News summary
YPG seeks funds for model pharmacy
The Young Pharmacists Group has started a fundraising process
that it hopes will allow it to buy a community pharmacy...[more]
Cerivastatin withdrawn worldwide
Cerivastatin (Lipobay) has been withdrawn in Japan, the last country in
which this action has been taken...[more]
Mothers shun pharmacists for advice Just
three to four in every 100 mothers turn to pharmacists first when they
want advice about their children’s minor illnesses. But many more
would turn to pharmacists if they thought they could help...[more]
Doctors’ details on GMC website Doctors’
registration details can now be checked on the internet...[more]
Combination thrombolytic therapy is best for
acute myocardial infarction A combination of tenecteplase and
enoxaparin might be the best treatment for acute myocardial infarction
(MI), researchers say...[more]
Developing countries call for halt to trade disputes
over medicines Developing countries have pressed for a moratorium
on cases being brought by their richer trading partners over infringements
of global intellectual property rules regarding the pharmaceutical industry...[more]
Monitoring potential interactions might improve
prescribing Monitoring of potential drug interactions might
improve the quality of prescribing and dispensing, Swedish researchers
say...[more]
COX-2 inhibitors could increase risk of cardiovascular
events Researchers from the United States have urged caution
when prescribing cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors for people at risk
of cardiovascular events...[more]
EU grants first orphan drug authorisations The
first marketing authorisations to be awarded under special European provisions
for orphan medicinal products have been granted...[more]
Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance The
latest edition of Current Problems in Pharmacovigilance (2001;27:9–15)
published by the Committee on Safety of Medicines and the Medicines Control
Agency includes the following recommendations...[more]
NEWS IN BRIEF
EC challenges Greek drugs law The
European Commission is taking Greece to the European Court of Justice
for levying a special tax on pharmaceutical imports from other European
Union member states.
Greece says that the fee funds quality and safety controls, but the Commission
says that it breaks EU freedom of movement of goods laws.
Belgium allows parallel imports Belgium
has liberalised its laws that had restricted parallel imports of pharmaceutical
products from within the European Union.
The European Commission has now dropped European Court proceedings against
the Belgian government for breaking European free trade rules.
Caffeinated drinks linked with bone fracture
risk Consumption of caffeinated drinks might increase risk
of bone fracture.
Researchers have found that caffeinated beverages caused significant increases
in urinary calcium excretion compared with non-caffeinated drinks.
Previous studies have shown that this effect might be offset by reduced
excretion of calcium later in the day. However, the researchers caution
that carbonated beverages, such as the caffeinated drinks studied, displace
milk in the diet eliminating a major source of calcium (American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001;74:343).
P restrictions to be lifted Restrictions
on the pharmacy pack sizes of two antihistamines, cetirizine hydrochloride
and loratadine, are to be lifted.
In an addendum to MLX 274
(PJ, 4 August, p140) issued on 24 August, the Medicines Control
Agency says that representations it has received, concerning making limited
amounts of the two medicines available as general sale list medicines,
suggested removing pack size restrictions on pharmacy sales. This is sensible,
the MCA says. It hopes to implement the change in December.
Hypertension for Pharmacy Alliance
Pharmacy Alliance, UniChem’s medicines management division, has established
a hypertension management programme in association with Professor Rob
Horne, professor of health care research, University of Brighton. The
scheme is being piloted through 30 independent community pharmacies over
18 months. Pharmacists will measure patients’ blood pressure and
conduct follow up consultations at predefined intervals.
Scottish compliance aids survey The
Scottish Pharmaceutical General Council is surveying contractors in Scotland
to find out the extent to which they are supplying compliance aids for
vulnerable patients and what charges, if any, are made. The results of
the survey will be used in negotiations towards securing appropriate funding
for the provision of this service.
UniChem launches workwear UniChem
Ltd has launched a range of workware for staff in independent community
pharmacies. Items range from formal white coats to informal polo shirts.
All carry the UniChem logo and can be personalised. The clothing is supplied
by BTC Group which also provides uniforms for McDonalds and Londis.
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