Chemist & Druggist articles from May 2009

Chemist & Druggist archives from May 2009

EDITOR'S COMMENT: 02.05.09.(Conference news)(Editorial)
May 2, 2009... As the world focused its attention on the alarmingly rapid spread of swine flu at the beginning of this week, pharmacy was scrutinising developments a little closer to home. Tuesday's all-party pharmacy group gathering at Westminster was a...

MPs call for your views on dispensing error penalties.(medical personnel)(Conference news)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... C+D readers urged to submit opinions on Elizabeth Lee case for Westminster meeting Chris Chapman MPs have urged C+D readers to share their opinions on the Elizabeth Lee case after pledging to hold a parliamentary meeting to discuss the...

Petition launched against `diabolical' law.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Grassroots pharmacists have continued to demand an end to the "diabolical" criminalisation of dispensing errors, following the Elizabeth Lee case. Almost 400 people had signed an online petition calling for the decriminalisation as C+D...

Job hunters get a helping hand.(www.chemistanddruggist jobs.co.uk )(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Your dream job could have moved a step closer this week with the launch of a website matching job-seeking pharmacists and pharmacy staff to the vacancies that suit them. The www.chemistanddruggist jobs.co.uk site allows users to email...

IN BRIEF: Numark appoint MD.(Tony Mottram appointed)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Pharmacy virtual chain Numark has appointed a new managing director, Tony Mottram, to replace interim head of the group John D'Arcy. Mr Mottram is currently Numark's commercial director and will take up the new role from June 1. Copyright:...

IN BRIEF: RPSGB symposium.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)(Conference notes)
May 2, 2009... The RPSGB was holding its Workplace Pressure campaign symposium as C+D went to press this week. Attendees will include representatives from the PDA and the Society Inspectorate. For news from the event see next week's C+D. Copyright: UBM...

IN BRIEF: NCSO endorsements.(No Cheaper Stock Obtainable)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... The Department of Health and National Assembly for Wales have agreed to allow NCSO endorsements for the following item for April prescriptions: bisacodyl 10mg suppositories. Copyright: UBM Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Vascular screening OK.(Survey)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... The majority of members of the public would use pharmacy for a vascular risk assessment, Co-operative Pharmacy research has shown. A survey of 6,000 members found three-quarters would consider accessing the service at a community pharmacy. ...

IN BRIEF: PCTs `must take risks'.(Primary care trusts)(service commissioning)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Primary care trusts must be encouraged to take risks in order to improve service commissioning, a senior NHS chief has said. Commissioners were currently "risk averse", said NHS London chief executive Ruth Carnell, adding she did not...

Profession braced for swine flu pandemic.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Public seek information, while Tamiflu trades at raised price Zoe Smeaton Community pharmacies were this week braced for a possible swine flu epidemic as cases continued to emerge across the world, with some confirmed in the UK. ...

Public health role recognised.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Pharmacy's role in providing public health services has been recognised, a senior DH official has said. The case for recognising pharmacy as a location for delivering public health services "had come a long way", DH head of pharmacy...

Day job `getting worse'.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Pharmacists' day jobs have got a "whole lot worse" due to factors such as supply issues, commissioning difficulties and prescription switching problems, PSNC has warned MPs. Chief executive Sue Sharpe told this week's APPG meeting that supply...

Tesco recruitment drive to boost services instore.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Supermarket plans 300 pharmacies by 2010 and is recruiting staff Chris Chapman Tesco plans to cut its reliance on locums and look instead to in-house training and recruitment of employed pharmacists to boost services at stores. ...

DISPENSARY TALK: Have you been asked for weight loss drug Alli yet?(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... "Yes. I've sold seven boxes, so it's going well. There is going to be a lot of interest at first, but I think that's not going to be sustained." Amanda Jones, Village Pharmacy, Harlington "Yes, we have: four boxes. We've had a lot more...

What recession?(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Tesco pharmacy has defied the recession to report large increases in prescription business and service provision. The supermarket giant's pharmacy division had a 9 per cent increase in dispensing volumes and a 10 per cent boost in OTC...

Blame game fears remain as Society launches pharmacist toolkit.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Questions over who will be accountable for dispensing errors under responsible pharmacist legislation remain "difficult to answer", the RPSGB has admitted. The comments came as the Society launched a toolkit to help pharmacists prepare...

Press exposes rogue Alli sales.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Sector warned to up its game after mystery shoppers get around sales guidelines Zoe Smeaton The pharmacy profession has received yet another stark warning of the need for vigilance after two newspaper reports said pharmacies were...

Alli: what you must do before making a sale.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... * Alli is licensed only for adults aged 18 years or over. * Patients must have a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more. * GSK states that pharmacies must "make an assessment" of a person's age and BMI before selling the product, possibly...

Surge in demand for Alli reported.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Public interest in Alli has "exceeded all expectation", GSK and pharmacists have reported. Less than a week after the OTC weight-loss drug's launch, manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline said it had been a "phenomenal success". Lloydspharmacy...

Pharmacy could alleviate PCT Budget cuts.(United Kingdom. National Health Service. Primary Care Trusts)(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Pharmacy can help alleviate future PCT budget cuts by offering innovative, value-for-money services, industry leaders have said. The comments followed last week's Budget announcement in which it was revealed the Department of Health would...

Fat chance: is pharmacy the answer to the obesity epidemic?
May 2, 2009... NEWS FOCUS The launch of Alli has seen pharmacy take centre stage in the battle against obesity. But more must be done to maximise the sector's heavyweight potential Jennifer Richardson The year 2030 - a cure for obesity is found. This...

PRODUCT NEWS: Aloe Pura's having a holiday giveaway.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Ransom is introducing a special offer for its Aloe Pura range of natural aloe vera suncare products. A pre-loaded merchandiser unit contains Aloe Pura Organic Sun Lotion SPF15, SPF25 and After Sun Lotion (three of each) bound individually...

PRODUCT NEWS: Life's-Biotic has probiotic trio.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Ratiopharm is launching an ambient probiotic food supplement in a bid to develop a `digestive fitness' category in pharmacies. Life's-Biotic contains five strains of live `good bacteria' and has been developed to maintain an optimal balance...

PRODUCT NEWS: Clamelle ads focus on fertility.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Consumers are being encouraged to take responsibility for their sexual health and fertility through a new advertising campaign for Clamelle, which will run until August. The #2 million campaign includes press advertising aimed at women...

PRODUCT NEWS: Close shave for eco-conscious.
May 2, 2009... BIC is launching its first branded bioplastic shaver in the UK. The BIC ecolutions triple blade shaver with lubricating strip has been developed using a new manufacturing process that converts corn, a renewable resource, into a resistant...

PRODUCT NEWS: Muscle balm's sporting chance.(Dynamint Muscle Balm )(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... A Canadian muscle balm formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation is being introduced into the UK by Wellness Direct. Dynamint Muscle Balm is a natural product containing essential oils in a cream base. The main ingredient is peppermint oil,...

Market analysis.(interview with Rob Hall of Ratiopharm GmbH )(Interview)
May 2, 2009... As Ratiopharm launches its new probiotic product, OTC head Rob Hall explains the retail opportunities to Sarah Thackray Q What plans do you have to develop the digestive fitness category? A Life's-Biotic, which is positioned for...

XRAYSER: Managing the information overload.(Column)
May 2, 2009... Alli went on sale last Wednesday and I sold my first pack the following day, just as I was about to finish reading the training pack and patient information materials. This was days before I had read the Society's relevant practice guidance,...

IRISH EYE: Prescription hoovering.
May 2, 2009... Convenience is a feature of our service industries; retailers work hard to make easy the lives of their customers and in return they hope for a bigger share of the market. This makes good business sense but sometimes it can go beyond what is...

SUMMER HEALTH: Hayfever and Climate change.
May 2, 2009... Professor Jean Emberlin explains the impact climate change is having on the prevalence of hayfever and changing pollen seasons The UK has one of the highest prevalence rates of hayfever worldwide, with about 25 per cent of the population...

SUMMER HEALTH: Allergic reaction.
May 2, 2009... Can pharmacy sales of hayfever remedies reach fever pitch during a recession, asks Sarah Thackray We've had to endure some pretty miserable summer weather in the past two years. Yet, even though the weather is a key driver of sales of...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Afterburn gel to the rescue.(Brief article)
May 2, 2009... Whether in the UK or abroad, it's easy to be caught out by the sun and experience painful sunburn. Afterburn Sunburn Rescue Gel (#9.78/75g) is designed to help soothe and repair sun damaged skin. The dermatological gel helps to rehydrate...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Zirtek takes new approach.
May 2, 2009... Allergy relief brand Zirtek is hitting television screens with a new advertising campaign to coincide with the peak hayfever season. The brand, which contains cetirizine, will also be supported through ads in magazines during the summer months....

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Uvistat beats holiday cold sores.
May 2, 2009... Sun-lovers who suffer from cold sores may be interested in the Uvistat SPF50 Lipscreen (rrp #4.95), which protects against the development of the cold sore virus. Sunlight can be a major trigger of cold sore development as the virus is...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: TV boost for allergy brands.
May 2, 2009... GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is rolling out a #2.4 million national TV campaign to promote its key allergy brands Piriton and Piriteze. Advertising will be on air from May 4 until late July. The allergy brands will also be visible on...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Pump up the protection.
May 2, 2009... Linco Care has launched Calypso Press & Protect sun lotions, which are designed to ensure users apply the adequate amount of sunscreen to protect them from the sun. The sun lotions are packaged in bottles with a pump that releases a...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Kool way to travel.
May 2, 2009... The Kool `n' Soothe range from Kobayashi Healthcare could come in handy for families travelling abroad this summer. The Kool `n' Soothe Fever for Kids cooling gel strips (rrp#2.59/4 strips; #4.59/8 strips) are designed to adhere to the...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Summer burst for Lanacane.
May 2, 2009... A summer TV campaign is being launched by Combe International to support its most recent addition to the range, itch relief medicine Lanacane Anti-Chafing Gel. The national advertising campaign will run in bursts from May 25 to mid- July...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Hayfever relief goes balmy.
May 2, 2009... HayMax is launching a new variety of its organic pollen barrier balm into independent pharmacies. Aloe Vera balm (rrp #6.80/5ml) is designed to soothe and repair skin as well as helping to relieve hayfever symptoms such as sneezing and a...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: New horizons for Joy-Rides.
May 2, 2009... Joy Rides, the chewable motion sickness tablets from GlaxoSmithKline, have been given an eye-catching new look for the holiday season. In a bid to improve the brand's on-shelf presence and drive sales, the packaging has been enhanced with...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Have Dermidex, will travel.
May 2, 2009... Dermidex dermatological cream is suitable to pack in the suitcase ready to treat cuts, bites and stings on holiday. The cream is formulated to be applied to dry, aggravated and broken skin without causing pain. It acts as an anaesthetic and...

SUMMER HEALTH PRODUCTS: Sun Mousse hits the press.
May 2, 2009... A summer advertising campaign for Sun Mousse products will launch in national magazines from May and will run throughout the summer. Unlike conventional sunscreens, The Sun Mousse is absorbed into the skin's epidermal layer, preventing it...

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Giving a presentation.
May 2, 2009... Q I've been asked to give a presentation but I'm hopeless at public speaking. How can I prepare and make sure I impress? Numark training manager Jane Lumb responds: A The most important thing to remember when asked to give any...

CAREERS: Cracking PCTs.(National Health Service. Primary Care Trusts)
May 2, 2009... PCTs offer pharmacists a wealth of career-boosting opportunities. Zoe Smeaton asks how they can get their foot in that door Primary care trusts: love them or loathe them, there are some organisations pharmacies just can't function without,...

POSTSCRIPT: Open Mike - Addict angst.
May 2, 2009... This week I've had a run in with one of our addicts. Last week he had missed his normal weekend collection and had turned up a day later demanding his medication. But because of the way his prescription was written, and a little thing that I...

EDITOR'S COMMENT: 09.05.09.(Editorial)
May 9, 2009... For community pharmacy, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. With the sector's income so heavily dependent on prescription volume, grabbing a greater share of green FP10s is an understandably rewarding occupation. While you can argue that...

Society funds boosted by retention fee rise.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... RPSGB finances received a #5 million boost from last year's retention fees hike to help counter the organisation's pension fund deficit. Income from professional fees increased by 40 per cent to #17.5m, according the Society's 2008...

Hunt is on for white paper project manager.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... The national pharmacy bodies in England have joined forces to recruit a project manager to co-ordinate white paper implementation, C+D has learned. The RPSGB, NPA, PSNC, CCA and AIMp have together divided the white paper targets into work...

Special powers on the way to tackle swine flu.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... C+D news team Pharmacists could get special powers to enable them to tackle swine flu should a pandemic be declared, C+D has learned. UK-wide legislation changes to allow pharmacists to supply POMs without prescription were "underway",...

Sector feels left in the dark by NHS over flu.(United Kingdom. National Health Service)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Community pharmacists have been left in the dark about swine flu by official information channels, industry leaders have said. Some pharmacists had not received any information directly from PCTs or the government, C+D was told. AAH head of...

COMMENT - Swine flu: front line reaction.(Brief article)(Column)
May 9, 2009... C+D reader Karen O'Brien owns Bay Pharmacy and Mayfield Pharmacy in Paignton, the town in which a 12-year-old-girl has been confirmed to have contracted swine flu. "When the news came out I was working in my pharmacy which is in a medical...

PHARMACY AND SWINE FLU: WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE UK.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... London Pharmacist Farhad Mazaheri said patients had been worried after a local school was closed, and his pharmacy had run out of hand gels. Several pharmacists reported an increase in the number of patient queries and say Tamiflu stocks...

IN BRIEF: Co-op profit rise.(Co-operative Pharmacy)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... The Co-operative Pharmacy has reported a 19 per cent increase in operating profit to #37.8 million, as part of the Co-operative Group's preliminary year-end results. However, the Group blamed a 14 per cent fall in its pharmacy business's...

IN BRIEF: Wales service review.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... The Welsh Assembly Government is to review its current system of pharmacy location decisions and appeals "to develop a more planned approach to the provision" of services. Copyright: UBM Information Ltd.

IN BRIEF: Actavis launches training.(Actavis Group )(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Actavis has launched a free online training and information resource for community pharmacists. Actavis Academy Online offers training on topics from the pharmacy contract to the Darzi report and engaging with staff, including some courses...

RPSGB plans template to ease locum pressure.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain )(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Mandatory rest breaks also considered at Workplace Pressures forum Chris Chapman A standardised template to familiarise locums with location-specific working practices could be a "quick win" in the Workplace Pressures campaign, the...

Dispensing error petition gathers pace.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Over 10,000 people including the RPSGB president had signed a petition to decriminalise dispensing errors as C+D went to press this week. Steve Churton said it was vital the sector united in its desire to change the law. He said: "I...

Role in CVD prevention highlighted.(cardiovascular diseases)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... A community pharmacy-based public health programme should be used to help tackle cardiovascular disease, according to a report from the School of Pharmacy, University of London. Better use of preventative medicines, so-called polypills that...

NPA launches PCT-funded chlamydia test.(National Pharmacy Association)(United Kingdom. National Health Service. Primary Care Trusts)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... London pharmacists are to provide a PCT-funded chlamydia testing and treatment service in what the NPA is hailing as a new commissioning model for the profession. Three PCTs - Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster...

Independents must unite, says Numark MD.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... EXCLUSIVE Sector must identify key issues and work together Zoe Smeaton The independent community pharmacy sector must speak with one voice to raise awareness of issues it is facing, the new managing director of Numark has warned. ...

DISPENSARY TALK: Enhanced service.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... What would you most like to see as a directed enhanced service? "The health checks, such as CVD checks. I think it's already on the way in our PCT, but that's something I'm really interested in and would like to see." Aina Osunkunle, K...

Contractors deliver pro-pharmacy message.(Conference news)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... London contractors turned out in force to deliver a pro-pharmacy message to their local MP last week. Over 150 pharmacists briefed Lib Dem MP Tom Brake on their role in delivering NHS reforms as part of the pharmacy white paper. Mr Brake, MP...

RPSGB accredits C+D support staff courses.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)(Chemist & Druggist)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Two RPSGB-accredited courses for pharmacy support staff are now being offered by C+D's training arm. Benchmark is a brand new course for dispensing assistants, assessed by completion of practical exercises and online multiple choice...

Cat M case heads for the courts.(Prospective payment systems (Medical care))(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Northern Ireland pharmacists hardest hit by clawbacks, claims PCC chief Max Gosney Category M will go to the High Court this month as contractors square up to ministers over "unlawful" raids on purchase profits. Northern Irish...

PCC chief to stay on.(Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Terry Hannawin has postponed plans to step down as chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Contractors Committee. A number of "significant issues" had triggered Mr Hannawin's decision, including the upcoming court action on category M. He...

Scottish row over rural contract applications.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Scottish pharmacists and GPs have exchanged fresh blows over pharmacy contract applications in rural areas covered by dispensing doctors. The British Medical Association's call for the Scottish Government to suspend new pharmacy...

PRODUCT NEWS: Carnation steps up its displays.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Cuxson Gerrard is introducing two free-standing display stands for its Carnation footcare range. The eye-catching stands are designed to help pharmacies boost sales and maximise on profits. The stands come in two different sizes to...

PRODUCT NEWS: Nucleotide mix for IBS sufferers.
May 9, 2009... Pro Bio Healthcare is launching a dietary supplement with a nucleotide formula to help provide long term relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) sufferers. Intestaid IB contains a patented blend of nucleotides with added glutamine and...

PRODUCT NEWS: Live for the weekend.
May 9, 2009... Schering-Plough is investing #1.6 million in a marketing and advertising programme for Clarityn Allergy during the hayfever season. The core campaign, `Living for the weekend', is designed to encourage hayfever sufferers to live `Clarityn...

PRODUCT NEWS: MAM's fresh approach.
May 9, 2009... MAM is relaunching its line up of baby bottles, cups, breastfeeding accessories, soothers and teethers. The range now comes in modern new packaging designed to give the products bold, clear branding and more impact on shelf. White packs...

PRODUCT NEWS: Nivea's Gok Wan link.
May 9, 2009... Nivea is sponsoring Gok's Fashion Fix series on Channel 4 until June 2. The sponsorship is being used to showcase Happy Time Body Lotion and Nivea Visage Natural Beauty, which were both introduced earlier this year, plus Nivea Deodorant...

PRODUCT NEWS: Levonelle One Step makes debut on TV.
May 9, 2009... Levonelle One Step is being advertised on TV for the first time in a campaign which will run until the end of 2009. The campaign aims to raise awareness that the product can be obtained over the counter at pharmacies as well as from GPs and...

PRODUCT NEWS: Store boost for allergy brands.
May 9, 2009... GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is supporting Piriton, Piriteze and Flixonase Allergy with an eye-catching in-store campaign. Pollen count indicators feature in new PoS material, which also includes shelf trays, out of category barkers,...

XRAYSER: Don't panic Mr Mainwaring.(planning to manage swine flu pandemic)(Column)
May 9, 2009... The good news is that the long range weather forecast for the summer is very good, so dust off the barbecue and stock up on sun block. The bad news is that the world is in the grip of the worst economic crisis since money was invented and we...

COMMENT: Speaking about competition.(practice-based commissioning )
May 9, 2009... It is always fun being a fly on the wall. The other week I was at the NHS Alliance Spring Conference. Pharmacy did get a mention. The pharmacy bodies have just produced a guide with the NHS Alliance, suggesting 10 high impact changes that PCTs...

UPDATE: Food intolerance and allergy.
May 9, 2009... Food intolerance and food allergy are often difficult to understand. So what advice can the pharmacist give - and who should be signposted to a GP or dietician? Dr Penny Stanway One in five Britons claims to have a food intolerance or...

EYES AND EARS: EYE ON THE BALL.(treatment of eye infections and diseases in pharmacists )
May 9, 2009... As modern living takes its toll on our eyes, pharmacists should be on the front line of eyecare and could boost their businesses into the bargain, says Zoe Smeaton Twenty-first century living can be tough. We are more stressed than ever,...

EYES AND EARS: Of the times.(training of pharmacists to use sign language to communicate with deaf persons)
May 9, 2009... If you don't know what hand gestures mean, perhaps someone else in your pharmacy should. Offering some support for deaf patients is not only a legal requirement, but could help improve their care and remind you why you started the job in the...

PRODUCTS FOR EYES AND EARS: Marketing boost for eye products.
May 9, 2009... Systane Lubricating Eye Drops and ICaps are running a campaign in women's magazines to raise awareness about the importance of eye health. Those over 55 are particularly being targeted by advertorials as they are more at risk of age-related...

PRODUCTS FOR EYES AND EARS: New packs for EarCalm.
May 9, 2009... EarCalm spray is to have new packaging which will be revealed to pharmacists shortly, the manufacturer says. The spray is the only branded OTC product to treat infections of the outer ear, which are sometimes called "swimmer's ear" and...

PRODUCTS FOR EYES AND EARS: Ear wax sufferers prefer OTC.(over the counter drugs)(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... While first-time sufferers of excessive ear wax tend to contact their GPs, on subsequent occasions they prefer to self treat with OTC products, research by Dendron, the maker of Otex Ear Drops, has shown. The manufacturer also found almost half...

PRODUCTS FOR EYES AND EARS: Artificial tears for dry eyes.(Brief article)
May 9, 2009... Moorfields Hypromellose 0.3 per cent BP eye drops are available in single unit doses for convenience. The eyedrops are "artificial tears" which the manufacturer says lubricate the eye and provide relief from scratchy or uncomfortable eyes....

PRODUCTS FOR EYES AND EARS: Golden Eye range for eye conditions.
May 9, 2009... Golden Eye can offer pharmacies a counter display unit complete with consumer leaflets. Its range of relief products includes Golden Eye Standard Ointment and Drops, which are designed to offer fast relief from complaints including blepharitis...

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED: Staff training.
May 9, 2009... Q Do I have to offer all my pharmacy staff training, even if they don't ask for it? C+D training development manager Asha Fowells responds: A The short answer is yes. Since 2005, pharmacists have had a professional obligation to ensure...