Chemist & Druggist articles from February 2009

Chemist & Druggist archives from February 2009

Comment from the Editor: 07.02.09.(Editorial)
February 7, 2009... Even for a nation that is generally regarded as being obsessed with the weather, the media frenzy this week over a few inches of snow was something to behold. Whether in print, online or on TV, news programmes couldn't get enough of the...

C+D campaign uncovers hard evidence of Cat M devastation.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Contractors tell of wildly fluctuating monthly incomes and serious profit decreases Zoe Smeaton Evidence of the chaos caused by category M clawbacks has been pouring in after C+D launched its Cat M Dossier campaign last week. Yet...

The headlines over time - how the Cat M crisis developed.(Calendar)
February 7, 2009... OCTOBER 07: Government announces a #400m cut in purchase profits. JANUARY 08: Contractors including Andrew Moule (Moule's Chemist, Middlesbrough) and Graham Phillips (Manor Pharmacy, Hertfordshire) say they have not paid themselves salaries...

IN BRIEF: MUR funding overhaul.(Medicine Use Review)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... A proposal to ensure MUR funding rewards health outcomes has been submitted to the Department of Health by PSNC and NHS Employers. The DH was considering the proposal, said pharmacy minister Phil Hope, in response to a parliamentary question....

IN BRIEF: Body blueprint.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Creation of the future professional leadership body moved a step closer this week as the RPSGB Council officially accepted a blueprint for the organisation that was produced by steering group Transcom last year. Formal adoption of the...

IN BRIEF: UniChem PPRS delay.(Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... UniChem will use last month's PPRS prices on a "small selection of products" where it has been unable to negotiate "satisfactory reimbursement" for devalued stock. This will be for up to one month after reduced prices came into effect on...

IN BRIEF: MAR dispensing labels.(medicine administration record)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Pharmacists will be allowed to use dispensing labels on medicine administration record (MAR) charts as part of updated guidance from the RPSGB. Under the new guidelines, pharmacies will be expected to follow 12 good practice principles when...

IN BRIEF - CPD: nine entries a year.(continuing professional development)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Practising pharmacists and registered technicians will be required to make a minimum of nine CPD records per year from March 1, after the RPSGB's Council agreed new standards for CPD this week. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Co-op blames problems on chronic lack of funds.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Purchase profits were subsidising inadequate contract, multiple says Zoe Smeaton/Jennifer Richardson The category M crisis has highlighted a "fundamental problem" with underinvestment in the pharmacy sector, industry experts have...

The reaction to Dawn Primarolo's comments.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... "The reason Dawn Primarolo has been a minister for such a long period is that she has an unparalleled ability to stick resolutely to the government message. I am amazed that she and her department are unaware of problems." Sandra Gidley,...

Top MPs condemn category M.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The government has caused pharmacy's category M woes by mismanaging the pharmacy contract and failing to deliver promised clinical services, a senior MP has claimed. Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley said: "This incompetent government...

IN BRIEF: Hope for pharmacy team.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... A community pharmacy team has impressed the pharmacy minister with its "knowledge and passion". Phil Hope was "delighted" to visit the Cox & Robinson Pharmacy in Irthlingborough in his Corby constituency last Friday. More at ...

IN BRIEF: Anger at GP guidance.(general practitioners)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Industry experts have reacted angrily to the publication of guidance on improving PCT engagement with GPs, saying equivalent pharmacy guidance should have been released at the same time. www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk Copyright: CMP...

IN BRIEF: Scots script success.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The Scottish Government has hailed last year's slashing of prescription charges a success, after sales of pre-payment certificates more than doubled following the cuts. Early evidence suggested the certificates were being used by patients with...

IN BRIEF: Lloyds leads PO pilot.(Post Office)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... A Cambridgeshire Lloydspharmacy is the only pharmacy participating in a nationwide Post Office pilot. Pharmacy staff at the multiple's Cambourne branch have been trained to provide "essential" Post Office services for the 12-month trial....

IN BRIEF: Celesio hits profit target.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Lloydspharmacy and AAH owner Celesio have reached the expected profit level for 2008. However, a downwards valuation adjustment of #287 million has been made on pharmacies in the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Italy due to increased economic...

Pharmacy battles to work through blizzards.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Staff show determination as they overcome weather conditions to open stores Zoe Smeaton Pharmacists across the UK went that extra mile to ensure patient services were not affected by this week's cold snap. Businesses in southern...

Mixed bag for wholesalers.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The weather brought mixed fortunes for pharmacy wholesalers this week, as some reported little disruption to services, but others had problems in the south. UniChem was unable to deliver any customer orders from its Chessington and Croydon...

Bruised after battle with robbers.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... A Lancashire pharmacist has spoken of her ordeal after attempting to foil a robbery in her store. Anne Dickson was thrust into the counter after two men burst in to Internet Pharmacy in Rochdale and demanded the till contents. Staff were...

`Students need training'.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Avicenna chief calls on universities to tackle commercial skills gap Chris Chapman The independent sector is threatened by a lack of business training in pharmacy undergraduate courses, a leading support group has warned. Speaking...

Avicenna members claim #1m.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Avicenna has announced an expected profit share of more than #1 million for its members. Speaking at a press conference last Friday, the independent pharmacy support group announced the expected #1m windfall along with a membership growth...

White paper pilot launches.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... East Lancashire pharmacies have become the first to trial a white paper proposal for pharmacy staff to qualify as `health trainers'. The scheme will see staff in four pharmacies across the region join a Department of Health initiative for...

Non-pharmacists to dominate new council.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Maximum of seven professionals on GPhC of 14, steering group recommends Jennifer Richardson Non-pharmacists are set to dominate the ruling council of the profession's future regulator, C+D has learned. A maximum of seven pharmacy...

DISPENSARY TALK: 07.02.09.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Has your pharmacy suffered erratic payment from the NHS? "Yes, we have found that we haven't been paid for items, they've been missed out or we've been paid the wrong price. What you need is a more transparent system of payment so you can...

Health boss: GPhC chief must be from outside profession.(General Pharmaceutical Council)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Someone from outside the pharmacy profession must head the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the boss of an NHS regulatory watchdog has said. Hiring a non-pharmacist would ensure the new regulator is seen to be serving the public and...

An inspector calls.
February 7, 2009... Harry Cayton is responsible for rating the RPSGB's regulatory performance. The CHRE chief shows Max Gosney his latest scorecard and sets the standard for a new pharmacy regulator The next time the Society inspector casts an inquisitive eye...

LETTER: P medicines situation is bad for business and patients.(Letter to the editor)
February 7, 2009... I was reading the article about the future of P medicines in your December 13, 2008, issue (p10). I have been a proprietor of community pharmacies since 1972, and finally sold my last pharmacy in October 2004. Since then I have done some...

XRAYSER: A virtual world where reality bites.
February 7, 2009... The closest I came to a virtual patient during my training was giving Resusci Annie the kiss of life on the first aid course. But today's bright eyed and bushy tailed young hopefuls can practise their consultation skills on a rather scary...

IRISH EYE: Time for a merger?
February 7, 2009... Some years ago when I was vice-chair of a UK pharmacy body, my committee sought an urgent meeting with Hazel Blears, then the English health minister, to discuss elements of the new pharmacy contract for England. Her office refused the...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Dealing with immune problems.
February 7, 2009... Drugs used to either enhance immunity or to suppress unwanted immune reactions 60-second summary Why is treating auto-immune disease so difficult? The need to inhibit overproduction of the cells causing the unwanted reactions must...

CLINICAL ALERTS: Drug Alerts.(agalsidase beta)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Fabrazyme 35mg powder for reconstitution (agalsidase beta) The manufacturer is recalling certain batches due to incorrect fill volumes in a small proportion of the vials supplied. The batches in question are A8049H01, A8049H06 and A8049H09; all...

CLINICAL ALERTS: SPC Changes.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Prandin 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg tablets (repaglinide) Ciclosporin added to substances that may enhance or prolong the hypoglycaemic effect of repaglinide. Daiichi Sankyo UK, 01753 482771, medinfo@daiichi- sankyo.co.uk Corgard 80mg tablets...

CLINICAL: Update 2008 - the happy winners will all do it again.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The outstanding winners of C+D's Update 2008 Knockout competition are unanimous - they are all going to do it again this year. And they all say that while the competition is fun, the real reason for reading the clinical articles and...

CLINICAL BRIEFS: PPIs hit clopidogrel.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Concomitant PPI treatment significantly reduces the benefits of clopidogrel treatment, a large case-controlled study published early online has confirmed. The study, to be published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal in March, found...

CLINICAL BRIEFS: EMEA on antiepileptics.(European Medicines Agency)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... EMEA officials have recommended that information on risk of suicidal thought and behaviour should be added to antiepileptic treatments including levetiracetam (Keppra), pregabalin (Lyrica), lacosamide (Vimpat) and zonisamide (Zonegran). ...

CLINICAL BRIEFS: Moles warning.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Health professionals have been warned that if they see individuals who report that their moles have changed colour, the changes may follow use of illegal injected `suntan' treatments, Melatonan I and Melatonan II. ...

CLINICAL: Agreement key to compliance, says Nice.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Nice guidance published last week has sought to instruct healthcare professionals including pharmacists on how to involve and support patients in decisions about taking their prescribed medicines. The authors note that 30 to 50 per cent of...

CLINICAL BRIEFS: Oral cyanocobalamin.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... A Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin review has called for a licensed 1mg cyanocobalamin tablet to be made available in the UK. The evidence suggests most patients with vitamin B12 deficiency not of dietary origin would respond well to the daily...

CLINICAL BRIEFS: New Product.
February 7, 2009... Bramitob nebuliser solution 300mg/4ml (tobramycin) for chronic pulmonary infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis aged six years and older. Trinity-Chiesi Pharmaceuticals, 0161 488 5561, medinfo@chiesi.uk.com ...

TEENAGE HEALTH: Teenage kicks.
February 7, 2009... The teenage market can be tough to crack - they won't talk to their parents, so why would they talk to pharmacists? James Clegg finds that, with the right approach, there is cause for optimism Which section of society binges on junk food,...

TEENAGE HEALTH: Teenagers' views on pharmacies.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... "I mainly go to pharmacies to get over-the-counter products. I did know you could get health advice from them but I think I'd use them more if I had more information on services they provide." Johnny Mansi, 16, Barnet "I only tend to...

PRODUCT NEWS: Boost for Clearasil range.
February 7, 2009... An improved Clearasil spot treatment cream - Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Treatment Cream - is set to launch this month. Reckitt Benckiser is backing the new product with a TV ad campaign as part of a wider #3 million `Clearasil may cause...

PRODUCT NEWS: Oxy sales beat credit crunch.
February 7, 2009... Sales of the Oxy skincare range are growing despite a general decline in sales within the sector, the range's brand manager has said. Jill Stuart said: "Medicated skincare sales were down 13.9 per cent in the 12 weeks to December 27 2008...

PRODUCT NEWS: Campaign promotes safe sex messagees (195).(Fusion condoms )(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Fusion condoms have partnered with the NHS to launch a campaign promoting safe sex. As part of the #50,000 campaign, 3,000 local pharmacies will be given posters and 100 pocket-sized cards to give to teenagers. The credit-card sized Z-cards...

PRODUCT NEWS: Haliborange brand resegments.(Haliborange TeenSense Extra Omega-3 Chewy Capsules)(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The Haliborange brand is to be changed to make it easier for consumers to understand which products are suitable for children of different ages. Pharmacies should "soon be able to offer consumers a new product segmentation", C+D was told....

PRODUCT NEWS: Support for mums-to-be and dads too.
February 7, 2009... Two nutritional supplements designed to enhance fertility and support women during pregnancy and the post-natal period have been launched by Zita West. Pregnancy Plan provides 24 vitamins and minerals associated with optimum reproductive...

PRODUCT NEWS: Countdown with NiQuitin.
February 7, 2009... Lesley Ribbens A pharmacy countdown pack has been developed by NiQuitin manufacturer GSK for the run up to No Smoking Day on March 11. Featuring the recently launched NiQuitin Pre-Quit lozenges, the pack contains `attention grabbing'...

PRODUCT NEWS: New addition joins Naturprotect range.
February 7, 2009... Skincare brand Sanex has added an anti-white marks variant to its Naturprotect range of underarm deodorants. Positioned as a more natural deodorant, the Naturprotect range contains the mineral alum for its odour-reducing properties. ...

PRODUCT NEWS: Ask all about skin.
February 7, 2009... L'Oreal skincare brands Vichy and La Roche-Posay have teamed up with Boots to offer customers free skin health consultations. It marks the brands' debut in the multiple. Consultation options include a one-to-one using a Dermo.analyzer...

PRODUCT NEWS: Hoppy to help tums.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The first national television advertising campaign for Motilium 10 (domperidone) begins on February 16. The ad features a green frog and will focus viewers' attention on the symptoms of an upset stomach and the benefits of taking Motilium 10....

PRODUCT NEWS: Dendron takes on BI brands.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... Dendron has been appointed sales distributor for the Buscopan, Dulcolax, DulcoEase, Pharmaton and Antistax brands from Boehringer Ingelheim's consumer healthcare division. The agreement takes effect from February 9. Peter Dutton, Dendron's...

PRODUCT NEWS: Pregnancy test flies onto shelf.
February 7, 2009... Early Bird Swift is a new pregnancy testing kit available from Kent Pharmaceuticals. Said to be over 99 per cent accurate, the test is being offered in single and double packs. While the Early Bird brand has been available for more than 20...

IN BRIEF: Anadin liquid analgesics.
February 7, 2009... Anadin LiquiFast has been launched by Wyeth, backed by a #7 million marketing budget. The liquid ibuprofen capsules, available in 200mg and 400mg strengths, promise `Nothing faster, that's LiquiFast'. The 400mg variants in packs of 10 and 20...

IN BRIEF: Stepwise men's skincare.
February 7, 2009... Gillette Shave Care has arrived in the male grooming sector. The step- by-step skincare range for men includes variants for use before, during and after shaving. Among the eight-strong line-up are a moisturiser with SPF15, pre-shave scrub and a...

IN BRIEF: Budding launch.
February 7, 2009... Two products have been added to Oraldent's mouthcare portfolio. Plaqsearch buds offer users the chance to identify old plaque in blue and new plaque with red vegetable-derived dyes. The mint-flavoured solution is dispensed from a cotton bud....

C+D AWARDS: At your service.
February 7, 2009... C+D Pharmacy Technician of the Year 2008 Pamela MacPherson inspires Fiona Salvage with her passion for community pharmacy When the local PCT calls your technician "the treasure of the PCT" you know you've got a winner on your team. But the...

CAREERS: Your questions answered.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... How do I approach my new role? Q I've just taken on a pharmacist manager's role - how do I make improvements and put my stamp on the job while keeping the team on side? Rowlands Pharmacy human resources manager Sandra Roberts responds:...

CAREERS: How to dress for success.
February 7, 2009... Looking for a new job? Got a staff problem? C+D's new weekly careers section is your one-stop guide to making the right decisions When it comes to winning over potential employers, clothes really can maketh the man (or woman), finds...

POSTSCRIPT: Open Mike - Mike Hewitson.(Brief article)
February 7, 2009... The not-so-secret diary of a new pharmacy owner Mike Hewitson is a glutton for punishment. In the midst of economic downturn and with first-time fatherhood looming, Mike has bought his first pharmacy. In this regular column, follow him from...

Comment from the Editor: 14.02.09.
February 14, 2009... How often do you find yourself dispensing antibiotics and steroids to the same patients, week after week? And what can you do about it? For Alan Crampsie, a community pharmacist from Durham, the solution has been a professionally rewarding...

Cat M cause of credit requests rise.(effects of category M on pharmacies)
February 14, 2009... Shortline suppliers report increased requests for extended credit terms due to cashflow problems Jennifer Richardson/Zoe Smeaton Shortline wholesalers are feeling the effects of category M clawbacks as pharmacies default on payments...

Contractors play blame game.(cashflow problems of drugstores)
February 14, 2009... Contractors responding to C+D's Cat M Dossier campaign this week have expressed mixed views on who is to blame for the government's apparent lack of awareness of pharmacy's category M crisis. Cambrian Alliance said if the Department of...

IN BRIEF: No UniChem fuel levy.
February 14, 2009... UniChem will not implement a fuel surcharge for March. The levy has not been removed indefinitely, and the position will be reviewed on "a month by month basis". The fuel surcharge reference will still appear on March UniChem statements, but...

IN BRIEF: PPRS price delay.(pharmaceutical price regulation scheme)
February 14, 2009... AAH is maintaining old PPRS trade prices on some Napp products until stock has been sold. The news came as UniChem announced it had moved to the reduced prices, which came into effect on February 1, on all but 36 products, from one supplier....

IN BRIEF: Adherence guide out.(Nice guideline on medicines adherence)
February 14, 2009... A guide for pharmacists on the new Nice guideline on medicines adherence has been released by the RPSGB. The two-page quick reference sheet covers how to implement the guideline and summarises key action points. http://tinyurl.com/byl829...

IN BRIEF: Charter consultation.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain's Royal Charter)
February 14, 2009... Pharmacists have been called upon to comment on potential changes to the RPSGB's Royal Charter. The consultation, which will run until May 7, results from the separation of the regulatory and professional functions of the Society. See...

IN BRIEF: AAH clarifies policy.(AAH Pharmaceuticals Ltd.; specials charging policy)
February 14, 2009... AAH has clarified its specials charging policy after some customers experienced "inconsistencies". AAH confirmed it would charge a 20 per cent handling fee with a minimum of #9 and a maximum of #45 per invoice processed. But it warned that a...

IN BRIEF: Cegedim EPS hope.(accreditation of Cegedim Rx's electronic prescription service software)
February 14, 2009... Cegedim Rx is hoping its Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) software will be accredited for release 2 of the service by the end of February. MD Simon Driver told C+D Connecting for Health's testing process had been "painful" but that he...

PCT accountability fears.(Primary Care Trusts)(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... Sandra Gidley MP raises doubts over monitoring of PCT commissioning Zoe Smeaton PCTs will not be sufficiently held to account if service commissioners fail to engage with pharmacy, experts fear. The NPA and Sandra Gidley MP have...

NPA: profession at disadvantage.(National Pharmacy Association)(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... Pharmacists could be at a disadvantage when competing with other providers to get services commissioned, the NPA has warned. The association has lodged its concerns with the newly formed NHS Co- operation and Competition Panel. This is...

Wholesaler conventions scrapped.(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... AAH and UniChem will not run international conventions in 2009 as has previously been the tradition. Past conventions have seen contractors and suppliers mixing in locations such as Cape Town and Barbados, and pharmacists contacted by C+D...

Emergency supply extension proposed.(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... Pharmacists could make an emergency sale or supply of certain prescription-only medicines for up to 30 days' treatment under new proposals. The plans are part of an MHRA consultation on the manufacture, distribution, sale and supply of...

IN BRIEF: NCSO update.(North Carolina Science Olympiad)(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... The Department of Health and National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO endorsements for the following items for February prescriptions: cimetidine 400mg tablets and hydroxyzine 25mg tablets. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Scottish preparation fees.(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... The Scottish Government has unveiled details of the next strand of this year's contract preparation payments. Pharmacies will be paid #900 each for completing a week-long (March 16 to 22) audit of problems with prescriptions. Claims must be...

IN BRIEF: Minor ailments demand.(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... There has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking pharmacist advice and treatment for minor ailments, Lloydspharmacy has said. Sixty per cent of pharmacists surveyed by the company reported an increase in customers seeking...

IN BRIEF: Alcohol campaign backed.(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... The Department of Health has published an activity pack for pharmacists for its Know Your Limits alcohol awareness campaign, available at www.pcc. nhs.uk. Chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge has also asked PCTs to choose the campaign as a...

IN BRIEF: Key to CVD strategy.(Cardio & Vascular Health)(Brief article)
February 14, 2009... Pharmacy-based services must be fully integrated into primary care in order to meet the Cardio & Vascular Health Coalition's 2010-20 targets for developing services for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease, the NPA has said. ...

IN BRIEF: Pregnant smokers role.(pharmacies' role in helping pregnant smokers quit)
February 14, 2009... Pharmacies have a vital role to play in helping pregnant women to quit smoking, the NPA has said. The comments follow research that found pregnant women are reluctant to seek help to stop smoking because they worry about the reaction of health...

Rowlands pharmacist is weight loss leader.(Angus McLagan; Rowlands Pharmacy)
February 14, 2009... Customers have lost an average of two stone each in Celebrity Slim programme Emma Wilkinson A Rowlands pharmacist isleading by example when it comes to encouraging his customers to lose weight. Using the multiple's Celebrity Slim...

Differential fees warning from NPA.(National Pharmacy Association)
February 14, 2009... Government proposals must not act as a deterrent to innovative pharmacy services, the NPA has warned. Department of Health plans to empower the future pharmacy regulator to set differential fees need "careful consideration", NPA chairman...

Pharmacist with drink problem struck off.(Karen Stewart)
February 14, 2009... St Helens manager also self-administered medicines, RPSGB hearing finds A former St Helens pharmacy manager with a drink problem who self- administered medicines has been struck off. Karen Stewart, 54, of St Helens, had identified her...

DISPENSARY TALK: Did your pharmacy build a snowman?
February 14, 2009... "We would have loved to, but we were the only pharmacy open for about a mile around. I saw three lads who had built a snowman with lips and button detail, so some people were really industrious!" Raj Rohilla, Richmond Pharmacy, Surrey ...

PSNC deflects counterfeit blame.(Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee; fake drugs)
February 14, 2009... PSNC has defended the sector following news reports of thousands of patients having taken dangerous fake drugs handed out by pharmacies. Pharmacists could not be held accountable for this, said PSNC chief executive Sue Sharpe. The...

Pharmacist pleads guilty to script fraud.(Hooman Ghalamkari)
February 14, 2009... A pharmacist honoured by the Queen has pleaded guilty to two fraud offences amounting to tens of thousands of pounds of NHS funds. Dr Hooman Ghalamkari, who was awarded an MBE for services to pharmacy, admitted theft of prescription charges...