Chemist & Druggist articles from May 2006

Chemist & Druggist archives from May 2006

Drug Tariff deficit looms as products switch categories.
May 6, 2006... Finance Pharma boss warns of profit slump in wake of category M switches Max Gosney Pharmacists could lose up to #20,000 each this year because of changes to the Drug Tariff, a generics expert has told C+D. Contractors face a...

Wage bill for RPSGB directors tops #1.1million.
May 6, 2006... Finance: Annual accounts show Society's top earner takes home up to #140,000 Gary Paragpuri Remuneration for the RPSGB's eight directors and secretary and registrar rose by 11 per cent in 2005 to #1.148 million, the Society's accounts...

NPA backs Scotland's proposals.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Contract: Looks positive but must be monitored The NPA has given provisional support to Scotland's proposed #444 million new pharmacy contract. Outline changes appearedpositive for contractors, but must be closely monitored stressed...

The RPSGB finances for 2005.
May 6, 2006... * Income from retention and premise fees rose 33 per cent to #12.6m * Income from publications was #17.4m * Council costs rose 13 per cent due to larger Council, increased activity and higher attendance fee * Total income for 2005...

Malaria Awareness Week.
May 6, 2006... Dr Chris Curtis, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, chances his arm in a tank of hungry mosquitoes to show how human skin reacts to bites. The demonstration is part of an interactive exhibition at London's Science Museum to...

News in brief: Smartcard worries.
May 6, 2006... Pharmacists could miss out on IT funding if there is delay in issuing the smartcards they need to connect to the network, PSNC has warned. There is a risk contractors could face increased ongoing costs for connectivity and maintenance of...

News in brief: Petitions increase.
May 6, 2006... C+D has delivered more petitions in support of its Choice in Oxygen campaign to the Department of Health, bringing the total to more than 4,700 signatures. Thanks again to all those pharmacies that have submitted completed forms. ...

News in brief: NCSO endorsements.(No Cheaper Stock Obtainable)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... The Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO (no cheaper stock obtainable) endorsements for the following items for May prescriptions: diamorphine 5mg, 100mg and 500mg injection ampoules, and ketoprofen...

News in brief: Compulsory savings.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Compulsory dispensing of the cheapest generics would save the NHS #10.3 million, health minister Jane Kennedy has said in Parliament. She based her information on the prices of the top 40 proprietary drugs between October and December 2005,...

100-hour pharmacies should offer flexibility when attract staff.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Recruitment: Employees fear unsociable hours and compromised safety with night shifts A pharmacy recruitment agency is finding it difficult to fill the vacancies at a new 100-hour pharmacy in Cheshire. Pharmfinders director Adam...

Pharmacy 365 responds to workers' security fears.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Recruitment: Technicians with families `happy' to work evenings in late- night pharmacy The manager of a 100-hour pharmacy in Stockton-on-Tees says he has had no difficulty recruiting staff. The 6,000sq ft, three-storey Pharmacy 365...

PSNI appoints director and seeks registrar.(Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland appoints Raymond Blaney )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... PSNI: Raymond Blaney takes on strategic management in new role The Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland has filled one senior post and is recruiting for a second. Raymond Blaney will become the new director on May 22, joining from...

Prescribing will `transform' pharmacy.(pharmacists are approved of prescribing licensed medicine)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Practice Chief pharmacist hails `real opportunity' Independent prescribing by pharmacists will transform the public's perception of the profession, England's chief pharmacist has said. It signified the "dawn of a new era" and presented...

News in brief: Key to Lift.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Networking is king when it comes to booking your pharmacy's spot in an NHS local improvement finance trust (Lift) centre, according to UniChem. Primary care trusts (PCTs) will favour pharmacists demonstrating good relations with GPs, MPs...

Alliance seeks backing for Boots deal.(Alliance UniChem PLC to merge with Boots)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Retailing: AU chairman issues rallying call to shareholders Alliance UniChem (AU) has called for shareholder support for its proposed #7 billion merger with Boots this summer at the company's annual general meeting. AU chairman, Paolo...

Counter assistant skill boost.(Numark Ltd.)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Training: Numark targets concerns over OTC sales Numark has unveiled plans for a major training initiative to boost skill levels among counter assistants. The independent chain is holding 10 regional committee meetings across the UK,...

Pharmacists top health poll.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Northern Ireland: Public give pharmacy services a 99 per cent satisfaction rating Asha Fowells Pharmacists have beaten GPs and dentists to the top spot in a health satisfaction survey conducted in Northern Ireland. Some 99 per...

Software identifies patients who could benefit from MURs.(Systems Solutions Inc.)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Practice: Computer can also book MUR candidates A pharmacy IT supplier has launched software that can identify patients that may need a medicines use review. In addition, the software from Systems Solutions' can be used to schedule an...

MP visits to highlight the role of wholesalers.(UniChem PLC)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Kevin Harmer, general manager of UniChem's distribution centre in Chessington, explains to Edward Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton, how UniChem and other pharmaceutical wholesalers ensure the security of the medicines supply chain and stamp...

News in brief: Update MCQ.
May 6, 2006... This week's issue contains the questionnaire for the following Pharmacy Update modules carried in April: lipids (1365), scabies and threadworm (1366) and psoriasis (1367). Pharmacy Update is a distance learning programme accredited by the...

News in brief: Midcounties refit.(Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy group )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... The Midcounties Co-operative Pharmacy group has invested nearly #500,000 in an 18-month, 16 branch refurbishment initiative. The branches all now carry the Co-operative Pharmacy branding. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Alliance heads #5m health centre.(Alliance Pharmacy)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Retailing: One-stop centre Alliance Pharmacy has opened a branch as part of a #5 million NHS Lift centre in Birmingham. The branch forms part of the Chelmsley Wood Primary Care Centre near Solihull. The pharmacy plans to provide...

North East plans single minor ailments scheme.(Tyne & Wear Strategic Health Authority)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Practice: Six PCT schemes to become one Northumberland, Tyne & Wear Strategic Health Authority aims to establish a single minor ailments scheme across the whole North East. Ian Spencer, director of clinical governance at the SHA, said...

Pharmacists targeted in ethics drive.(KPMG)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Industry: Companies warned to be vigilant Business consultancy firm KPMG has called for pharmaceutical companies to weed out unscrupulous salespeople in order to enhance the industry's ethical reputation. Hitesh Patel, head of...

Zero discount changes cost neutral, says PSNC.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Contract Warning for contractors dispensing high volumes of ZD drugs Asha Fowells Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee has described changes to the zero discount scheme as "cost neutral". However, the organisation has...

Changes to zero discount scheme in two phases.(Department of Health of United Kingdom's zero discount scheme)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Following last year's consultation on simplifying reimbursement arrangements for NHS dispensing contractors, the Department of Health is implementing changes to the zero discount scheme in two phases. * Stage 1 (effective May 1, 2006): A...

65,000 sign up to Boots health club.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Multiples: Individual health information on offer More than 65,000 consumers have signed up to a Boots initiative that aims to provide personalised health information. The Boots Health Club offers information in eight health areas,...

News in brief: NPA animal pack.(National Pharmacy Association)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... The NPA has updated its animal medicines resource pack to include background, information and resources, guidance and support on the market. It also reflects changes to veterinary legislation. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

News in brief: Free group skills training.
May 6, 2006... Northern Ireland pharmacists can take advantage of free training on group work skills, including talking to groups about health issues and making group talks more interactive. The training dates are May 24 and June 1. For more information,...

Allison Coll is top student.(won the award of Reckitt Benckiser Pharmacy Student of the Year 2006)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Industry: Winner heads to Australia for convention Pharmacy student Allison Coll scooped an invititation to the International Pharmacy Students' Convention in Cairns, Australia, after being named Reckitt Benckiser Pharmacy Student of the...

MURs up despite mixed reactions.(Medicines Use Reviews)(about drugs)
May 6, 2006... A year on, pharmacists share their views on the highs and lows of medicines use reviews Max Gosney One year into the new contract and the jury on the medicines use review appears to be out. For some, the advanced service has symbolised...

Comment from the editor: Building the pharmacy community.(about pharmacy)(Editorial)
May 6, 2006... How often do you step back to reflect on what you are doing, where you are going and what you want to achieve? In this world of constant change the opportunity to do so can often be overlooked, or put on the back-burner while more immediate...

Your views: Are we using the NHS wisely?(cost of National Health Service)
May 6, 2006... PAGB Perspective:executive director Sheila Kelly weighs up the true cost of a visit to the doctor "#18 for a visit to the doctor? That sounds cheap to me" has been the general attitude of my friends as I tell them about the costs of...

Northern Ireland Notebook: Titanic reflections.(change of professional regulations)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... I remain unconvinced of the need for a major change to our professional regulation. Yet the section 60 order that will change regulation of pharmacists in Great Britain and sets out a framework that will increase our regulatory workload without...

Xrayser: More haste, less speed.(about pharmacy)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Things are changing so fast at the moment it's difficult for me to keep up. But it also seems that a lot of the organisations involved with pharmacy are struggling to keep up with government timetables and with each other. I received a...

Xrayser: A repeat recipe for disaster.(about patients)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... A local surgery has decided to circumvent the well thought out and fully supported repeat dispensing arrangements and implement its own poorly considered model. The surgery's brainwave was to issue batches of six postdated prescriptions for...

Pharmacy update: Getting patients into medicines.(about medicines)
May 6, 2006... In the second of two articles on adherence, C+D advises on how to help patients use their medicines as they are intended Jon Silcock and Claire Standage Since the NHS was founded, pharmacists have focused on the accurate supply of...

Pharmacy update: Continuing professional development.
May 6, 2006... Reflect Do you feel you do enough to involve your patients in their treatment? Or do you think that many of them don't take their medicines as prescribed? Is discussing the side effects of medicines advantageous or detrimental for...

Clinical news In brief: First RLS drug.(Mirapexin (pramipexole) has become the first product to be licensed for restless legs syndrome)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Mirapexin (pramipexole) has become the first product to be licensed for restless legs syndrome in the UK. Recommended dosing is one 88mcg tablet taken once daily, two to three hours before bedtime. If required, the dose may be increased every...

Clinical news In brief: Acupan stock problem.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Acupan 30mg tablets (nefopam hydrochloride) are currently out of stock, with supplies likely to resume in June. For more information: 3M Health Care customer services, tel: 01509 613082. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical news In brief: Livwell bread.(Five Livwell )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Five Livwell dietary products have gained ACBS status and been listed in the Drug Tariff, says Generpharm. They are: Livwell white sliced bread, brown sliced bread, white baguette, four white rolls and uncut white loaf (Baker's Delight). For...

Clinical news: Herceptin moves towards early breast cancer licence.(Roche )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Roche has moved closer to having Herceptin (trastuzumab) licensed for early breast cancer. But recent calls for the drug to be made available to all patients suffering from the disease seem unlikely to be met. The European drug regulator...

Clinical news: New iron chelator shows promise.(deferoxamine and deferasirox )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... A new drug looks likely to ease the lives of thalassaemia patients who require regular blood transfusions. A trial has shown high dose deferasirox to be as effective as deferoxamine at reducing iron overload, and generally well-tolerated, with...

Clinical news: NRT gets backing.(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Smokers are less likely to give up giving up if they use nicotine patches - even those who sneak the occasional cigarette. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology analysed 324 smokers using either a nicotine...

Products in brief: Information update.
May 6, 2006... New editions of `Understanding Angina and Heart Attacks' and `Understanding Depression' are now available, designed to give greater information than can be covered in a GP consultation. Pip code: 232-8300 (Angina/Heart attacks); 232-8326...

Products in brief: Flapping about bird flu?(Advanced Formulations introduces No Germs)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Hand sanitiser No Germs has been shown to be effective against avian flu. The independent tests, carried out by Retroscreen Virology, found the product to be more than 99.8 per cent effective against the virus. No Germ contains no alcohol,...

Products in brief: Skincare with calcium.(L'Oreal launches Age Re-perfect Pro-calcium cream)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Age Re-perfect Pro-calcium, designed to meet the skincare needs of women over 60, has been launched by L'Oreal. The SPF15-rated cream provides calcium which helps strengthen the skin, boosting its barrier function and limiting water loss,...

Products in brief: Learn more about EFAs.(Efamol to offer diploma correspondence course )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... A diploma correspondence course in eight modules for pharmacists who wish to learn more about essential fatty acids is available from Efamol. Efamol Tel:01757 633888 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Beating bloating.
May 6, 2006... Aquaban and Aquaban Herbal are appearing on television in a #900,000 campaign expected to reach 13 million viewers. The two diuretic products from Lanes will be seen from this month until July on Channel 5, GMTV and satellite channels. The...

GSK attacks acid erosion.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC's product)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Sensodyne Pronamel toothpaste has been launched by GlaxoSmithKline to tackle acid erosion. According to GSK, acid erosion of the teeth is a growing problem associated with a modern diet. Acidic foods include grapes, apples, lemon juice,...

Comfort zone for footcare.
May 6, 2006... Scholl's footcare range has been expanded with the addition of three products. Toenail Conditioner reduces thickening and helps prevent splitting of nails. The pen-shaped product incorporates a brush applicator. Rehydrating Moisture Mousse...

T&R is using its Hedrin to tackle head lice problem.(Thornton & Ross Ltd's product information)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... A #2 million campaign supporting Hedrin (4 per cent dimeticone), the head lice treatment from Thornton and Ross, begins this week. The `Use your head, use your Hedrin' advert is running on GMTV and satellite channels over the next five...

Rennie goes for the fruity option.(introduced by Ceuta Healthcare Ltd.)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Indigestion remedy Rennie has been relaunched and expanded in a #6 million initiative. Packs of the newcomer, Rennie Fruit (500mg calcium carbonate), contain four flavours: blackcurrant, raspberry, orange and lemon. The relaunch sees...

Optrex lubricates eyecare.(product information)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Eyecare brand Optrex is launching two products to provide relief for eyes that feel dry. Optrex Dry Eyes Lubricating Eye Drops contains sodium hyaluronate to restore the eyes' natural moisture balance. The treatment lasts up to seven times...

Shut out the noise.
May 6, 2006... Ear plugs in four styles have been launched by Fortuna Healthcare, replacing the company's existing earplugs. Foam Ear Plugs in torpedo and barrel shapes are suitable for use when sleeping, travelling and in noisy environments. The torpedo...

Feature: Art of the matter.(Damien Hirst about pharmacy)
May 6, 2006... Britain's most famous living artist is fascinated by pharmacy. Damien Hirst explains why he is mad about medicines Max Gosney Next time you scan around your pharmacy take a closer look at the everyday displays of medicine boxes and...

Feature: No pain, no gain.(analgesics market)
May 6, 2006... Is the stagnant analgesics category a pain, or is relief on the horizon? Asha Fowells In an overall OTC market of #2.1 billion, total pain relief rules. In fact, it rules to the tune of #473 million.1 That's a lot of pain being...

PRODUCTS: Anadin Extra.(Anadin Extra 16s )(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... While Anadin is the number two analgesic brand, Anadin Extra 16s is the UK's top selling OTC medicine pack3 Consumers are creatures of habit, so raising awareness about conditions and highlighting new products can create merchandising...

PRODUCTS: Calpol.(Calpol Infant Suspension 100ml is now GSL- Pfizer)(Brief article)
May 6, 2006... Although Calpol Infant Suspension 100ml is now GSL, Pfizer says this won't damage the pharmacy sector as the majority of shoppers seek professional advice so they can treat their children's ailments with confidence Copyright: CMP...

Feature: What's the alternative?(analgesics sector)
May 6, 2006... One area of analgesics is enjoying a period of astonishing growth The analgesics sector may appear to be standing still, but one area is showing phenomenal growth. In just one year, sales of pain relief pads and patches have shot up by...

ARheumacare - a unique formulation.
May 6, 2006... ARheumaCare from Health Perception is a new unique tablet and capsule formulation, providing a combination of ingredients specifically formulated to help keep joints healthy and flexible. ARheumaCare capsules contain a special bland of Cod...

Driving analgesic sales forward.(Wyeth Consumer Healthcare)
May 6, 2006... By categorising the different types of analgesic user into five groups, Wyeth says pharmacists can boost sales Wyeth Consumer Healthcare - maker of Anadin - says that understanding shopper needs is the key to boosting sales of OTC...

A new Cox-2: logic or lunacy?(Novartis Pharma AG's Prexige (lumiracoxib))
May 6, 2006... No safety concerns were considered to be unmanageable and therefore the benefits of taking Prexige were judged to outweigh the risk Prexige (lumiracoxib) `gives doctors another option', says Novartis Novartis Pharmaceuticals' decision...

Kennedy out, Burnham in.(Jane Kennedy quits and Andy Burnham becomes new pharmacy minister)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Politics: Andy Burnham is new pharmacy minister Jane Kennedy has quit as health minister as part of the government reshuffle in protest over NHS reform. Her replacement as minister for state for delivery and quality is Andy Burnham,...

Nucare's loss-making wholesale arm closes.
May 13, 2006... Wholesalers: Competitive market results in profits downturn Gary Paragpuri Nucare closed its wholesaling division on Tuesday this week, blaming an increasingly competitive market for a downturn in profits this year. About 30 people are...

DH plans pose further threat to pharmacy purchase profits.(Department of Health)
May 13, 2006... Industry Value for money quest by government leads to reduction in reimbursement fees in August Max Gosney Pharmacists face further losses on purchase profits under Department of Health (DH) plans to reduce reimbursement fees for...

Stop Press: Minister defers pharmacy lists.(Andy Burnham)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Government plans to introduce a fitness to practise list for England's community pharmacists have been put on hold. Health minister Andy Burnham announced on Wednesday that the introduction of NHS supplementary list provisions for...

Exhibition to mark the NHS's 60th anniversary.(National Health Service)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... A pigeon leaves Devonport Hospital with a blood sample in a snapshot of how the NHS used to work. This image is from the archives of Magnum Photos, which is compiling an exhibition to mark the NHS's 60th anniversary in 2008. It will contrast...

News in brief: Drury tops Council poll.(election results of Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain )(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... David Carter, Brian Curwain, Dorothy Drury, Andrew Gush and Douglas Simpson have been elected to the Council of the RPSGB. Ms Drury received the most votes (4,652) followed by Mr Carter (4,635), Mr Simpson (3,971), Mr Gush (3,879) and Mr...

News in brief: NPA toolkit for Wales.(National Pharmaceutical Association)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... The NPA has launched a guide to commissioning enhanced pharmacy services in Wales. The toolkit will help pharmacists plan and implement enhanced services under the new contract, and includes tips on dealing with local health boards. Copies are...

News in brief: Decongestant warning.(drug abuse of over the counter decongestants)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... The RPSGB is advising pharmacists to watch out for individuals requesting excessive quantities of OTC decongestants. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are relatively easy to convert to metamfetamine - also known as crystal meth - a CNS...

RPSGB keeps tabs on DMU.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(De Montfort University)
May 13, 2006... Education: Leicester school of pharmacy fails to achieve five point action plan The Leicester school of pharmacy at De Montfort University suffered a setback last week after failing to lose the probationary status imposed by the RPSGB. ...

News in brief: Update MCQ error.(Correction notice)
May 13, 2006... The Update questionnaire contained in last week's C+D contained an error. Question two for module 1365 (lipids) should read: "A total serum cholesterol level of 6.5mmol/l compared to 5.2mmol/l doubles the risk of CVD." As a result, this...

News in brief: First accredited system.(electronic prescription service dispensary system from Lloydspharmacy)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Lloydspharmacy has become the first pharmacy chain to receive accreditation for its electronic prescription service (release one) dispensary system. The Connecting for Health-approved system has already been installed in all 1,270 English...

News in brief: AAH EPS update.(AAH Pharmaceuticals Limited )(electronic prescription service)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... AAH is now promoting its `onestopshop' LinkEvolution installation process ahead of the 2007 total EPS compliance deadline. It has now installed its accredited LinkEvolution electronic prescription service (EPS) software in over 300 community...

News in brief: PCTs face cuts.(Primary care trust numbers could be cut )(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Primary care trust numbers could be cut by a third to 131, according to the `Health Services Journal'. Each strategic health authority has put forward plans to the Department of Health for new PCT configurations, a report in the April 27 issue...

News in brief: UCA conference.(Ulster Chemists' Association)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... The annual conference of the Ulster Chemists' Association will be held at Belfast's Wellington Park Hotel next Sunday, May 21. Sessions will run from 10am until 3:30pm along the theme `Implementation of additional pharmacy services'. ...

News in brief: NPSA extranet.(National Patient Safety Agency)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... The National Patient Safety Agency has launched a secure extranet to give all NHS organisations in England and Wales access to data on patient safety incidents. Content has been developed using feedback from a pilot run by the NPSA with eight...

PCTs show inconsistency over consultation rooms.(primary care trust)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Practice: Original guidelines were ambiguous, says NPA practice committee Gary Paragpuri Primary care trusts are failing to ensure a consistent approach when accrediting pharmacy consultation areas, the National Pharmacy Association...

PPA agrees oxygen claim.(Prescription Pricing Authority)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... NPA: Response from template letter `sets precedent' A Staffordshire pharmacist has been told he will receive out of pocket expenses for the rental he has paid on large oxygen cylinders. Sean Woodward, proprietor of two pharmacies in...

Evans takes AIMp role.(David Evans elected as rep for Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Multiples: Pharmacists urged to meet local MP The Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies (AIMp) has elected David Evans of Manor Pharmacy as PSNC representative. Mr Evans replaces Kirit Patel. At the AIMp quarterly conference,...

NHS Direct eyes opportunities.(plannings of National Health Service)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Practice: Organisation lays foundations to compete NHS Direct could be competing to provide pharmacy services as early as next year. From April 2007, NHS Direct will be an NHS trust, with plans to become an NHS foundation trust as soon as...

Techs gain critical mass.(Pharmacy technicians)(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Practice: 3,000 technicians join RPSGB register Pharmacy technicians have embraced the opportunity to sign up to the RPSGB's professional register. Figures released this week show that more than 3,000 pharmacy technicians have...

Council blocks plan for pharmacy-led centre.(Brief article)
May 13, 2006... Practice: Hackney councillors brand proposed building overbearing and incongruous Max Gosney A pharmacist's bid to create a #1 million health centre has been blocked by local councillors who branded the building an eyesore. ...