Chemist & Druggist articles from July 2004

Chemist & Druggist archives from July 2004

Improvement Plan - DoH says.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Responding to questions on the proposed changes to control of entry including the absence of a proposed exemption for shopping centres over 15,000sq m, a Department of Health spokesman said: "There is no special significance to be drawn from...

Plan outlines pharmacy future.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Health secretary John Reid has launched an updated strategy for the NHS that includes the future development of community pharmacy. The NHS Improvement Plan, launched last Thursday, builds on the 10-year reform process outlined in the 2000...

NHS Care Records Service: Key points.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... * Development of the NHS Care Records Service to provide secure access to patient records for all health professionals. The first phase, access to patient information and outpatient appointment booking, is expected to be implemented this...

PSNC negotiating funding.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The NHS Improvement Plan underpins pharmacy's pivotal role in the Government's patient choice agenda, said PSNC chief executive Sue Sharpe. Funding for the pharmacist roles outlined in the document are being dealt with in the new contract...

More choice may harm planning.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The NHS Improvement Plan has come at a critical time for community pharmacy with the new contract due in the near future, said NPA chief executive John D'Arcy, adding he was pleased to see pharmacy feature so prominently. But he warned...

Plan shows lobbying works.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The number of times pharmacy is mentioned in the Plan is very encouraging and shows that lobbying by the pharmacy organisations has worked, said Royal Pharmaceutical Society practice and quality improvement director David Pruce. "The...

ZD endorsements.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... PSNC has announced that the following products will be added to the Drug Tariff's Zero Discount List A (no endorsement required) from August: Sebomin MR caps 100mg, Somavert injection 10mg, 15mg and 20mg, and Velcade injection 3.5mg. In...

Branch funding.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The RPSGB has announced that all 50 Branches which applied for additional funding have been successful. Payments have ranged from #250 to #4,000. All 130 of the Society's Branches were able to apply for additional funding in 2004. A toolkit to...

Dispensary training.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The College of Pharmacy Practice will be the accrediting agent for dispensing technician training at S/NVQ level 2. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has appointed the CPP and offered it a three year contract from June 21. The Society...

Organ donor cards.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... More than 300 Co-Operative Group pharmacies are taking part in a campaign to encourage more people to carry organ donor cards. The group has been working with NHS UK Transplant and points out that 90 per cent of the UK public supports organ...

SOS-four withdraw legal challenge but face costs.
July 3, 2004... The four SOS campaigners who took legal action against the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and 16 Council members over the Society's Charter application have stopped their challenge but still face a legal bill of about #280,000. In a...

Conference hears pharmacists are `pivotal' in stop smoking schemes.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Pharmacists can play a vital role in smoking cessation services, and communication is key, PCT representatives heard last week at a conference held at the RPSGB. Community pharmacists have a "pivotal role" in helping patients stop smoking...

Vantage Health Watch double offer.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... AAH Pharmaceuticals has announced changes to two of the services available under its Vantage Health Watch scheme. The College of Pharmacy Practice has accredited the scheme's blood pressure monitoring service, and Vantage Pharmacy has...

Novartis bid for GSL Voltarol gel.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Novartis Consumer Health has applied to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to have its topical Voltarol Emulgel (diclofenac 1 per cent) preparation reclassified as GSL. The company believes the proposed indications -...

Committee sets 12 months to improve CD procedures.
July 3, 2004... A pharmacist has been given 12 months to improve her Controlled Drug procedures or face being struck off the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland's Register. Anne Marie McGrath of Larne failed to run her premises in accordance with...

Approach PCTs on oxygen issue.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Pharmacies can approach their PCTS to raise the issue of compensation for stocks of oxygen therapy sets held the Department of Health has announced. PSNC and the DoH are currently in discussions about compensation for community pharmacists...

Hepatitis C Action Plan.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The Hepatitis C Action Plan has been launched as the first step in an awareness campaign by the chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson. The action plan is intended to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C and raise...

Mysoline supply goes to Acorus.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... An epilepsy charity has applauded a deal for Mysoline (primidone) manufacture to be transferred to Acorus Therapeutics from AstraZeneca ensuring an uninterrupted supply to patients. Epilepsy Action said the news had brought an end to a...

Pharmacists to get involved in walk-ins.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Community pharmacists in Colchester PCT are being given the opportunity to be involved in an NHS walk-in centre providing pharmaceutical services. Pharmacists could be available on the phone or in the centre to offer information and...

NHS will suffer if investigations continue.(National Health Service (UK))
July 3, 2004... The NHS itself will be the victim if it carries out its threat of 30 more investigations into anti-competitive behaviour, generics manufacturers have warned. Noting the announcement of a fourth set of proceedings, this time in relation to...

PIs `open door' to fakes.(Parallel imports)(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Parallel imports are partly to blame for counterfeit medicines in the supply chain, Pfizer has claimed in response to the recent Social Market Foundation report (C&D, June 19, p10). Speaking publicly recently, Pfizer vice president of...

Numark launches new CAM pack.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Numark has launched a complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) pack to help members cash in on what it believes is a booming market. Numark predicts that by 2009, the CAM market could be worth over #188m, some 45 per cent more than its...

Pharmacos told to act on pricing.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Pharmacos must take action on drug pricing if they are to avoid a consumer backlash, consultants have warned in light of the recent US Medicare Modernization Act. Passed last year to improve the healthcare provision of seniors and people...

Wyeth ends Zoton FasTab GP scheme.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Wyeth has pulled the plug on its Zoton FasTab GP promotional programme, after being found guilty of `paying' GPs to prescribe the drug. Under the Formulary Based Implementation Service, Wyeth offered to switch GPs' repeat prescriptions for...

UK is tough going on new drugs despite innovation.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... UK take up of new medicines continues to be slow by international standards despite the fact that its pharmaceutical industry is among the most innovative in the world, a new report has claimed. According to a joint industry and government...

ABPI joins the Blunkett animal rights row.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The Association for the British Pharmaceutical Association has added its voice to condemnation of Home Office inactivity over animal rights activists. This comes following revelations in the national press last week that David Blunkett had...

Contract views `encouraging'.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... UniChem chairman Mike Smith has described pharmacists' views on the new contract as "encouraging". Responding to the C&D Quarterly Business Trends Survey, sponsored by UniChem (see p36-37), Mr Smith said: "The new contract is key to the future...

Phoenix offers financial data on CD.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Phoenix is now supplying customers with invoicing, credit and statement information on CD, in a new HM Customs & Excise-endorsed service. For a monthly fee of #5, the discs will be supplied every six months, according to customers'...

RPSiS responds to modernising consultation.(Royal Pharmaceutical)(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society in Scotland has published its response to the Scottish Executive's modernising community pharmacy consultation. Steps to formalise registering patients with a pharmacy and set up routine reporting of...

PAGB PERSPECTIVE: Looking ahead.
July 3, 2004... We all share the same vision - now how do we make it happen, asks Sheila Kelly, PAGB executive director This year PAGB celebrates 85 years of representing the OTC industry and we decided to recognise it by looking forward to the future...

DoH seeks interest in next LIFTs.(Department of Health)(Local Improvement Finance Trust scheme)(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The Department of Health is seeking expressions of interest for the fourth wave of its NHS Local Improvement Finance Trust scheme. Strategic health authorities are co-ordinating interest from their PCTs. Organisations that have expressed an...

Flora backs `ground-breaking' project.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Pharmacists are playing a key role in a public-private partnership scheme to tackle health inequalities in a South London estate. Extra resources for an existing pharmacy-based smoking cessation scheme are one part of Flora Fit Street, the...

Comment from the Editor.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The NHS Improvement Plan - the next five year plan for health in England has been published. Unlike the first NHS Plan, this one contains few surprises,: it is not a radical shift in direction but more a reaffirmation of what the NHS, health...

Letter: Was comment fair on something special?(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
July 3, 2004... Almost two weeks since the launch of the Association of Commercial Specials Manufacturers I find I have to both thank and take issue with C&D. Your comments about the excellence of service and the quality of the product provided by modern...

NORTHERN IRELAND NOTEBOOK: A man for all seasons.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... I was saddened to learn that Terry Hannawin has left the NPA Board. Terry is one of the few talented pharmacy politicians we have in Northern Ireland and his departure leaves a gap that will be filled but not by anyone of his ilk. Terry...

Pukka pills from a pukka pharmacy.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The threat from counterfeit drugs made a lot of headlines last week. The story seems to have originated from Pfizer, which is concerned about the amount of fake Viagra being seized. I was a little perturbed by a DoH comment I heard on one...

Training overload.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... What a bumper issue for training last week! The Skills for the Future course looks well presented, clearly written and, ultimately, extremely useful. I will also be well informed about emollients thanks to the pull-out round table report on...

'Tis the season for skin problems.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... I seem to have been selling large amounts of topical hydrocortisone preparations this week in response to patient queries about rashes. The weather has caused a rise in the number of insect bites and allergic rashes as people venture into their...

Does pharmacy have a public health role?
July 3, 2004... Public health is a political hot topic, but should pharmacy be more involved in the prevention part of healthcare rather than handing out the cure, asks Fiona Salvage? Public health has been all over the news recently with consultations,...

INSIGHT: Blogging off.(Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee)
July 3, 2004... Six months on, the PSNC online diary or `weblog' trial has drawn to a close. Now it's your chance to vote for the best blogger Back in the cold, dark days of last winter, Lindsay McClure, the PSNC's head of information services, set about...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Asthma alternatives.
July 3, 2004... Last week, Pharmacy Update covered the conventional treatment of asthma. In this article, Dr Sheila Gibson describes how she has successfully treated asthma and eczema with homoeopathy The most common cause of asthma and eczema in Britain...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Case study 1.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... IH, male, aged 12 years. House dust allergy This boy developed eczema at the age of two weeks. He was treated with steroid creams and the eczema subsided for about a year, but then returned despite continued use of the steroids. His mother...

PHARMACY UPDATE: Case study 2.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... PS, female, aged 29 years. House dust allergy This woman had suffered from eczema as a baby, affecting mainly the flexures of the elbows and knees. This had continued as a mild problem throughout childhood and adolescence, accompanied by...

NICE backs down on eczema cream decision.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Pimecrolimus will be recommended for use as a second line treatment for atopic eczema as NICE has changed its earlier decision to disallow its use. NICE has recommended both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus for children whose moderate atopic...

Medicines can cause depression.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... A small number of medications can cause induce depressive symptoms in users a systematic review by two Canadian researchers has found. Corticosteroids, interferon-alpha, interleukin-2, gonadotropin- releasing hormone agonists and mefloquine...

Indapamide SR best for ISH.(Isolated systolic hypertension )(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Indapamide SR reduces isolated systolic hypertension more effectively than amlodipine and candesartan, researchers announced at a European hypertension meeting. The double-blind study of 1,758 patients with hypertension compared the...

HIV drug in phase III trials made available.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Boehringer Ingelheim has made a drug currently in phase III trials available on a compassionate-use basis for HIV-positive patients who need new clinical options. Tipranavir is a non-peptidic protease inhibitor, which has demonstrated...

US group bays for Crestor's blood.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... A letter in The Lancet has called for AstraZeneca to withdraw its statin Crestor (rosuvastatin) due to safety concerns, which, it is claimed are being denied by the company. Public Citizen, a US consumer organisation, claimed in its letter...

WHO issues guidelines for safer herbal use.(World Health Organization )(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The World Health Organization has published guidelines to promote the safe use of alternative medicines by consumers. The guidelines are aimed at national health authorities to assist in devising information aimed at informing the general...

Aranesp 500mcg.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Amgen has added Aranesp (darbepoetin) 500mcg pre-filled syringe to its range of treatments for anaemia in adults receiving chemotherapy or with chronic renal failure. It is available as a single pack only, priced #838.00. For more...

Cerazette.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Cerazette's "missed pill window" has been extended from three hours to 12 hours with agreement from a European regulatory body and manufacturer Organon. Women who miss a dose of the progestogen-only contraceptive pill can take the next...

diabact UBT.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... MDE Diagnostic's diabact UBT test is now included in the C&D Price List. It is a diagnostic kit used to identify Helicobacter pylori infection in the stomach and duodenum. The test is prescribed on FP10 forms and the patient is then...

Uftoral SPC update.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Bristol-Myers Squibb has updated the SPC for Uftoral capsules (tegafur and uracil) to include new information on a phenytoin interaction. The SPC states patients taking phenytoin concomitantly with Uftoral should be monitored regularly for...

ACBS status for Clinutren.(Nestle Nutrition)(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Nestle Nutrition has announced that four of its products have received ACBS approval. * Clinutren ISO and Clinutren 1.5: both products are suitable as sole nutrition sources for children over six years old, but unsuitable for children...

Classic soap's clean sweep.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Unilever's classic Pears brand is being extended with a new line of hypoallergenic toiletries. In addition to the original transparent Amber Soap Bar, the range now includes Oil-Clear Soap Bar, Facial Cleanser, Body Wash, Shower Gel and...

Nit-free challenge to parents.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Nelsonbach is offering schools a new `Nit free challenge' by providing free head lice management workshops for parents and teachers as well as free samples of Nice 'n Clear. An eye-catching new look is also being introduced for Nice 'n...

Fruittella Plus gives adults something to chew on.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... The Fruittella confectionery range is being expanded with a fruity sweet containing added calcium and vitamins. Fruittella Plus is targeted at adults looking for a fun way to supplement their daily diet with key vitamins and minerals. ...

Vichy water foams to brighten skin.(Vichy)(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Vichy is launching a foaming cleansing water for dull skin into pharmacies in August. Oligo 25 Foaming Cleansing Water is formulated to help rid skin of impurities, leaving it feeling fresh and radiant. The soap-free foam contains two...

Call for tougher controls on sunscreens.
July 3, 2004... The Trading Standards Institute is calling for tougher regulations on sunscreens after spot checks revealed seven out of eight children's products failed to live up to their sun protection branding. The TSI would like to see standard tests...

Completely out of the blue.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... SSL International has produced eye-catching bright blue display material for its Diocalm Complete treatment for acute diarrhoea. The point of sale pack comprises a tray, strut card, leaflet holder and 30 consumer leaflets. The product is...

Mentholatum warms up nationwide.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Mentholatum Deep Heat will be in the public eye from July until November supported by a #1.2 million press and outdoor advertising campaign. In addition, Mentholatum Deep Freeze will be backed by a #600,000 campaign targeting sports users...

Benadryl at Glastonbury.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Benadryl branded tissues and money-off coupons were distributed to Glastonbury-goers last week in a bid to keep sufferers' hayfever symptoms at bay during the festival. For more information: Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Tel: 01304 616161 ...

BABYCARE: Survival of the fittest.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... With fewer babies being born, the babycare market has become more competitive than ever. Sarah Thackray reports A falling birthrate is having a substantial impact on volume sales of everyday baby products like disposable nappies and...

BABYCARE: Cuddle, not rub to reduce reflux.
July 3, 2004... Posseting is a very common phenomenon in babies, especially in the early days/weeks of life, and would seem more evident in the immature baby. A small amount of milk is frequently brought up when the mother `winds' the baby. In fact, this...

BABYCARE: One-stop shopping.
July 3, 2004... The major supermarket chains now account for some 71 per cent of disposable nappy sales, according to a new Mintel report on nappies and baby wipes (April 2004). The report says that parents with young children tend to use supermarkets as...

BABYCARE: Organic jackpot.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Babyfood sales are also declining due to the fall in the birthrate and this market has also witnessed growing dominance by the major multiples, particularly in grocery. FSA data shows that Heinz jars and cans dominate wet babyfood overall...

BABYCARE: Breast-feeding rates in Europe.
July 3, 2004... Although the benefits of breast-feeding are well known, British breast- feeding rates are amongst the lowest in Europe. The Department of Health recently published a survey showing that 29 per cent of the women in England and Wales never try to...

BABYCARE: Baby milk sales.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Worth #13.2m, the total baby milks market in pharmacy, excluding Boots and Superdrug, is growing at 6.4 per cent (IMS Health). However, IMS data shows that the market is growing at a slightly slower pace than previously (9.7 per cent - Dec...

PRODUCT NEWS: Roche Consumer Health.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Healthcare professionals and mothers are being targeted by an education and sampling campaign for Bepanthen nappy rash ointment which is endorsed by The Royal College of Midwives. The campaign includes reaching 650,000 new mothers via the...

PRODUCT NEWS: Cannon Avent.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Latest addition to the Avent range is a reusable disposable feeding system which is suitable for breast-feeding mothers. The Avent Via range includes sterile cups, breastmilk and babyfood containers and a re-usable disposable feeding system...

PRODUCT NEWS: Kimberley-Clark.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Kimberly-Clark is currently running a nappy giveaway promotion to encourage parents to try new Huggies Super-Flex nappies. Consumers can phone 0870 900 8682 or log on to www.huggiesforfree.com for a free trial pack and a coupon for money...

PRODUCT NEWS: Weleda Pharmacy Retail.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Weleda has reformulated its Calendula Nappy Change Cream as a result of enquiries from anxious parents and health professionals questioning the use of peanut oil. The barrier cream contains calendula petals blended with chamomile flowers...

PRODUCT NEWS: Hipp Organic.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Nine new organic dried babyfood recipes in a different carton format have recently been introduced into the Hipp Organics range. Retailing at #1.99, the new cartons are designed to offer mums value for money with a high fill weight of...

PRODUCT NEWS: Galpharm Babyway.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... A new range of baby accessories has been introduced by Galpharm Babyway. The Little Wonders range comprises 47 products including newly approved (BS EN 1400) newborn and decorated soothers with silicone teats. It also features a wide neck...

PRODUCT NEWS: Chemist Brokers.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Formulated to treat serious nappy rash, Metanium (#3.29) was given an endorsement from the Norland Nanny College earlier this year and this now features on the product's promotional materials. As part of a #250,000 marketing campaign this...

PRODUCT NEWS: MAM UK.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... MAM soothers are now available with silicone teats which have a clean, clear appearance, giving parents a choice of either silicone or latex. The MAM Crystal soother now has a silicone teat and comes with a clear shield and knob in...

PRODUCT NEWS: East Coast Nursery.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... East Coast Nursery is targeting pharmacies with its colourful Sassy range of baby toys which mainly sell for under #5.00. The range features a selection of fun rattles and activity toys including Ribbon Rascals which combine an easy-to-hold...

PRODUCT NEWS: Empire Foodbrokers.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... A staging system has been introduced in the American Beech-Nut range of babyfoods to make it easier to introduce new flavours and detect food allergies. The system starts with cereals for beginners and older babies. Stage one contains a...

PRODUCT NEWS: Braun.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Braun has improved its Thermoscan infrared ear thermometer which is targeted at first-time mums. Braun 4520 Thermoscan (#39.99) is designed to confirm that it has been positioned correctly. It also verifies that the temperature reading is...

PRODUCT NEWS: Forest Laboratories UK.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream for nappy rash is currently being backed by a #250,000 press advertising campaign. Appearing in key parenting magazines such as Mother & Baby, Prima Baby and Practical Parenting, this campaign will run...

PRODUCT NEWS: Novartis Consumer Health.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... A leaflet giving advice to parents on the Tixy range of children's cough and cold medicines is to be distributed via Bounty packs. The leaflet, which includes a 5ml spoon, recommends an appropriate treatment for a particular cough/cold/fever....

BUSINESS SURVEY: Tiers of sorrow?
July 3, 2004... The majority of pharmacists welcome the advent of enhanced service provision within the new contract but feel ill-equipped to cope, according to the latest C&D Quarterly Business Trends Survey When asked whether they saw the new...

BUSINESS SURVEY: The UniChem view.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... UniChem chairman Mike Smith comments on the survey findings These are uncertain times for pharmacy and this latest survey underlines the concerns felt by many. It is clear this uncertainty arises from the repeated delays in the introduction...

Numark - Appointment.(Brief Article)
July 3, 2004... Numark plc has announced the appointment of Graeme Thorpe as sales controller. Mr Thorpe will be responsible for overseeing implementation of the company's sales strategy via its team of business development managers. He joins from Reckitt...