Chemist & Druggist articles from May 2003

Chemist & Druggist archives from May 2003

PGDs not price cuts, says NPA.(patient group directions)
May 3, 2003... Increasing the number of patient group directions, rather than reducing the price of Levonelle, is a better way to cut teenage pregnancy rates, the NPA says in response to studies suggesting the OTC product price is too high. The call,...

Pharmacist pleads not guilty.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... A pharmacist from Maidenhead, Berkshire, has entered a not guilty plea at Reading Crown Court to charges of murdering three of her four children. The first child of Trupti Patel and her husband Jayant was born in 1995 and is the only one...

Prescribing competencies for PCTs.(pharmacists)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... A group of pharmacists is developing competencies for PCTs to use in medicines management, pharmacy and prescribing. The Medicines Management Pharmacy and Prescribing Significant Issues Group is working closely with the Commission for Health...

NPA refutes EHC supply allegations.(emergency hormonal contraception)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The NPA is refuting suggestions that pharmacy supply of emergency hormonal contraception falls short of the required mark. Colette McCreedy, NPA director of practice, asked what evidence there is that pharmacy availability of EHC is...

AAH will go to USA.(AAH Pharmaceuticals convention)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... AAH Pharmaceuticals has changed the venue of its convention at the end of May from Singapore to Southern California. The decision was taken due to the continuing SARS epidemic in the Far East. The convention will now be held at the...

New NPA chairman says keep up OFT fight.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Newly-elected NPA chairman Hemant Patel has issued a call to action to all members asking them to maintain the pressure on MPs over the OFT's report into pharmacy control of entry. Hemant Patel said: "We are now engaged in a complex process...

NPA - Appointments.(Hemant Patel, Ashok Soni appointments)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Hemant Patel was appointed as the new NPA chairman and Ashok Soni as the new NPA vice-chairman this week. Wally Dove was re-appointed as treasurer Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Update MCQ enclosed.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... This week's issue contains the MCQ for the following Pharmacy Update articles published in April: * Diuretics (1266) * Tinnitus and vertigo (1267) * Case study (1268). Pharmacy Update is a distance learning programme...

LPC employs nurse to develop pharmacy services.(North East London LPC)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... North East London LPC has appointed a nurse to help plan, develop and implement the LPC's objectives. Gary Boorman, NEL LPC chairman, said that Anne Levington, who was appointed as the LPC's community pharmacy project and liaison manager...

Society's assets up 20pc.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society's net assets increased by more than 20 per cent in 2002 compared to the previous year. Net assets were valued at #13.24 million last year compared to just over #11m in 2001, show figures published this week. ...

C&D urinary incontinence tutorial.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Brush up on your knowledge of urinary incontinence with this week's CPP- accredited tutorial supported by SCA Hygiene. This is the second tutorial in a series of three looking at incontinence issues. The first - on March 8 - looked at...

Contractor fraud down.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Fraud by NHS professionals has been cut by 18-30 per cent, leading to the recovery of #6 million from contractors committing prescription fraud, according to the NHS Counter Fraud Service Performance Statistics 1999-2002. These also show...

Updated guidance spells out PCT funding for LPS.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Central funding of up to #4,000 is available for preparatory work for each LPS proposal put forward by a primary care trust. This is for expenses incurred before the proposal is submitted. If the proposal is approved, further central...

UK's oldest homoeopathic pharmacy.(Nelson's refurbishes)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Nelson's, the UK's oldest homoeopathic pharmacy, has undergone an extensive refurbishment and added a new clinic. The pharmacy, based in Duke Street, London, will continue to offer a hand dispensed homoeopathic prescription service while the...

Public ADR reporting trial begins via NHS Direct.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... An NHS Direct call centre in South London has become the first site to trial patient reporting of adverse drug reactions in the NHS. Launching the scheme in Beckenham last week, health minister David Lammy said: "Today marks an important...

NHS survey by Lib Dems.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The Liberal Democrats have surveyed 5,000 Welsh NHS patients about prescription charges and eye tests after Welsh politicians indicated that they wanted to abolish both charges. The survey found that more people had been discouraged from...

OFT report still high on agenda.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... PSNC has written to all Labour MPs following the Government's decision to reject the full recommendations of the OFT report. In her letter to MPs, PSNC chief executive Sue Sharpe said that pharmacists' concerns about the risks of...

PAGB PERSPECTIVE: Do your herbal homework.
May 3, 2003... Traditional medicines are coming in from the cold, says Sheila Kelly, director of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain In the week that market researcher Mintel announced the UK herbal medicines market is now worth #140 million, the...

UniChem Portfolio latest.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... UniChem has given more information about its soon-to-be launched Portfolio service (C&D April 26, p10). Portfolio brings together UniChem services including Pharmacy Alliance, Counter Attack and CPI+ into one package and rewards customers...

Sigma Pharmaceuticals new building.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Local MP Clare Ward opened Watford-based wholesaler Sigma Pharmaceuticals' new building last Thursday. The new premises house several staff facilities including a gymnasium, a TV room and a function room. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Rowland's survey figures.(Correction Notice)
May 3, 2003... Figures supplied to C&D about the Rowlands survey on customer experience prior to the introduction of its new look (C&D April 12, p13) related to actual responses rather than percentages. Hence the response rates as quoted in the article should...

Parallel import firms slam EU `ban' on new members.
May 3, 2003... European parallel importers have criticised a `special mechanism' written in the accession treaties of the eight central and east European countries joining the EU in 2004 as tantamount to an export ban. The clause appears in the company...

Generics firms call for more competitive EU law.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... European generic manufacturers' representatives have rejected a revised proposal that maintains a 10+1 year patent protection for pharmaceuticals and are calling on EU member states to work out a solution that stimulates pharmaceutical...

Nexphase V6 system launched.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... With over 4,000 users of its Mediphase and Nexphase pharmacy management systems, Enigma Health has released the latest version of its Nexphase Windows-based system. As well as labelling, endorsing, ordering, stock control and MDS, Nexphase...

New name agreed for Gehe.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Shareholders at Gehe's AGM have voted to change the European pharmaceutical distributor's parent company name to Celesio AG, and from May 1 Gehe UK will also be renamed as Admenta UK plc. "I am delighted that our new name has had so much...

Waymade branches out into niche markets.
May 3, 2003... Former pharmacist Vijay Patel and his brother Bhikhu, the combined force behind wholesaler Waymade Healthcare, have launched a new company, Amdipharm, to identify and market medicines in disease areas which may not be currently served by the...

Mawdsleys aids for living initiative.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Mawdsleys has joined forces with CareShop to deliver over 1,000 daily living aids and incontinence products direct to pharmacies within 48 hours of ordering. Mawdsleys' customers will receive a 25 per cent discount on retail prices in the...

#10 notes featuring Charles Dickens.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... #10 notes featuring Charles Dickens will cease to be legal tender after July 31, the Bank of England has announced. New-style notes featuring Charles Darwin remain in circulation. Banks, building societies and post offices will, at their...

STADA buys Genus.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Schein Pharmaceuticals has sold its UK generics provider Schein Pharmaceutical Holdings UK and subsidiary Schein Pharmaceutical UK, both Newbury based and providing their Genus marketing line, to STADA Arzneimittel for #8.12 million. The...

New deal on printers.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Imaje UK is offering low-cost service contracts for its thermal printers used to label prescription medicines and hospital drugs. For an annual premium from #158 per year, users get a four-hour response, unlimited parts and engineer callouts....

Comment from the Editor.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The main argument for the UK joining the Common Market in 1973 was based on the principles of free trade. But the latest signings to the European Union team are entering a rather different arena. Rather than having free trade, it seems that...

Letter: Pharmacy2U: offering choice means allowing competition.(Letter to the Editor)
May 3, 2003... I would like to respond to the Xrayser article relating to Pfizer's mailing informing GPs of a service for their patients (C&D April 19, p15). I have greatly enjoyed the impartial and sometimes controversial views shared in this column in...

Are you ready to prescribe?(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... According to a presentation at the Annual National Conference of the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists in Bristol recently, it is expected there will be 1,000 pharmacists prescribing by the end of 2004. The move from the prescription process to...

An ideal doctor-pharmacist relationship?(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... I always find the Pharmacy Update articles by Mary Allen thought provoking. Last week's contribution on warfarin was no exception since it reminded me that the blindingly obvious is so often missed. If I have one query, it is in the initial...

Cause and effect needs challenging.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The pharmaceutical industry has invested millions of pounds in producing blister packaging of drugs. The result is elegant packs that satisfy most purposes other than the perceived need of residential and nursing homes to have all their...

Analgesics causing a headache.(Letter to the Editor)
May 3, 2003... I am concerned about the quantity of painkillers that I sell and I am not alone. A few weeks ago I watched a television documentary on painkiller dependency and this week William Leith wrote about the problem in the Weekend Guardian. He also...

FINANCE: A capital idea.(ideas on how pharmacists can reduce their tax liabilities)
May 3, 2003... In her second article on tax avoidance, Anne Hutchings provides some more ideas on how pharmacists can reduce their tax liabilities Capital gains tax is a big issue for many pharmacists. If you are intending to dispose of an asset the first...

FINANCE: Stakeholder pensions.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Under the new stakeholder rules anyone can contribute up to #3,600 per annum into a pension scheme, even if they have no earnings. These contributions qualify for tax relief. In practice this new legislation is being used in the following ways:...

Letter: Pfizer and its Viagra marketing policy: no offence intended.(Brief Article)(Letter to the Editor)
May 3, 2003... I was concerned to read the comments about Pfizer expressed in the Xrayser column (C&D April 19, p15), and I would be grateful for the opportunity to explain the reasoning behind our letter to GPs, as this seems in danger of being misconstrued....

Letter: McLernon Computers: a replacement for Alchemist.(Letter to the Editor)
May 3, 2003... NI Notebook (C&D April 5, p15) reminded me how old I must be getting. It is indeed over 20 years since McLernons installed the first three `pharmacy computer systems' in Northern Ireland. Pharmacy embraced computerisation in the 1980s but...

Letter: Perhaps you would favour the Munro/NDCHealth option?(Letter to the Editor)
May 3, 2003... NI Notebook (C&D April 5, p15) comments on PMR systems. As your correspondent remarked, Alchemist, sold in Northern Ireland by McLernons under a licence agreement, has now been discontinued by its developer NDCHealth, and pharmacists who...

Starting a family.(treatments for infertility)
May 3, 2003... In the first article of a series on baby and child development, Fawz Farhan MRPharmS looks at treatments for infertility and the steps couples can take to prepare for a healthy baby Objectives * To be aware of factors that increase the...

Down's syndrome linked with neural tube defects.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... A study in The Lancet suggests that there may be a link between neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, and Down's syndrome. Abnormal metabolism of folic acid is an established risk factor for NTDs but it has also previously been...

SSRIs seem safe in pregnancy.(selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors)
May 3, 2003... Women who take selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors during pregnancy do not appear to be more likely than other women to have a baby with birth defects. A study of 138 women who had either taken sertraline, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine or...

Drugs alone not the answer to obesity.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... The first line strategy for losing weight and maintaining weight loss is a combination of diet, exercise and behaviour modification, says the Royal College of Physicians. The third edition of the RCP's guide to the use of anti-obesity...

Contraceptive patch launch.(Janssen-Cilag)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Janssen-Cilag will launch a transdermal contraceptive patch for women this month. Each Evra patch, which contains norelgestromin 6mg and ethinyl estradiol 600mcg, delivers norelgestromin 150mcg and ethinyl estradiol 20mcg per 24 hours. A...

Pharmacia's latest COX-2.(Bextra)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Pharmacia and Pfizer have launched a second-generation COX-2 selective inhibitor. Bextra, which contains valdecoxib and is available in three strengths, is licensed for symptomatic relief in the treatment of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid...

Tutorial No 25: Incontinence.
May 3, 2003... THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY PRACTICE This tutorial has been designed to meet the requirements of the College of Pharmacy Practice in providing one hour of postgraduate education towards the College's continuing education requirement ...

Plastered with Scholl.(SSL International's new blister and corn plasters use Ultra Gel technology)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... SSL International has used new Ultra Gel technology to develop blister and corn plasters in the Scholl range. Clear Gel Blister and Corn Plasters are designed to provide cushioning protection, with instant pain and pressure relief. The corn...

Complan whisks up a new image for the younger set.(Complan Foods targets active people aged 55 plus for nutritional drink)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Complan Foods hopes to shake up the #7.4 million nutritional drinks market with a relaunch for Complan. The recently formed company aims to change Complan's image of being solely for the elderly and sick. The brand will now be targeted at...

Multibionta Woman goes into action.(Seven Seas Health Care Ltd. ad campaign)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Seven Seas Health Care aims to boost multivitamin sales this summer by investing #3.5 million in an advertising campaign for Advanced Formula Multibionta. On national TV from the start of this month, the Multibionta Woman campaign has been...

Are you sitting comfortably?(Germoloids HC Spray ad campaign)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Germoloids HC Spray is on national TV and radio this summer starting from the beginning of June. The TV campaign will appear during peak and daytime viewing hours to reach the brand's key audience of 40-65 year olds. The commercial is...

'Hair of the dog' adds fun to Regaine campaign.(TV commercials look at myths and misconceptions about hair loss)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... A humorous new TV campaign for Pharmacy-only Regaine Extra Strength will be on sports-focused satellite channels throughout this month. The campaign will take an amusing look at the myths and misconceptions surrounding hair loss. Watch out...

Aller-eze creates a buzz.(official supporter of Allergy Week)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Aller-eze is the official OTC medicine supporter of Allergy UK's seventh annual national Allergy Week (May 12-18). The initiative will include backing for the publication of a major new research-based report, recording the true extent to...

NatraHealth builds on its liquid assets.(introduces NatraSil liquid silicon supplement)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... NatraHealth is adding liquid silicon to its range of health and beauty supplements. NatraSil is formulated with a highly bioavailable form of silicon which is claimed to improve the appearance and texture of skin, hair and nails. The...

Fungal update.(Correction Notice)
May 3, 2003... The market data for Lamisil AT Spray was incorrect in the Fixing Fungi feature in C&D April 12, p32. Lamisil AT Cream takes 16 per cent of the total athlete's foot `cream' sector and is showing growth of 69 per cent year on year. The...

Rapid response from Benadryl.(new advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Benadryl is on national TV this month as part of a #3 million advertising and marketing programme (see p14, Summer Health supplement). The commercial is a revamped version of last year's `Don't let them get away with it' advertising...

Zantac 75's burning issue.(new advertising campaign)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Zantac 75 will be on TV throughout May as part of a #1.5 million campaign. Combining computer graphics and live action elements, the commercial features a woman who sees signs or possible triggers of heartburn wherever she goes. `Pure...

Give aching legs a treat.(Pretty Legs develops new line of compression hosiery)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Pretty Legs has developed a new range of compression hosiery in conjunction with consultant vascular surgeons and scientists at University College London. SapehnaACTIVE graduated compression socks and knee-highs are designed to give relief...

Shampoo is child's play.(L'Oreal to introduce new children's shampoo)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... L'Oreal plans a June launch for a children's shampoo designed to help hair to dry quickly - making it suitable for kids who are active in sports and take frequent showers. L'Oreal Kids Fast Dry shampoo has a silicone-based formula which...

Quinoderm duo is spot on.(Adams Healthcare launches new products )(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Adams Healthcare is introducing two new products into the Quinoderm range for the prevention and treatment of spots/acne. Quinoderm deep pore cleansing wipes and antibacterial shower gel join the benzoyl peroxide cream (10 and five per cent...

PHARMACY PRACTICE: London calling.(opinions of London-based pharmacists)
May 3, 2003... Richard Lewis and Clare Jenkins from independent charitable foundation the King's Fund report on a major study on community pharmacy services and the views of local pharmacists in London In publishing Pharmacy in the Future, the Government...

PHARMACY PRACTICE: Getting the results.(pharmacist survey )(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... A questionnaire was used to get the views of pharmacists in three London health authorities (which combined to form the NE London Strategic Health Authority during the study). The study received the support of LPCs and all three HAs. ...

Isaac Kaye to retire.(IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Isaac Kaye is to retire as chairman of IVAX Pharmaceuticals UK and as deputy chief executive officer of the IVAX Corporation. He has also announced his intention not to stand for re-election to the IVAX board. Mr Kaye started his career as a...

RPSGB - Appointment.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Divyesh Shah has taken over from Professor David Upton as chairman of the Leicestershire and Rutland Branch of the RPSGB. Mr Shah has a pharmacy in Great Glen, near Leicester, and has played a prominent role in the initiation of a pharmacist...

Thompson & Capper - Appointment.(Paul McDaid )(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Paul McDaid has joined Thompson & Capper as sales and marketing director for the contract manufacturer of tablets and capsules. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SARS in their eyes.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Charles Joynson is managing director of WaveData Ltd, a company which specialises in finding the best prices for pharmaceutical and surgical supplies. Recent health concerns prompted him to submit this: Ok, so I'm a pessimist. My staff tell...

A serendipitous marriage.(marriage of Andrew Burr and Shivanthini Dharmasiri )(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Serendip, the ancient name for Sri Lanka, gave the English language `serendipity', defined as `the faculty of making happy and unexpected discoveries by accident'. So, was the location of RPSGB Council member Andrew Burr's earlier...

Sigma Pharmaceuticals donate medicines.(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Sigma Pharmaceuticals donated #100,000 of medicines to St Margaret's Hospital in Dominica last Thursday, following an appeal by Avicenna's professional development advisor Hemant Patel. About 50 pallets of medical stock will arrive at the...

Swing out sisters!(golf club for pharmacists)(Brief Article)
May 3, 2003... Golfing girls are being encouraged to join the South London and Surrey Pharmacist Golf Society. It's true, so before you faint with shock, gather up your clubs and get on the blower to secretary Mike Cousins on 01273 555492. The club's...

Stoate alternative to OFT report.(Dr Howard Stoate; Office of Fair Trading)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... Dr Howard Stoate, the chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Pharmacy Group, has proposed that the Government allow new pharmacy licences for some supermarkets in return for special services to expand primary care. The all-party group is...

Council kicks off charity debate.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society)
May 10, 2003... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has begun discussions to consider the pros and cons of applying for charitable status. At a meeting last Thursday, members of the Society's Council heard a presentation by an external speaker which examined...

Chief pharmacist backs modernisation plans.(Dr Jim Smith )(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... England's chief pharmacist Dr Jim Smith believes that the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's modernisation agenda will strengthen both its regulatory and professional roles. "The broad thrust around the structure of the Council, around...

Xenical patients call on extra support.(Roche's weight-loss drug)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... Roche has teamed up with the world's largest medical and security assistance company to improve patient compliance with prescribed medication. International SOS has launched the patient support initiative in the UK to help patients taking...

SGM date confirmed.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Special General Meeting )(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has confirmed the date and venue of the Special General Meeting that was called last month to debate the Society's modernisation proposals (C&D, April 12, p4). It will be held in the Churchill Auditorium, Queen...

Nebulisers remain NHS property.(National Health Service)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The Department of Health has reiterated that it has no plans to make nebulisers available on prescription for patients with chronic lung disease. In a written parliamentary answer, secretary of state for health Hazel Blears said that retaining...

OFT decision holds.(Office of Fair Trading on Scotland's control of entry restrictions)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The regulations on control of entry restrictions are devolved in Scotland and are a matter for their ministers, trade and industry minister Melanie Johnson confirmed recently in Parliament, allaying fears that the Scottish Assembly's decision...

Go Wild summer festival.(in Kew Gardens, sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... A scene from the Field Hospital - an Edwardian herbalist's garden building located in a corner of Kew Gardens. As part of Kew's `Go Wild' summer festival, the Field Hospital will illustrate to visitors the traditional medicinal uses of native...

Methylphenidate misuse report leads to DoH action.(appetite suppressant and amphetamine properties; Department of Health)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The Department of Health is liaising with the Department for Education and Skills over reports of methylphenidate being misused in schools(C&D, Mar 1, p10). According to reports in last weekend's The Observer, the attention deficit...

Government OK for technician registration.(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The Government has given its approval to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for its plans to register and regulate pharmacy technicians. At a meeting of the RPSGB Council last week members agreed to proceed with the implementation of the...

Co-proxamol availability should be restricted.(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The availability of co-proxamol should be restricted because it is the second most common drug used to commit suicide, according to a report in this week's BMJ. Co-proxamol poisoning was found to be significantly higher in 10-24- year-olds...

New advice on vitamin and mineral levels.(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... An independent, expert committee has produced a report providing guidance on the safe levels of vitamins and minerals. The Expert Group on Vitamins and Minerals (EVM) makes recommendations on 31 compounds in response to concerns over the...

Key to future lies in supplementary prescribing.(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... The successful implementation of supplementary prescribing could lead to independent prescribing by pharmacists, believes England's chief pharmacist. "The initial commitment in Pharmacy in the Future was for supplementary prescribing, and...

IT Award.(First DataBank Europe - Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists IT Award to Michael Jones and Mary Struthers)(Brief Article)
May 10, 2003... Michael Jones, prescribing data support officer, and Mary Struthers, pharmacist prescribing adviser for Highland Primary Care NHS Trust, receive the First DataBank Europe - Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists IT Award from Robin Glasspool, product...