Staff Writer North Augustas Parks Pharmacy collected almost 100 pounds of medication Saturday during its first National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. SARA CALDWELL/STAFF Officer Travis Smith checks a bag of prescription medicine at the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day drop off at Parks Pharmacy in North Augusta. SARA CALDWELL/STAFF Parks Phamarcy and North Augusta Public Safety participated in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday. The Drug Enforcement Administration event educates people on how to properly dispose of unused medicine. We collected medicine over 10 years old, owner Steve McElmurray said. Twice a year, the Drug Enforcement Administration puts on the event to educate people on how to properly dispose of unused medicine, pharmacist Laura Knotts said. Parks Pharmacy teamed up with North Augusta Public Safety. We want to get unused prescription drugs out of local homes, she said. When they stay in the house, there is a greater chance of misuse and abuse. Most patients who have abused prescription medicine have gotten it from a friend or family member, Knotts said. Visit link: N. Augusta pharmacy collects expired medicine as part of National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day … Continue reading →

Speaking at the IPU's annual conference, which is being held in Galway this weekend,incoming President Rory O'Donnell said the latest example is the shortage of Eltroxin, a drug used to treat thyroid problems. Mr O'Donnell says in many cases pharmacists typically receive little or no warning that these medicines are going out of stock, and there is often little information on when these stocks will be replenished. He called on the Department of Health to ensure that an adequate supply of vital medicines is constantly available to minimise threats to patient safety. In response the Department of Health said medicine shortages can occur at times and accepted that there was a shortage of Eltroxin at the moment. It said "considerable work is currently ongoing, involving all the relevant parties, and it is hoped that this action will alleviate the supply shortage in the very near future." The department said it; along with the Irish Medicines Board, the manufacturers of drugs, wholesalers and the pharmacies themselves are all responsible for "securing a stable supply of medicines from a globalised market". Link: Irish Pharmacy Union in medicines warning … Continue reading →

Home News Local Loading Published: 4/27/2012 - Updated: 1 day ago BLADE STAFF Blade staff writer Rose Russell has received a print media award for excellence in reporting medication and pharmacy issues from the Ohio Pharmacists Association. The award was presented during the Ohio Pharmacists Association's 134th annual conference, held last weekend at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Ms. Russell was nominated for the award by Dr. Curtis Black, professor emeritus at the University of Toledo college of pharmacy, for her story "Packaging results -- Multi-dose adherence pharmacy program improves patient outcomes." The Blade story, published on Jan. 23, was about a local pharmacist's drive to help patients take prescribed medications correctly. The Akron Beacon Journal's Cheryl Powell also received a print media award during the association's luncheon. Among others honored were Martin Davis of Sylvania, the former owner of the Pharmacy Counter, who was presented the association's Beal Award for his widespread contributions to pharmacy and health care. Mimi Hart, the owner of Hart Pharmacy in Cincinnati, was the first woman to receive the Bowl of Hygeia Award, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, a pharmaceutical firm, for her work in her community. Continued here: Pharmacy group honors Blade writer … Continue reading →