayser: Upheavals, disputes and squabbles equal implosion.(Viewpoint essay)
February 2, 2008... It looks suspiciously like the pharmacy profession may be, after hundreds of years of steadfast service, dependability and resilience, about to implode. What might be left I can't imagine. We've had upheavals, disputes, regulatory issues...

Irish eye: Terry Maguire - Getting a grip on men's health.(impact of pharmacists on managing public health)(Viewpoint essay)
February 2, 2008... If I were to appear before the Statutory Committee and the case against me stated that I left the pharmacy during business hours and went to a public house where alcohol was being consumed and that there I asked men to feel their testicles, I...

Clinical Alerts: New Products.
February 2, 2008... Altargo 1 per cent ointment (retapamulin) Licensed for short-term treatment of superficial skin infections, including impetigo and infected wounds. GSK UK Ltd, tel: 020 8990 9000. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical Alerts: SPC Changes.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Salofalk 500mg granules (mesalazine) Once daily dosage for acute treatment of ulcerative colitis added to posology section. Nolvadex D tablets (tamoxifen) Optic neuropathy and neuritis added to undesirable effects. Lanoxin range...

Clinical Alerts: Discontinued Products.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Oramorph UDVs, all strengths (morphine sulphate) Due to be discontinued from the end of March, due to falling demand. Boehringer Ingelheim, tel: 01344 424600, ext 1590. For a full version of this clinical alerts bulletin, go to...

Clinical News: UKCPA events.
February 2, 2008... The UKCPA has scheduled study days on starting a career in critical care on February 27, and on hot topics and pharmacist prescribing in the admissions unit on March 4. The events will be in London and Newcastle. www.ukcpa.org ...

Clinical News: TNF for Crohn's.(Tumor necrosis factor)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... A Cochrane review of nine studies has concluded that infliximab, adalimumab and certolizumab pegol are effective and generally safe in maintaining remission in Crohn's disease. However, some serious side effects with regard to tuberculosis were...

Clinical News: Idraparinux warning.(care and treatment of Atrial fibrillation)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Patients in atrial fibrillation given idraparinux are at greater risk of thromboembolism than those who take the standard treatment with vitamin K antagonists, say the authors of a review in The Lancet. Lancet 2008; 371:315-21. Copyright:...

Clinical News: HPV immunisation help.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Guidance laying out the scientific basis of introducing human papillomavirus vaccines has been published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. http://tinyurl.com/299j75 Measures to prevent waste in storing and supplying...

Clinical News: Call for SPC change.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... The SPC for rosiglitazone should be changed to warn that the treatment should not be used in patients with ischaemic heart disease or peripheral heart disease. The call came from the EMEA Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. ...

Clinical News: Diuretics may be best hypertension drugs.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Report authors find reduced cardiovascular risk from diuretic arm of trial Gavin Atkin Diuretics may deliver better outcomes in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome than either calcium-channel blockers (CCB), alpha blockers...

Clinical News: Oral contraceptives cut ovarian cancer.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Taking oral contraceptives provides significant protection against ovarian cancer, claim the authors of a paper published this week in The Lancet. The re-analysis of 45 epidemiological studies including 23,257 women with ovarian cancer and...

Clinical News: Infliximab for psoriasis.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Nice has recommended infliximab should be used in treating adults with severe psoriasis scoring 20 on the PASI severity index and 18 on the DLQI life quality index. Infliximab should be used if the patient fails standard systemic treatments, is...

Pharmacy Update: A pharmacist's guide to virology.
February 2, 2008... This article looks at common viral diseases, their causes and the treatments available Key points * Viruses are classified according to the type of nucleic acid they have - DNA or RNA. * DNA viruses usually enter the host cell...

Product News: Veet makes it easy on the uninitiated.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Veet Debut has been launched, targeting first-time users of hair removal products. The two products in the range - wax and cream - include a step by step guide for ease of use together with hints and tips for getting the best results. ...

Product News: Nicopass NRT launched.(Wockhardt Ltd.)
February 2, 2008... Nicopass lozenges have been launched by Wockhardt. Containing 1.5mg nicotine, they are available in fresh mint and liquorice mint variants. The lozenges are hard, like a boiled sweet, and difficult to crunch so dissolve slowly in the mouth,...

Product News: Animal antics.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Toilet tissue brand Velvet is running an on-pack promotion to support its partnership with WWF. Special packs, going into stores towards the end of this month, will offer consumers a free panda toy in return for tokens and a cheque for #2...

Product News: Radox unveils updated image.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... The Radox toiletries brand is set to benefit from a new look and product launches this month. The updated packaging sees subtle changes designed to modernise the brand's image. The new products include a Nourishing range of bath, shower and...

IN BRIEF: Online cream selling well.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... The launch of an instant deep wrinkle filler cream exclusively on the Boots website has led to a rush of online shopping, reports Boots. Tri- Aktiline, manufactured by Good Skin Lab, became the website's top- selling product in its first week...

Product News: Hairs hoping.(Vitabiotics Ltd.)(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Wellman Tricologic, a multivitamin supplement said to maintain healthy hair follicles and existing hair growth, has been launched by Vitabiotics. It contains 29 nutrients. Biotin is included for its action on scalp oils while niacin helps...

IN BRIEF: Weleda's winning ways.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... The Weleda Baby range has been named top skincare brand in the midwife- tested TIPS awards. Further, five products in the range were named best in their categories. The Baby range will be promoted throughout the year in the parenting press. ...

IN BRIEF: Cast iron advice.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... A guide to nutrition during pregnancy has been produced by Spatone, the iron rich water supplement from Nelsons. It can be downloaded from the brand's website or ordered by phone or email. Nelsons, tel: 0800 7311740 Email:...

IN BRIEF: Nipple cream sore point.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Press and radio advertising for Boots's nipple cream has resulted in 19 complaints being made to the Advertising Standards Agency by members of the public. Complainants felt the ads implied that sore nipples were a normal part of breastfeeding,...

IN BRIEF: Oralcare can be fruity.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... OralClens Natural is a new oralcare range, said to be kind to the mouth and gums. The mouthwash, available in citrus and mint variants, and toothpaste, fight bacteria and freshen breath. The range is free from synthetic products, says...

Product News: Teva's smoke signals.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... Generic nicotine lozenges in two strengths - 2mg and 4mg - are newly available from Teva UK. Designed to help smokers quit, the products are expected to compete directly with branded equivalents. Director of Teva Generics Kim Innes...

Product News: Feel the chill with Labcold.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... A new method of temperature mapping and validation of temperature- controlled chambers has been unveiled by Labcold. Said to be cheaper than current methods, the new technique is suitable for refrigerators and freezers, and is compliant...

Product News: Boots beefs up No7.(Brief article)
February 2, 2008... No7 for Men is a range of skincare products launched by Boots. Comprising 11 products from face washes to anti-ageing serum, the range has slick packaging designed to make men proud to own the products, says Boots. Product info: Boots Tel:...

Spotlight on Wales: Wales keeps its eye on the ball.
February 2, 2008... Wales may be smaller than its neighbour but, in community pharmacy terms, that can be a bonus, finds Zoe Smeaton Sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. But with the same basic contract as its much larger neighbour,...

Pharmacy Champion: Testing... testing.(Column)
February 2, 2008... Rosemary Blackie, of Wicker Pharmacy in Sheffield, has set up a Helicobacter pylori testing service for dyspepsia patients The PCT had already trialled the H pylori testing service and my pharmacy was participating, but not to a very high...

Comment from the Editor: 09.02.08.(Editorial)
February 9, 2008... The full impact of last October's nightmare category M clawback has become all too apparent to pharmacy contractors. A #400 million hit was never going to be easy to stomach, particularly when it was to be implemented in just one quarter....

Penalised for postal strike delay.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Contractor counts the cost after Royal Mail walk-out holds up delivery of September prescriptions to PPD Emma Wilkinson/Max Gosney A Worthing pharmacist has slammed NHS paymasters who left her #1,000 out of pocket due to an error...

PSNC squares up to Lansley.(health poilcy of Andrew Lansley)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... PSNC is pressing for a showdown with Andrew Lansley after the shadow health secretary accused the government of overpaying pharmacists #811 million. The contract negotiator has invited Mr Lansley to meet representatives following a...

Contractor concerns lead to PPD inquiry.(investigations of prescriptions)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... An investigation into the way the NHS handles exempt and paid prescriptions has been launched after contractors raised concerns over the process. Nisheet Patel, of Cokeham Pharmacy in Sompting, West Sussex, claimed he had nearly 200...

IN BRIEF: Softer touch.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has launched a consultation on relaxing disciplinary investigation criteria. The RPSGB wants its inspectorate to handle more minor cases rather than refer them to its formal investigating committee. ...

IN BRIEF: Lloyds MD to quit.(Justin Ash resigns from Lloydspharmacy)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Justin Ash will step down as Lloydspharmacy managing director this June. Mr Ash will hand over to Richard Smith, chief operations and commercial director at the multiple, parent company Celesio said. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Estelle move.
February 9, 2008... The Estelle range of HRT products has been transferred to Meda Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer has said. Pharmacists with queries should contact Meda - 0845460 0000 or Unidrug Distribution Group - 01773 510123. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Condom kiosks.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Condom kiosks could be on their way to pharmacies under a #26.8 million Department of Health bid to improve access to contraception. The proposal was announced by minister for pharmacy Dawn Primarolo as C+D went to press. ...

Industry unites behind C+D's Building Bridges.(political aspects of pharmacy)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Our aim to get more MPs into pharmacy has struck a chord right across the sector Jennifer Richardson Industry backing for C+D's Building Bridges campaign has flooded in since its launch last week (C+D, February 2, p7). Messages of...

Messages of support.(services of pharmacy)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... "This is about creating a strong voice for pharmacy and giving a strong message to policy makers that says: `We can deliver better healthcare for our patients'." Peter Gibson, head of public affairs, Alliance Boots "Lloydspharmacy...

Wholesaler adds fuel surcharge.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Pharmacists have been hit with the first fuel surcharge on drugs deliveries as wholesalers feel the strain of record UK fuel prices. Phoenix will charge a #9.75 monthly fee to contractors in response to 25 per cent rises in fuel costs...

Scrap the Society and start again, inquiry told.(pharmacy firms demand scrapping of Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and forming a new professional body)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... New body could capture `the imagination of the profession', says CCA Emma Wilkinson Scrap the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and start again, the UK's largest pharmacy firms have urged the inquiry into forming a new professional body....

Dispensary Talk.
February 9, 2008... What's the longest you've waited for an EPS download? "This morning I scanned a prescription in and waited half an hour for it to download. That's the longest I've had to wait. It's not quick." Jennifer Reid, Fairoak Pharmacy,...

Men risk health online.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Men too embarrassed to visit doctors are risking their health buying medicines online, experts said this week at the MHRA's annual conference in Birmingham. Gift Minta, an MHRA intelligence analyst, said the internet could be "a shoulder...

Ban on parallel trading lifted.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... A UK pharmacy has overturned a ban that prevented it parallel trading cut price drugs from Turkey to the lucrative US market. The Appeal Court threw out a High Court injunction banning 8PM Chemists from trading medicines this week. ...

Bridging the gap.(Building Bridges campaign aims to get as many politicians as possible into pharmacies )
February 9, 2008... Building Bridges can put pharmacy on the political map, Jennifer Richardson reports As far as Sandra Gidley is concerned, C+D's Building Bridges campaign could not have come at a better time. The Building Bridges campaign aims to get...

Letter: Government policies crippling self-employed.(Letter to the editor)
February 9, 2008... I consider myself to be running a successful and happy village pharmacy with an average month dispensing 3,200 FP10 items, and am a proud `sole trader' with UniChem as my wholesaler. Its brand equalisation scheme for generics/gold standard...

Letter: Rotavirus vaccines under microscope.(Letter to the editor)
February 9, 2008... Dr Halvorsen uses incomplete information and alleges that the rotavirus vaccines have not been sufficiently investigated in his arguments against the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in the UK (C+D, January 26, p28). There are two...

Letter: PSNC red herring distracts from true situation.(Letter to the editor)
February 9, 2008... I cannot let the comments of Sue Sharpe pass without clarification. PSNC has continually put forward this red herring of the ESPS or Local Pharmaceutical Service agreements (C+D, January 26, p6). ESPS is a separate issue and will continue...

Letter: Category M cut is devastating.(Letter to the editor)
February 9, 2008... I totally agree with the headlines in the February 2 edition of C+D (p6). January's payment was farcical... we knew that we would be hit hard after the category M announcements in October, and we had been very careful with our spend in the...

Xrayser: What are politicians really up to?
February 9, 2008... Cyril Smith once described the House of Commons as "the longest running farce in the West End". That's debatable but politicians certainly make entertaining, if at times uncomfortable, viewing. Now that pharmacy is finally becoming a...

Pharmacist in the House: Lend your support to this timely campaign.(n )(Viewpoint essay)
February 9, 2008... I had a meeting with Ara Darzi last week as he wanted to update me on the progress of his review. I like the man and there is no doubt, in my very cynical mind, that he is sincere. There is a refreshing honesty about him and his answers to...

Pharmacy Update: Nailing the problem.
February 9, 2008... A guide to some common nail problems and their treatment Key points * The nails can give clues to health: - clubbing can indicate lung disease - transverse ridges may appear after severe illness when nail growth stops...

Clinical Alerts: SPC Changes.
February 9, 2008... Elleste range (norethisterone, estradiol) Transferred from Pfizer to Meda. Dilzem range (diltiazem) Gingival hypertrophy, thrombocytopenia and gynaecomastia added to side effects. New warnings on use with simvastatin, atorvastatin,...

Clinical Alerts: Discontinued Products.(Nystan vaginal cream )(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Nystan vaginal cream 60g (nystatin) Discontinued with immediate effect for commercial reasons. Duphaston range (dydrogesterone) Discontinued from March for commercial reasons. Solvay, tel: 023 8046 7000. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

Clinical News: Nice counsels caution on drug use in ADHD.(National Institute for Clinical Excellence)(Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Medication should not be offered as first-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) unless symptoms are severe, Nice is proposing. In draft guidance on managing ADHD, Nice states that drug treatment should always...

Clinical News: Keep antibiotics special, says DH.(Department of Health)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... "Antibiotics do not cure all ills" is the message of the Department of Health's newly launched public education campaign. The initiative aims to remind patients and prescribers of the dangers of antibiotic resistance, and the need to...

Clinical News: Water said to be as good as saline.(Medical condition overview)
February 9, 2008... Tap water may be used to clean wounds instead of saline, a Cochrane review has suggested. The analysis considered 11 trials comparing water with other wound cleansers or no cleaning at all. Using drinking water did not seem to increase the...

Clinical News: FDA issues anti-epileptics warning.(Food and Drug Administration)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... The US drug regulator has warned that patients taking anti-epileptics may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the notice following analysis of placebo-controlled studies of...

Clinical News: New hope for UI sufferers.(Urinary incontinence)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Topical oxybutynin looks like being the next big thing for urinary incontinence sufferers. Two companies are said to be developing oxybutynin gel products, in the hope of delivering the benefits of tablet formulations with fewer anticholinergic...

Clinical News: No aspirin benefit in some.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Patients with diabetes may not benefit from aspirin after acute coronary syndrome. A study in Diabetes Care found that while non- diabetics derived a 48 per cent reduction in mortality from aspirin, there was no significant benefit for patients...

Clinical News: Omeprazole side effect.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Omeprazole may significantly reduce clopidogrel's ability to inhibit clotting, the authors of a paper published by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology have reported. http://tinyurl.com/34nkj6 Copyright: CMP Information...

Clinical News: RA treatments and infection.(Rituximab and abatacept )(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Rituximab and abatacept treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are not associated with increased risk of serious infections, the authors of a major meta-analysis have reported. However, high dose anakinra treatment may increase risk in some...

Clinical News: No evidence for probiotics.
February 9, 2008... Cochrane reviewers conclude that there is insufficient evidence to recommend probiotic therapy as an adjunct to antibiotics in treating C difficile colitis. http://tinyurl.com/2cb2yf Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical News: Pancreatin PIL of the month.
February 9, 2008... Pancreatin is the subject of the MHRA's latest PIL of the Month. The series is an initiative to promote examples of best practice in preparing PILs. http://tinyurl.com/ypol4x Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical News: Short antibiotics courses are effective in COPD.(Chronic obstructive lung disease)(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Short courses of antibiotics may be as effective as traditional longer courses in patients with mild to moderate exacerbations of chronic bronchitis and COPD, a meta-analysis has revealed. The researchers examined 21 studies including a...

Clinical News: More people pledge to stop smoking.(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... The numbers of people setting a quit date rose by 29 per cent to 327,800 last year, according to government figures. During the year, new legislation banned smoking in enclosed public places and the stop-smoking treatment varenicline...

Product News: Why seeing is believing.(Breathe Right nasal strips )(Brief article)
February 9, 2008... Breathe Right nasal strips begins a #750,000 national television advertising campaign this week. Running until March 10, appearances will favour pre-bedtime and early morning slots when sleep disruption is most in consumers' thoughts. ...