Chemist & Druggist articles from May 2008

Chemist & Druggist archives from May 2008

Comment from the Editor.(analysis of medical errors)(Editorial)
May 3, 2008... White paper aside, two letters this week on workloads and the way that the RPSGB tackles minor dispensing errors (pages 14 and 16) highlight two of the more immediate concerns of community pharmacists. Professor Joy Wingfield, a former...

RPSGB members will get a say on royal college inquiry.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Society intends to act in bid to stave off criticism Rob Finch The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has promised its members a chance to respond to the issues raised by the independent inquiry into the formation of a professional body. ...

Building Bridges extends.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... C+D's Building Bridges campaign stretched the length of England this week, with MPs visiting pharmacies in Doncaster, Gloucester and Essex. Rosie Winterton, Labour MP for Doncaster Central, was shown a newly- installed dispensing robot at...

Society reserves are on the up.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The RPSGB has reported an improvement in its financial reserves, but delivered a pessimistic forecast in light of the current financial climate. In its annual review for 2007, the Society recorded an operational deficit of #216,000...

Repeat dispensing a missed opportunity.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Pharmacists have "missed a trick" in failing to provide repeat dispensing services, which could have strengthened their relationships with GPs, the Department of Health's primary care tsar has said. Dr David Colin-Thome, national director...

IN BRIEF: NPA leadership team.
May 3, 2008... Paul Bennett, professional standards director and superintendent pharmacist at Boots, will chair the NPA in 2008-09. Ian Facer, who represents NPA members in the north-west, was elected as vice-chairman, and Wally Dove, representing members in...

IN BRIEF: Paraffin product SOP.
May 3, 2008... The NPA has launched a template SOP and guidance notes for the supply of paraffin-based skin products. It includes a template patient information leaflet to help pharmacies advise patients of the risk of fire associated with the products. ...

IN BRIEF: Research bursaries.
May 3, 2008... Pharmacists interested in developing their skills in pharmacy practice research can apply for bursaries from the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust. The deadline for applications is May 23, and interested pharmacists should contact Beth Allen on...

IN BRIEF: Uncertainty over liability.
May 3, 2008... There is "considerable uncertainty" over who takes responsibility when a registered or accuracy checking technician makes an error. Professor Joy Wingfield told PDA annual conference delegates the answer could depend on factors such as the...

IN BRIEF: Diabetes institute.(Institute of Diabetes for Older People )(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The first dedicated Institute of Diabetes for Older People (IDOP) in Europe will be launched at the University of Bedfordshire this month. IDOP will work with health professionals and the public to improve the health and well-being of ageing...

IN BRIEF: Climate commitments.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Several high street retailers including Boots have pledged to combat climate change by cutting emissions from buildings and vehicles, and helping customers and staff reduce their environmental impact. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Contractor's campaign set for Westminster.
May 3, 2008... Canvey Island pharmacist aims to highlight polyclinic danger Jennifer Richardson One contractor's fight against a planned polyclinic is making its way to Parliament this week, after his local MP pledged support. Nader Siabi, of...

Profits key to polyclinics, claim Tories.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Pharmacies are to be used as financial leverage to open more polyclinics across England, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has claimed. In a new line of attack on government plans, to be laid out in the final Darzi report, Mr Lansley...

Union plans gather pace.(Pharmacists' Defence Association )(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... PDA intends to boost membership numbers and target companies Zoe Smeaton The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) has outlined plans for the development of its new trade union. PDA chairman Mark Koziol said the union would be...

Dispensary Talk.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Could polyclinics be good for pharmacy? "Polyclinics are fine - providing they don't affect existing networks. Locally we've got a good network of pharmacists providing excellent services to patients. If a polyclinic was to be detrimental...

Referral plans under fire.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The RPSGB's plans to reduce the number of pharmacists being referred to the investigating committee (IC) for dispensing errors have come too late, according to the PDA. The association said it welcomed the general thrust of the plan, but...

Prescription plan needs funds.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Information prescriptions, which pharmacists could soon be asked to provide for patients across the country, should be implemented with care and need funding, pharmacy experts have warned. The prescriptions require pharmacists or other...

Charity backs pharmacy's role in antipsychotics.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... A dementia charity has called for greater involvement of community pharmacists in the prescribing, monitoring and review of antipsychotics. The recommendation was included in a report from MPs that demanded the drugs be only a "last...

IN BRIEF: SPB open day.
May 3, 2008... At the RPSGB Scottish Office's inaugural open day in Edinburgh last week, Scottish Pharmacy Board chairman Dr Rose Marie Parr updated members on roadshows that will give them the chance to share their views on what they want from their...

IN BRIEF: Hypertension guidance.
May 3, 2008... Guidance for pharmacists on how to assist patients in managing hypertension has been issued by the RPSGB. It has been updated to reflect the changing role of community pharmacists as they take on more clinical responsibilities. Copyright:...

IN BRIEF: Norton settlement.(Norton Healthcare Ltd and Norton Pharmaceuticals Ltd )(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The Scottish Government has agreed settlement of civil claims against an international pharmaceutical company for alleged anti-competitive cartel conduct in the supply of drugs to the NHS. Norton Healthcare Ltd and Norton Pharmaceuticals Ltd...

IN BRIEF: PM visits pioneer centre.
May 3, 2008... Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited the Boots Centre for Innovation in Swansea last week. The centre was set up a year ago to identify and support the development of pioneering health and beauty products. It has received more than 400 health...

IN BRIEF: NCSO endorsement.(No Cheaper Stock Obtainable)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO endorsements for the following item for April prescriptions: bisacodyl 10mg suppositories. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Royal welcome.
May 3, 2008... Midlands pharmacist Sukhjihan Gill was on hand to introduce HRH The Prince of Wales to Apnee Sehat - "Our Health" in Punjabi - in Coventry last week. The lifestyle intervention programme aims to combat premature diabetes in the south Asian...

DDA `attacks' rival dispensing profession.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Dispensing Doctors' Association)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Doctors' association should put aside professional differences, says RPSGB president Jennifer Richardson Pharmacies are not yet accepted as a proper location for health services, the Dispensing Doctors' Association has claimed. A...

Pharmacy graduates: more employable but less payable?(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Pharmacy graduates are some of the most employable in the UK, according to research. But earnings for pharmacy graduates appear to be significantly below rivals such as medics and dentists, The Independent's Good University Guide has...

Campaign to raise awareness of pharmacy services.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... A campaign to raise awareness of pharmacy services has been relaunched by the NPA. Ask Your Pharmacist (AYP) 2008 will feature posters within 200 metres of 1,200 pharmacies around the UK, on billboards and telephone boxes. The posters' focus...

New NPA chief executive pledges practical help.(National Pharmacy Association)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The NPA is gearing up to be "very vocal" on the implementation of proposals made in the white paper. Chief executive John Turk said the government blueprint for the profession, published the week before he took the helm, was "a...

Love thy GP neighbour.(general practitioners)(David Colin-Thome)(Occupation overview)
May 3, 2008... GPs: for many pharmacists it's a case of can't work with them, can't work without them. At the AAH Convention Zoe Smeaton talked to the most high profile GP of all, David Colin-Thome, about the future for the two professions General...

Xrayser: Please don't take my certificate away.
May 3, 2008... I have made my most significant contribution to the formation of a new professional body so far by completing the Opinion Leader questionnaire I received in the post. It was much less demanding than submitting evidence to the Clarke Inquiry,...

Irish eye: Scum and Silk.
May 3, 2008... Scum may not be your ideal customers but you might be encouraged to change your mind when you considered the principles of social marketing. Silk, if your pharmacy is in a socially deprived area, will make up a big chunk of your existing...

LETTER: MUR trouble than they're worth?(Letter to the editor)
May 3, 2008... Medicines use reviews (MURs) are without doubt the biggest innovation, and the biggest change, in community pharmacy in at least 50 years but neither Sam Webb nor John D'Arcy gives any indication in your article (C+D, March 29, p12), that they...

LETTER: Luck of the draw on dispensing errors?(Letter to the editor)
May 3, 2008... When I was collating a response from the Pharmacy Law and Ethics Association (PLEA) to the latest consultation1 on how the RPSGB should deal with dispensing errors, a hospital colleague said: "Are you saying that a single dispensing error in...

Pharmacy Update: Insect bites and stings.
May 3, 2008... With summer on the way, C+D looks at the aetiology and management of common bites and stings Key points * There is not usually an immediate reaction to an insect bite, unless the individual bitten is hypersensitive. * Malaria must...

Clinical Alerts: MHRA Alerts.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Clexane injection (enoxaparin) Some batches contain low levels of an impurity, though there is no evidence that this is associated with any risk to the patient. No batches are being withdrawn but, as a precaution, intravenous and arterial...

Clinical Alerts: New Products.
May 3, 2008... Niddaryl tablets 30s (glimepiride) Indicated for type 2 diabetes, where diet, exercise and weight reduction are insufficient. Available in 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4mg strengths. Dee Pharmaceuticals, tel: 01978 661993. Plavix 300mg tablets 30s...

Clinical: Study finds alendronate may have atrial fibrillation link.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Osteoporosis treatment alendronate may be associated with an unexpected increase in atrial fibrillation, the authors of a study have concluded. They calculated that 3 per cent of new atrial fibrillation cases in the women studied may have...

Clinical News: No to abatacept appeal.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Nice has rejected an appeal against its earlier decision not to recommend abatacept (Orencia) for treating severe rheumatoid arthritis. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society said that it was bitterly disappointed by the decision as the...

Clinical News: HPV vaccine takeup good.(human papilloma virus)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Uptake has been "encouraging" in a pilot trial of human papilloma virus vaccine among adolescent girls at 36 schools in Manchester. For the full story go to: www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/clinical Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical News: SSRI switch may be right.(Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Patients who fail on one SSRI are more likely to benefit from a non- SSRI second-line treatment, a meta analysis of four studies has concluded. For the full story go to: www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/clinical Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

Product News: Probiotic boon.
May 3, 2008... Vinalac is a new probiotic formula to be taken by pregnant and breastfeeding women. Containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus, 400mcg folic acid and 20 other vitamins and minerals, the product is said to support the mother's immune system and benefit...

Product News: Going fourth.
May 3, 2008... GUM PerioBalance is a probiotic lozenge launched by Sunstar. It is positioned as the fourth step to add to GUM's current three step approach to oralcare. Said to reduce plaque build-up and reduce gum bleeding and inflammation, PerioBalance...

Product News: Syndol gets TV treatment.
May 3, 2008... Tension headache treatment Syndol will be back on television this month in a campaign breaking on May 19. Running at peak times until June 22 on ITV, GMTV, Channel 4, Channel 5, S4C and satellite channels, the ad shows a man with a tension...

Product News: Follow Foster Grant's trend.
May 3, 2008... A new range of ready-to-wear reading glasses has been unveiled by Foster Grant. The 2008 collection is said to reflect the latest eyewear trends and includes a choice of frame materials spanning aluminium, titanium, plastic and wood. Key...

Product News: Time for a change.
May 3, 2008... A new pack design has been unveiled for Zovirax cold sore cream from GSK. The focus is on the familiar clock graphic with the key message that the cream is effective at the blister and tingle stages of a cold sore. Text emphasises its antiviral...

Summer Health: Any allergy questions?
May 3, 2008... Jeremy Clitherow FRPharmS offers a timely reminder of the queries, questions and quandaries allergy sufferers commonly raise Q A staff member tells you the customer at the counter wants to buy "excessive" quantities of pseudoephedrine; what...

Product checklist.
May 3, 2008... The products below, containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, are all indicated for relief of allergy or hayfever symptoms. Actifed Multi-Action Syrup - contains pseudoephedrine HCl, 30mg/5ml Actifed Multi-Action Tablets - contain...

Product news: There's only one Piriton.
May 3, 2008... Piriton allergy tablets are being supported with a #3.6 mllion marketing budget, reports manufacturer GSK. Promotional activity will include TV, national press and outdoor advertising. The two 20-second television ads, first seen last year,...

Product news: Optrex tells eyes' true story.
May 3, 2008... TV advertising for Optrex is underway. Expected to reach more than 30 million people this summer, the campaign relays the message that many factors cause eyes to feel tired and sore, such as computer use, air conditioning and lack of sleep. ...

Product news: Zirtek's hayfever answer.
May 3, 2008... The Zirtek brand is to receive an advertising boost to coincide with the hayfever season. Shoppers will be targeted at the point of sale via Pharmasite media, and a national magazine advertising campaign will benefit from a budget increase of...

Product news: Benadryl's speedy message.
May 3, 2008... Benadryl is being supported with a #4 million advertising campaign this summer, covering television, press and internet advertising. Communications will focus primarily on Benadryl Allergy Relief (acrivastine), and will include the...

Summer Health: Ou sont les toilettes?
May 3, 2008... Travel is said to broaden the mind and loosen the bowels. But before the traveller's diarrhoea can kick in, there's travel sickness to overcome. Lesley Ribbens reports Picture the scene. Against all the odds, the family has managed to get...

TRAVELeeze those upsets.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Eleanor Bridgman, senior marketing manager with Ernest Jackson, says pharmacies should make it as easy as possible for customers to plan ahead for a healthy holiday: "Offer adults a range of related items to make the journey easier, like...

Holiday merchandising tips.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Debbie Charman, marketing manager for GSK, says: "The best way for pharmacies to make the most of the holiday/travel opportunity is by merchandising Joyrides and Earcalm in the counter display units to remind consumers to purchase these...

Summer Health: Here comes the sun.
May 3, 2008... With so many sun protection products fighting for attention, how do they differ and who should use what? Lesley Ribbens looks through the evidence It's a strange paradox that the feeling of the sun on the skin and the resulting tan boost...

Product news: Cool operator.
May 3, 2008... A rescue gel to treat and repair sun damaged skin has been launched by Thornton & Ross. The makers say AfterBURN Sunburn Rescue Gel has osmotic action to draw water to the surface of the skin, helping to rehydrate and treat damaged areas. ...

Product news: Making sense of sunscreens.
May 3, 2008... High protection suncare brand Sunsense is being supported with advertising, online, sampling and PR activity until September. The brand is spreading the `safe sun' message and encouraging the use of higher SPF products with a minimum of 50 for...

Product news: BOGOF from Numark.
May 3, 2008... Numark is offering consumers a `buy one get one free' promotion across its suncare range. Running until the end of June, the offer will help independents compete against large pharmacy chains and the grocery sector, says Numark. POS materials...

Product news: Spray on aftersun.
May 3, 2008... Sunburn can be sensitive to the touch, so Savlon has launched Savlon Aftersun Foam Spray - a no-rub, no-touch spray. The formulation cools, soothes and moisturises skin and contains 4 per cent dexpanthenol that helps accelerate cell...

Product news: Curanail's summer pitch.
May 3, 2008... Fungal nail infection treatment Curanail (amorolfine 5 per cent) is being supported with a #1.5 million national marketing and PR campaign, aiming to maintain high awareness of the product. Suitable for treating up to two finger or toe...

Product news: Be bite savvy.
May 3, 2008... The Ben's and After Bite ranges of insect repellents and bite treatments are being promoted this year with ads running in travel titles including Sunday Times Travel, Conde Nast Traveller, Wanderlust and Real Travel. The Ben's offering was...

Product news: Have Stingose, will travel.
May 3, 2008... Care Stingose is currently being supported by a consumer promotional campaign, targeting parents, travellers, holidaymakers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Consumers will be advised to include Care Stingose in first aid kits, beach bags,...

Product news: Canesten spells it out.
May 3, 2008... Further Canesten AF products are being rebranded as Canesten AF Dual Action. The new on-pack communication will make clear the dual benefits of the athlete's foot treatments. A 30g variant of Canesten AF cream was launched under the Dual...

Product news: Senokot in Fybogel switch.
May 3, 2008... Senokot Hi-Fibre has been rebranded to Fybogel Hi-Fibre following feedback from pharmacy. Manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser hopes the move will help minimise consumer confusion by bringing the product, based on the ispaghula husk, under the...

Product news: TV boost for Senokot.
May 3, 2008... Senokot Dual Relief is receiving a #4.2 million television advertising campaign this year. The product is a recent addition to the Senokot range, which offers gentle relief for constipation sufferers. Senokot Dual Relief (#3.99/20, #6.59/40)...

Product news: Sea-Band's new colours.
May 3, 2008... The Sea-Band range of anti-sickness products has been extended with the launch of a camouflage design. The acupressure wristbands are suitable from the age of three and should be positioned so they exert pressure on a point on the inner wrist...

Postscript: Moving On.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... Nucare's Naina Chotai has moved to PharmaPlus as pharmacy services development manager. The group said the appointment came as community pharmacy was hopefully embarking on a more productive future, and it was committed to supporting...

Postscript: Moving On.(Brief article)
May 3, 2008... The NPA has appointed Sukhjit Grewal as head of education and training. Previously head of membership, his immediate plan is to use the findings of a recent member satisfaction survey in the context of education and training. Copyright:...

Comment from the Editor.(Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership )(Editorial)
May 10, 2008... With no national contract or fair funding agreement and a possible break up of its professional body, you would be forgiven for thinking community pharmacy in Northern Ireland is stuck in a rut. You couldn't be further from the truth. This...

White paper reforms under threat from dispensing doctors.
May 10, 2008... Fears of surgery closures find support among Conservative and Lib Dem ministers Colin Brown and Zoe Smeaton Dispensing doctors are claiming GP surgeries may have to close as part of a Westminster campaign against the pharmacy white...

Government got it wrong on PBC, says Society.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(practice-based commissioning)(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... The pharmacy white paper has come under fire from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society this week. The RPSGB said that in overlooking the importance of engaging pharmacy in practice-based commissioning "the government is potentially undermining its...

IN BRIEF: Society pushes on.(Professional associations)(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has already begun work to develop the new professional leadership body, and expects to have a clear picture of how the body will look by the end of the year. See full story at www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk ...

IN BRIEF: Keep technicians out.(Survey)(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Many pharmacists do not want pharmacy technicians to be eligible for membership of the profession's planned leadership body, the Pharmacists' Defence Association said. As C+D went to press, a PDA survey had more than 1,000 respondents with a...

IN BRIEF: Resolving IT issues.(Information Technology)(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Pharmacists are set to receive guidance on resolving common problems occurring with release one of the electronic prescription service. Picking up on the results of an NPA/PSNC survey, issues such as faint barcodes on printed prescriptions will...

IN BRIEF: Get friendly, pharma told.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... The pharmaceutical industry must restore its relationship with government if it is to remain the UK's leading science-based industry, outgoing president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry Nigel Brooksby has warned. ...

IN BRIEF: Skin cancer screening.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Boots will offer a skin cancer screening service this summer in selected stores. Checks, which cost #49 to scan up to three moles, will be carried out by trained nurses in private consultation areas. See p12. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd....

IN BRIEF: Views sought.
May 10, 2008... The RPSGB is seeking members' views on allowing the supply of date expired and/or patient returned medicines in the event of a flu pandemic; and on another consultation concerning the de-blistering of medicines following the development of new...

Antibiotic sales backed.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Society defends pharmacists' ability to follow guidance on OTC sale of antibiotics Rob Finch The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has defended the profession's ability to sell antibiotics, after a move to make cystitis treatment available...

Rivals eye up Nucare members.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Pharmacy buying groups across the UK are boosting their offerings to contractors, C+D has learned, and could be looking to poach Nucare members. Arthur Daines, non-executive director of CamRx, already a pharmacy development group, said the...

UniChem says sorry.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... UniChem has apologised to nearly 2,000 pharmacists after it applied the wrong discount on two AstraZeneca products. The wholesaler said it had incorrectly classified, between February 4 and March 17, Arimidex 1mg and Nexium 40mg as eligible...

DH pledges to boost chlamydia screening.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Government will publish national template for screening service by autumn Ann Shuttleworth The government has pledged a push to increase the commissioning of chlamydia screening services from community pharmacy. Liberal Democrat...

Dispensary Talk: 10.05.08.
May 10, 2008... Are GPs hindering your attempts to set up repeat dispensing? "They're not hindering it, but I wouldn't say GPs are helping us either. It's been slow going." Joanna Peachem, Brocklehurst Chemist, Hull "A lot of GPs are teaming up...

Glucose testing on the horizon.(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... Pharmacists could soon be routinely testing for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) as part of the government's #250 million cardiovascular screening programme. Following research that demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of IGT tests as part...

DH `not committed' to patient records access.(Department of Health)(Brief article)
May 10, 2008... The government has overlooked pharmacy's commitments to protect patient information and is not committed to giving access to patient records, the RPSGB has said. The Society said the government seemed "unwilling to extend the SCR [summary...