Chemist & Druggist articles from July 2006

Chemist & Druggist archives from July 2006

CD guidance published.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... RPSGB Pharmacists get help with new CD regs Professional guidance to help pharmacists comply with new controlled drug regulations has been published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's website. It covers the amendments to the Misuse...

United Co-op gets the nod for e-pharmacy.(internet pharmacy)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Exclusive Internet pharmacy will combine with automation of prescription supply Max Gosney United Co-op has received the go-ahead to launch an internet pharmacy from the headquarters of its wholesale business. The company will...

Blood pressure advice updated.(treating hypertension)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Medicines Beta-blockers will be replaced Beta-blockers should no longer be used for treating hypertension, says updated guidance from Nice. Instead, calcium channel blockers, thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors should be first choice...

Independents still concerned over IT and MUR.(information technology)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... England Independent contractors call for greater clarity over timetable for EPS Gary Paragpuri IT and the funding of the new contract's advanced services remain key concerns for independents, according to a forum of pharmacists. ...

News in brief: NPA contract support.(national minor ailment scheme)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... A free resource pack to help contractors in Scotland implement their national minor ailment scheme has been produced by the NPA. It includes a briefing sheet for support staff and a laminated quick reference guide to identify eligible patients...

Hands on.(Pharmacy Group meeting)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Health secretary Patricia Hewitt challenged pharmacists to show how they can help transform patient pathways at last Wednesday's All-Party Pharmacy Group meeting. Calling on pharmacists to help patients get the most from existing health...

News in brief: Supplementary funding.(Scottish Executive Health Department)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Funding for new community pharmacy supplementary prescribing clinics in Scotland is available in 2006-07, but will be limited, the Scottish Executive Health Department has said. In a communique to NHS board chief executives, the SEHD says...

News in brief: NCSO endorsements.(National Assembly for Wales )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The National Assembly for Wales and the Department of Health has agreed to allow NCSO (no cheaper stock obtainable) endorsements for the following items for June: mirtazapine 30mg tablets and ethosuximide 250mg capsules. Copyright: CMP...

News in brief: J&J wins race.(Johnson and Johnson)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Johnson & Johnson has secured Pfizer's OTC medicines business in a $16.6 (#9.1) billion deal. J&J trumped rivals including GlaxoSmithKline to take the consumer healthcare portfolio, which includes Nicorette, Listerine, Benylin and Calpol. ...

News in brief: Diamorphine shortage.(Chiron and Wockhardt manufacturing )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The ongoing shortage of diamorphine is likely to continue for several months, the DH has admitted. Supplies are limited despite Chiron and Wockhardt manufacturing to their full capacity, health minister Andy Burnham confirmed last week. ...

News in brief: PHLink workshop.
July 1, 2006... PharmacyHealthLink is hosting a workshop to help pharmacists decide whether to become defined specialists in public health. Held at the RPSGB's Lambeth headquarters on July 19, the one-day event is for pharmacists thinking about applying to...

Northern Ireland unveils #500m plan for primary care reform.(National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Northern Ireland Progressing towards pharmacist prescribing by March next year Ailsa Colquhoun Northern Ireland's new health minister Paul Goggins has unveiled a five- point #500 million plan for primary care reform that will see...

PSNI publishes results on website.(Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland published this year's registration examination results on its website for the first time on Tuesday. Ray Blaney, recently appointed PSNI director, said: "The Society displayed its commitment to...

Raiders target Belfast again.(diazepam-based street drug called Blues in West Belfast)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Retailing Pharmacy crime spree continues A Belfast pharmacy has been targeted by robbers for the second time in two weeks in the latest of a series of attacks in the city. Thieves broke through shutters at the front of Cullingtree...

London pharmacy offers chemotherapy service.(cancer care services)
July 1, 2006... Practice Cancer care could become future enhanced service, claims contractor Max Gosney Chemotherapy is being offered from the consultation room of a Clerkenwell pharmacy in a bid to improve local access to cancer care. The...

Rowlands appoints health guru.(Bolsover Wellness Programme)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Education Bolsover pharmacy recruits NHS trainer A Rowlands counter assistant has claimed the honour of becoming the first community pharmacy employee accredited as an NHS health trainer. Jane Holland, a staff senior at Rowlands...

Limit 100-hour entry, says MP.(Practice Restrictions)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Practice Restrictions will help independents prosper An MP has urged the government to reduce the 100-hour pharmacy exemption rule by 20 per cent in a bid to help smaller pharmacies compete with supermarkets and large multiples. Jeremy...

Pharmacies focus on IT.(information technology)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... IT System sales boom Community pharmacists are reviewing their IT needs in light of increased awareness of the government's NHS IT plans, a pharmacy IT supplier claims. System sales at Rx Solutions are growing at a faster rate than any...

Convenience drives OTC sales, says drugs chief.(pharmaceutical industry )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Industry Customer care can capture trade from internet Max Gosney Bricks and mortar pharmacies must become more customer friendly to capture OTC trade from internet rivals, a pharmaceutical industry expert has warned. Ajit Patel,...

PCT hails role of pharmacy in quit scheme.(primary care services)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Practice PCT acknowledges pharmacies `crucial to success' of free NRT scheme Tom Hawkins Pharmacies are an untapped resource in the battle to reduce the number of smokers in the UK, a PCT has claimed. Maria Williams, a Stop...

GPs advised to open their own pharmacies to boost profits.(Dispensing Doctor Association)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Practice Article claims that having a pharmacy is profitable "without demanding much extra work" Ailsa Colquhoun GPs are being advised to set up their own pharmacies to boost their income. An article in Doctor magazine, written by...

YPG support.(Young Pharmacists Group)(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Young Pharmacists Group has registered broad support for the RPSGB's response to the draft Section 60 order consultation (C&D, June 17, p4). As representatives of newly-qualified pharmacists, the YPG believes that considering a...

CPP calls for second practising register.(College of Pharmacy Practice )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Practice CPP response to Section 60 seeks new definition of practising The College of Pharmacy Practice has called for a new definition of practising pharmacist to cover those not currently providing services to patients. A new...

Heroine Maureen in fire rescue on way home.(Maureen Coombes saves life )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... People Pharmacy assistant saves 94-year-old in chip pan blaze A pharmacy assistant has been praised after tackling a blaze at the home of an elderly patient. Maureen Coombes was visiting the 94-year-old customer to check on her use of...

Keep S60 `in proportion'.
July 1, 2006... NPA Looking for an appropriate balance There is a need to maintain a sense of proportionality when finalising the Section 60 order, the NPA has said in its full response to the draft S60 order consultation. The NPA points out that...

Scots are geared up for a minor ailment push.
July 1, 2006... Scotland Testing phase ironed out glitches before system went live Tom Hawkins Contractors in Scotland are poised to accelerate the recruitment of patients to the minor ailment services (MAS) after taking delivery of NHS promotional...

SPGC: Minor ailment service Q & A part four.
July 1, 2006... Q. Can I consult patients for the MAS over the telephone? A. No. Consultations for the MAS should be on a face-to-face basis. Only in exceptional circumstances should a consultation take place by other means, eg phone or email. Q. Can...

Promotional material for Scotland's MAS.
July 1, 2006... The Scottish Executive Health Department aims to send community pharmacies two posters and an initial supply of 250 patient information leaflets to promote the MAS before July 1. MAS can be included in practice information leaflets but only NHS...

Quota cost concerns.
July 1, 2006... Politics DH does not count cost of drug quotas The Department of Health has admitted that it has not assessed what impact the stock quotas imposed by drugs manufacturers have had on the supply of medicines. Health minister Andy Burnham...

Pharmacists pioneer pain relief.(Pharmacists and physiotherapists are treating people )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Practice Scottish contractors lead #45,000 campaign Pharmacists and physiotherapists are treating people with long-term pain in West Fife. Debbie Paton, a pharmacist in the scheme, which is being run by Dunfermline and West Fife...

Northern Ireland Notebook: Value for money?(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Sarah, now in her late eighties, is getting frailer by the week. She insists on giving me a one pound coin each time I deliver her weekly medicine box; I now accept it as my initial refusals caused great distress. She was hospitalised...

Your views: How will change to supervision affect community pharmacy?(primary care trusts training seminars)
July 1, 2006... With impending changes to supervision and personal control, NPA practice director Colette McCreedy looks at the possibilities for pharmacists to look beyond the dispensary The government's proposed changes to the definitions of personal...

What is proposed for the future?
July 1, 2006... * Each set of pharmacy premises will have a `responsible pharmacist' (RP) who will be: 1. In charge of the business of the retail sale or supply of medicines. 2. Responsible for the safe and effective running of the pharmacy. In...

Your views: Control of entry reform - one year on.(David Reissner and Noel Wardle of Charles Russell discusses on medical law)(Discussion)
July 1, 2006... David Reissner and Noel Wardle, of Charles Russell LLP, look at the impact that the National Health Services (Pharmaceutical Services) Regulations 2005 have had on the opening of new pharmacies It is a little over a year since the National...

Have you cottoned on yet?(natural and organic personal care products popularity in on the rise)
July 1, 2006... Are green shoppers a `heroic minority' in the pharmacy, or is there a growing interest in putting `ethical' personal care products such as organic cotton wool or toiletries made from natural ingredients into shopping baskets? Jane Ellis...

GSK employs eco-design toolkit.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Five-fold increase in number of cyclists GlaxoSmithKline is committed to ensuring that its products do not adversely affect people or the environment and clearly states its policy on its website. The company has developed an eco-design...

Cutting food miles.(BHM Health Group)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Sourcing ingredients near to home BHM Health Group, the Bridlington manufacturer of natural health products, sources as many ingredients as possible from its own organic herb farm. All other raw materials are tracked from approved...

How to get started.
July 1, 2006... Station Pharmacy A pharmacy in Liverpool diversified into health foods initially as a consequence of completely refitting and extending its premises. "Obviously we needed to put something in the extra space," jokes pharmacist Christine...

Business indicators.
July 1, 2006... May saw the first evidence of annual sales growth for 17 months, but don't get your hopes up, says Peter Varley The latest raft of official statistics and business survey results paints a mixed picture of the health of retail pharmacy and...

Pharmacy update: Come fly with me.(hygiene is important in bird care)
July 1, 2006... The threat of avian flu makes hygiene particularly important in bird care, explains C+D's final veterinary pharmacy article Michael Jepson It is often said: "It is not what you know, but who you know." This is probably particularly...

Pharmacy Update: Continuing professional development.
July 1, 2006... Reflect Do you know what "flying north road means?" Or that, for racing pigeons, a "sprint" - or short distance race - could be as far as 250 miles? Some of the one million birds that are raced every weekend in the summer could be flying...

GPs failing to give OP patients enough information.(eneral practitioners fails to treat osteoporosis patients )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... GPs are failing to provide osteoporosis patients with the information they need to take their medication correctly. A survey of 100 GPs and 100 patients found huge differences between the bisphosphonate advice GPs believed they gave, and...

Ganfort eye drops for glaucoma.
July 1, 2006... Allergan Pharmaceuticals has launched Ganfort eye drops. Containing bimatoprost 0.3 per cent and timolol 0.5 per cent, the product is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular...

In brief: Generic ondansetron.(Cardinal Health Inc., IVAX Corp. and Pliva develops drugs for generic ondansetron)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Generic versions of ondansetron have been launched in tablets and injectable formats. Tablets in 4mg (packs of 30) and 8mg (packs of 10) strengths and 2mg/ml injection in 4mg/2ml and 8mg/4ml ampoule sizes (packs of five) are available. At the...

In brief: Kerraboot `White'.
July 1, 2006... The opaque `White' version of Kerraboot may now be prescribed on the NHS. The product, which is designed to promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers, is available in four sizes (XS, S, L and XL) and a `Clear' version. For more information...

In brief: Evorel Pak discontinued.
July 1, 2006... The combination hormone replacement therapy Evorel Pak is being discontinued. However, Janssen-Cilag has reminded healthcare professionals that the products contained in the pack are available individually. Therefore, patients can be...

In brief: Adartrel pack size clarification.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC develops drugs for bone disorders )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Adartrel, GlaxoSmithKline's new restless legs syndrome drug, has not been launched in 84-tablet packs as stated in C+D, May 20, p30. The company says this is due to "anticipated low demand". For more information, see Pricelist. Copyright:...

In brief: Discontinuations.(Novartis Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Ludiomil 25mg tablets )(Bristol-Myers Squibb is withdrawing Cefzil )(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Novartis Pharmaceuticals has discontinued Ludiomil 25mg tablets (maprotiline hydrochloride) for commercial reasons. Further information is available from medical information on 01276 698370. Bristol-Myers Squibb is withdrawing Cefzil...

Oral anticoagulation better than antiplatelet agents.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) is superior to clopidogrel plus aspirin for preventing vascular events in high risk patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A paper in The Lancet has described the international ACTIVE W study (Atrial...

Pedometers not as good as hoped.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Researchers have warned against advocating the use of inexpensive pedometers as a public health measure. A team of 35 volunteers in Belgium tested almost 1,000 step counters - both cheap and sophisticated - over a period of six days. Only...

Metformin adds no benefit in PCOS.
July 1, 2006... Adding metformin to clomifene citrate offers no additional benefit for women with newly diagnosed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A randomised trial considered 228 women with PCOS who took either clomifene with metformin or clomifene on...

NiQuitin ads allay weight gain worries.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Women are the target audience for radio and online advertising for NiQuitin CQ this summer. Aiming to encourage more women to quit, the #1.2 million campaign focuses on controlling weight while quitting with the NiQuitin CQ 4mg mint...

Lightning strikes again for GSK.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC enhances Solpadeine, a pain reliver)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Solpadeine has been given a new look by manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline. Alongside, the range has been rationalised to come into line with new MHRA guidelines on pack sizes of codeine-containing pain relievers. A codeine warning has been...

Products in brief: AAH backs Planet Earth.
July 1, 2006... Availability of household and toiletries brand Planet Earth is set to improve following a deal to be listed with wholesaler AAH Pharmaceuticals. There are eight products in the range: two fragrances each of air freshener, shower gel,...

Products in brief: For sores of motion.
July 1, 2006... Newtons has launched a footcare products range containing natural ingredients. The Chiropody sponge can be used to remove corns, calluses and rough skin. The rest of the range is exclusive to Boots and includes a deodorising foot spray, heel...

Products in brief: BP facts.
July 1, 2006... A new edition of the Family Doctor book `Understanding blood pressure' is now available. Price: #4.75 Pip code: 322-3856 Family Doctor Publications Tel: 01202 668330 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

VO5's growing haircare range.
July 1, 2006... The VO5 haircare range from Alberto Culver is to be extended with a raft of products in August. To prolong the effect of hair dyes, VO5 Fade Defy intensive conditioning masque has been developed. Said to lock colour into the hair and...

Active treatment for GI upsets.
July 1, 2006... Norit activated charcoal capsules (200mg) have been launched by Galpharm to relieve diarrhoea and stomach upsets. It can be taken by adults and children, says the company. Three or four should be taken at a time with water, up to a maximum of...

Energizer's powerful message.
July 1, 2006... This year's #750,000 marketing spend on Energizer's Ultimate Lithium battery continues with summer advertising and sampling until September. Targeting "gadget driven" adults, a new creative entitled `It's what's inside that counts'...

Wilkinson's hair-free summer.
July 1, 2006... Wilkinson Sword's female shaving range is set to benefit from a "six figure" marketing spend this summer. For the Intuition lather and shave product, a marketing campaign is underway, spanning outdoor advertising on buses and in shopping...

Diabetic and coeliac recipe for success.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... A leaflet for people with diabetes and coeliac disease has been produced by Glutafin. The A5 30-page booklet gives information on both conditions, together with dietary advice. The glycaemic index is explained and helpline numbers...

Mentholatum's pain gains.
July 1, 2006... Patches, pads and plasters now account for 18 per cent or more than #9.5 million worth of the topical analgesics sector, shows data from IRI (52 weeks to March 25, 2006). Sales have grown more than 130 per cent compared with the previous 12...

Baby come back.
July 1, 2006... Are grocers set to dominate the babycare market or can pharmacy hold its own? Lesley Ribbens Once upon a time, the pharmacy was a new mother's first port of call for baby supplies. But with the seemingly unstoppable expansion of...

A Spoonful of something familiar helps the medicine go down.(health aspects of childrens)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... As many mums will tell you, some kids just don't like to take their medicine. Mixing Fennings Children's Cooling Powders with a child's meal or drink, can be the fuss-free way to treat their pain and fever. This low dose 50mg paracetamol...

Market data from Euromonitor International.(market share)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The babycare market in the UK was worth #105.6 million in 2005, up from #78.8m in 2000. This breaks down into toiletries (#46.7m), haircare (#15.4m), skincare (#27.1m) and suncare (#16.5m). Pharmacies and drugstores claimed 36.6 per cent and...

Baby food and drink sales on the way up, toiletries going down.(baby products)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Total baby product sales are declining and this is mostly apparent through pharmacies/drugstores, with baby toiletries and breast pads in the heaviest decline, reports TNS Worldpanel. Grocers are stealing from pharmacies/drugstores overall...

Getting the dose right.(children drug regulations)
July 1, 2006... Testing of medicines' suitability for children is soon to be de rigeur as European regulations come into effect from 2007 In this risk averse world, how many parents would give their consent for medicines to be tested on their children?...

Charts use breastfed babies' data.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... New infant growth charts based on breastfed infants have been published by the World Health Organization. They will replace 40 year old charts based largely on formula fed babies. Breastfed babies tend to be lean, so comparing them to...

Advice for new parents.(services)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Tesco pharmacies are distributing `Tesco New Mum', a free booklet offering advice to new parents. Covering common health problems such as colds as well as more serious healthcare problems, the booklet aims to give mums confidence in the first...

Best seller is old favourite.(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Antiseptic healing cream Sudocrem claims to be the nation's favourite for the treatment of nappy rash. Boasting a brand heritage of more than 60 years, the product outsells its nearest competitor by almost seven to one, says Forest. Advertising...

Dispensing with certainty.
July 1, 2006... For administration of liquid oral medicines to babies and young children, Baxa Ltd offers the Exacta-Med Medicine Dispenser. Supplied in a pack with four adapters for bottles of different sizes, the 5ml syringe enables more accurate dosing than...

Product news: Hipp Hipp hooray.
July 1, 2006... Hipp Organic is calling on pharmacists to capitalise on the growing organic market. Half of all baby foods sold are organic, says Hipp, yet just a small fraction of organic variants are stocked in pharmacies. Hipp is the biggest selling organic...

Product news: Animal magic from Numark.
July 1, 2006... Numark gave its babycare range a new look earlier this year. Products now sport animal motifs and packs are ergonomically designed to provide a good grip. The range includes a baby shampoo, baby powder, hypoallergenic baby bath, lotion and oil....

Heinz is top for the tots.
July 1, 2006... Heinz takes top spot in the #101 million baby food sector with a share of 40.6 per cent (source: IRI HBA Outlets, 52 w/e March 25, 2006). Brand offerings include the Simply Organic range, the Toddler's Own range of finger foods and the Mum's...

Premium wipes new to range.
July 1, 2006... Premium Plus baby wipes are new to the Tushies range. Slightly bigger than the standard wipes, a sensitive variant contains no perfume or alcohol while Premium Plus Moisturising contains aloe and chamomile. Tushies baby wipes allow pharmacies...

Promotions back calendula range.(Cream bath, Bath, Weather protection cream)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... Weleda currently has trade promotions running for its baby calendula range. Point of sale materials including a baby range leaflet with promotional dispenser, giant display cube and interconnecting display trays offering mix-and-match options...

Calpol sales rise predicted.(pain and fever market)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... The Calpol brand claims a 63.1 per cent unit share of the pain and fever market, worth around #40 million (source: IRI Data 52 w/e October 1, 2005). Manufacturer Pfizer is forecasting incremental sales for pharmacy following a licence change...

Purified seaweed is just the job.(Ocean Pure Ltd)
July 1, 2006... Ocean Pure spray is a cleaning product for babies and young children made from purified seawater. It has mild astringent properties and can be used for nappy changes and cleaning messy faces and hands, says manufacturer Ocean Pure Ltd. Packaged...

Formulas cater for intolerances.(Department of Health)(Brief article)
July 1, 2006... For babies with lactose intolerance or who have an allergy to cows' milk, Mead Johnson claims to offer the most extensive range of specialist formula milks. Food allergy is on the increase and is now thought to affect between 5 and 8 per cent...

Speedy temperature reading.
July 1, 2006... For rapid temperature taking, Braun offers the PRT 1000 high speed digital thermometer. It features a flexible tip and ergonomic design, says the company, and gives a reading within 10 seconds. It retails at #9.99. Braun, tel: 020 8560...

Security - Retail Crime: Deter, detect and protect.(violent robberies threaten pharmacy staff)
July 1, 2006... Pharmacies need to be more proactive in their approach to security as crime levels impact on staff and premises Tom Hawkins In the six months between January and June 2002, pharmacies across South London were targeted in a series of...

Retail Crime: Raid-control provides deterrence and captures evidence.
July 1, 2006... Raid-control was spearheaded by Croydon crime prevention officer (CPO) Kevin Hitch, who was drafted in after the robberies to advise pharmacists on how to upgrade their security to protect their premises not just from shoplifters but from more...

Retail Crime: Hand picked security solutions.(pharmacy community)
July 1, 2006... A range of security measures has been adopted by pharmacies, from physical barriers to CCTV, alarms and tags In May the pharmacy community was given several reminders of the very real threat from crime. On May 15 masked robbers broke into...

Security: ALARMS AND ACCESS CONTROL.(reports of access control)
July 1, 2006... Unauthorised access to your premises is a major threat to all pharmacy owners. There are basic measures that can deter intruders, such as signage and push-button locks to internal secure areas, but these are often complemented by more...