Medication Management

While researchers in the U.K. work on developing an eco-formulary that outlines the environmental impact of medications, a Canadian scientist said that a physician’s first responsibility is to their patients.

A new study found only around 5% of people in B.C. who would benefit from medications for alcohol-use disorder received them for the recommended minimum amount of time.

The ICBC and Doctors of BC have co-developed a fresh form.

The province is investing $5.6 million to get the program up and running followed by $1.5 million in annual funding.

Some pharmacies are selling prescription vaccines such as Dukoral without prescriptions, the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals said. 

Some Alberta Health Services facilities have begun using electronic faxes to send prescriptions to community pharmacies. 

The BioScript Pharmacy in Saskatoon serves approximately 5,000 patients across the province and is staffed by five pharmacists, 11 pharmacy assistants and two licensed technicians.

The clinic, which doesn’t accept insurance, launched last fall with a focus on text message-based consultations. Those remain available in 34 states.

A study that set out to identify a potential link between an opioid prescription and persistent use of the drug among postpartum patients yielded some surprising findings.

Low-dose ASA should not be routinely prescribed for the primary prevention of stroke, particularly in older persons predisposed to head trauma from falls.