MLA Outreach Program • New BC Services Card • Poison Prevention Week
tablet
published by the British Columbia Pharmacy Association | www.bcpharmacy.ca | Volume 22. No. 1
BC pharmacists spearhead Medications Return campaign
FEB/MAR 2013
BC Lions Canucks Car rental Cineplex Hotels around the world PNE and Playland Show tickets and much more!
Affinity BCPhA prescribed member discounts
For a limited time
receive $250 in cash and credit* $150 in bill credits plus an additional $100 Visa Cash Card
All the latest smartphones
EXCLUSIVE bonus offer
iPhone 5 Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Samsung Galaxy S3 LG Optimus G Blackberry Z10 Blackberry Q10
Take an additional $50 off and receive a free cover (valued at $39.99) when purchasing the Samsung Galaxy Note 2!**
Fully loaded voice & data plan
$
50
per month***
***HST not included. There are no system access fees or 911 fees, so the typical bill will be $56 per month.
● 300 anytime minutes ● Unlimited local calling weekend and evenings after 6pm ● Unlimited local BCPhA in-network calling ● Unlimited national text messaging ● Voicemail 10, caller ID, call conference, call waiting, call forwarding ● 3GB data across Canada, tethering included ● Discounted long distance, additional airtime and extra data
*Sign-up for a new three year voice & data activation (a new account with a new number or transferring from another provider) with any smartphone, iPhone or Blackberry on the BCPhA Telus program and we will credit your BCPhA Telus bill with a $150 credit and give you a $100 Visa Cash Card. To find out if you are eligible and for all the details, please visit www.bcpharmacy.ca/telus. The $100 Visa Cash Card is a limited time offer and only available for order between February 1 to March 31, 2013. Cannot be applied retroactively. Not applicable to upgrades/renewals. **Samsung Galaxy Note 2 offer must be combined with the $50 voice and data plan on new activations and upgrades/renewals. No exchanges or refunds on the case. This is a limited time offer and is valid between February 1 to April 30, 2013, and subject to availability.
www.bcpharmacy.ca/telus
Questions? Contact Vince Lee vince.lee@bcpharmacy.ca 604-269-2867
THE TABLET
FEB/MAR
2013 | VOLUME 22. NO. 1
contents Editor-in-Chief Kathie Taylor 604.269.2863, kathie.taylor@bcpharmacy.ca
16 on the cover
Senior Editor Elise Riedlinger 604.269.2866, elise.riedlinger@bcpharmacy.ca Advertising Sales Heather Sell, OnTrack Media 604.639.7763, tablet@ontrackco.com
10 poison prevention week
The Tablet is published by the BCPhA. Views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the Association. Contributed material is not guaranteed space and may be edited for brevity, clarity and content. BCPhA offices: #1530-1200 West 73rd Avenue Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5 telephone: 604.261.2092 or toll-free in bc: 1.800.663.2840 fax: 604.261.2097 toll-free fax: 1.877.672.2211 e-mail: info@bcpharmacy.ca web: www.bcpharmacy.ca Pharmassist: 1.800.667.2190 For confidential counselling referral for employment or addiction related assistance
14 bc services card
Publication agreement #40810576
Cover Photo: Pharmacist Sarah Redding, at Victoria Compounding Pharmacy, was interviewed on Global News about the Medications Return Program.
Features
Columns
Regulars
13
Pricing Impacts Survey How are drug pricing changes affecting you?
6
President’s Message Drug savings come at a cost
5
Meet the Board Shakeel Bhatti
14
7
CEO’s Message Finding new ways forward
10
BC Services Card Enhanced features
DPIC Poison Prevention Week
15
8
Professional Services Expanded access to publicly funded vaccines
12
MLA Outreach Program Will you join our campaign?
Student News Change is brewing at UBC
16
Cover Article: Medications Return Campaign
9
20
Member Services Time for tax season
Skin Care Pharmacy Topical OTC products
21
Clinicare Pharmacists Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder
25
Career Listings Find a job in pharmacy
Got a suggestion for an article in The Tablet? Email info@bcpharmacy.ca with your story ideas.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Feb/Mar 2013
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SMALL TALK
In the news CACDS appoints new CEO
Nominate a pharmacist for the BCPhA Annual Awards!
The Canadian Association of Chain Drugs Stores (CACDS) appointed Denise Carpenter to the position of president and chief executive officer of the Association.
Do you have a colleague who is going above and beyond to contribute to the profession of pharmacy? If so, be sure to nominate them for one of the BC Pharmacy Association’s Annual Awards, which will be presented at this year’s conference in Kelowna, May 30 to June 1, 2013. These prestigious awards recognize members of the pharmacy community for distinguished service, achievement, mentorship and innovation. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2013. Full details and the nomination forms can be found online at www. bcpharmacy.ca/bcpha-annual-awards.
UBC building wins prestigious Wallpaper* magazine design award Design and lifestyle magazine Wallpaper* has bestowed its 2013 ‘Best Lab’ award to the University of British Columbia’s new Pharmaceutical Sciences Building. Wallpaper* describes the building as striking, instantly engaging and a crowdpleasing piece of controlled drama. The award recognizes the architect’s inspiration of two trees entwining and that the building “pays homage to the debt science owes to nature.” Officially opened last September, the building was designed by Montreal’s Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Vancouver’s Hughes Condon Marler Architects. The facility was also recognized with a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence in 2012 and aims to achieve LEED Gold certification.
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Carpenter will provide strategic leadership and direction to the Association based on key goals and priorities, and serve as the primary CACDS representative with federal and provincial governments, pharmacy regulatory bodies and other stakeholders.
MEET THE BOARD
Meet…Shakeel Bhatti if you don’t talk to peers and direct the course of your profession, then you’re not getting the full benefit of being part of this club. If you want your career to grow and have the most satisfaction out of your work life, you have to be involved in the direction, running and politics of the profession. What do you see as the top priority for the Board of Directors in the year ahead?
Dr. Shakeel Bhatti graduated from the Welsh School of Pharmacy in the UK in 1986, and completed his Pharm. D. in 2000 at the University of Washington in Seattle. He spent the first part of his career working in hospital pharmacy. For the past 12 years he worked in community pharmacy, growing a small group of three independent pharmacies in Langley. Bhatti recently sold his pharmacy interests and is now concentrating on pharmacy consulting, entrepreneurship and teaching. He has been on BCPhA’s Board of Directors since 2008, and was president of the Board from 2010 to 2011. Why do you think it’s important to be involved in your professional association? As a profession you’re a group of like-minded people with common goals, but you have to establish and work on those goals. If you’re not involved in your professional association or college, and
The funding of community pharmacy is a critical issue, and is a priority for the Board. Other issues are the changing scope of practice, expansion of pharmacists’ clinical activities, and working with government and other stakeholders to develop other revenue models to support community pharmacy.
I’ve never let that go, and from the day I graduated I’ve received great satisfaction from sharing my professional experiences with novice pharmacists and helping to see them develop into expert practitioners. What advice would you give to new pharmacists joining the work force? Work on developing your professional portfolio, so that you are a marketable professional. That means developing skills in patient care, in health care delivery, in collaborative practice and understanding the financial and business constraints that govern pharmacy care. If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
Where would you like to see pharmacists’ scope of practice go next?
A good long book, a guitar, a pen and lots of paper!
Pharmacists have to enter into formal collaborative practices which are multidisciplinary in nature, and that means being part of the primary care health network. Society faces a huge challenge in delivering health care to a changing demographic and we should be at the forefront with other primary health care workers in meeting that challenge.
What’s next for Shakeel Bhatti?
If you weren’t a pharmacist, what would you be? My first passion is teaching, so if I wasn’t a pharmacist I would be an educator.
I would say I’m a pharmacist, an entrepreneur, and an educator, in that order. Having spent a generation practicing – almost 27 years – I’m now at the point where I can take that expertise and look for new opportunities. I’m an honourary lecturer at UBC, and helping to steer the new Pharmacists Clinic on campus. Developing my practice and sharing my experience with students is very rewarding, and I’ll continue to do so.
Board of Directors Ralph Lai, Langley (President) (604) 881-3882, ralph_lai@owfg.com
Derek Desrosiers, Richmond (604) 657-8144, d.desrosiers17@gmail.com
Allison Nourse, Vancouver (604) 276-5280, allisonn@unipharm.com
Don Cocar, Kelowna (Vice President) (250) 808-1308, don@dycksdrugs.com
Julie Ford, Kamloops (250) 318-1371, julieford@shaw.ca
David Pavan, Vancouver (604) 301-2620, david.pavan@gmail.com
Shakeel Bhatti, Langley (604) 534-6605, shakeelbhatti@shaw.ca
Caren Heughan, Victoria (250) 388-5181, carenheughan@gmail.com
Greg Shepherd, Vancouver (604) 317-9608, gshepherd@pharmasavebc.ca
Bill Bright, Calgary (403) 663-8793, b.bright@telus.net
Victor Ikari, Ashcroft (250) 453-2553, pdm72@pdmstores.com
Nadeem Zia, Surrey (604) 585-5666, nadeem.family.pharmacist@gmail.com
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Feb/Mar 2013
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RALPH LAI | PRESIDENT
Generic drug savings come at a cost
There’s no doubt
that British Columbia’s pharmacies will be taking a major financial hit as a result of the new generic pricing. How many businesses can remain viable from the continuous decrease in revenues over the past several years? The drop for the top six generics – Atorvastatin, Ramipril, Venlafaxine, Amlodipine, Omeprazole and Rabeprazole – represents a 49 per cent decrease in price. In BC, this is an additional burden on top of the generic pricing drop to 25 per cent going into effect on April 1, 2013, as a result of Bill 35. Most of the revenue that funds pharmacy services is generated from selling generic drugs, yet these revenues are being slashed drastically. To make it worse, there is currently no commitment from the BC government to reinvest in patient care provided by pharmacists beyond March 31, 2013, when the $25 million allotted to clinical pharmacy services is cancelled as per previous announcements. In contrast, other provinces Date
Brand
Generic
Drop in generic price
Original
$1.00
70 cents
Oct 2010 (existing/new generics)
$1.00
50 / 42 cents
28 / 40% decrease
July 2011
$1.00
40 cents
20 / 5% decrease
April 2012
$1.00
35 cents
22% decrease
April 2013
$1.00
25 cents
29% decrease
April 2013 (top six generics)
$1.00
18 cents
49% decrease
April 2014
$1.00
20 cents
20% decrease
This table shows the drop in generic drug price since 2010.
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are investing in pharmacy to support the transition to lower generic pricing. For example, in Ontario generic pricing changes came with an investment of $100 million for pharmacy services, while in Saskatchewan the government is working with pharmacy on a reinvestment strategy to manage pricing changes. Our profession needs help to remain viable and we can no longer provide health care services for free. The cost and expense cutting necessary to sustain the loss in revenues ultimately means less team members in the pharmacy. This will lead to patients waiting longer for their prescriptions, and less time for pharmacists to answer health and wellness questions from their patients. Pharmacists will need to set more user pay services and programs to make up the difference in revenue. Pharmacists in BC have continued to demonstrate benefits to the health care system with various successes such as flu shots and other vaccinations, and medication management services. Yet there is so much more we could be doing, such as minor ailments being done by pharmacists in Saskatchewan. Community pharmacy now needs to move towards a new business model based on professional services. Unfortunately, with these changes comes limited transition time to learn new skills. Administrative functions such as documentation of medication reviews and care plans must be done properly. However, with the increase time and financial pressures (in other words, less staffing to do more work), the risk is that these documents won’t be completed properly or at all. Then the pharmacies will be facing issues with audits. I know our members are innovative and driven, and your Association is doing everything in its power to be your voice on these important issues. But in the face of these challenges I have to ask, has our profession gone backwards?
GERALDINE VANCE | CEO
Finding new ways forward
The mid-January announcement by
Canada’s Premiers that they were going to drop the price of the top six selling generic drugs to 18 per cent of the brand equivalent on April 1 reminded me that our politicians are a long, long ways away from the world most of us live in. They dwell in a land of worrying a great deal about creating good news stories for snappy headlines, and seemingly less about the impact their political pronouncements have on those directly affected. I don’t have to tell any pharmacist in BC that this decision comes with virtually no notice and no ability for pharmacies to plan how to absorb the loss in revenue in such a short period of time. The impact of the already planned changes for April 1 as a result of Bill 35 regulations, and these new changes, mean significant losses that will most certainly result in cost cutting measures. While we understand the need for government to manage all elements of the health care budget and to look for savings in commodity drug prices, such savings can’t come at any cost. To do so will ultimately add costs back in other areas. For decades, governments have enjoyed a wide range of services provided by pharmacists without actually having to pay for the full cost of those services. While some may criticize the economic model that allows for the payment of rebates by manufacturers to pharmacies, the hard truth is that this has worked well for governments. They have paid significantly less for pharmacist services as a result. So if governments decide they want to fundamentally change the economics of pharmacy as a result of their exerting this kind of influence on pricing, not only for the costs of publicly funded programs but for the private marketplace, there will be a cost to pay. We have argued that BC needs to follow in the footsteps of
other provinces by making a commitment to reinvest some of the savings government will achieve into services provided by pharmacists. There is increasing evidence that pharmacist-delivered patient care saves the health care system money and improves patient care. BC has taken some very early steps in this arena by administering vaccinations such as flu shots. The results clearly indicate this makes sense. Think of the example of last year’s whopping cough outbreak in the Fraser and Vancouver Coastal Health Authorities. Community pharmacists administered more than 10,000 vaccinations in three months. Could any other health care provider have this impact in such a short time? I think not. There is so much BC pharmacists can and should be doing to help manage our government’s health care sustainability program. New services will mean change for pharmacists and that doesn’t always come easily. But government and pharmacy must find new ways forward. It is a huge disappointment that our government has not yet made a commitment to secure funding and new services. Reducing the level of instability all our members face through the provision of such funding is my – and your Association’s – priority. This is a drum we will bang loudly as we enter into the debate about the role of pharmacy that will come with the provincial election campaign.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Feb/Mar 2013
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PARKASH RAGSDALE | DIRECTOR, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Expanded access to publicly funded vaccines
The BCPhA continues to support
pharmacists’ authority to administer injections - and the role of pharmacists in helping to achieve the goals of ImmunizeBC through its membership on the BC Immunization Committee and several of its working groups. Recently, the Ministry of Health released the ImmunizeBC 2012 progress report (available at www.ImmunizeBC.com) highlighting the province’s advancement towards improving the health and quality of life of British Columbians through immunizations. The report details the government’s priority to improve access to health services and describes how pharmacists have been a significant part of advancing that goal. The report also points to future improvements to the system and how pharmacist access to a greater number of publicly funded vaccines will further improve convenience and availability of immunization services. The BCPhA has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Health, BC Centre for Disease Control, College of Pharmacists of BC, University of British Columbia, First Nations and Inuit Health and regional health authorities to make British Columbia a leader in the country in terms of its collaborative approach to building the best and most accessible immunization program for its residents.
will be a restricted supply of certain vaccines during the initial rollout as public health units gain an understanding of the patient demand at their community pharmacies. Guidance documents, order forms, reporting forms and other materials have been created by the Pharmacist and Immunization Working Group (PIWG), PharmaCare, and health authorities, and are available on the BCPhA website (log into the members’ side of www.bcpharmacy.ca and go to Professional Resources – Administration of Injections). This is an opportunity for pharmacists to play a greater role in adult immunizations, which can often be fragmented and passively rely on patients presenting themselves to the health care provider. Pharmacists are in an ideal position to be proactive in promoting adult immunizations, reviewing immunization status, and administering required vaccinations.
“Pharmacists are in an ideal position to be proactive in promoting adult immunizations, reviewing immunization status, and administering required vaccinations.”
As of February 4, 2013, authorized pharmacists are now able to order publicly funded vaccines such as flu, pneumococcal and HPV (Cervarix) vaccines, as well as Td (tetanus diphtheria) and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and most other publicly funded vaccines by specific request from their local health unit. There
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Additionally, pharmacists having access to vaccines for private purchase such as shingles, HPV (quadrivalent) for men, and travel vaccines allows patients to be brought up-to-date on all routine and recommended vaccines in one setting. Pharmacists’ expanded access to publicly funded vaccines will increase accessibility and convenience for patients across the province seeking immunizations and will demonstrate another way that community pharmacists are an important part of BC’s primary health care team.
CYRIL LOPEZ  |  CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Time for tax season
Remember when you file taxes
on employment income, the tax-deductible portion of your BCPhA membership fee is limited by the CRA to the cost of the insurance premium. To assist your calculations, we issue a certificate detailing the premium amount included in the membership fee, so please call or email when you need one. (See CRA IT-158R2 for the applicable CRA rule to Line 212). While we are on the tax and finance topic, we offer a couple of expert sources who can offer you complimentary assistance to manage your financial affairs. You may already have someone, but as a major bank says, it does not hurt to get a second opinion. The Financial Literacy Counsel Inc., provides financial education and inter-generational wealth management solutions for families, companies and institutions. We also engage the services of Glenn N. Schoenroth, vice president and portfolio manager of RBC Dominion Securities, who provides investment advice.
expectations. While we respond to every query within 24 hours and complete our membership registration or renewal fulfillment cycle within 10 minutes of your application, tell us how we can do better. Vince Lee, manager of member and corporate services, has Canucks tickets for you for the first time ever, in addition to the cinema tickets and hotel discounts many of you are already using. What other member service or benefit you expect from your Association? Our Job Board is an efficient way to manage your career, or recruitment costs if you are a manager. There is no other site or magazine that collects all the pharmacy jobs available in BC in one place. The workplace poses many challenges to the employee and employer alike. Our PharmAssist program provides support regarding employment law, critical incident counseling, as well as stress and emotional management and counseling. Forty-seven per cent of our survey respondents said they did not interact with the member services team. Perhaps members do not need us to access their services because we have invested in online services, making them available 24/7. I hope every member is aware of their member benefits and connects with us to learn about them or access them.
You could be surprised to find there are a number of opportunities to manage your affairs. In these days (years) with low returns in every asset class, every percentage point gained is a major benefit. Moreover, especially in these times, mitigating risk (against potential losses) by Maximize the value of your membership! And, please, tell me how we using the right strategy and ensuring adequate risk coverage is equally progroup_ad_v3.ai 4:23:24 PM can serve 13/11/2008 you better by emailing cyril.lopez@bcpharmacy.ca or call me relevant as making more money. at 604.269.2869. I realize that you are too busy taking care of your patients to examine your wealth management matters and look into the future. I ask you: take a moment to take care of yourself and your financial affairs. It is a benefit of your membership. C
M
Y
Our recent membership survey provided encouraging feedback (80 per cent satisfaction level) on the quality of service you receive from the member services team. We aim to exceed your
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Feb/Mar 2013
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DRUG AND POISON INFORMATION CENTRE
By Debra A. Kent, Pharm.D., DABAT, FAACT, R.Ph.
Poison Prevention Week 2013 Out of Sight & Locked up Tight is the theme for BC’s Poison Prevention Week during March 17 to 23, 2013. Each year, more than 25,000 poisonings are reported to the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) and nearly half of these involve children. In the first 11 months of 2012, DPIC was consulted on 10,008 cases involving children less than six years old.
Many factors contribute to pediatric poisoning and prevention efforts are targeted at high-risk circumstances and patients most at risk. Poisoning situations in young children are mostly unintentional and are a function of the child’s developmental stage. Toddlers and climbers between the ages of one to three years have the highest rate of poisoning. The substances commonly involved are those that are most accessible in their environment (Table 1). However, the most common substances are not necessarily the most toxic. For example, children’s acetaminophen preparations are commonly ingested by young children but the product strength and doses per bottle limit toxicity. Serious toxicity, however, can result when a child ingests an adult-strength, high-potency opioid analgesic such as fentanyl, methadone or oxycodone (Table 2). A single adult dose of these opioids is a potentially fatal dose for a toddler. In a recent US study of pediatric pharmaceutical poisoning, death in children younger than six years of age was most frequently related to unintentional ingestion of opioid analgesics, cardiovascular
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agents, and CNS drugs including sedatives/hypnotics/antipsychotics/ antidepressants, while oral hypoglycemic agents accounted for the highest hospital admission rate. As manufacturers strive to increase compliance in their patients on complex drug regimens, once-a-day sustained-release preparations contain potentially lethal amounts if ingested by a toddler (e.g., bupropion XL, verapamil SR, gliclazide MR). In addition, studies have shown that grandparents’ medications are involved in 10 to 20 per cent of poisoning exposures in young children as these medications are often stored in blister packs or dosettes, which are not child-resistant. Pharmacists can play a key role in preventing pediatric poisonings. All consumers should be encouraged to use child-resistant packaging and keep all medications out of the child’s reach. Specific prevention information can be targeted to those picking up prescriptions for opioids, cardiovascular medications, and sedative/hypnotic agents. Grandparents can be reminded to keep their medicines out of sight and out of reach of young children and to remove their medications from purses and luggage when they visit the grandchild’s home. To help grandparents remember to take their medicines when they are no longer in plain view, they can be encouraged to write a reminder note to themselves, or set a reminder alarm on their watch or cell phone.
Parents and caregivers must be reminded that child-resistant packaging is not “childproof.” While legislation requires child-resistant packages to be designed so as to prevent at least 80 per cent of children younger than five years of age from opening them within a specified time, 20 per Table 1 – Top 10 categories involved in pediatric (< 6 years) poisonings
1. Cleaning substances 2. Analgesics 3. Cosmetics/personal care products 4. Foreign bodies 5. Plants 6. Vitamins
cent of young children are able to open a child-resistant container. Parents, grandparents and caregivers should keep the poison control centre phone number with other emergency numbers, and know procedures for basic first aid in case a poisoning occurs despite their prevention efforts. Pharmacists can increase awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings by distributing poison prevention pamphlets and poison control centre phone numbers. Prevention materials and resources are available by contacting the BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) at www.dpic.org or by phone at 1.800.567.8911. For medication awareness and poison prevention tips, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. References available upon request; please contact the BCPhA Communications team. Table 2 – Most deadly substances involved in pediatric (< 6 years) poisonings
7. Topical preparations 8. Food poisoning
1. Opioid analgesics
9. Dietary supplements/ herbals/ homeopathics
2. Sedatives/ hypnotics/antipsychotics
10. Antihistamines
3. Cardiovascular agents
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Feb/Mar 2013
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STUDENT NEWS
Change is brewing at UBC by Aaron Sihota
For 2013, the Pharmacy Undergraduate Society (PhuS) is
looking to shift its focus to serve the professional needs of pharmacy students, and advocate for expanded scope of practice through the unique perspectives that students bring to the table. For the first time, we are pleased to co-organize a townhall style discussion with the College of Pharmacists of BC registrar Bob Nakagawa. Students have a lot on their mind – from prescribing rights to ordering and interpreting lab tests – and are looking forward to engaging in these conversations. The theme these days in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is “change.” We are knee-deep into a search for a new Dean. During the next few weeks, three outstanding candidates are visiting various stakeholders including students. Also, a task force has been set up to look into creating an Entry to Practice Pharm. D. program. The task force co-chairs were recently invited to PhUS Council to present their preliminary plans and to consult students for feedback. A larger scale discussion for the entire student body will be looked at in the near future. There is a lot of buzz as to what form the revised structure of this program will look like and consultations will be extensive both within and outside the Faculty. Students also enjoyed the recent Speaker Series featuring a panel discussion with Parkash Ragsdale, BCPhA deputy CEO and director of professional services, and Suzanne Taylor, executive director, drug use optimization, pharmaceutical services division at the Ministry of Health.
As you likely know, we now live in a new pharmacy building. Since opening, it is slowly becoming a much cozier place teeming with activity. The new Pharmacy Café located on the first floor finally opened its doors the first week of January, and the Atrium is now alive with coffee and conversations. The BCPhA Student Commons is beginning to get more facilities such as microwaves, and most recently a flat screen TV to promote Faculty events. All seminar rooms in the building are now equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as flat screens that can act as tablets! All Faculty have moved their offices to the new building from Cunningham as well. Our second batch of fourth year pharmacy students are all across the province at their clinical clerkships. Our curriculum is preparing the pharmacists of tomorrow with the skills to cater to the needs of individual patients. We are learning physical assessment skills. The third year students are learning how to interpret patient lab values. As our students join the practicing pharmacy community, they hope to act as agents of change, and contribute to sustainable health care solutions for all. Aaron Sihota is a fourth year pharmacy student and the newly-elected president of the Pharmacy Undergraduate Society. He is also a BCPhA Student Ambassador and has been an active member of the UBC Senate and the UBC Alma Mater Society.
Welcome to the newest members of the BCPhA! General: Lina Abbas, Sheryl Achaol, Elizabeth Admasu-Kebede, Randa Amin, Grace Lilian Ang, Maninderjit Baidwan, Eric Beaudoin, Bruce Beley, Ranjith Kumar Bhaskaran Nair Leelamony Amma, Tejinder Bhatt, Rimon Boulis, Simon Boulis, Zahra Carino, Yen Chen, Yue-Jye Chen, Bokyung Cho, David Corman, Salim Datu, Shelina Dawood, Jordan Ducheminsky, Abdulrahman Elnagdi, Charles Eng, Peter Ghali, Susan Gill, Ashley Graham, Kuljit Grewal, Jeonghee Han, Eugenio Hernandez, Carling Hopkins, Hisami Ishikawa, Madeleine Jiang, Jaspreet Kainth, Hussam Kibbeh, Bora Kim, Cha-A-Lee Kim, Amanpreet Kohli, Carrie Kung, Marylene Kyriazis Sulaiman Lalji, Vivian Leung, Keith Lo, Shuwen Lu, Hong Luo, Debbie Meyers, Ankur Midha, Sousan Moamar-Najmeh, Kerri Moskal, David Munro, Maie Naser, Rupinder Oberoi, Rapinder Padwal, Dobromira Pandelieva-Shivacheva, Minheay Park, Purakkumar Patel, Rajeshkumar Patel, Alana Petersen, Frank Qi, Yolande Reinecke, Nandakumar Sambandam, Jeanette Santiago, Amy Sauerwein, Hye Ran Seo, Keumji Shin, Fiona Kate Simpson, Youngwoo Sohn, Soodabeh Soltanimohammadi, Vladislav Stevanovic, Wendy Stump, Danqing Su, Stefanie Tagg, Jacqueline Twadrous, Jaspreet Virdi, Bhagwant Virk, Li Wei, Brian White, Joyce Wong, Shirley Woyke, Victor Wu, Lindsay Zakkour, Amleset Zerai Corporate: Pharmasave #285, Pharmasave #082, Pharmasave #95, Thrifty Foods & Pharmacy #29, Rexall #7159
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PRICING IMPACTS SURVEY
Pricing Impacts Survey As you know, the Premier’s Council of the Federation announced a drop in pricing of the top six generic drugs to 18 per cent effective April 1, 2013. This comes in addition to pricing changes announced by the BC government that also come into effect April 1, and creates yet another level of hardship for BC community pharmacies. How are these changes affecting you?
Are you seeing changes in hours, staffing or wages and benefits? What are your customers saying?
impacting the men and women who are on the front lines of pharmacy, and the patients they serve.
You’re encouraged to share your experience in the BCPhA’s Pricing Impacts Survey. This survey will only take about five minutes to complete, and all responses will be kept anonymous.
Thank you in advance for helping us advocate on behalf of community pharmacy and pharmacists in BC.
Your stories will help demonstrate to government that its decisions are
The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/pricingimpacts. Please feel free to share the survey link with your pharmacy colleagues.
Members increase use of BCPhA website As we continue to make improvements to the BCPhA website, a significant increase in web traffic has been demonstrating a positive trend in member interaction.
A few of the new sections created in the past year include Affinity Rx, a new Flu Resources page, and Updates from the CEO.
Comparisons between June 1 and December 2011, and the same period in 2012, show a 40 per cent increase in the number of visits to www.bcpharmacy.ca, and a 45 per cent increase in unique visitors to the site.
We have also added new features on the website such as links to current health news stories in the media, a faster loading version of The Tablet online, and three “spotlights” on our homepage
www.bcpharmacy.ca
to help you get to the most current information faster. We will continue to refresh our website and bring you new features in 2013. If you haven’t been on www.bcpharmacy.ca recently, make sure to stop by and take advantage of all the important resources at your fingertips.
Feb/Mar 2013
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BC SERVICES CARD
The new BC Services Card includes an expiry date, enhanced security features and most will have a photograph.
Beginning February 15, 2013, the provincial government is introducing the BC Services Card, which will be phased in over a fiveyear period. The new card replaces the CareCard, can be combined with the driver’s licence and also serves as governmentissued identification. All BC Services Cards will have an expiry date, enhanced security features and most will have a photograph, which will help to improve patient safety and reduce card misuse. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) will be the first program available through the new card. With this change, and beginning February 15, 2013, there will be a new
The new BC Services Card
requirement for most adult BC residents to renew their enrolment in MSP by 2018. New regulations will also come into effect for health care providers, including the duty to verify patients’ enrolment in MSP and the duty to report MSP misuse. For information on these requirements and more, please visit: health.gov.bc.ca/insurance/pros.html where you will find the following resources: • BC Services Card ID fact sheet • questions and answers • elearning tool • technical readiness information
In January 2013, a public communications campaign was launched to inform BC residents about the BC Services Card and the changes to MSP. Kits with posters, brochures and other communications materials will be delivered to health providers and other locations in communities across the province. Your pharmacy will receive one of these kits along with an order form for additional materials, which will be available at no charge. If you would like more general information, please visit www.BCServicesCard.ca or call 1.800.663.7867 (604.660.2421 in Metro Vancouver and 250.387.6121 in Victoria).
Personal Immunization Records being distributed to pharmacies ImmunizeBC has created a new version of the Personal Immunization Record, aimed at helping patients keep track of their vaccinations. In the coming weeks, these cards will be distributed through health
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authorities to pharmacists authorized to provide injections. The cards are also available for download on the ImmunizeBC website at immunizebc.ca/get-vaccinated/other-resources.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
ImmunizeBC is currently in the process of creating a mobile app for personal vaccine records, and expects to have this available for download in the near future.
MLA OUTREACH PROGRAM
Will you join our campaign? by Coco Lefoka
Here’s an important fact. Pharmacists play an integral role in British Columbia’s health care system. Now, the inconvenient truth. Your local MLA most likely doesn’t have a full appreciation of the importance of pharmacy in our health care system. So, why don’t you help change that? It should be noted that pharmacy’s role in BC’s health care system has been evolving substantially in recent years. This evolution is the result of an improved understanding by government of the benefits pharmacists offer to the health care system. Most agree that a growing recognition by government of the benefits of pharmacy is a good thing. It means that the skills and medication expertise of pharmacists are being used to increase access to health services, which is improving patient outcomes, increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the health care system and producing much needed cost savings. Clearly, pharmacists bring a benefit to the health care system. More importantly, this benefit has value, which is why it’s essential that government invests in pharmacy and develops policies that ensure pharmacy continues to thrive in BC. This is where you come in. You’ve probably never met your MLA or thought about being involved in government advocacy or getting engaged in the political process. But here’s the reality — the only way MLAs are going to have a better understanding of the important role you play in the health care system and see the value of government investing in pharmacy is if pharmacists start building relationships directly with MLAs.
They are delivering a message about the Already, pharmacists across the province have importance of ensuring the continued answered the call and joined our government economic viability of pharmacy. relations campaign. Some were involved in our Bill 35 advocacy campaign in 2012, You can make a contribution too by joining and many are new to the cause. They are the campaign and helping us advocate for holding meetings and roundtables with both community pharmacy. To get involved, government and opposition MLAs to advocate please contact me by email at for an ongoing government commitment to coco.lefoka@bcpharmacy.ca or call invest in clinical in BC pharmacies. PDM Tablet Ad services Feb 2013_Layout 1 12/10/12 11:57 AM Page 1 604.269.2868.
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ON THE COVER | MEDICATIONS RETURN CAMPAIGN
Doing their part for safe In January 2013, more than 500 BCPhA pharmacy members and nine regional districts across the province took part in the annual Medications Return campaign, encouraging patients to protect themselves, their families and the environment through proper disposal of expired or unwanted medications.
by Elise Riedlinger
Although BCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medications Return Program has been in place since 1996, the past few years has seen a dramatic increase in activity and awareness, thanks to the emphasis on the role pharmacists play in collecting and supporting medication returns. In 2011, Metro Vancouver and the BCPhA launched a Medications Return pilot project, with 21 pharmacy members in the region receiving in-store promotional materials and taking part in photo opportunities with the media. The next year, regional districts across the province were also approached to get involved. According to the Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association, the amount of unused medications returned to Metro Vancouver pharmacies doubled from less than 18,000 kilograms in 2008 to more than 36,000 kg in 2012! Across BC, more than 76,000 kg of medications were collected in the past year alone. The 2013 Medications Return campaign kicked off with an event featuring BCPhA president Ralph Lai, Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid and Metro Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zero Waste Committee Chair Malcolm Brodie. News releases were sent out with the regional districts of AlberniClayoquot, Capital, Comox Valley, Metro Vancouver, North Okanagan, Squamish 01
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drug disposal Lillooet, Thompson Nicola and the Northern Environmental Action Team (on behalf of Peace River and Northern Rockies). Thanks to their support, pharmacies in these regions received shelf talker signs and bag stuffers (or post-it notes in Metro Vancouver) to let their patients know about the program. Many members – from Merritt to Vernon to Fort St. John – were featured in media stories encouraging residents to make a new year’s resolution to return their expired or unused medications. By the end of January, the campaign had earned stories in 18 local newspapers, a dozen radio stations and five television news broadcasts. The participation of BCPhA members – who voluntarily take part in the program and its promotion – makes this program possible. Pharmacists’ dedication to medication returns continues to demonstrate their commitment to the health and well-being of British Columbians, not only within the pharmacy setting, but in their communities and environment as a whole.
02
02
01 Caulfield Village Pharmasave owner and pharmacist Alan Williamson appeared in the North Shore News to promote safe medication returns. Photo credit: Paul McGrath, North Shore News. 02 Save-On-Foods staff (left) Jason Goring, Melissa Gavin, and store manager Brad Nebert (far right), joined BCPhA president Ralph Lai and Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid at the launch of this year’s campaign. Photo credit: Vince Lee. 03 Cory Hermans, pharmacist with the Fort St. John Pharmacy and Wellness Centre was featured in the Northeast News on January 24, 2013. Photo credit: Northeast News. 03
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ON THE COVER | MEDICATIONS RETURN CAMPAIGN
What exactly is acceptable? a) All prescriptions drugs b) Over-the-counter medications; units sold in oral dosage form c) Natural health products; units sold in oral dosage form • Including medicated patches, topical antibiotics and fungal creams
All solids should be poured or placed directly in the container with the outer packaging removed. All liquid products are accepted. The vial/ bottle is placed directly into the container without any transfer of content. The maximum weight for a full container is 23 kg. The vial /bottle (except liquid medications) should be recycled where facilities exist.
This program is for returns from the public and not from hospitals, institutions, doctors’ offices or your own pharmacy operations.
Not accepted through the program: a) Sharps, needles or syringes b) Cosmetics c) Empty pill bottles
01 AM1150 in Kelowna interviewed pharmacy manager Mark Chambers, who participated in the Medications Return campaign along with his team at Dyck’s Pharmacists Remedy’s Rx, Allison Standring, Gennie Ferney, and Beth Burgess.
01
02
02 The Medications Return Program accepts all prescription drugs and oral dosage over the counter medications and natural health products. 03 Larry Johannessen, pharmacy manager of Medicine Shoppe #253 Southgate and #333 Maple Way, tells his Port Alberni patients about safe medication returns.
One pharmacist’s take on taking back The oldest medication ever returned to pharmacist Larry Johannessen was dated from the 1960s and the liquid inside was “a black mess.” “That’s not a common occurrence,” admits Johannessen from his Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Port Alberni. “But we regularly see medications more than 10 years old, especially with our seniors. “The expiry date is sometimes too small for them to read, so they keep it around ‘just in case’ they might need it someday.” 03
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Luckily, British Columbians are now hearing more about the Medications Return Program from their pharmacists and the media, and returning expired medications to their local pharmacy rather than keeping them in the back of their cupboards for a few decades. After more than 22 years practicing pharmacy in the small Vancouver Island community, Johannessen says that he’s seen quite an evolution in medication returns. “When I was a new grad, we would tell people to put medications in plastic bottles and throw them in the landfill or flush them down the toilet, but it always was the wrong thing to do,” he said.
program’s blue bins. He also uses pharmacy flyers to remind patients about the program throughout the year.
“It’s not uncommon for people to bring in one or two full bags of medications,” said Johannessen, “Everything from
“Medications are complex molecules capable of much good, but also much harm if put in the wrong place.” He says patients return unwanted medications at least a few times a week, and although the amounts returned are sometimes small, every bit counts in protecting the environment.
old OTCs to prescription meds and even homeopathic/naturopathic meds, old puffers, liquids and suppositories. “Patients are relying on us to take care of them – and with the Medications Return Program we can do just that.”
“Medications are complex molecules capable of much good, but also much harm if put in the wrong place. But back then, if a customer did return medication to the pharmacy, there was nowhere to put it except in the garbage.” That all changed with the launch of BC’s Medication Returns Program, the first of its kind in North America. Because of its success, the program has since been emulated in other provinces and states. Run by the Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association, the program is funded by the pharmaceutical and consumer-health products industries. Once collected by the pharmacy, medications are tracked by weight, pickup date, and location, and stored in a secure location until a shipment is accumulated for safe destruction through a licensed incineration facility. More than 95 per cent of pharmacies in BC now participate. “When the program came out, I was already sold on the idea of properly managing the unwanted medications,” said Johannessen, who had read reports about the impact flushed medications were having on fish in the Great Lakes. He encourages his customers to bring their unwanted or outdated medications and dispose of them properly in the
Element Financial is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Mallett as Regional Manager, Western Canada.
With more than 20 years of industry experience, Doug understands the specialized financial needs of pharmacists. • Equipment loans & leases • Practice acquisitions & expansions • Commercial mortgages • Leasehold improvements
For more information contact Doug Mallett at 403-510-3639 or dmallett@elementfinancial.ca Element Financial Corporation is Canada’s leading independent commercial finance company www.elementfinancial.ca
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SKIN CARE PHARMACY
Medication reviews for topical OTC products by Elham Rahmani Neishaboor, Pharm. D., Ph.D.
Medication Review Services aim to increase
communication between patients and pharmacists to promote safe and effective medication use and improve health outcomes. One of the clinical needs for providing this service is when a patient’s medication regimen includes one or more over the counter (OTC) medications. Pharmacists play an important role in educating patients about OTCs, specifically topical medications. These products are being used for the treatment of skin conditions such as mild acne and eczema or local tissue injury such as minor burns and muscle aches and should be included in the Best Possible Medication History. This article will review different categories of topical OTCs that require patient counseling and follow up by pharmacist.
Topical eczema treatments Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin condition. Topical corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone 0.05% (CortateTM) are mainstays of therapy, but the risk of toxicity from these agents is not insignificant, particularly in children. As an adjunct to anti-inflammatory prescription medications, a moisturizer containing ceramide (EpiceramTM barrier cream) can be recommended to improve eczema symptoms and reverse underlying damage.
Acne treatments OTC products are often used for mild to moderate acne. Benzoyil peroxide works by an anti-bacterial, exfoliative and anti-inflammatory effect. To counteract resulting dry skin, a non-comedogenic moisturizer should be used after cleansing. Salicylic acid belongs to the same anti-inflammatory family as ASA and is available in acne products at concentrations of 0.5 to 2%. It slows the shedding of cells and reduces clogging inside the hair follicle. However, because it is a beta-hydroxy acid, it also enhances exfoliation of dead skin on the surface. It is not recommended that patients allergic to ASA use this product
Depigmenting agents The majority of these molecules, such as hydroquinone (UltraquinTM), cause only reversible depigmentation, hence maintenance therapy
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is often necessary upon initial clinical improvement. Ultraviolet rays stimulate melanogenesis, which opposes the action of the lightening agents. Thus, the use of sunscreens and other sun protection methods is essential for obtaining optimal results.
Topical pain relievers Topical pain relievers, or external analgesics, are a group of medicines used “externally,” or on the skin. Topical benzocaine products (OrabaseTM, OrajelTM, LanacaneTM) are available over the counter in various concentrations and formulations, including sprays, gels, liquids and creams. Diclofenac belongs to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and works by reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Diclofenac topical gel is used to relieve pain associated with muscle or joint injuries such as sprains or sport injuries. It is generally used in addition to other non-medication measures (such as getting enough rest) to relieve these discomforts. This medication should not be applied to infected, abraded, or open skin. Capsaicin (ZostrixTM cream) has a warming action and reduces joint and muscle aches. Other common products for the relief of joint and muscle aches are methyl salicylate (IcyHotTM and BengayTM) and trolamine salicylates. Lidocaine and prilocaine (EmlaTM cream and patches) have a numbing action, reducing itching, burning, and pain on skin.
Minor burn and wounds PolysporineTM antibiotic ointment or cream helps prevent infection of minor wounds, cuts and scrapes from most common skin pathogens. The wound should be cleaned with mild soap and water or an antiseptic wash and allowed to dry. PolysporineTM should be applied to the affected area one to three times daily to keep it moist and decrease scarring. For a wound with minimal drainage, it is recommended to apply a topical ointment to promote moist wound healing until completely healed. Ellie Rahmani, Pharm.D., PhD., is a clinical pharmacist specializing in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems, and currently acting as regional pharmacy director for Rexall Drug Stores in BC.
CLINICARE PHARMACISTS
End-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder by Jason Min and Larry Leung
We commonly receive referrals from
physicians looking for recommendations on a fourth or fifth line treatment option after previous medications have been tried without success. Recently, we had a case with stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) that resulted in two uncommon medication recommendations. The patient is a 73-year old male, former 45 pack/year smoker, with poorly controlled COPD experiencing one exacerbation every two months, with hospitalization at least once a year. He constantly feels as though he is drowning and he has an audible wheeze. His dyspnea worsens his anxiety disorder, which then further worsens his shortness of breath. Our last FEV1 recorded was 18 per cent predicted. His current medications include: • Tiotropium 18mcg: one capsule inhaled once daily. • Salbutamol 100mcg/puff: two puffs every four to six hours prn. • Budesonide/Formoterol 200/6mcg: two puffs twice daily. • Prednisone 5mg once daily. • Home oxygen unit. • Clonazepam 0.5mg once daily for anxiety. • Risedronate 35mg once weekly. Rescue medications: • Clarithromycin 500mg twice daily for 10 days. • Prednisone 50mg once daily for 10 days. Past medications: • Theophylline 500mg once daily. • Ipratropium 20mcg/puff: two to four puffs every six to eight hours prn. • Lorazepam 0.5mg SL once daily prn for shortness of breath. • All nebulized medications make him feel claustrophobic and short of breath. We first confirmed that all of the patient’s medications had already been optimized to target or tolerable doses, and given adequate trials. Theophylline was initially used with great success, but the patient eventually developed intolerable adverse effects including tremors and tachycardia. Prednisone was previously taken regularly at higher
doses of 20mg daily, but he did not find it more effective than his current dose of 5mg. Our goals for this patient were to decrease the frequency of exacerbations and reduce his dyspnea throughout the day. An alternative that we looked at to better manage his exacerbations was roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Roflumilast works by decreasing inflammation in the lungs and is indicated as addon therapy for severe COPD. It has been shown to be effective in patients with large sputum production, a chronic cough, or multiple exacerbations per year. Clinical trials of roflumilast have shown a modest statistical improvement in FEV1 and also a reduction in exacerbations. After reviewing the available roflumilast studies, the actual reduction in exacerbations per year decreased from 1.37 to 1.14. It is only used in severe cases as risks can outweigh benefits, including an increase in psychiatric adverse effects, such as anxiety. Given the number of exacerbations the patient was experiencing and the lack of other alternatives, we felt roflumilast 500mcg once daily would still be worth trialing. To better manage this patient’s frequent dyspnea we considered using morphine. Morphine and other opiates can be used for dyspnea in patients with advanced COPD unresponsive to other pharmacotherapy. He had previously tried lorazepam, however he did not find it effective. There may be concerns of causing respiratory depression with morphine, although this is not commonly seen, particularly at doses used for dyspnea. A trial of morphine IR 5mg every four hours was recommended because of the patient’s feelings of drowning and his poor quality of life due to end-stage COPD. We understand there were other alternatives that could have been recommended, what have you seen in your practice and would you have done anything different? Visit us on Facebook at Clinicare Pharmacists to join the discussion. Larry Leung and Jason Min are directors of Clinicare Pharmacists Inc. and lecturers at UBC. They have a passion for interdisciplinary care and the development and implementation of innovative clinical pharmacy services in the community.
References www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19716960
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IT IS ESTIMATED THAT NEARLY
IN
3
CANADIANS WILL EXPERIENCE HERPES ZOSTER IN THEIR LIFETIME, AND THE RISK INCREASES AFTER THE AGE OF 50.1 FOR SOME, IT CAN MEAN EXCRUCIATING AND POTENTIALLY DEBILITATING PAIN. * 1,2,
SELECTED IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ZOSTAVAX® is not a treatment for zoster or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). If an individual develops herpes zoster despite vaccination, active current standard of care treatment for herpes zoster should be considered. Vaccination with ZOSTAVAX® may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients. ZOSTAVAX® is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin; a history of anaphylactic/ anaphylactoid reaction to neomycin; primary and acquired immunodeficiency states due to conditions such as: acute and chronic leukemias; lymphoma; other conditions affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system; immunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS, cellular immune deficiencies; immunosuppressive therapy (including high-dose corticosteroids); active untreated tuberculosis; pregnancy. In clinical trials, ZOSTAVAX® has been evaluated for general safety in more than 32,000 adults 50 years of age or older. ZOSTAVAX® was generally well tolerated. Vaccine-related injection-site and systemic adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥1% are shown below. The overall incidence of vaccine-related injection-site adverse experiences was significantly greater for subjects vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX® versus subjects who received placebo (48% for ZOSTAVAX® and 17% for placebo among recipients aged ≥60 (Shingles Prevention Study [SPS]) and 63.9% for ZOSTAVAX® and 14.4% for placebo among recipients aged 50-59) (ZOSTAVAX® Efficacy and Safety Trial [ZEST]). Vaccinerelated injection-site and systemic adverse experiences reported in ≥1% of adults who received ZOSTAVAX® (N=3,345) or placebo (N=3,271) (0-42 Days Postvaccination) in the Adverse Event Monitoring Substudy of the SPS were: erythema† (35.6%, 6.9%), pain/tenderness† (34.3%, 8.6%), swelling† (26.1%, 4.5%), hematoma (1.6%, 1.4%), pruritus (7.1%, 1.0%), warmth (1.7%, 0.3%), headache (1.4%, 0.9%). Most of these adverse experiences were reported as mild in intensity. The remainder of subjects in the SPS received routine safety monitoring, but were not provided report cards. The types of events reported in these patients were generally similar to the SPS subgroup of patients in the Adverse Event Monitoring Substudy. Vaccine-related injection-site and systemic adverse experiences reported in ≥1% of adults who received ZOSTAVAX® (N=11,094) or placebo (N=11,116) (1-42 Days Postvaccination) in the ZEST were: pain† (53.9%, 9.0%), erythema† (48.1%, 4.3%), swelling† (40.4%, 2.8%), pruritus (11.3%, 0.7%), warmth (3.7%, 0.2%), hematoma (1.6%, 1.6%), induration (1.1%, 0.0%), headache (9.4%, 8.2%), pain in extremity (1.3%, 0.8%).
ARE YOUR PATIENTS PROTECTED?
INDICATED FOR THE
PREVENTION OF HERPES ZOSTER
IN INDIVIDUALS 50 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
Please visit our website at: www.merck.ca
* ZOSTAVAX® is not indicated to reduce the morbidity and complications associated with herpes zoster.
† Designates a solicited adverse experience. Injection-site adverse experiences were solicited only from Days 0-4 postvaccination in SPS and from Days 1-5 postvaccination in ZEST. References: 1. Data on file, Merck Canada Inc. Product Monograph. ZOSTAVAX®, 2011. 2. Clinical Manifestations: Chickenpox. In: Mandell G, Bennett J, Dolin R eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 6th ed, vol 2. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2005.
® Registered trademark of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Used under license. © 2012 Merck Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
VACC-1039532-0000-E-CDN-JUL-13
See See prescribing prescribing summary summary onon page page xxx xxx
Prescribing Summary Prescribing Summary Patient Selection Criteria Patient Selection Criteria
THERAPEUTIC CLASSIFICATION Live, attenuated virus varicella-zoster vaccine INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE Safety Information ZOSTAVAX®Safety is indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster Information (shingles). ZOSTAVAX® is indicated for immunization of individuals 50 years of age or older. Administration SPECIAL POPULATIONS For use in Administration special populations, see Supplemental Product Information, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations. CONTRAINDICATIONS History of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, Study References including gelatin. History of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction toStudy neomycinReferences (each dose of reconstituted vaccine contains trace quantities of neomycin). Neomycin allergy generally manifests as a contact dermatitis. However, a history of contact dermatitis due to neomycin is not a contraindication to receiving live virus vaccines. Primary and acquired immunodeficiency states due to conditions such as: acute and chronic leukemias; lymphoma; other conditions affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system; immunosuppression due to HIV/ AIDS; cellular immune deficiencies. Immunosuppressive therapy (including high-dose corticosteroids); however, ® is not contraindicated for use in individuals ZOSTAVAXPrescribing Summary who are receiving topical/inhaled corticosteroids or low-dose systemic corticosteroids or in patients who are receiving corticosteroids as replacement therapy, e.g., for adrenal insufficiency. Active untreated tuberculosis. Patient Selection Criteria Pregnancy (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS - Pregnant Women in the Supplemental Product Information).
Safety Information WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS General The health care provider should question the patient about reactions toAdministration a previous dose of any varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-containing vaccines (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). As with any vaccine, adequate treatment provisions, including epinephrine injection (1:1000), should be available for immediate use should an anaphylactic/ anaphylactoid reaction occur. Deferral of vaccination should be Study consideredReferences in the presence of fever >38.5°C (>101.3°F). ZOSTAVAX® does not protect all individuals against the development of Herpes Zoster or its sequelae. See ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and CLINICAL TRIALS in the product monograph. The duration of protection beyond 4 years after vaccination with ZOSTAVAX® is unknown. The need for revaccination has not been defined. ZOSTAVAX® has not been studied in individuals who have previously experienced an episode of herpes zoster. Transmission In clinical trials with ZOSTAVAX®, transmission of the vaccine virus has not been reported. However, postmarketing experience with varicella vaccines suggests that transmission of vaccine virus may occur rarely between vaccinees who develop a varicella-like rash and susceptible contacts. Transmission of vaccine virus from varicella vaccine recipients who do not develop a varicella-like rash has also been reported and is therefore a theoretical risk for vaccination with ZOSTAVAX®. The risk of transmitting the attenuated vaccine virus to a susceptible individual should be weighted against the
risk of developing natural herpes zoster and potentially transmitting wild-type VZV to a susceptible contact. ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse Drug Reaction Overview In clinical trials, ZOSTAVAX® has been evaluated for general safety in more than 32,000 adults 50 years of age or older. ZOSTAVAX® was generally well tolerated. ZOSTAVAX® Efficacy and Safety Trial (ZEST) in Subjects 50 to 59 Years of Age In the ZEST study, subjects received a single dose of either ZOSTAVAX® (n=11,184) or placebo (n=11,212) and were monitored for general safety throughout the study. During the study, a vaccine-related serious adverse experience was reported for 1 subject vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX® (anaphylactic reaction). All subjects received a vaccination report card (VRC) to record adverse events occurring from Days 1 to 42 postvaccination in addition to undergoing routine safety monitoring throughout the study. Vaccine-related injection-site and systemic adverse experiences reported at an incidence of ≥1% are shown in Table 1. The overall incidence of vaccine-related injection-site adverse experiences was significantly greater for subjects vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX® versus subjects who received placebo (63.9% for ZOSTAVAX® and 14.4% for placebo). Table 1: Vaccine-Related Injection-Site and Systemic Adverse Experiences Reported in ≥1% of Adults Who Received ZOSTAVAX® or Placebo (1-42 Days Postvaccination) in the ZOSTAVAX® Efficacy and Safety Trial ZOSTAVAX® Placebo (N = 11,094) (N = 11,116) Adverse Experience % % Injection-Site Pain† Erythema† Swelling† Pruritus Warmth Hematoma Induration
53.9 48.1 40.4 11.3 3.7 1.6 1.1
9.0 4.3 2.8 0.7 0.2 1.6 0.0
Systemic Headache Pain in extremity
9.4 1.3
8.2 0.8
Designates a solicited adverse experience. Injection-site adverse experiences were solicited only from Days 1-5 postvaccination.
†
Within the 42-day postvaccination period in the ZEST, noninjection-site zoster-like rashes were reported by 30 subjects (15 for ZOSTAVAX® and 15 for placebo). Of 21 specimens that were adequate for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing, wild-type VZV was detected in 10 (3 for ZOSTAVAX®, 7 for placebo) of these specimens. The Oka/Merck strain of VZV was not detected from any of these specimens. Within the same 42-day postvaccination reporting period in the ZEST, varicella-like rashes were reported by 115 subjects (64 for ZOSTAVAX® and 51 for placebo). Of 21 specimens that were available and adequate for PCR testing, VZV was detected in one of these specimens from the group of subjects who received ZOSTAVAX®; however, the virus strain (wild type or Oka/Merck strain) could not be determined. Shingles Prevention Study (SPS) in Subjects 60 Years of Age and Older In the largest of these trials, the Shingles Prevention Study (SPS), 38,546 subjects received a single dose of either ZOSTAVAX® (n=19,270) or placebo (n=19,276) and were monitored for safety throughout the study. During the study, vaccine-related serious adverse experiences were reported for 2 subjects vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX® (asthma exacerbation and polymyalgia rheumatica) and 3 subjects who received placebo (Goodpasture’s syndrome, anaphylactic reaction, and polymyalgia rheumatica). In the Adverse Event Monitoring Substudy, a subgroup of individuals from the SPS (n=3,345 received ZOSTAVAX® and n=3,271 received placebo) were provided vaccination report cards to record adverse events occurring from Days 0 to 42 postvaccination in addition to undergoing routine safety monitoring throughout the study.
Table 2: Number of Subjects with ≥1 Serious Adverse Events (0-42 Days Postvaccination) in the Shingles Prevention Study ZOSTAVAX® Placebo n/N n/N Relative Risk Cohort % % (95% CI) Overall Study Cohort All ages
255/18671 1.4%
254/18717 1.4%
1.01 (0.85, 1.20)
60-69 years old
113/10100 1.1%
101/10095 1.0%
1.12 (0.86, 1.46)
≥70 years old
142/8571 1.7%
153/8622 1.8%
0.93 (0.74, 1.17)
AE Monitoring Substudy Cohort All ages
64/3326 1.9%
41/3249 1.3%
1.53 (1.04, 2.25)
60-69 years old
22/1726 1.3%
18/1709 1.1%
1.21 (0.66, 2.23)
≥70 years old
42/1600 2.6%
23/1540 1.5%
1.76 (1.07, 2.89)
N=number of subjects in cohort with safety follow-up n=number of subjects reporting an SAE 0-42 Days postvaccination
The incidence of death was similar in the groups receiving ZOSTAVAX® or placebo during the Days 0-42 postvaccination period: 14 deaths occurred in the group of subjects who received ZOSTAVAX® and 16 deaths occurred in the group of subjects who received placebo. The most common reported cause of death was cardiovascular disease (10 in the group of subjects who received ZOSTAVAX®, 8 in the group of subjects who received placebo). The overall incidence of death occurring at any time during the study was similar between vaccination groups: 793 deaths (4.1%) occurred in subjects who received ZOSTAVAX® and 795 deaths (4.1%) in subjects who received placebo. Vaccine-related injection-site and systemic adverse experiences reported at an incidence ≥1% are shown in Table 3. Most of these adverse experiences were reported as mild in intensity. The overall incidence of vaccine-related injection-site adverse experiences was significantly greater for subjects vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX® versus subjects who received placebo (48% for ZOSTAVAX® and 17% for placebo). Table 3: Vaccine-Related Injection-Site and Systemic Adverse Experiences Reported in ≥1% of Adults Who Received ZOSTAVAX® or Placebo (0-42 Days Postvaccination) in the Adverse Events Monitoring Substudy of the Shingles Prevention Study Placebo ZOSTAVAX® (N = 3345) (N = 3271) Adverse Experience % % Injection Site Erythema† Pain/tenderness† Swelling† Hematoma Pruritus Warmth
35.6 34.3 26.1 1.6 7.1 1.7
6.9 8.6 4.5 1.4 1.0 0.3
Systemic Headache
1.4
0.9
Designates a solicited adverse experience. Injection-site adverse experiences were solicited only from Days 0-4 postvaccination.
†
The remainder of subjects in the SPS received routine safety monitoring, but were not provided report cards. The types of events reported in these patients were generally similar to the subgroup of patients in the Adverse Event Monitoring Substudy. Within the 42-day postvaccination reporting period in the SPS, the number of reported noninjection-site zoster-like rashes among all subjects was small (17 for ZOSTAVAX ®, 36 for placebo; p=0.009). Of these 53 zoster-like rashes, 41 had specimens that were available and adequate for PCR testing. Wild-type VZV was detected in 25 (5 for ZOSTAVAX®, 20 for placebo) of these specimens. The Oka/Merck strain of VZV was not detected from any of these specimens. The number (n=59) of reported varicella-like rashes was also small. Of these varicella-like rashes, 10 had specimens that were available and adequate for PCR testing. VZV was not detected in any of these specimens. The results of virus testing in subjects with varicella-like and zoster-like rashes should be interpreted with caution due to the number of samples that were not available for testing.
The numbers of subjects with elevated temperature (≥38.3°C [≥101.0°F]) within 7 days postvaccination were similar in the ZOSTAVAX® and the placebo vaccination groups [6 (0.2%) vs. 8 (0.3%), respectively]. Other Studies In other clinical trials conducted prior to the completion of the SPS, the reported rates of noninjection-site zoster-like and varicella-like rashes within 42 days postvaccination were also low in both zoster vaccine recipients and placebo recipients. Of the 17 reported noninjection-site zoster-like and varicella-like rashes, 10 specimens were available and adequate for PCR testing. The Oka/Merck strain was identified by PCR analysis from the lesion specimens of only two subjects who reported varicella-like rashes (onset on Day 8 and 17). To address concerns for individuals with an unknown history of vaccination with ZOSTAVAX ®, the safety and tolerability of a second dose of ZOSTAVAX® was evaluated. In a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, 98 adults 60 years of age or older received a second dose of ZOSTAVAX® 42 days following the initial dose; the vaccine was generally well tolerated. The frequency of vaccine-related adverse experiences after the second dose of ZOSTAVAX® was generally similar to that seen with the first dose. Post-Marketing Adverse Drug Reactions The following additional adverse reactions have been identified during post-marketing use of ZOSTAVAX®. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to the vaccine. Gastrointestinal disorders: nausea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash. Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: arthralgia; myalgia. General disorders and administration site conditions: injection-site rash; injection-site urticaria; pyrexia; injection-site lymphadenopathy. Immune system disorders: hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylactic reactions. If a patient experiences an adverse event following immunization, please complete the appropriate Adverse Events following Immunization (AEFI) Form and send it to your local Health Unit in your province/territory. To report a suspected adverse reaction, please contact Merck Canada Inc. in any of the following ways: – Call toll-free 1-800-567-2594 – Complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form and fax toll-free to 1-800-369-3090 – Mail to: Merck Canada Inc., Pharmacovigilance, P.O. Box 1005, Pointe-Claire – Dorval, QC H9R 4P8 DRUG INTERACTIONS Overview ® ZOSTAVAXPrescribing must not be mixedSummary with any other medicinal product in the same syringe. Other medicinal products must be given as separate injections and at different body sites. Concurrent administration of ZOSTAVAX® and antiviral medications known toSelection be effective against VZV has not Patient Criteria been evaluated. Use with Other Vaccines ZOSTAVAX ® and PNEUMOVAX ® 23 (pneumococcal vaccine, polyvalent, MSD Std.) should not be given Safety Information concomitantly because concomitant use resulted in reduced immunogenicity of ZOSTAVAX® (see CLINICAL TRIALS in the product monograph).
Administration DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (see Product Monograph for complete information) Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment FOR SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION. Study References Do not inject intravascularly. Individuals should receive a single dose consisting of the entire content of the vial (approximately 0.65 mL).
ZOSTAVAX® is not a treatment for zoster or postherpetic neuraligia (PHN). If an individual develops herpes zoster despite vaccination, active current standard of care treatment for herpes zoster should be considered. At present, the duration of protection after vaccination with ZOSTAVAX® is unknown. In the Shingles Prevention Study (SPS), protection was demonstrated through 4 years of follow-up. The need for revaccination has not yet been defined. Reconstitute immediately upon removal from the freezer. To reconstitute the vaccine, use only the diluent supplied, since it is free of preservatives or other antiviral substances which might inactivate the vaccine virus. Vial of diluent: To reconstitute the vaccine, first withdraw the entire contents of the diluent vial into a syringe. To avoid excessive foaming, slowly inject all of the diluent in the syringe into the vial of lyophilized vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly. Withdraw the entire contents into a syringe, and using a new needle, inject the total volume of reconstituted vaccine subcutaneously, preferably into the upper arm - deltoid region. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE VACCINE BE ADMINISTERED IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECONSTITUTION, TO MINIMIZE LOSS OF POTENCY. DISCARD RECONSTITUTED VACCINE IF IT IS NOT USED WITHIN 30 MINUTES. Do not freeze reconstituted vaccine. CAUTION: A sterile syringe free of preservatives, antiseptics, and detergents should be used for each injection and/or reconstitution of ZOSTAVAX® because these substances may inactivate the vaccine virus. It is important to use a separate sterile needle and syringe for each patient to prevent transfer of infectious agents from one individual to another. Needles should be disposed of properly. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. ZOSTAVAX® when reconstituted is a semi-hazy to translucent, off white to pale yellow liquid. OVERDOSAGE There are no data with regard to overdose. For management of a suspected drug overdose, contact your regional Poison Control Center. STORAGE AND STABILITY Storage ZOSTAVAX® SHOULD BE STORED FROZEN at an average temperature of -15°C or colder until it is reconstituted for injection (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Any freezer, including frost-free, that has a separate sealed freezer door and reliably maintains an average temperature of -15°C or colder is acceptable for storing ZOSTAVAX®. The diluent should be stored separately at room temperature (20 to 25°C) or in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C). Do not store the diluent in a freezer. Before reconstitution, protect from light. DISCARD IF RECONSTITUTED VACCINE IS NOT USED WITHIN 30 MINUTES. DO NOT FREEZE THE RECONSTITUTED VACCINE. Supplemental Product Information WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Special Populations Geriatric: The mean age of subjects enrolled in the largest (N=38,546) clinical study of ZOSTAVAX® was 69 years (range 59-99 years). Of the 19,270 subjects who received ZOSTAVAX®, 10,378 were 60-69 years of age, 7,629 were 70-79 years of age, and 1,263 were 80 years of age or older. ZOSTAVAX® was demonstrated to be generally safe and effective in this population. Pregnant Women: There are no studies in pregnant women. It is also not known whether ZOSTAVAX® can cause foetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. However naturallyoccurring varicella-zoster virus infection is known to sometimes cause foetal harm. Therefore, ZOSTAVAX® should not be administered to pregnant women; furthermore, pregnancy should be avoided for three months following vaccination (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Nursing Women: It is not known whether VZV is secreted in human milk. Therefore, because some viruses are secreted in human milk, caution should be exercised if ZOSTAVAX® is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatrics: ZOSTAVAX® is not recommended for use in this age group. HIV-AIDS Patients: The safety and efficacy of ZOSTAVAX® have not been established in adults who are known to be infected with HIV with or without evidence of immunosuppression (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Immunocompromised Subjects: Data are not available regarding the use of ZOSTAVAX® in immunocompromised subjects (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). ®
Registered trademarks Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. Used under license.
11-12_150704 VACC-1039546-0000-E-CDN-JUL-13 PRODUCT MONOGRAPH AVAILABLE AT www.merck.ca OR UPON REqUEST AT 1-800-567-2594
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MERCK CANADA INC. P.O. BOX 1005, POINTE-CLAIRE DORVAL, QUEBEC H9R 4P8
www.merck.ca
MERCK CANADA INC. C.P. 1005, POINTE-CLAIRE DORVAL (QUÉBEC) H9R 4P8
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
ARE YOU MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF YOUR MEMBER BENEFITS? Pharmacy members can place free Career Opportunities listing in these columns and on the web. General members looking for new career opportunities get free access to Hire-aPharmacist. To learn more, log in and visit the Career Opportunities section of www.bcpharmacy.ca
ABBOTSFORD Pharmacist – part-time Pharmasave in Abbotsford is looking for a parttime pharmacist. Weekends only. The pharmacy is located inside the new Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Remuneration paid according to experience. Contact Shaf or Shabita at 604.870.5600 or info@pharmasaveabby.com.
ALDERGROVE Pharmacy manager – full-time In business since 1922, Otter Co-op is a successful $160 million retail operation, located minutes east of Langley. Due to our tremendous growth and expansion plans, we are accepting applications for a full-time pharmacy manager. We provide an excellent pharmacy practice environment with personal growth and career development opportunities. Our benefit package includes extended health, pension contributions and a very competitive salary. If you are highly motivated to provide excellent pharmacy care and customer service, please apply to: Hisham Metwally, pharmacy manager, Otter Co-op, Box 4200, 3600 - 248 Street, Aldergrove, BC, V4W 2V1. Email pharmacymgr@otter-coop.com or fax 604.856.3101. Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
BURNABY Pharmacist – full-time Full-time pharmacist required. Preferably two years experience. This position is Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm, no weekends. There will be an additional bonus offered at the end of the fiscal year! Please direct all inquiries to Al at 604.299.6677. Pharmacy manager – full-time A clinical pharmacy manager with operations experience is required for a LTC facility in Burnaby. You are the ideal candidate if you possess a pharmacy license to practice in the province in which you are applying. The position is a full-time position working Mondays through Fridays from
8am until 4pm. They may be asked to carry the on-call phone once every five to six weeks. The manager will oversee the day-to-day operations for the Long Term Care Site (not a clinical role). Responsibilities include: provide in-depth medication reviews; pharmaceutical care assessment and follow up; provide related drug information; and participate in patient care and medication management committees. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca. Pharmacist – part-time Looking for a part-time pharmacist, mainly Fridays and Saturdays. Very clinical pharmacy with a great working environment near Metrotown in Burnaby. Must be able to speak Chinese and have excellent communication skills. Please send resume via email to crystalpharmacy@hotmail.com or fax 604.433.2830.
independent pharmacies. Dedication to the health and well-being of our customers and patients is at the core of our business. We offer excellent base salary rates, annual bonus opportunities, full benefits package, educational allowance, paid med checks and career growth opportunities. Qualifications: pharmacy license to practice in BC, experience in retail pharmaceutical systems and dispensing procedures, exceptional communications and organizational skills, strong patient satisfaction orientation, ability to maintain optimum balance between the profession and business of pharmacy, strong problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work productively as part of a dynamic fast-paced team. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca or apply at rexallcareers.ca.
CHILLIWACK
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
The Overwaitea Food Group is one of Western Canada’s largest grocery retailers. We have over 100 locations in many communities across BC and Alberta. The company operates under multiple banners including Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Overwaitea Foods, Coopers Foods and Urban Fare. We distinguish ourselves through five core values – service, people, innovation, integrity and of course, fun. We’re different and we’re proud of it! Our commitment: to foster a work environment that encourages personal growth, training and opportunities with our “promote from within” policies. You must possess a regulated pharmacy technician license, be in good standing with the College of Pharmacists of BC, and possess professional liability insurance as required by the College. Excellent communication and customer service skills. Kroll computer experience is an asset. Sorry but only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Please forward your resume in confidence to pharmacyemployment@owfg.com.
Chilliwack Rexall has immediate opening for a full-time regulated pharmacy technician. We offer a very competitive compensation package. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca or apply at rexallcareers.ca.
BURNS LAKE
We currently have a career opportunity in Courtenay, BC. If you are looking to provide patientfocused care within a strong team environment then this opportunity may be for you. At Safeway, you will enjoy a supportive work environment, career advancement opportunities and a competitive compensation package. We offer a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
Pharmacist – full-time Forewest Holdings is currently recruiting for a pharmacist for our Pharmasave location in Burns Lake. Burns Lake is located in northern British Columbia and is an ideal location for a pharmacist interested in clinical pharmacy practice in a rural setting. Burns Lake also provides easy access to numerous outdoor recreation activities. We are looking for a pharmacist with an entrepreneurial spirit that is detail oriented and committed to clinical pharmacy practice. This position may lead to a pharmacy manager position in the future as well as the potential for a partnership opportunity. Interested applicants are requested to send their cover letter and resume to spremji@forewest.ca. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
CHEMAINUS Pharmacist – full-time and part-time Katz Group Canada Ltd. is Canada’s leading integrated retail pharmacy network encompassing more than 1,800 corporate, franchise and
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Pharmacy assistant – part-time Part-time pharmacy assistant position available at Save-On-Foods Pharmacy. Certification required or two years dispensary experience. Email bless.cde@gmail.com. Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
COURTENAY Pharmacist – full-time
Pharmacist – full-time If you are a pharmacist who is looking for a great opportunity that provides growth, development and a great work environment then we have the opportunity for you! Excellent compensation and benefits plan, relocation allowance, on-going career development and training programs. Opportunity to work with seasoned professionals and participate in our customer clinic day events. We offer an annual bonus plan, company stock purchase plan, employee discount program, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and employee share ownership
Feb/Mar 2013
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plan. Flexible hours with no 24-hour pharmacies in all our locations. We support continuing education and offer various in-house training programs. Please contact Kay Sajid at kay.sajid@loblaw.ca, phone 1.905.216.6010, fax 1.866.628.5329, www.drugstorepharmacy.ca.
DAWSON CREEK Pharmacist – full-time Clinic Drug Store - Looking for something more rewarding? Want to step away from the dispensary and spend more time with patients and provide clinical services like injections, medication reviews, smoking cessation counselling and more? This is an opportunity for a pharmacist who is willing to think outside the dispensary and move the profession to the next level. If you are looking for a challenge, then send your resume and a cover letter to clinicph@telus.net.
GIG3135
KAMLOOPS Pharmacist – full-time
DUNCAN Pharmacist – full-time and part-time London Drugs has part-time and full-time opportunities in Duncan. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counseling booths and counseling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resume to Rx operations manager, Shawn Sangha, email ssangha@londdrugs.com or fax 604.448.1075. Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
If you are a pharmacist who is looking for a great opportunity that provides growth, development and a great work environment then we have the opportunity for you! Excellent compensation and benefits plan, relocation allowance, on-going career development and training programs. Opportunity to work with seasoned professionals and participate in our customer clinic day events. We offer an annual bonus plan, company stock purchase plan, employee discount program, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and employee share ownership plan. Flexible hours with no 24-hour pharmacies in any of our locations. We support continuing education and offer various in-house training programs. Please contact Kay Sajid at kay.sajid@loblaw.ca, phone 1.905.216.6010, fax 1.866.628.5329, www.drugstorepharmacy.ca.
KELOWNA Pharmacist – part-time
FORT ST. JOHN Pharmacist – full-time/part-time We here at Shoppers Fort St. John are looking for a full-time/part-time pharmacist who thrives in a busy environment. The ideal candidate would be patient oriented, able to multitask in a high script volume environment, and make medication reviews a daily focus. Starting wage is $54/hr and negotiable depending on experience. If you believe you are a suitable candidate, please email your resume to asdm274@shoppersdrugmart.ca or call Irvin to discuss further details at 250.793.8413.
Feb/Mar 2013
Howe Sound Pharmacy in beautiful Gibsons, BC, is currently looking for a full-time and part-time clinical pharmacist to join our growing team of dedicated professionals. This is an ideal position for a pharmacist who is highly motivated to provide excellent pharmaceutical care and wants to extend the boundaries of good pharmacy practice to achieve better patient outcomes. We have licensed pharmacy technicians, which allow our environment to offer the fullest clinical services to our patients. We provide a unique practice environment with personal growth and professional development opportunities. Please contact John Shaske at johnshaske@telus.net. Howe Sound Pharmacy in beautiful Gibsons, BC, is currently looking for a full-time regulated pharmacy technician to join our growing team of dedicated professionals. The ideal candidate is organized, has excellent customer service skills, and is able to multi-task while working independently with minimal supervision. We provide a unique practice environment with personal and professional growth opportunities. Our pharmacy technicians support the pharmacists’ role to provide excellent pharmaceutical care in order to achieve better patient outcomes. Please contact John Shaske at johnshaske@telus.net.
Clinic drug store - just renovated. Looking for a smiling, passionate and seasoned regulated pharmacy technician with experience in BC to join our pharmacy. Goal is to free up pharmacists’ time so that more clinical services can be provided to patients. You must be able to work with minimal supervision, prioritize tasks, and provide excellent service to patients. Pharmacy is open Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm (except summer closed), no stats. Pay is based on experience and performance, $20-28 per hour. Contact Tenneille Metz, email clinicph@telus.net, phone 250-782-3100, fax 250-782-8120.
THE TABLET
Pharmacist – full-time and part-time
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
26
GIBSONS
Lakeside Medicine Centre in Kelowna is looking for a permanent part-time pharmacist to work three days per week (with additional hours available for holiday coverage). Lakeside is a clinically oriented independent pharmacy. We pride ourselves on great customer service and taking time with patients. In addition to a loyal retail clientele we provide contract pharmacy services for renal, transplant and HIV patients and we are a PCCA compounding pharmacy. We have a full-time RN on staff that provides advanced wound and ostomy care, compression therapy and more. We also have a part-time LPN providing in-store foot care. Our hours are civilized: 8:30am-6:00pm Mon-Fri, 10:00am-5:00pm Saturdays, closed Sundays and holidays. We normally staff three pharmacists at a time in addition to technicians and other support staff. Compensation package and benefits are
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Anyone can make an error. Protect yourself. Preventing dispensing errors and the potential injuries to clients is the focus of this educational series. To help you understand and deal with these issues, Grain Insurance and Guarantee Company has commissioned a series of articles from Ms. Marie Berry, B.A., B.Sc. (Pharm), LL.B. Ms. Berry is a pharmacist and lawyer specializing in health care law. You can find her article at http://graininsurance.com/ pharmacy/page_bcpa.html For more information about the specialized insurance products that can protect all you’ve worked for, contact Stephen or Stuart Adams at 604-251-3571 or 1-877-251-4079, or email pharmacy@theadamsgroup.ca
JOIN US
ENGAGEZ-VOUS
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Feb/Mar 2013
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alternative therapies; medication reviews; injections; community education seminars; blister packaging; compounding; patient counselling; and outreach with a focus on prevention. Our pharmacy is a PCCA certified compounding center, our pharmacy assistants are trained to do mastectomy prosthesis and bra fittings, as well brace fittings. We have a large natural health section and an on-site natural health specialist. Our support staff is excellent! We provide competitive wages, benefits, continuing education opportunities and a desirable Island lifestyle just 30 minutes north of Victoria. Wages, benefits, incentives, learning opportunities are negotiable, based on experience and performance. Please send your resume, cover letter and references to rxmanagerps221@gmail.com. Need more info? Contact Erika Pfahl, pharmacy manager or Wendy Hiebert, store manager at 250.743.9011. We thank all applicants in advance and will contact those selected for interviews.
competitive. Join our team and enjoy practicing pharmacy the way it was intended. Email greg@lakesidepharmacy.ca, phone 250.860.3100, fax 250.860.3104. Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
LADNER & TSAWWASSEN Pharmacist – part-time The Ladner and Tsawwassen Pharmasave stores are seeking a part-time BC licensed pharmacist. We offer competitive compensation, an excellent working environment and flexible hours with no evenings. The goal of our pharmacies is to become an integral part of the community by focusing on patient care and building relationships with area health care providers. It is essential that candidates possess strong interpersonal skills and have a commitment to providing exceptional customer service in a team environment. Please send your resume to Emil Petrusa, ps246rx@dccnet.com.
LOWER MAINLAND (BC WIDE) Relief pharmacist – full-time If you are a pharmacist who is looking for a great opportunity that provides growth, development and a great work environment then we have the opportunity for you! This position is based in the Lower Mainland, but will provide relief to pharmacies throughout BC. Excellent compensation and benefits plan, accommodation and travel expenses, on-going career development and training programs. Opportunity to work with seasoned professionals, participate in our customer clinic day events. We offer an annual bonus plan, company stock purchase plan, employee discount program, comprehensive health and dental benefits, and employee share ownership plan. Flexible hours with no 24-hour pharmacies in all our locations. We support continuing education and offer various inhouse training programs. Please contact Kay Sajid at kay.sajid@loblaw.ca, phone 1.905.216.6010, fax 1.866.628.5329, www.drugstorepharmacy.ca.
opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
PENDER HARBOUR Pharmacist – part-time Marina Pharmacy in Pender Harbour is looking to fill a 0.5 pharmacist position. Marina Pharmacy is an independent community pharmacy located on the Sunshine Coast two hours from Vancouver. Pender Harbour is a small coastal community that is a popular retirement destination. As well, Pender Harbour offers many recreational opportunities to residents and visitors of the area. Marina Pharmacy prides itself on a personal, friendly environment for both staff and customers. We have reasonable operating hours and offer very competitive wages and benefits. If this opportunity interests you please contact us for more information: email careyt@telus.net, phone 604.741.8147, fax 604.883.0719.
MISSION
PENTICTON
Pharmacist – full-time
Pharmacy assistant – part-time
Katz Group Canada Ltd. is Canada’s leading integrated retail pharmacy network encompassing more than 1,800 corporate, franchise and independent pharmacies. Dedication to the health and well-being of our customers and patients is at the core of our business. We offer excellent base salary rates, annual bonus opportunities, full benefits package, educational allowance, paid med checks and career growth opportunities. Qualifications: pharmacy license to practice in BC, experience in retail pharmaceutical systems and dispensing procedures, exceptional communications and organizational skills, strong patient satisfaction orientation, ability to maintain optimum balance between the profession and business of pharmacy, strong problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work productively as part of a dynamic fast-paced team. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca or apply at rexallcareers.ca.
Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
NANAIMO Pharmacist – full-time and part-time
PRINCE GEORGE Pharmacist – full-time and part-time London Drugs has part-time and full-time opportunities in Prince George. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counseling booths and counseling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resume to Rx operations manager, Shawn Sangha at ssangha@londondrugs.com or fax 604.448.1075. Pharmacist – full-time
We are looking for a pharmacist with entrepreneurial skills and with interest in a clinical approach to our changing practice to work closely with 11 doctors in the same building in Maple Ridge, BC. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. If you are finally chosen to be the right person for this exciting job, the compensation package is very generous. Our team is dedicated to giving our customers the best possible pharmaceutical care. If you are interested, please send us your cover letter, resume, and references to satthari@gmail.com or 604.306.6190.
Katz Group Canada Ltd. is Canada’s leading integrated retail pharmacy network encompassing more than 1,800 corporate, franchise and independent pharmacies. Dedication to the health and well-being of our customers and patients is at the core of our business. We offer excellent base salary rates, annual bonus opportunities, full benefits package, educational allowance, paid med checks and career growth opportunities. Qualifications: pharmacy license to practice in BC, experience in retail pharmaceutical systems and dispensing procedures, exceptional communications and organizational skills, strong patient satisfaction orientation, ability to maintain optimum balance between the profession and business of pharmacy, strong problem solving and analytical skills, and the ability to work productively as part of a dynamic fast-paced team. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca or apply at rexallcareers.ca.
MILL BAY
NORTH VANCOUVER
Key responsibilities of a Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM) pharmacist include: medication reviews; checking prescriptions for accuracy; counselling on prescription medications; OTC counselling; health management consulting; participation in SDM programs including cognitive/enhanced services as these programs may evolve over time and as required by the business; and collaboration with a pharmacy assistant to accurately dispense prescription medications. Qualifications: Bachelor of Pharmacy, license to practice in BC; superior interpersonal skills; strong verbal and written communication skills; commitment to providing exceptional customer service; computer proficiency; exposure to SDM systems and standard operating procedures; efficient time management abilities; and effective organization and planning skills. Flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends. Contact Richard at 250.562.8169, email asdm268@shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Pharmacist – full-time (maternity leave)
Pharmacy assistant – part-time
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
Join the team at our established community pharmacy in Mill Bay, BC. You’ll work closely with professional colleagues, patients, and their families. You’ll play an integral role in creating highest quality patient outcomes by providing traditional and
Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this
Reid’s Prescriptions is a busy pharmacy in the heart of the province. We are looking for a fulltime regulated technician to further improve our delivery of care. Responsibilities will include your full scope of practise. We have about eight
MAPLE RIDGE Pharmacist – full-time
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Feb/Mar 2013
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assistants currently supporting one tech and three to five pharmacists. Contact Brent or Chris at 250.564.6666, email reids@mag-net.com.
PRINCE RUPERT Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
RED DEER Pharmacist – full-time We currently have a career opportunity in Red Deer, AB. If you are looking to provide patientfocused care within a strong team environment then this opportunity may be for you. At Safeway, you will enjoy a supportive work environment, career advancement opportunities and a competitive compensation package. We offer a full compensation and benefits package with industryleading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
SALMON ARM Regulated pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue these opportunities further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
SOUTH OKANAGAN Pharmacist – full-time Forewest Holdings is currently recruiting for a pharmacist for the South Okanagan region. We are looking for a pharmacist with an entrepreneurial spirit that is detail oriented and committed to clinical pharmacy practice. Pharmacists with injection training and experience performing medication reviews are encouraged to apply. Interested applicants are requested to send their cover letter and resume to spremji@forewest.ca. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.
SURREY Pharmacist and pharmacy manager – full-time NAZ’s Pharmacy is seeking a full-time pharmacy manager and pharmacist for our Surrey location. NAZ’s Pharmacy is a group of independent, community-based pharmacies that provide patient-centered practices. We offer the autonomy of an independent pharmacy, with the stability, competitive wage and benefits package of the large chain stores, without the micromanaging and corporate layers. We pride ourselves on our dedication to our employees and interest in long-term relationships. New graduates and any experience level are welcome to apply. Contact us to learn more about our opportunities and what NAZ’s Pharmacy can offer you! Please send your resume to Nafisa Merali, email hr@nazpharmacy. com, phone 604.603.7923, fax 604.608.3230.
Pharmacist – part-time
Relief pharmacist - part-time
Part-time pharmacist needed for independent community pharmacy. Friendly environment, flexible shifts and no evenings. We offer a competitive wage. Must be able to work some weekends. New grads welcome! Please fax your resume to 604.543.4433, phone 604.543.6677.
Part-time relief pharmacist required. Ability to speak Chinese or Vietnamese would be an asset. Interested candidates please contact Wen Wong, pharmacy manager. Pharmasave #068 Norquay Village, 2235 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T6, email ps068norquay@gmail.com.
Regulated pharmacy technician – part-time
Regulated pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant – part-time
Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
SIDNEY
Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs. Pharmacy assistant – full-time
Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
TERRACE Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
TOFINO Pharmacy manager – full-time Full-time pharmacy manager required. Great working environment in scenic Tofino. Experience in busy retail environment essential. Interested applicants please contact George, phone 250.725.8605 (cell) or email pdm134@gmail.com. Pharmacist – part-time Part-time pharmacist required. Great working environment in scenic Tofino. Experience in busy retail environment essential. Interested applicants please contact George, phone 250.725.8605 (cell) or email pdm134@gmail.com.
VANCOUVER Pharmacist – full-time and part-time One full-time pharmacist (32 to 40 hours per week, no evenings or holidays) starting in April 2013. Also required two regular part-time pharmacists (two shifts, no evenings or holidays). Experience in retail pharmacy, exceptional communication and organization skills. Must work productively as a member of a dynamic team. If required, must be willing to work at two different pharmacy locations (both in the Lower Mainland). Also, having second language is an asset. Please apply via email ymm@yyoung.com or fax 604.324.1727. Pharmacist – part-time Part-time pharmacist needed for an independent pharmacy in Vancouver. No Sundays or evenings required. Cantonese speaking is an asset. If interested, please contact Mary, phone 604.683.6381, fax 604.683.8623.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
You have pharmacy work experience and are fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. We are a small pharmacy, with a steady flow of prescriptions so there will be frequent interactions with patients in person and on the phone. You will help the pharmacist dispense medications, blister pack medications, maintain inventory, keep the pharmacy organized and clean, and you will use the cash register. Also, there will be administrative duties such as filing and simple accounting. This position is full-time, Monday to Friday, with no evening shifts. Saturday morning shifts may be required from you and that will be discussed. Email vancouverpharmacyjob@hotmail.com. Pharmacy assistant – full-time Robin’s Pharmacy, on Commercial Drive in Vancouver, is looking for a full-time pharmacy assistant. No experience is required; however, the individual must be a quick learner and very customer oriented. Duties include running the till, ensuring customers are well looked after, answering phones, packaging medications, completing pharmacy orders, facing shelves and basic cleaning and tidying of the pharmacy. Please contact Robin Manweiler at 604.876.3784. Pharmacy assistant – full-time and part-time Peoples Drug Mart in Vancouver is looking for a full-time and part-time pharmacy assistant with at least one year of experience as a pharmacy assistant. Send your resume to Kim at kim. pdm168@pdmstores.com. We would appreciate it if applicants would avoid phoning or dropping in at the pharmacy.
VERNON Pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
VICTORIA Pharmacist – full-time Pharmacist required to work at Victoria Peoples Pharmacy owned and operated by Naz Rayani. We are looking for an engaged, clinically oriented outgoing, full-time pharmacist to work at our unique community pharmacies. Our focus is on patient-centered practice with a desirable and friendly population. All applications are confidential. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please submit applications to jobs@victoriapharmacy.com.
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your liking before any long term commitment is made. Please contact Ron Kumar, phone 250.642.2226 or email pdm180@shaw.ca.
Pharmacist – full-time and part-time Forbes Pharmacies are a local success story, located in beautiful Victoria, BC. To support our growth and expansion we are accepting resumes for part-time and full-time pharmacists to join and add to our success. When you join The Forbes Pharmacy Group you become one of the family. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and full pharmacy technician coverage. If you are interested in working for Forbes Pharmacies please submit your CV along with cover letter to Forbes’ president, Mike Forbes, at mforbes@forbespharmacy.ca.
WEST VANCOUVER Pharmacist – part-time
Pharmacist – full-time and part-time London Drugs has part-time and full-time opportunities in Victoria. Join a clinical and patient focused team using the latest robotic dispensing machines plus counselling booths and counselling rooms. Competitive salary and compensation packages, scheduled meal breaks and opportunities to advance to roles such as travel medicine, long term care, pharmacy management, CDE, injection pharmacist and patient care pharmacists. Please send resume to Rx operations manager, Shawn Sangha, fax 604-448-1075 or email ssangha@londondrugs.com. Pharmacist – full-time Hillside Pharmasave is looking for a full-time pharmacist. Required qualifications include licensed to practice in BC; superior interpersonal skills; strong verbal and written English communication skills; commitment to providing exceptional customer service; and computer proficiency. Desired qualifications: experience as a retail pharmacist an asset; exposure to Kroll computer software; efficient time management abilities; effective organization and planning skills. Please send your application and applicable references to admin@carerx.ca, phone 250.590.3778.
Whistler Rexall has an immediate opening for fulltime regulated pharmacy technician. We offer a very competitive compensation package. Please send resumes to njoshi@rexall.ca or apply at rexallcareers.ca.
We are looking for a full-time or regular part-time pharmacist. This is an ideal position for a pharmacist who is highly motivated to provide excellent pharmaceutical care. We encourage clinical services and provide the time and environment for our pharmacists to perform these services. We have both semi-private and private consultation workspaces. We have a large compounding practice which includes both sterile and non-sterile compounding. If you would like to find out more about this position please contact Chris Formosa by email cformosa@shaw.ca or phone 778.772.4636.
OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS BC
Regulated pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant – part-time Safeway offers a full compensation and benefits package with industry-leading components. We are a company committed to both pharmaceutical care and customer care. If you would like to pursue this opportunity further, please apply via our website at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
SOOKE Pharmacist – part-time Work in a quiet community where you get a chance to make a difference. A small community offering the best of the Island lifestyle, and the city close by if you need it. Position available is approximately 28-30 hours at Peoples Drug Mart in Sooke, BC. Must have superior customer service skills, knowledge of Kroll an asset, but very easy to learn. Fair schedule, perfect pace, usual benefit package and competitive rates. I would be open to a two-week trial (wage, accommodation, included) to see if the job would be to
Feb/Mar 2013
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
Pharmacist – full-time
Pharmacy technician required to work at Victoria Peoples Pharmacy, owned and operated by Naz Rayani. Our focus is on patient-centered practice with a desirable and friendly population. All applications are confidential. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Please submit applications to jobs@ victoriapharmacy.com.
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WHITE ROCK
Regulated pharmacy technician – full-time
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Caulfield Village Pharmasave in West Vancouver has an opening for a part-time pharmacist starting immediately. We are looking for an energetic and caring individual who wishes to practice in a community pharmacy environment. Good communication skills and a willingness to be involved in patient care is a requirement. Injection certification and the ability to conduct medication reviews are mandatory. We are located 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver on the North Shore. Our hours are Mon to Fri: 8am to 8pm, Sat: 9am to 7pm, Sunday and holidays: 10am to 6pm. If you are interested please contact Alan Williamson at ps214@shaw.ca.
CANADA SAFEWAY LIMITED - The Safeway family is one of the leading employers of retail pharmacists in North America. We operate pharmacies in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the United States. Thanks to the professionalism, diversity, spirit and friendliness of our people, our business is thriving across the US and Canada. From our stores to our corporate headquarters, we can offer careers that build your skills and your future. At Safeway, we value integrity, personal excellence, lifelong learning and growth, and fairness in all we do. We are committed to providing the best possible professional services to our customers and partners. We hold ourselves accountable to our clients, shareholders, and employees by honoring our commitments, providing results, and delivering only the best. Our goal is to be a great place to work where people are inspired to be the best that they can be. As an industry leader, we have demonstrated that we have a successful past and a solid future. Plan yours with us. We currently have opportunities across BC: please see the Job Board for specific locations or visit our site at www.safewaypharmacy.jobs.
www.bcpharmacy.ca
FOREWEST HOLDINGS - Pharmacists are needed for various Forewest Holdings locations across BC. We are currently looking for pharmacists to join our rapidly expanding company. Forewest Holdings operates 30 locations in BC and Alberta and we will be expanding in the near future. To facilitate our expansion plans, we are interested in hiring pharmacists that are committed to clinical pharmacy practice in the community setting and possess an entrepreneurial spirit. Pharmacists interested in developing their skills to grow a pharmacy business in an independent environment are encouraged to apply. Pharmacists should be team players. We are looking for pharmacists who are committed to building relationships with customers and physicians and who will work hard to make their store a destination for health and wellness information. If you are interested in joining our dynamic company, please send your resume to spremji@forewest.ca. LONDON DRUGS is accepting applications for pharmacist positions throughout BC. Pharmacists will have the opportunity to be involved with various patient care initiatives offered at London Drugs such as INR monitoring, long term care, certified diabetes education, immunization and various clinics such as osteoporosis screening, heart health, diabetes, sun and smoking cessation. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package, moving allowances, a professional working environment, scheduled meal breaks, semi-private counseling booths, automated robotic dispensing machines and employee discounts. Please apply in confidence to Shawn Sangha, B.Sc. (Pharm), London Drugs Ltd. pharmacy operations manager, BC. Phone 604.272.7469, fax 604.448.1075, or e-mail ssangha@londondrugs.com. OVERWAITEA FOOD GROUP - consisting of Overwaitea Foods, Save-On-Foods, PriceSmart Foods, Urban Fare and Coopers Foods – is hiring. Staff pharmacist positions are available in 100 Mile House, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Cranbrook, Creston, Fort Nelson, Grand Forks, Kelowna, Kitimat, Parksville, Prince George, Quesnel, Squamish, Terrace, Williams Lake, and Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Lethbridge in Alberta. Relief pharmacist floater positions and pharmacy technician positions in BC and Alberta are also available. We provide an excellent pharmacy practice environment with personal growth and career development potential. Very competitive wages and benefits including a pharmacist incentive plan. We thank all applicants, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Contact Chi Quon, regional pharmacy manager, phone 604.881.3574, fax 604.882.7896, or email chi_quon@owfg.com, www.saveonfoods.com. PEOPLES DRUG MART and Peoples Pharmacy have several locations throughout beautiful British Columbia offering a desired combination of employment opportunity and unbeatable lifestyle. Contact Smita Natha, professional services manager, Peoples Drug Mart, 520-4400 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC, V5G 4G3. Phone 604.431.3595 ext. 26, fax 604.431.3596, or email smitan@pdmstores.com. REXALL - Since 1904, Rexall has been a trusted name in retail pharmacy. Rexall is also the flagship pharmacy for Katz Group Canada, a leading drug store company and the largest integrated retail pharmacy network in Canada with more than 1,800 corporate, independent and franchise pharmacies across the country. As the umbrella brand for a family of pharmacies including
the Rexall, Rexall Pharma Plus, The Medicine Shoppe, Guardian and I.D.A. banners, Rexall is dedicated to the health and well-being of our customers and patients and strives to provide the best possible pharmacy care in a pharmacy first environment. Our long term care pharmacists and pharmacy technicians provide highly specialized clinical and medication management services for residents of nursing homes, retirement residences, assisted living facilities and group homes through dedicated pharmacies. If you are interested in applying or would like to learn more about the opportunities we have, please visit our website at www.rexallcareers.ca or contact a member of our team, Neerav Joshi, pharmacy recruitment manager at njoshi@rexall.ca. SHOPPERS DRUG MART is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec). With more than 1,000 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and three territories, the company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. At Shoppers Drug Mart, we have always remained true to our belief that the root of our success lies with our people. We pride ourselves on the quality and commitment of our employees who thrive on exciting challenges.
Business Opportunities At PHARMASAVE we understand that you want to be in business for yourself, not by yourself. You can have the best of both worlds! Maintain your freedom and independence while having access to the most comprehensive retail and professional programs in the industry. Pharmasave’s proven products, programs and strong national Brand are always at your service. Pharmasave is unlike any other independent pharmacy venture in Canada. We are a true cooperative that is 100 per cent member owned and governed. With Pharmasave, not only do you benefit from owning your own business, but you also share in the economic advantages of a 400 plus strong group of stores. Plus, you will be an owner in an organization that delivers all of its profits directly back to you, the shareholder. Allow us to demonstrate the advantages of Pharmasave. If you are a store owner or a pharmacist interested in purchasing a pharmacy, or if you are planning on selling your business, please give us a call. Pharmasave’s only priority is you and your success! Contact Dave Reston, CEO, Pharmasave Pacific, phone 604.575.5730 or 1.800.665.3344, email dreston@pharmasavebc.ca.
Are you thinking of selling your pharmacy? OVERWAITEA FOOD GROUP may be interested. If you would like more information contact us at pharmacybuyer2012@gmail.com. Community pharmacy for sale - Port Alberni A super community pharmacy for sale. Viable Rx department. Price will include 2,700 square feet. Strata lot. Easier financing if required. Alberni Valley economy is on rebound. Phone 250.723.9323 or fax 250.723.8221. Partnership opportunity – Vancouver Partnership opportunity for an experienced and motivated pharmacist looking for a wellestablished pharmacy next to a busy walk-in clinic and with plenty of physicians in the neighborhood, lots of foot traffic and near a busy SkyTrain station. Call 604.928.3837 for more information.
THRIFTY FOODS - Bring your professionalism and your dreams to Thrifty Foods’ new frontier and become an important part of our company as we grow together. Pharmacy manager and staff positions available. Thrifty Foods Pharmacy is committed to offering a comprehensive pharmacy service to these communities. Competitive wages and benefits. Interested candidates are invited to submit their resumes to Nafeesa Shaikh, pharmacy recruitment and retention specialist, Sobeys Pharmacy Group. Toll free 1.800.790.0733 x. 7704, phone 902.468.1000 x. 7704, fax 877.662.1955.
ASSOCIATION CONTACTS Geraldine Vance Chief Executive Officer 604.269.2860, geraldine.vance@bcpharmacy.ca
Vince Lee Manager, Member & Corporate Services 604.269.2867, vince.lee@bcpharmacy.ca
Parkash Ragsdale Deputy CEO, Director, Professional Services 604.269.2862, parkash.ragsdale@bcpharmacy.ca
Bryce Wong Manager, Professional Services 604.269.2865, bryce.wong@bcpharmacy.ca
Cyril Lopez Chief Operating Officer 604.269.2869, cyril.lopez@bcpharmacy.ca
Riva Pickering Coordinator, Professional Services 604.269.2880, riva.pickering@bcpharmacy.ca
Kathie Taylor Director, Communications 604.269.2863, kathie.taylor@bcpharmacy.ca
Letlotlo “Coco” Lefoka Public Affairs Officer 604.269.2868, coco.lefoka@bcpharmacy.ca
Elise Riedlinger Manager, Communications 604.269.2866, elise.riedlinger@bcpharmacy.ca
Linda Tinnion Assistant, Member & Corporate Services 604.269.2864, linda.tinnion@bcpharmacy.ca
www.bcpharmacy.ca
Ray Chow Database Administrator Member & Corporate Services 604.267.7081, ray.chow@bcpharmacy.ca Emilija Stanic Executive Assistant 604.269.2861, emilija.stanic@bcpharmacy.ca Starr Rempel Receptionist and Administrative Assistant 604.261.2092, starr.rempel@bcpharmacy.ca 604.261.2092, Toll-free: 1.800.663.2840 info@bcpharmacy
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Mark your calendar now for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conference, being held May 30 to June 1 at the beautiful Delta Grand Okanagan Resort and Conference Centre in Kelowna. The theme, Collaboration: Working together for improved patient care, will focus attention on the benefits of pharmacists working collaboratively with other health care professionals for the benefit of all British Columbians. Visit www.bcpharmacy.ca to learn more and register!