CHEMIST& DRUGGIST The newsweekly for pharmacy November 2, 1991 Tough talks ROBINSON NEW EASY BREATHERS, promised in CLEARING THE WAY FOR GREATER PROFITS. PPRS review PSNI fees up to £90 in 1992 Public opinions of pharmacies

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Ejsi Umm S L HEALTHCARE m Time to welcome HIPPER HOUSE Herbal Intuitu Tinuei Foe najal congcjtlon CHESTERFIELD S40 IYF UNITED KINGDOM Winter remedies Three hot alternatives to a cold strawbei

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Summer's over. But with major advertising support, Complan's chocolate, mushroom and chicken flavours will be hot this winter. CHEMIST& DRUGGIST Thisweek INCORPORATING RETAIL CHEMIST VOLUME 236 NO 5803 132nd YEAR OF PUBLICATION ISSN 0009-3033 & PHARMACY UPDATE

Editor: John Skelton, MRPharmS Deputy Editor: Patrick Grice, MRPharmS Contributing Editor: Adrienne de Mont, MRPharmS Business Editor: Zachary Goldring, MSc Technical Editor: Charlotte Coker, MRPharmS Industry faces tough bargaining in next year's PPRS review, warns Bottomley 738 News Editor: Jane Feely, PhD, MRPharmS Government will continue to keep "cost controls" in the system Beauty Editor: Sarah Purcell, BA Reporter: Jacqui Brommell, MRPharmS Art Editor: Tony Lamb Pharmacies not the favourite among consumers' shopping experiences 738 Price List Controller: Colin Simpson Chemist viewed as a convenience shop and not a specialist, says PAGB's Sheila Kelly Advertisement Manager: Frances Shortland Assistant Advertisement Manager: Astill backs PSNC in rejecting fees for contractual needle exchange 740 DougMytton told profit in dispensing has been "pared to the bone" Advertisement Executives: MPs NHS Julian de Bruxelles Pauline Borda Perfume thefts multiply in Avon and Somerset 740 Production: Shirley Wilson REGULARS Fine fragrances targeted in spate of break-ins Publisher: Ronald Salmon, FRPharmS Northern Ireland Notebook 741 Director: Felim O'Brien Published Saturdays by Benn NPA renews call for CRCs on liquid medicines 757 Publications Ltd, (member, United Topical reflections 741 NPA Board reassured Boots continue to support RPM Newspapers Group) Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, KentTN9 1RW Prescription specialities 742 Telephone: 0732364422 PSNI retention fee up to <£90 next year 758 Telex: 95132 Benton G Robin Holliday re-elected president for second term Counterpoints 744 Facsimile: 0732361534 Regional Advertisement Offices: News extra 766 Manchester (Midland & North): Pharmacy Update: the latest on ulcers... 760 Area Manager: Brian Carter More on PACT, and whither reading glasses? Business news 767 (061-881 0112)

Subscriptions: Home £90 per annum, Overseas & get go-ahead on nappy deal with Fater 767 Coming events 768 Eire£125 per annum including postage. £1.85 per P&G copy (postage extra). EC insists on amended agreement: unfair, say Peaudouce Classified advertisements 769 EC wholesaling Directive drops batch logging 768 Member of the Audit AOf I Business Link 771 I Bureau of Circulations BAPW warns of threat of European domination

There is a lot of bumph doing the rounds at the moment — should provide opportunity for the more timid delegates to air conference papers, White papers and the responses to them, an opinion, although how large the groups are to be and their working party reports, revised Codes of Ethics, patients' number has yet to be indicated. Council has gone to some charters and more. It is symptomatic of the time of year. Most effort to show its intention to preserve the democratic nature of the issues and ideas thrown up during this period never of the event, but it is here that the new format comes slightly develop any further, so it is welcome to see a positive practical unstuck, since the right to put a motion before the full meeting move from the Council of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. is no longer there. However, if this is the sacrifice for reviving

That said, the decision by Council (last week p695) to change an event that is otherwise in danger of becoming moribund, the format of the annual branch representatives meeting then so be it. The other concern must be the extent to which comes not a moment too soon. Anyone who has attended the Council members are to become involved: informed opinion event in recent years, and the annual meeting which precedes is welcome, hijacking a debate is not. it, must have wondered whether it was worth the effort. The However, the onus is on the branches to come up with motions have been uninspired, either demanding obvious motions which will provide scope for debate on issues which support or being on matters where the Society has already affect the profession, bearing in mind that Council has an taken a position and the debate, if it takes place at all, often obligation to act on them if they are adopted. It has not been ill-informed. a year without controversy, particularly in community Most of these concerns have been addressed in the pharmacy where future developments and the extent to which proposed new format for the meeting. Motions which are likely promotion of services should be permitted have stayed in the to stimulate debate will be heard in the morning. There is an headlines. The local branch network of the Society is the envy element of theatre in such matters and if the show is good of many other professions, and the BRM is one of a very few enough people will participate. Non-controversial motions are venues where grass roots pharmacists can exert a direct effectively being washed out of the programme by being influence on their professional body. The opportunity must referred directly to Council. The afternoon group discussions not be wasted.

Ihemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 737 .

Industry faces tough talks in PPRS review, says Bottomley

Tough bargaining lies ahead continuing growth in the drugs bill we accept that. But monopolies prescribing of medicines between the Government and the in a way that avoided "unacceptable constrain consumer choice." • Recognition of the position of pharmaceutical industry when the cost pressures". Mrs Bottomley Mrs Bottomley urged that the pharmaceutical industry, in Pharmaceutical Price Regulation warned: "How we exercise these control of the drugs bill should particular continuing to support Scheme is reviewed next year, Mrs controls and how onerous they are recognise good commercial practice research. Virginia Bottomley, the Health depends on the success of the and work with the spirit of the Mrs Bottomley said controls Minister, made clear on Monday. industry and the Government in market. She defined the should aim to promote competition She told a Management Forum reaching a common under- Government's aims as: between companies rather than to pharmaceutical conference in standing." • To ensure that patients continue distort commercial decision. "So London on Monday that while there The Minister acknowledged that to receive the safe and effective long as cost disciplines can be was no hidden agenda, the the pharmaceutical market was medicines they need at an achieved we favour means of control Government would continue to unlike any other. She said: "There acceptable cost to the tax payer which reduce both bureaucracy and need "cost controls" in the system. is a need to respect intellectual • To provide an open and burdens on industry, and which "We could not, for example, run the property rights; there are competitive pharmaceutical market influence the demand for PPRS as a cost plus guarantee. It monopolies on certain products and • To encourage rational medicines." must provide the incentives for efficiency that come from competition," she said. She described cost control as a two way process. It was in the interests of both the Government As others see us. . and industry to manage the There was both good and bad news at last weekend's Institute of Pharmacy Management meeting at Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Although Boots claim pharmacies rank the lowest in a consumers' league of enjoyable MDS used in shopping, once inside the shop the advice they receive is 2,000 homes appreciated Consumers find buying chemist "This shows that people view the the self-selection of GSL medicines. Boots are claiming that their goods the least enjoyable of chemist as a convenience shop and "The days surely have gone when monitored dosage system (MDS) is shopping experiences and are often are not seeing the pharmacist as a medicines should be in drawers now in use in 2,000 residential and unable to suggest changes to specialist," said Ms Kelly. If under the counter or hidden away in nursing homes throughout Britain. improve the situation, Sheila Kelly, pharmacy wants to develop an the dispensary'." she told the "The system," says a company executive director of the Proprietary extended role then this would have meeting. "That's not what al statement, "means staff have more Association of Great Britain, told to change, she added. "We have to supermarket would do with it's! time to care for residents because the IPMI meeting. get people to understand what the leading brands." there are less demands on their busy In a survey conducted by the pharmacy has to offer." This was particularly important! schedule." Henley Centre, pharmacies came There were two factors which given that consumers tend to have al The statement continues: "And bottom in the league of enjoyable should help pharmacy — that there "what you see is what you get'j it reduces the potential for error shopping, falling behind off- is a pharmacist in every shop and attitude, and often assume that ill that's inevitable in the crucial but licences, DIY shops and grocers. that only pharmacies can sell P something is not visible then it is notl time consuming task of Suggestions which might improve medicines. "Pharmacists should stocked. administering prescription drugs to the experience included (in order of start to capitalise on these two The trick is to see the profession! residents several times a day." popularity): aspects," she said. The pharmacy of as others see it, she added. "If youl The 2,000th home to adopt the • Sunday opening the future will concentrate more on can see yourself as others see youl system, acquired from the Manrex • Longer weekday opening core business and specialist roles, then you are in a powerful position! Group in March, is St Edith's Court • More car parking which would bring both You can get ahead of the customer] at Leigh-on-Sea. "We are absolutely • Increased quality of service professional and commercial and make the changes that make! delighted that the system is now • A greater range of products benefits. them see you the way you want their! working in so many homes," said • Places to leave children Ms Kelly specifically mentioned to." Marshall Davies, Boots' pharmacy superindentent. C&D seminar — places available

Places are still available on C&D's next pharmacy training seminar.

The subject is hair colorants, and the event is sponsored by Bristol Myers. The seminar will take place on Thursday, November 14 at Swakeleys House, Ickenham, Middlesex, 6.30pm for 7pm. There will be three presentations on colour science and hair coloration followed by a hot buffet. The

evening is free to both pharmacists and assistants. If you or your staff would like a ticket please contact Jan Powis or Helen Davies on 0732 364422.

738 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 .

standards, which all health NAO report praises needle The Patient's authorities are expected to achieve, are specified. Similar rights have exchange schemes Charter been set out in the Patient's Charter for Wales, launched by the Welsh Hot on the heels of the strategy. Schemes which allow drug A summary of the Patient's Charter, Secretary David Hunt. Pharmaceutical Services users to exchange used needles and being sent to pharmacies and to Mr Hunt took the opportunity to Negotiating Committee's rejection syringes for sterile ones were singled every household in England, reaffirm that there was to be no the Department of Health's fees out for a specific mention. outlines three new rights patients change to the basic principles on br a contractual needle exchange The NAO noted that under will have under the NHS. which the NHS was founded. scheme (C&D last week, p694) reporting had occured in some From April 1992 there will be a "Services must be available to every ;omes a report praising such health authorities in England guaranteed maximum waiting time citizen on the basis of clinical need, schemes. although measures were being for treatment, a guarantee of full regardless of the ability to pay," he The report by Sir John Bourn of taken to improve reporting levels. information about local services and said. "The service should in the ;he National Audit Office says that Although the Government had standards, and a guarantee that any future, as in the past, be mainly paid nealth departments and the NHS allocated over £450 million from complaints about NHS services — for out of general taxation." iiave responded well to the 1985-86 to 1990-91 towards the whoever provides them — will be emerging demands and cost of HIV and AIDS-related health dealt with promptly and effectively. Both Charters explain the kind of service which can expected, uncertainties of HIV and AIDS. services, the NAO found that the The Charter also outlines seven be how people can help the and However, they need to review "more Department of Health and the existing rights, one of which is for NHS rigorously" the planning and Scottish Home and Health patients to be given a clear make their views known, what to do if things go wrong, and where they funding arrangements for these Department had difficulties in explanation of any treatment can get further information. services. The report highlights local obtaining sufficient data to assess proposed, including risks and Some other areas to health education and preventative and target AIDS funds in the most alternatives, before they agree to common both Charters are: initiatives as an essential part of any effective way. the treatment. Nine national • Standards in other healthcare areas including times for an workload could be managed by self- recommended equally by emergency ambulance to arrive, medication provided pharmacists pharmacists or assistants. The self- patients not being discharged were involved in areas like selection number included repeat without adequate arrangements, interactions, said Ms Kelly. Some 65 purchases by satisfied customers. and out-patients to be seen within per cent of a GP's time was spent The level of pharmacist 30 minutes of an appointment time dealing with minor conditions, 25 involvement in recommending or to be kept informed of any delay per cent with chronic ailments and products varied with the type of • Local charters to be drawn up by 10 per cent with acute, major product involved. The lowest level DHAs and FHSAs to tell people diseases. was seen for analgesics and the about services locally However, an increase in self- highest for cystitis. • Waiting times for out-patient, medication would not be obtained A study snowed that 90 per cent day care and in-patient treatment to easily, she said, and was more likely of people visit pharmacies with be published to be achieved by delisting specific around 60 per cent visiting them at • Agreed standards of service to be indications rather than simply least once a month. Among these, published moving products from POM to P around half claim to ask for advice, • Health authorities to publish an classification. with two thirds claiming only to ask annual report of achievements The OTC market had only the pharmacist. The majority of against local standards. grown in line with inflation over the people were satisfied with the iheila Kelly, PAGB executive Kelly, quality of the advice although 6 per irector (above) and Christine past 10 years, said Ms and trown of Taylor Nelson Healthcare changes such as the Limited List cent said it was not sympathetic. tended to move people from buying Altogether, 98 per cent said they Reducing cot one product to another rather than always or nearly always acted on the increasing the overall quanitity of advice given. On three quarters of death products sold. When people suffer occasions when advice was sought, Parents are to be issued with advice an episode of ill health, 45 per cent a product was recommended, said on reducing the incidence of cot do not treat at all. Of those that do, Ms Brown. In nearly one fifth of deaths in a nationwide campaign 9 per cent use a home remedy and cases a visit to a GP or other health 3 1 24 per cent a non-prescription professional was the outcome. launched on October The charitable Foundation for medicine. Some 26 per cent still Taylor Nelson also asked the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID), visited their doctor even though the pharmacists what they personally has produced a guide on how to ailment was minor. felt they needed to do to achieve the of babies falling status of "expert on health in the lessen the chances victim to cot death. Also termed all High Street". The most popular Not bad! sudden infant death syndrome answer (38 per cent) was training In answer to the question "How bad with another 27 per cent (SIDS), cot death claims the lives of is it really?" Christine Brown, in recognising the need to keep up to nearly 1 ,400 babies a year the UK director of market research and is the most common kind of date. Some 23 per cent felt it was company Taylor Nelson Healthcare, for one week to important to be more available and death babies aged replied: "Not at all", but warned bad a further 10 per cent favoured two years. Consultation this should not be cause for can guarantee spending more time at "front of "While no one was also "less than encouraging" complacency. shop". Only 8 per cent said prevention of cot death, medical at Brown said that pharmacies research shown that the risks although pharmacists have a Ms improving communication skills has gh were functional places where if parents follow four expectation of being consulted would help and 7 per cent favoured can be reduced 1 customers, research shows that customers went for a purpose and steps," says the Foundation: the training of counter staff. is expectation is not matched by not to browse. "Perhaps the • Sleep the baby on the back or e customers themselves, said Ms challenge for the independent side Pis used by 80pc ply. pharmacy is to retain and improve • Don't smoke A study into doctor's views on the professional image while at the Currently 80 per cent of • Prevent the baby from getting nsulting a pharmacist, carried out same time making the environment pharmacists used at least one overheated

1986 and again in 1989, showed less clinical and so encouraging parallel import in any two week • Contact the doctor if you think at between these two surveys customers into the shop," she said. period. There has been an increase the baby is unwell. are CPs felt that pharmacists were Ms Brown presented data that in the percentage of pharmacists The Foundation is asking every ile to advise on flu and stomach showed the public does consult dispensing Pis and when a group of health authority to make this implaints. However fewer thought pharmacy staff and the majority are 25 products is studied over time, the information available to all armacists should be consulted satisfied with the advice received. percentage of PI scripts dispensed is expectant and new mothers in their out depression, difficulty in Taylor Nelson's Counterpoint now about a quarter of those area. Copies are available, free of :eping or headaches, survey showed that 72.4 per cent of written. France is the major source charge, from FSID, 35 Belgrave

i This was despite work that OTC purchases were self-selected of Pis, while discounts average Square, London SW1X 8QB, timated that 90 per cent of a GP's with the remainder being 11-20 per cent. enclosing a SAE. 739 lemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 CAP blocks Astill Progress backs PSNC rejection The National Dairy Council has objected to an advertisement by on needle exchange Wyeth Nutrition for their infant follow-on milk, Progress, which The Pharmaceutical Services Backing PSNC's rejection of the note that while a pharmacy assistant claimed cow's milk was "very short Negotiating Committee was correct remuneration package for a could make a profit on return of at of some of the nutrients essential for to reject the remuneration package pharmacy-based syringe and needle least 33 per cent on a bottle of a baby's physical and mental for syringe and needle exchange exchange scheme, Mr Astill said perfume, a pharmacist could only development, such as iron and schemes (News last week), National PSNC had been effectively deceived make 20 per cent for dispensing a vitamin D". Pharmaceutical Association over the total figure available. "Just prescription. This compared with The Committee of Advertising director Tim Astill has said. He was under £2 per day is simply not 27 per cent some ten years ago. Practice said the advertisement speaking at the NPA's Stockport enough incentive to perform such a "In terms of remuneration, the could mislead consumers on the Branch annual dinner in responsible and time consuming DoH has pared so much flesh from benefits of modified formula feed Manchester last Saturday. task," said Mr Astill. the bone there is now no more left," over cow's milk "by failing to make Mr Astill said that the guest of He also warned Mr Winterton to he said. clear that since both were honour, Nicholas Winterton MP, recommended for use with a mixed chairman of the Commons Select diet, adequate amounts of iron and Committee on Health, appeared to vitamin D should be received". be in a powerful position and able to Challenge to Trust status Wyeth were asked to amend their influence health policy. The first legal challenge to a that we followed the criteria in the copy so as not to overstate their He asked Mr Winterton to bear decision to grant a second wave Secretary of State's document for position. in mind two important factors. NHS trust was given the go-ahead application for Trust status". on Tuesday. According to the Health Sen'ice Rochdale Council was granted a Journal last week, there are judicial review of its health concerns that the future trust will

authority's actions during the not be financially viable. It is application for the acute and reported that between 20 and 30 community unit to become a second other local authorities with wave trust. The review will go ahead approved second wave trusts are

in December. Gloria Oates, chief waiting to see if the Rochdale case executive of Rochdale Health forms the basis for a nationwide Authority, told C&D: "We believe round of legal challenges.

Perfume thieves strike at pharmacies in Avon area Thousands of pounds worth of fine targeting only fine fragrances, Dignitaries at the NPA's Stockport and District Branch annual dinner last fragrances have been stolen from especially Chanel and Yves St Saturday included (left to right): Ann Winterton MP, Marshall Cellman pharmacies in Avon and Somerset Laurent. We have lost a (NPA Board member, Manchester), Nicholas Winterton MP, Robert in a series of raids over the last six considerable amount of stock, Hallworth (Branch secretary), Alan Facer (NPA Board member, months. especially in the Bristol area and Lancashire), Jeremy Clitherow (NPA chairman), and Tim Astill (NPA police are investigating. director). Addressing NPA members and their guests at the dinner, Inspector Dave Branfield of Macclesfield MP Nicholas Winterton said that although indicative Avon and Somerset police told And the burglaries are not justlj prescribing budgets were intended to "exert downward pressure on C&D that since the end of April occuring at night. Pharmacist Miketl expenditure of drugs", cost effectiveness and downward pressure are not there have been at least eight such Powis, owner of PainswickJ necessarily the same thing. The Prescribing Analysis and Costs (PACT) perfume burglaries in the county. Pharmacy in Stroud, Gloucester,! data that doctors are sent is designed reduce prescribing at all and to cost "We haven't ruled out the says that on September 26 arounda not necessarily to ensure cost effective prescribing, he said. The possibility that they are linked," he £900 worth of perfumes were takeni pharmaceutical industry will have to continue to supply doctors and from a locked perfume cabinet] pharmacists with more detailed information about products, their said. effectiveness, side-effects, costs and the cost of alternatives. Only then will Daljet Shaunak says that around during business hours. doctors be able to see whether their drug purchasing is just "low cost" or £10,000 worth of French perfumes Sergeant Mark Lewis of Avon| more "cost effective", he said were stolen from his Hanham and Somerset Police told GCDthatl pharmacy during the night of there have been 23 burglaries inl September 24. Mr Shaunak said pharmacies in the Bristol area this! that a customer had told him the year. NAHAT suggests tests for following day that a group had been GPs and other professionals selling half price perfumes in Bristol. No comment A call for a system of accreditation primary healthcare services, says Mr Shaunak has now installed The Department of Health said on and re-accreditation of CPs and the Association. "FHSAs should be shutters on the front of his perfume Tuesday it was unable to other professionals working in the responsible for ensuring that such cabinets — an expensive business at comment on reports that NHS has come from the National arrangements are satisfactory for around £3,000. But he believes this prescription charges would go up Association of Health Authorities the patient in terms of accessibility, is more effective than window again next year. The Independent, and Trusts. convenience and quality." shutters because once burglars have claimed last week that Health Secretary William Waldegravej The sugestion, which it is NAHAT also points out that broken in, the alarm will be set off, had conceded higher prescription! claimed would help maintain and CPs' health promotion and disease leaving minimal time for shutters charges as part of negotiations! improve standards of practice, is prevention activities need to be within the pharmacy to be broken. with the Treasury for an! made in the Association's response reviewed and integrated with health Mr Shaunak has also reduced the increased NHS budget next year. to the British Medical Association's promotion work elsewhere in the amount of perfume displayed in his The newspaper said charges arej consultation document on the NHS. "It is clear," says NAHAT. other branches — displaying large set to rise by about 9 per cent,! future of general practice. "that people prefer to have any care quantities is asking for trouble, he bringing them to £3.70 an item. NAHAT envisages that, under and treatment in a community says. Price correction the system, GPs would be setting. Consequently the content of The Western Daily Press last The retail price of Bio-lighl accredited on entry to the family general medical services needs to be month reported burglaries in slimming food supplement was! health services authority list and broadly defined including any Savory & Moore branches in wrongly stated in last week's near would be subject to periodic medical assessments needed in Keynsham and Hanham, both Price Supplement. The correct re-accreditation. connection with the care in the Bristol. Janet Wilson, operations RRP is £12.99 as shown in the People should continue to have community plans being introduced director, Savory & Moore, told C&D current Supplement. We the right to 24-hour access to in 1993." "These thieves appear to be apologise for the error.

740 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 extra contractual services and the be progressively fined for their NI Notebook landlord, though pleased that his misdemeanors perhaps. The

property is being comprehensively penalty could then be seen to fit A generic by maintained, requires the same the crime, the Code of Ethics will pound of my flesh as that which he be given real teeth and at last will any other obtains from all of his tenants. have included a genuine deterrent If the costs per square foot and to further indiscretions. name contractual security allow some community pharmacies to provide number of The ever increasing generous facilities then the PSNC injects branded generics which adorn my profession and the patient are the is becoming something of an shelves beneficiaries. Where a practice is the right irritant, taking up precious shelf limited by the economic realities adding unnecessarily to space and of the free market then it should approach my overall stock holding. As generic be judged on the quality of its With the working party report on prescribing becomes more popular not, as professional standards and the future of community pharmacy with the cost conscious GP, drug is suggested, on the arbitrary hopefully due to be published to manufacturers are attempting minimum square meterage of its soon I appluad PSNC's stance on strengthen their market share of a area. dispensary and shop My payment for needle exchange drug by introducing "generics" with shop does not reach the schemes. This outright rejection brand name, I a brand name. The prescribed I strive standards but may be seen as a backward step in presume, carries an implicit to present my patients with a good the fight against AIDS but it is also suggestion that the product is professional service and, at the the straw that breaks the camel's "better" than other formulations of end of the day and with local back. I am looking forward to a the same drug. There is little doubt are far competition intense, they a dynamic future with expanding that reps are bringing this message more discerning final arbiter than professional responsibilities but to our medical colleagues and are an idealistic perfectionist from the time for vocational encouraging them to "prescribe some ivory tower. munificence has now passed. I am their generic with confidence". I While on the subject of ethics! a graduate professional devoted to i Boots have, meanwhile, once the welfare of the patient and do "The brand name again joined the sailing fraternity not evaluate every moment of my with their latest promotion of two carries the day, but my Departmental for the price of one British Rail paymasters must equally realise Intercity tickets. This offer is suggestion that the that I can no longer afford to Code of dependent on the customer product is 'better' continue to increase my level of than at spending more £5 any service in return for derisory than other Ethics a long Boots branch. It has been seen by remuneration. The time is right to the Law Department of the Royal formulations" say "no" and all community way from the Pharmaceutical Society to offer an pharmacists should unite behind inducement to purchase over the In general, branded generics are PSNC in its action. real world counter medicines contrary to more expensive than non-branded As requested by the Royal paragraph 1 :8 of the Code of generics and I would doubt if this Pharmaceutical Society's Council Ethics, and has also been the can be justified or if many GPs are complaints the LRC only I have studied carefully the subject of to aware of it. When a GP writes a proposed new Code of Ethics and Proprietory Articles Trade prescription for a branded generic have concluded that the increase Association as contravening score two I have to dispense it. I am in the ethical responsibilities of Resale Price Maintenance. reimbursed but the extra stock out of five the community pharmacist is The PATA has treated the holding is at my expense. I feel directly proportional to the matter with kid gloves, perhaps After all that heavy stuff a piece of strongly that there should be no distance between Lambeth and nervous of big brother reaction, light entertainment but, to me, such thing as "branded" generics the realities of practice in a but the response from Boots not so funny. LRC Products' latest since they do not serve any purpose commercial environment. almost suggests that, far from promotion invites me to purchase other than to suggest that some In an ideal world we would all accepting the error of their ways, a box of keyrings complete with generics are of inferior quality. If a attain perfection with superbly they reserve the right in the future and "healthcare drug formulation has any unique condom fitted spacious dispensaries, to treat medicines as they see fit. messages, communicated in a features then it is not a generic. The consulting room, large waiting The Society, meanwhile, will strong, fun way". Some of the manufacturer who develops a new area, health education displays, ponder awhile and then probably messages are passably acceptable medicine should be allowed to computerised medication and send a "naughty boy" letter to but two in particular must be brand the product as part of the record systems, fitting room, Nottingham! As usual all too little, verging on the obscene. patent but once the patent has separate diagnostic testing too late. The only sanction in the have attempted to convey expired other manufacturers should LRC facilities, etc, etc. A utopia such as Code of Ethics that presently the message of "safe sex" in a fun not be allowed to market a branded this is but there, alas, it penalty can form. my dream exacts a genuine way such that the sexually active must remain because I can only never be used for minor, one off, are reminded of the dangers of When a "me too" version of a provide such quality of facilities as breaches and don't all those who AIDS, but that message only really drug is awarded a product licence it my geography and financial deliberately sail close to the wind comes across in two out of the five should conform to clearly defined situation allows. The National know it! If the Code of Ethics is slogans, leaving the others open standards of quality and efficacy. Health Service has never been not to persistently and to Apart from the standard be lewd interpretation and as an renowned for its generosity in deliberately abused, there must be I requirements the issue of encouragement to casual sex. contributing towards the cost of other options: miscreants could sympathise with LRC's problem of bioavailability, which is at present how to promote their products ignored, also needs to be addressed. responsibly when the clinical This is of vital importance for drugs not reach the like digoxin and slow release message does preparations containing drugs such vulnerable, while the direct approach invites accusations of as theophylline. It is the inciting promiscuity, responsibility of the licensing but that particular predicament has not authority to establish the criteria to been solved by this latest venture. be fulfilled to obtain a licence and Topical therefore all generics and the original patent formulation should be, in all respects, of the same high quality.

Written by a Northern Ireland community pharmacist REFLECTIONS

Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 741 — Sciriptspecials

Capozide LS Kiditard back A half-strength version of Capozide, Voltarol 75mg SR Delandale Laboratories say that Bristol-Myers Squibb's ACE supplies of Kiditard capsules are inhibitor/thiazide diuretic Ciba-Geigy are introducing Voltarol effects are as for other Voltarol expected to be available from the is available. SR, a sustained release preparations (see combination, now 75mg Data Sheet). The beginning of November. The price for Capozide LS contains 25mg formulation for patients in whom tablets should be swallowed whole. 100 has been increased to £20.25 captopril and 12.5mg the lOOmg dose of diclofenac Voltarol 75mg SR are (trade). Distributors: Farillon Ltd. hydrochlorothiazide, and is sodium in Voltarol Retard is triangular, pale pink tablets Tel: 04023 71136. indicated for the treatment of mild inappropriate. imprinted "V75 SR" on one side G-Strap on Tariff to moderate hypertension in The dosage of Voltarol 75mg and "Geigy" on the other. They The November edition of the Drug patients already stabilised on the SR is one or two tablets daily, come in blister packs of 56 tablets Tariff will include a new product from same levels of the components given allowing for flexibility with dosage, (£18.74 trade), licence number MMG (Europe). The G-Strap secures individually. says the company. Contra- 0001/0156. Ciba-Geigy Pharma- catheters and drainage tubing to It provides the opportunity to indications, precautions and side- ceuticals. Tel: 0403 50101. patients' limbs or abdomen without give a synergistic combination of using adhesive and without two antihypertensives in low doses compromising flow. It reduces the risk rather than a traditional of accidental disconnection, helps discourage patients from fiddling with monotherapy at a higher dose, says Mini-Wright gets mouthpiece the tubing, and reduces the the company. The combination "pistoning" effect which can result in blunts the metabolic effects that Clement Clarke are introducing a The universal mouthpiece will a greater risk of bladder infection. G- universal mouthpiece, blister be included on all Mini-Wright may occur with diuretics used alone, Strap is available in three lengths: such as hyperlipidaemia, packaging and a carry pouch for meters from November and can also adult, short (both 5 £10) and hyperglycaemia and insulin their Mini-Wright peak flow meters. be purchased as a separate item. abdominal (5 £10.50, all prices trade). resistance. The mouthpiece fits both the All Clement Clarke products MMG (Europe) Ltd. Tel: 0272

Capozide LS is available as a standard and low range Mini-Wright may now bear the "CE" mark, in 736883. calendar pack of 28 tablets (£11.25 meters and can be used by both recognition of their BS5750 X-ray contrast media trade). Bristol-Myers Squibb adults and children. It replaces the approval. Clement Clarke Rhone-Poulenc Rorer have assigned Ltd. Tel: standard mouthpiece, low range International Ltd. Tel: 0279 Pharmaceuticals the handling of their X-ray contrast mouthpiece and adaptor. 414969. 081-572 7422. media to MaJlinekrodt Medical; all orders and inquiries should be placed Medical Matters direct to: Customer Services Department, Mallinckrodt Medical (UK) Ltd, 1 1 North Portway Close, Overtreating Round Spinney, Northampton NN3 D&TBon peak 4RQ. Tel: 0604 646132. angina LessTemgesic Many patients with angina pectoris Reckitt & Colman will be rationalising are overtreated, according to flow meters the Temgesic range from November 1, in this week. research The Lancet withdrawing the five by 2ml ampoules Angina is often controlled with The latest edition of the Drug and But until meters are more presentation. The five by 1ml beta-adrenoceptor-blocking drugs, Therapeutics Bulletin endorses the reliable, or a simple method of ampoules and both strengths of calcium antagonists and nitrate use of peak flow meters by asthma calibration has been developed, tablets are unaffected. Reckitt & Colman Products. Tel: 0482 preparations, and when symptoms sufferers to monitor their conditon. patients should stick to their own 26151. escalate, these drugs are often used "Peak flow meters offer a peak flow meter and learn to in combination. But the research practical means of monitoring compare its readings with their Price reduction concludes that logical drug asthma control and can give symptoms, says the Bulletin. The price of Dormonoct tablets 28s I combinations may not produce patients greater autonomy. When It is also important to recognise has been reduced to £1.35 (trade). clinical benefits, and it may be combined with adequate tuition and that some patients seem unable to Roussel Laboratories Ltd. Tel: better to change therapy rather patient education, their use may use peak flow meters properly; some 0895 834343. than add to it. help improve the management of produce falsely high readings by — A randomised, double blind asthma," says the Bulletin. accelerating the airflow from the cross-over-trial compared atenolol It advises that someone mouth with a spitting action, others Condoms lOOmg daily alone with atenolol experienced in managing asthma persistently underperform. plus nifedepine (Adalat Retard) should explain how and when to for women 40mg daily and/or isosorbide measure peak flow and how to act barriei mononitrate 40mg daily. on the results. Each patient needs The bikini condom, a new Pill is beina At the end of each four-week written instructions on how to risks contraceptive for women, family planning) treatment period patients were respond to changes in peak flow More than one in three women on used in the US, a was tolcl assessed subjectively, and by (available from the National Asthma the Pill risk pregnancy by not conference in London bikini, it has J treadmill exercise testing and 24 Campaign, 300 Upper Street, knowing how and when to take their recently. Worn like a rolled-up condom pouch, lubricatec hour ambulatory electrocardio- London Nl 2XX, tel: 071-226 contraceptive. the crotch graphic recordings. 2260). A study published in the British on both sides, located in The only significant finding was The Consumers' Association Journal ofFamily Planningshowed of the bikini. This is pushed into the the longer duration of exercise publication cautions that because of that only three in 20 women taking vagina during lovemaking. attained with atenolol plus mechanical inconsistencies combined oral contraceptives are The bikini condom is made frorr thicker latex than ordinarj mononitrate therapy compared with between meters, patients could fail fully aware of the proper routine and a not require atenolol either alone or in to recognise an exacerbation of when they should use extra condoms. It does combination with nifedepine. Triple asthma. The Department of methods of contraception, says the immediate withdrawal aftei women say i therapy conferred no further Health's recommendation, that report. ejaculation and some In test advantages. peak flow meters should be Unwanted pregnancies could be improves sexual pleasure. couples the The authors add that although standardised against conventional reduced by more detailed with 100 American was found to be one combined therapy may sometimes laboratory apparatus, needs to be explanations on the Pill's use, breakage rate half that with ordinan be effective, such treatment should adhered to rigorously to ensure that backed up with educational leaflets, in 200, condoms. be reviewed regularly. the meter reading is accurate. suggests the study's author.

742 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1991 WHICH WHOLESALER LETS YOU SPEND LESS TIME AT THE PHARMACY AND MORE TIME AT HOME IN FRONT OF THE SMALL SCREEN?

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" ***** * «, ^ ^ 0

1 V>\ ,

PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED WE'RE ALWAYS THERE WITH NEW IDEAS Countorpoints

Robinson launch Easy Compound V added Breathers tissues

Robinson Healthcare have Although not finalised, the for verrucae developed their knowledge company also plans a in impregnated tissue "significant" advertising an< Whitehall are building on technology to produce Easy promotional campaign for the success of their wart Breathers, dry tissues which next Autumn. Robinson remover Compound W with release a herbal vapour to Healthcare. Tel: 0246 the launch of a new product help clear nasal congestion. 220022. for verrucae. Easy Breathers tissues Compound V, available come in packs of 30 (£1.49) only to pharmacies, is and contain camphor, targeted at the fast-growing Win a menthol, methylsalicylate, kit sector of the £2.5 million nutmeg oil and pine oil. The wart treatment market. It is rugby mut vapour from each tissue lasts a natural extension for five to 15 minutes, says the Want something to Compound W, and offers company, which claims the remember the Rugby Work! added value and high cash product has advantages over Cup by? Seatone have 100 I margins, say Whitehall. "messy" liquids or rubs. commemorative mugs to Compound V is an eight- To promote the product give away in draw. day treatment comprising an initial regional campaign To enter send your nam! liquid verruca remover and a is planned for Tyne Tees, and shop address on a set of professional-style Anglia, TVS and Yorkshire postcard to: Seatone/All I accessories to ensure safe regions in women's Blacks Competition, Depl l and effective use at home, magazines during the first CD, PO Box 97, Woking, I says the company. There are quarter of next year. Surrey GU21 5XU. abraiders, an applicator rod, protective plasters and extra-thick verruca cushions, to protect against Tixylix on display painful pressure. Each pack New Tixylix point of sale available for window display; retails at £3.09. material and window display two showing a different has been Compound W units are available from product on each side. A repackaged with matching Intercare Products. third pack shows the graphics. A special The counter unit comes decongestant product only. promotion during November in two sections with a Shelf edgers, colour coded December features two and Perspex enclosed base for with the flashes on the new free abraiders in every pack the Pharmacy cough and packs, are also on offer. of Compound W. Whitehall Eco-friendly room cold liquids while the top The new Tixylix range Laboratories. Tel: section holds the GSL will be supported by a 071-636 8080. spray from Nichol decongestant capsules on £750,000 advertising open display allowing campaign in the women's in lime and wild Nichol Beauty Products available customers to self-select. The Press, mother and baby It in a have launched an air mint variants. comes units can either be stacked magazines and national Unichem container powered room fragrance 100ml (£1.29) and or placed separately on the newspapers. Intercare spray. The product is refill packs are available counter. Products Ltd. Tel: 0734 offers expelled by pumping air into (£0.99). Nichol Beauty Giant Tixylix packs are 790345. Tel: Unichem's November offers the container. Products Ltd. 0842 include a profit on return of The room spray is 754633. 25 per cent on Robinsons baby and junior foods. The 1 lOg breakfasts are offered Weleda's Prof Togs in packs of 12 for £10.71 and a pack of 27 Robinsons offers gives Pure Baby juices is £6.55. Bodyform Plus regular Weleda are offering special parents 20 packs are offered at discounts on cough elixirs £22.34 for 16 packs. New through the Winter season. potty Impulse shower gel is on There are three different offer giving pharmacists a parcel options which include PORof30 percent. Cough Elixir and Herb & advice Offers on male toiletries Honey free of charge and Swaddlers have introduced include a pack of six Old providing a profit on return new point of sale material Spice Sensitive aftershave of up to 50.3 per cent. for their Ultra Togs nappies. for £12.61 and a pack of 12 In addition, there is a A colourful wheel in Insignia Olympian special deal on Weleda's wipeable card has been deodorant for £9.44. range of homoeopathic created, giving useful tips on

Savlon is also on offer, medicines for Winter ills. teething problems, sleepless giving pharmacists a POR of Discounts achieve from 43 nights, potty training, nappy per cent to 53 per cent POR. sizing and innoculations. Tixylix 35 per cent. A pack of 12 dry skin creams is available Any customer ordering the And proud parents can at £9.84. full range of 20 medicines send off for a Prof Togs Unichem are offering will receive an extra 10 per Potty Training Diploma cases of Strepsils (24s) at cent discount and an extra certificate when baby has £20.05 and cases of Karvol free display outer. Weleda crossed that hurdle! (10s) at £10.44. Unichem. (UK) Ltd. Tel: 0602 Swaddlers Ltd. Tel: 091 Tel: 081-391 2323. 303151. 482 5566.

744 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 99 IwlARKET Leader

Since its OTC launch, Nicorette has already more than quadrupled * the size of the pharmacy smoking cessation market

What's more, with over 80% of sales, Nicorette now out-sells its * nearest rival by 8 : 1

Further massive advertising is planned soon to promote even greater sales through your pharmacy.

Make sure you've sufficient stocks to meet your customers' needs. Order now from

your wholesaler, or contact your local Lundbeck OTC representative.

Your No.1 Choice In Smoking Cessation

Lundbeck House, Hastings Street, LUTON, Bedfordshire LU1 5BE

* Nielsen: July/August 1991 (£) Our company, Young Nutrition, will be new to you. Independent research has shown that First

Our ready-to-feed babymilks are certainly break- considered by mothers to be superior to either of

ing new ground. . two leading ready-to-feed infant milks. Despite bra

loyalty, 5?% of them said they would use First inste

Before we establish our credentials, we'll introduce of their current brand. you to First, our infant milk for babies from birth Our expertise in UHT technology is inherit onwards. And Forward, our follow-on milk for babies from our parent company, Valio. They are wo from 6 months. leaders in this field and have pioneered UHT bcj

One glance and you'll see how different they are. milks since 1973. v Our UHT ready -to -feeds are whiter and look like real milk. Which is only natural as we have the At Young Nutrition, we believe in a research shortest heating time of any UHT RTF manufacturer. approach. And have used extensive medical e

The other benefits are equally innovative. First consumer research to develop our products. and Forward taste fresher and smell lighter, less sickly Now we're committed to building the RTF cH than the competitors. They're less processed and follow-on milk markets. These are the two fast contain no artificial additives. growing sectors. )

(

(

They offer great potential in terms of volume, Young Nutrition babymilks are distributed by ate of sale and profit to the forward thinking Britannia Health Products. etailer. For more details contact Andrew Crumpton on

073? 773741 or Young Nutrition Ltd, Forum House, i ' We're also supporting our milks with heavy- Brighton Road, Redhill, RH1 6YS. weight marketing campaigns to health professionals nd consumers.

The benefits of First and Forward

'ill ensure they're bought for regular Infant Milk ther than occasional use. As . ready-to-feed milks, they are

tune with the needs of todays

others. And are definitely a natural Young Nutrition ep forward. H

Breastmilk is best for babies. Infant milk is intended to replace or supplement breastmilk when mothers do not breastfeed. The cost of infant milk should be considered and professional advice sought on all matters of infant feeding. Calpol* Extra Tablets Product Information administered in any 24-hour period; do not repeat Extra are rare in therapeutic doses. Paracetamol has Presentation: Each pink tablet contains 500mg dose more frequently than 4- hourly. been widely used and reports of adverse reactions are Paracetamol BP, 5mg Codeine Phosphate BP and Contra-indications, warnings, etc rare, and are generally associated with overdosage. lOmg Caffeine BP. Contra-indications: Hypersensitivity to any of the Codeine may sometimes cause constipation on Uses: For the relief of pain and feverishness, associ- constituents. chronic usage. ated with headaches, colds and influenza, toothache, Precautions: Use with caution in the presence of R.S.P. £1.14 for Pack of 12 Tablets, £2.04 for Pack of period pains and rheumatic pains. renal or hepatic dysfunction. No data are available 24 Tablets.

Dosage and administration on the use of Calpol Extra tablets in pregnancy and Legal Category: CD (Sch 5), P. Adults and children over 12 years: 2 tablets up to lactation. Further Information: Available on four times daily. Not more than 4 doses should be Side and adverse effects: Side-effects with Calpol request. -trade mark Wellcome Extra, Extra,

read all about it.

For years parents have away pain associated with

trusted Calpol to give fast relief headaches, colds, influenza, from aches, pains and fevers. toothaches, period pains and Now Wellcome offer that rheumatic pains.

same effective pain relief for So, the next time you're adults, with new Calpol Extra. asked for fast, effective pain Each tablet contains para- relief recommend new Calpol cetamol and codeine, both Extra for adults.

highly efficient analgesics After all, you've been

which work quickly to soothe trusting Calpol for years.

Calpol Extra for Adults for fast, effective pain relief. Hypo- Gillette relaunch foams allergenic with improved formula haircare Crimpers is a new haircare

range with a difference — it Gillette have relaunched claims to be hypo-allergenic. their shaving foam range Developed by a with new packaging and trichologist, Crimpers Pure formulations. improved is aimed at consumers with The new formulation is sensitive skin and scalp. The said to give a richer, products contain no creamier lather, resulting in perfume, colorants, a smoother, closer shave. preservatives, chlorine, carried out Research by artificial thickeners and Gillette revealed that 59 per foamers or pearlisers, says cent of those surveyed said the company. None of the they preferred the new ingredients are tested on formula foam to a rival animals. per cent brand and 56 The range comprises five preferred it to the old products: frequent wash formulation. shampooo (250ml £2.25), The packaging has been shampoo for dry and redesigned with colour damaged hair (250ml the four coding to identify £2.25), conditioner for dry variants and bolder and damaged hair (250ml graphics. The new colour £2.35), intensive codes are: regular, red; conditioning treatment lime, green; sensitive, lemon (200g£3.50) and gentle hair moisturising, burgundy; spray (200ml £2.95). blue. All variants will retail The range has been at £1.09 each. approved by BUAV, the The relaunch will be Eczema Society and Action supported by a Press Against Allergy. Crimpers Tel: Promotion Cheer from Sangers in campaign. Gillette UK. Pure Products Ltd. Tel: 081-560 1234. for Kodak promotion 071-794 2949. Salveau The third stage of the Valpolicella with a silver Milupa Sangers' Kodak wine tour plated wine bottle sleeve. Instant Analysis are promotion features Tuscany. There is also the option Sponge campaign promoting their recently Retailers ordering 60 to save up points towards launched herbal antiseptic rolls of Kodak film win a other prizes. And there is additions on TV Salveau. bottle of Chianti plus novelty the chance to win a weekend The product will be duck wine stoppers. A 120 break for two. Retailers who at Spontex Milupa are on television offered to the trade at 15 for roll order qualifies the take part in all three parts of Spontex are adding three again this Autumn, the price of 12 bottles retailer for three bottles of the competition are also new sponges to their range. repeating the "enormously until December 31. Frascasti in a presentation entered into a free draw for a (£15.35) The massage sponge successful" campaign first A 50ml bottle retails at box and a wine rack, while holiday for two in California. features a skin toning launched last Spring. £1.95. Instant Analysis. those who order 180 rolls of Sangers Photographic. surface on one side and The company's research Tel: 061-721 4418. film can expect six bottles of Tel: 021-523 4471. natural cotton on the other. shows the commercial was It comes in five colours and effective in reaching its is packed in a drawstring target audience; even together for profit — the bag (£3.99). For an mothers not already Working introductory period it will committed to the brand said contain a free sachet of pot they would consider buying new Vitalia campaign pourri. it. Working together for profit The posters encourage Pattni the Pradip says The cosmetic sponges which The commercial, is the theme of a nationwide consumers to compare company is investing are circular and come in five emphasises Milupa's natural advertising campaign brands, prices and quality £500,000 in the campaign, colours (£0.89). wholesome ingredients, launched by Vitalia. before purchase, and to ask its biggest investment to Make-up sponges come balanced nourishment, and The major thrust of the their pharmacist for advice date. The company's fleet of in packs of five, each the wide variety of tastes in campaign is in the capital on multivitamins. cars have carried the slogan containing two fine textured all mealtimes, has been with London Transport For the trade larger than "To hell with the recession" pink sponges for make-up updated to include the new tubes and buses carrying usual discounts will be It for several months. has application and three open Milupa infant food packs posters with the theme "Get available on Vitalia's been amended to read now textured sponges for make- launched this Autumn. up and go with Vitalia". products during the "To hell with the recession. up removal. They retail at The£l million campaign Window posters on the same promotion period which with Get up and go Vitalia". £2.25 each. Spontex. Tel: runs until the end of theme are being distributed runs until next Spring. Vitalia Ltd. Tel: 0442 0792 475544. November on TV-am and to pharmacies nationally. Vitalia managing director 231155. during the day in Ulster and Yorkshire. It targets mothers with children under Painting three years of age, each of Get Up and GO with VITALIA! whom will see the Compare our Multivitamins commercial 4.5 times. faces YITAIIA VALUE Milupa say: expect IS BETTER Fields have introduced "We BETTER FORMULATION Tom to see a significant increase HIGHEST QUALITY a range of face paints. in sales following the new Compare also with Boots Company The set, launched under TV campaign and new packs own label Multivitamins anil YOU.H the Tinkerbell brand name, whether VITALIA IS BETTER VALUE launch. We are supporting contains 30 units in 12 It s YOUR CHOICE' the campaign with Press different colours, a model advertising, a direct face to practice on, marketing and sampling Vitamins s Vital s VITALIA , applicators, stencils, Kt*01^ programme, new literature the natural choice \l JA** instruction booklet and a and MULTIVITAMINS WITH a comprehensive PR \ VITALIA MINERALS clown nose. The set retails ' Vitamins and Minerals are Essential al all ages to maintain Physical and Mental Health A Multivitamin supplement is a valuable i safeguarding against a deficiency. (programme." Milupa Ltd. ASK YOUR PHARMACiST FOR EXPERT ADVICE ON VITAMINS at £9.99. Tom Fields UK Tel: 081-573 9966. Ltd. Tel: 0303 850040.

Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 749 Milupa I^° Now, to S. for mums pF even easier Mums are very important to us at Milupa. So, when they told us what they wanted from the dry babyfood brand leader, we listened. We re- designed our packs to suit them.

We've made them easier to recognise on shelf, with a clearer identification of the variety, starting age and the mealtime. This helps you display them correctly and allows mums to choose the right meal for their baby.

And we've used more appetising photography of the ingredients and distinctive pack colours to give them greater impact and appeal.

Take a good look at our new packs before they disappear off your shelves.

With our £5 million support programme, including a second burst on TV this Autumn, you're sure to see a lot more of our mums.

So be prepared and pick up extra stocks of

Milupa Infant Foods now. milupa INFANT FOODS • Carefully balanced meals for your baby.

See your representative or ring our Sales Department on 08 1-573 9966. Milupa Ltd, Milupa House, Uxbridge Road, Hillingdon, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB10 ONE. For mums-to be chemists. The "Still working" retailers benefit from the TV campaign will continue to sponsorship. Kodak. Comfitum is a new seat belt Christmas and into next year Tel: 0442 61122. accessory which protects the and trial sizes are currendy unborn baby or patients Hi available from wholesalers. -Tech Tudor convalescing after stomach Colgate Palmolive Ltd. Tel: Tudor Photographic are operations. It b designed to 0483 302222. introducing Hi-Tech alkaline ensure that, in the event of an and zinc chloride batteries to accident, the seat belt look Turns New their range. The batteries are restrains the wearer across the Smithkline Beecham have said to offer extra long life and pelvis and not over the repackaged their Setlers Turns high performance. Tudor stomach. It retails at about with bolder graphics and a Photographic. Tel: £20. Electrolux Klippan. larger tamper-evident seal. 081-450 8066. Tel: 0228 35544. The 36 pack has also been Manilow Magic Seasonal gift changed from cellowrap to With the growth in the number of mothers returning to carton format to facilitate Elida Gibbs are sponsoring a Gerard House have an work, Farleys are targeting this group with an information merchandising. A television series of Barry Manilow unusual gift pack for pack entitled "Back to work". It contains three booklets campaign is planned. concerts, to promote Sunsilk. Christmas — a dark green box which cover feeding options for working mums; childcare Smithkline Beecham Health Promotions staff will be giving containing the essential oils of facilities; and aspects of how the return to work might affect Care. Tel: 081-560 5151. away cans of hairspray and the frankincense and myrrh (10ml mothers, both physically and emotionally. Farley's "Back to brand name will be featured in each). The pack retails at Rhymers launch work" pack is available to consumers on request from the programme and on £14.50. Gerard House Ltd. Farleys. Crookes Healthcare. Tel: 0602 507431. Thomas Cork SM Ltd, who banners. Elida Gibbs. Tel: Tel: 0202 434116. make the Rhymers range of 071-486 1200. Volcalzone sold baby products, have appointed SMI Ltd to handle the launch Lipcote offer Inphormed have purchased Classy legs from into the chemist sector. SMI Larkhall Natural Health have Vocalzone throat pastilles Ltd. Tel: 0562 825100. teamed up with Unichem to from English Grains. The introduce a new Lipcote Couture hosiery pricing structure and pack will AAH discounts merchandiser. Throughout remain unchanged, say Couture Designer Hosiery Fez sheer 10 denier AAH Pharmaceuticals are November stockists will be Inphormed. Tel: 0962 have introduced four new tights feature an offering discounts on offered the new merchandiser, 878811. designs for the party season. embroidered gold motif at compression hosiery and with 24 x 7ml packs of Alhambra is an opaque the ankle. They come in Actibrush catheters throughout Lipcote, at the price of tight with a lacy legging black in one size (£3.50). November. Customers will £24.09. All pharmacists will be Colgate Palmolive claim that, effect at the ankle. It comes New Peacock 10 denier receive a 17.5 per cent able to order the having reached number one in discount on trade prices of merchandiser from December. in amethyst and black in tights have a silver spray the mouthwash market, Lastosheer compression Larkhall Natural Health. three sizes (£4.99). Deco 10 pattern on the ankle. They Actibrush has also achieved hosiery and 1 5 per cent of Tel: 0223 421820. denier tights sport a 30s come in black in one size leadership in the pharmacy Pennine Nelaton catheters. black and silver design at the (£3.99). Couture sector. The company says that Inhaler offer AAH Pharmaceuticals. Tel: ankle. They come in black in Marketing Ltd. Tel: 0788 in the 12 weeks to September 0928 717070. Clearway Products are one size (£3.99). 823169. 29, Actibrush achieved a 24.8 running a special offer on per cent share in independent Olympic coup their Clearway inhaler until Kodak Xtralife and Photolife the end of November. Numark Winter offers batteries have been named the Retailers will be offered ten official batteries of the 1992 inhalers for the price of nine Numark December offers toothpaste three for two Vantage Olympic Games. Kodak are plus free point of sale planning series of material. Clearway Products include Bodyform regular (£1.25). With every case of a promotional activities to help Ltd. Tel: 0945 475005. 10s (£0.95). Harmony Wilkinson Sword blades hosiery hairspray 200ml plus 25ml ordered, members will free (£0.99). Polyfoam perm receive a free case of Profile discounts and Signal (£3.75) razors. AAH Pharmaceuticals are A £ 1 50 order of Nucross offering discounts on their surgical dressings secures a new children's tights range. On TV Next Week reproduction antique 19th Designed to coincide century clock. Also available with the launch of junior will be Numark's new Vantage hosiery, members GTV Grampian C4 Channel 4 TV-am Breakfast advanced film in four need to order ten or more B Border U Ulster Television formats: 110-24, 135-24, outers of any combination of BSB British Sky G Granada STV Scotland (central) 135-36 100ISO and 135-24 childrens tights to qualify for Broadcasting A Anglia V Yorkshire 200ISO. Central South Wales West Numark a 1 5 per cent discount,. C TSW West HTV & CTV Channel Islands TTV Thames Television TVS South Management Ltd. Tel: Eight orders will qualify for a LWT London Weekend TT Tyne Tees 0827 69269. 12.5 per cent discount. AAH Pharmaceuticals. Brylcreem Scnsus: Tel: 0928 717070. cm Free Colgate, Actibrush: All area! Colgate, Great Regular Flavour: All areal

cosmetics Soft to the Cream Silk: All areas except TV-an A new Press advertising campaign for Robitussin from touch... Dimension: All area breaks next month Healthcraft nutritional supplements: C,TV5 featuring various family Lentheric The new Fenjal Press pets showing how the advertising campaign invites Hero aftershave: All areas except TV-an different cough remedies Lentheric are giving away readers to "Feel the keep their owners on the go! free products to consumers difference". Kvomi: All areas except TV-an The £440,000 campaign throughout November and £500,000 campaign, The Lynx roll-on: All areas will run in women's December. which will appear in magazines throughout the Special clip-off coupons November and December Minadex: TV-an Winter. Point sale of offering free cosmetics will issues of women's Nurofen and Nurofen Soluble: All area material is available and be featured in a Press magazines, comprises four includes window showcards, campaign in the Daily Mail, pages to demonstrate the Orbit and Orbit Extra: A,TSW,LWT,TT\ counter display units and Mail on Sunday, Hello and "before and after" effects of shelf talkers as well as Radian B Mineral Bath C Visage. Consumers will Fenjal on skin. The first two consumer leaflets. An receive one product from pages are sheets of roughly Sanatogen: All area assistants' competition is the Lentheric cosmetic textured paper, while the also planned offering gift Seven Seas Pure Cod Liver Oil: All area vouchers for the Burton range worth up to £2.99 free third and fourth are smooth Group. Whitehall in exchange for the coupon. and glossy. Smithkline Slim Fast: All areas except C4 & TV-an Laboratories. Tel: 071-636 Lentheric Morny. Tel: Beecham Personal Care. Timotei shampoo: All areas except CTV,Y,TVS & CI 8080. 0276 62181. Tel: 081-560 5151.

752 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN 56 DAYS

Colgate Actibrush has become the No. 1 UK

mouthrinse after only eight weeks* and is

still increasing its lead over

the competition.

Its rapid rise

to the top has

expanded this

dynamic market

\ \ -al- already one of the \^ fastestfas growing in

toiletries.

With continuous TV from now until

e end of '91, and a £5m TV spend

planned for '92, Colgate Actibrush will

continue to drive the mouthrinse market.

So recommend Colgate Actibrush to your customers as

part of their daily oral care routine. And splash out and give

it plenty of space.

YOU'RE SELLING THE WORLD'S LEADING NAME IN ORAL CARE.

'Source: AGB 4 weeks to 1/9/91 UniChem pic, UniChem House, Cox Lane, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1SN. Tel: 081-391 2323. Dispensed free to every UniChem chemist

As well as our exciting new monthly offers, don't forget we can

also supply a long list of sundries, surgical products and electrical

goods at discount prices.

There's also a very healthy profit to be made from our wide

range of own brand products. Not to mention the many products

from our Simple Solutions catalogue, for the special needs of your

elderly and disabled customers.

And remember, we're also sole UK distributors for EverReady,

Pharmaton, Freshtex and One Touch.

Not only do we get all these goods to you in record time via

our nationwide delivery network, we also help you sell them.

Whenever we run a national consumer promotion, for example,

you enjoy the spin-off. Whilst our teams of trained merchandisers,

shopfitting experts and pharmacy marketing specialists are all on

hand to show you how to pull in even more customers.

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/y€#J ANISEED FLAVOUR ALGICON magnesium alginate, aluminium hydroxide/magnesium carbonate co-gel, magnesium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate LOW SODIUM ANTACID WITH

i FLOATING BARRIER PROTECTION

I Prescribing information Presentation Tablets: While table! marked with the product name on one side and RORER on reverse Each tablet contains magnesium alginate 500mg aluminium hydroxide/magnesium carbonate co-gel 360mg. Magnesium Carbonate BP 320mg. Potassium Bicarbonate USP tOOmg Other ingredients include sucrose Suspensions: A white suspension with odour and taste of aniseed a cream suspension with odour and taste o( mini Each 5ml contains magnesium alginate 250mg. aluminium hydroxide/magnesium carbonate co-gel 1 40mg. Magnesium Carbonate BP 1 75mg. Potassium Bicarbonate USP 50mg Other ingredients include parabens Uses For the relief of heartburn associated with gastnc reflux reflux oesophagitis hiatus hernia, pregnancy and hyperacidity Dosage and Administration For oral administration Tablets Adult dose: Chew 1 or 2 tablets four limes a day or as directed by a physician Tablets should be taken after meals and at bedtime or as needed Suspension 1 0 to 20ml four limes a day or as directed by a physician The suspension should be taken after meals and at bedtime or as needed The bottle should be shaken well before use Children: Not recommended for children under 1 2 years Elderly: No special precautions required Contra-indications. Warnings, etc There are no specific contra- indications to Aigicon but the product should not be administered to patients who are severely debilitated or suffering from kidney disease or to patients who are currently taking an antibiodc drug containing tetracycline

Due to the high sugar content of the tablets, care should be exercised in the treatment of diabetic patients with this dosage presentation Use in Pregnancy: fl is probably wise to avoid taking preparations containing antacids in the first trimester of pregnancy Overdosage: In overdose abdominal distension is the most likely occurrence and appropriate conservative measures should be taken Pharmaceutical Precautions Tablets: Store in a cool, dry place Suspension: Mix well before use Oo not freeze Legal Category P. Package Quantities Tablets: Canons containing 60 bhsler-packed tablets Further information is available on Suspension: Bottles containing 500mt of suspension Basic NHS Cost: 60 tablets C2 40 500ml suspension £2 60 Further information The product contains an alginate combined que r0m i? Wl,n an antacid which on reaction with the gastric contents of the forms an insoluble gel-like layer above the stomach contents which impedes reflux and provides a I ^ ^! stomach, "orer Pharmaceuticalsh rorer demulcent action The product has a low sodium content of less than lOmg per tablet, and less than 10mg per 10ml of suspension Product Licence Numbers Tablets PL 5272 0010 Eastbourne. Suspension PL 5272-0009 Suspension Aniseed Flavour PL 5272 0053 Date of Preparation: October 1988 Amended: January 1991 East Sussex. BN21 3YG P3021 .

NPA renews call for CRCs on liquids

The National Pharmaceutical contravenes the NHS Terms of tests The Society's proposal to on the proposed merger between Association is to write to the Royal Service in Scotland. introduce voluntary accreditation Macarthy and Lloyds Chemists. Pharmaceutical Society to draw Boots contravene RPM Board for pharmacists offering cholesterol Building societies and PMI The renewed attention to the problem of members applauded the testing was endorsed by the Board. Boad was concerned to hear from child-resistant closures for liquid Proprietary Articles Trade NPA logo NPA members can use John Hart, manager of Pharmacy medicine containers. Association for informing Boots the redesigned NPA logo on their Mutual Insurance, about fresh

At its October meeting, the that their joint promotion with letter heads, the Board decided. attempts by some building societies Board was saddened to learn of the British Rail, offering two Inter City Bromides of the logo will be to restrict borrowers' choice of death of a Liverpool youngster from rail journeys for the price of one available from Mallinson House insurance company by offering methadone overdose (C&D last with goods worth £5, should not Evidence on Lloyds' bid for lower initial interest rates for week). Members felt it was time to extend to medicine sales. They were Macarthy The Board agreed to insuring both the building and press for work to be stepped up on reassured to learn that Boots accept an invitation from the home contents. A protest is to be the development of a CRC for liquid continued to be supportive of RPM Monopolies and Mergers made to the Office of Fair Trading. medicine containers. Accreditation for cholesterol Commission to give oral evidence Book promotion The terms of a Referred prescriptions The special promotion to members in Board expressed concern that while early December of "Health the Prescription Pricing Authority promotion for pharmacists" would accept a pharmacist's compiled by Alison Blenkinsopp endorsement for the strength or and Rhona Panton was approved. quantity of a medicine when omitted 'Baby quiz' video Single cassettes from a prescription, it would not do of the "Baby quiz" video are being so for other omissions, such as the offered to members who wish to size of dressings. view it before ordering the counter Referring these scripts back to display pack, on sale-or-return. the prescriber is an insult to the Needle exchange scheme logo pharmacist's integrity, and an The availability of Manchester City unnecessary inconvenience to the Council's Environmental Health patient the Board felt. PSNC is to be Department window sticker of the urged to continue to try to remedy nationally accepted syringe/needle the situation. exchange scheme logo is to be Action pack NPA director Tim publicised. Astill says the action pack on repeat New branch secretary Les Congratulations to Elaine Curtis of A.C. Ferguson (Chemists) Ltd, Cradley prescription collection services is Cunliffe has been appointed as Heath: she has won March's Merrell Dow prize for producing the best "fully above board". He does not secretary "task sheets" in the NPA's medicine counter assistants training course. of the NPA's Dorset accept the view expressed by the Lynne was presented with a framed certificate by NPA Board member Branch. The retiring secretary Pharmaceutical General Council David Thomas. She also received a £20 gift voucher from Philip Roome Peter Clarke has agreed to serve for that the use of such material (right) on behalf of Merrell Dow. Pharmacist Alastair Ferguson (left) looks on a year as branch chairman.

^3^ CLOSE TO THE HEART OF k HDB1B INDEPENDENT PHARMACY > the EVENT At the heart of the country,

INTERNATIONAL this CONVENTION November, you can learn just how much NUMARK CENTRE BIRMINGHAM MEMBERSHIP has to offer Independent Pharmacy. More than 70 major suppliers will share your Sunday At Home With Numark, including many not at Chemex, and all offering extra special deals for this one day only. GTQ The perfect opportunity to investigate EPoS,

O how it works and what it means to Independent Pharmacy, with 75 a complete working demonstration on display. Step into the NUMARK RETAIL CONCEPT • 3 made tangible, in a full-sized Pharmacy interior embodying the best in Healthcare Retailing. Experience a world class venue first hand, at the new Birmingham International Convention Centre, Broad Street, City Centre, which opened in April. As our guest, you are invited to lunch,

with a choice of hot dishes, including provision for special diets. A presentation of NUMARK's future plans by Chairman, Douglas Low, Managing Director, Terry Norris, who will strike the keynote for the day, plus other speakers. A comprehensive programme of product and service workshops runs throughout the day. Refreshments are available all day, as well as goodies' for the children and creche facilities. Everything has been done to help you enjoy "Sunday At Home With NUMARK" 9am - 6pm 3rd November 1991. Telephone 0827 69269 For your Invitation and Info Pack

We will be happy to advise on accommodation for guests wishing to make it a weekend visit to the big hearted Midlands, with its many local attractions. Enquiries about this, any preferences in diet and other queries can be addressed to:

TREVOR DAVIES (Marketing Manager), Numark Management Ltd , Numark House, 5/6 Fairway Court, Amber Close, Tamworth Business Park, Tamworth, Staffs. B77 4RP. .

PSNI retention fee up to £90 for 1992

The retention fees for the discuss EC matters in detail. Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Council agreed that Professor Ireland are to rise to £90 for full P.F.D'Arcy should continue to be members from next year. Fees for the Society's representative on the members aged 65-70 and those Council of the Commonwealth resident outside the Province rise to Pharmaceutical Association. £40 and those for members over 70 The application of Miss Annette Relaxing after the Ulster Chemists Association dinner, held last Saturday to £15. Jamieson Loughins, 64 Kensington at the Culloden Hotel, Belfast are (left to right) Mr T. O'Rourke, secretary At the meeting of the Society's Road, Belfast BT5, for restoration of the PCC, UCA president Verus Reaney, Mr Harry Boyd, Mr Ronnie Council on October 17 Robin to the Pharmaceutical Register in McMullan, Central Services Agency, and Numark managing director Terry Holliday was re-elected president, Northern Ireland was granted. Norris. Numark, along with Sangers (NI) and Evans Kerfoot, were the main having been proposed by Ronnie The company of Cleaver, Fulton sponsors of the event, which was attended by some 180 people McMullan. On taking the chair for & Rankin were re-appointed as the his second term he thanked the Society's solicitors. Council for their continued Dr T.A. Maguire reported on confidence. recent meetings held by the Dr William Woodside was re- Education Committee. Matters elected as vice-president, and Mr discussed were: R.G. Dillon as treasurer. Mr Samuel • Recent developments in the Simpson was elected to the General Postgraduate Pharmacy Education Purposes Committee. The and Training Commitee (PPET) president informed Council that any which has taken over from the Post- names proposed for co-option to Qualification Education and Council should be accompanied by Training (PQET). a letter from the nominee that they • The preparation of a training would be willing to act on Council. manual for preregistration students The president reported the which will be available to those who death of Mr Gerry MacManus who will be commencing their training in had been a pharmacist in the Mater 1992.

Hospital, Belfast for many years and A president's "At-Home" is to On October 4 the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern extended the sympathy of the be held for preregistration students Ireland held a dinner at Stormont Hotel, Belfast for Mr Joe Cahill to mark Council to his family. on November in the Society's 6 his retirement as registrar and secretary from the Pharmaceutical Society The president, vice-president, House, 73 University Street, with of Ireland. Mr Cahill (left) was presented with a television set by PSNI Dr M.G. Scott, Mr J. Kerr and Dr the title "Ethical & Moral tesues in president Robin Holliday, while his wife Anne (right) received a brooch. J.D.G. O'Hare met on October 24 to Pharmacy Practice". Also pictured is Mrs Charlotte Holliday

"CHWi"

Oxybutynin hydrochloride

0) Tried And Tested In Use For 3 Over 15 Years 1

further information z For CP contact the Medical Information Officer on 0800 289912 T3 IT SMITH & NEPHEW PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. Bampton Road, Harold Hill, Romford, Essex RM3 8SL. a

Reference 1 First Licensed in USA July 1975. Ditropan* is a registered Trade Mark.

758 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1991 COMPARED WITH

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ESPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T Limited period RSP £4.99, trade margin 46% - normally £6.65, trade margin 41. 7%. Distributed by A. Nelson & Co. Ltd. TOLERATE PHARMACEUTICALLY PREPARED IRON. 2, , I Pharmacyupdate Ulcer treatments Peptic ulcer can be a chronic disease which needs life- long treatment. C&D outlines the latest approaches to treatment

Peptic ulcer disease is now regarded as a chronic relapsing disorder. Although ulcers are easily healed, the big problem is that they keep recurring, and gastro-enterologists are coming round to the idea that ulcer disease should be regarded as a case for long-term treatment in the same way as diabetes and hypertension. Some experts believe that the bacterium, Helicobacter pylori, is a major contributing factorto duodenal ulcer and that if you eliminate the infection you eliminate the need Multiple gastric ulcers for expensive long-term

maintenance with H , receptor than 50 years should arouse enterologist for advice on infection develop ulcers and antagonists. suspicion, particularly if the pain management and follow-up. evidence is emerging that some Either way, peptic ulcer lasts more than 14 days, and is strains are more likely to cause disease is a potentially life- accompanied by nausea, Maintenance ulcers than others. H. pylorican threatening condition whose vomiting and weight loss. be identified by microscopic

seriousness is generally The management plan cites H , examination of biopsies taken underestimated. Every year Initial mangement receptor antagonists as the during endoscopy and by the more than 4,500 people in mainstay of long term urea breath test in which the Britain die from complications Duodenal ulcer The standard treatment because they patient swallows a small dose of such as bleeding and initial therapy is four to eight effectively reduce the incidence non-radioactive carbon-labelled perforation — as many as are weeks treatment with an H of relapse and complications urea; the bacterium readily killed on the roads. receptor antgonist, after which and have an excellent long term splits the urea and the resulting The need for a standard 80-90 per cent are healed. safety profile. In general, carbon dioxide is measured in approach to treatment Alternative treatments are maintenance studies have the expired air. persuaded last year's World colloidal bismuth or sucralfate shown that the various H H. pylorican be eradicated Congress of Gastro-enterology for a similar length of time. receptor antagonists are equally by a combination of bismuth in Sydney to agree on a Those ulcers that fail to heal effective in preventing compounds and antibiotics, and concensus "Management plan in this time can be treated for a recurrence. this regimen has been found to for peptic ulcer disease." further month, the dose of the To encourage compliance, reduce the relapse rate for

It was decided that patients H , receptor antagonist patients should be warned that duodenal ulcer from 80 to 20 under 40 with a first attack of increased, or a different healing their condition is potentially per cent or less in one year. peptic ulcer symptoms could be agent tried. serious unless they are careful to A working party of the given a four-week course of an About 80 per cent of patients take their medication regularly World Congresses of Gastro- H, receptor antagonist or with healed duodenal ulcers and avoid contributory factors enterology in Sydney antacid without the condition relapse. Maintenance therapy such as smoking and over the recommended that this

being diagnosed by endoscopy. with a low dose H 2 receptor counter non-steroidal anti- approach should be considered If symptoms disappeared, all antagonist, given every night, is inflammatory drugs. when a duodenal ulcer is H.

well and good, and the patient recommended for at least 1 pylori relaxed and there is no — It is with self-limiting, acute months or even for a lifetime. H. pylori history of NSAID therapy. dyspepsia would have been The duration of treatment not generally indicated in spared unnecessary depends on the clinician's Recent research has suggested patients with mild disease which investigations. Those patients assessment of the risk of that duodenal ulcers may be can be easily managed with relapsing could then be referred recurrence and how dangerous due to infection with intermittent therapy. to a gastro-enterologist so that that might be, for example, Helicobacter pylori (once The favoured regimen is two thediagnosiscould be recurrence would be particularly thought to be a week's treatment with colloidal confirmed by endoscopy before undesirable in elderly, infirm Campylobacter), which is bismuth subcitrate or bismuth

giving a further course of H , patients or those on long term present in over 90 per cent of subsalicylate (one tablet four receptor antagonist. anticoagulants. patients with duodenal ulcer times daily) plus tetracycline Although physicians are Gastric ulcer Although gastric and about 70 per cent with hydrochloride or amoxycillin advised to exclude malignancy ulcers have a lower recurrence gastric ulcer. (500mg four times daily) and before prescribing ulcer-healing rate (about 42 per cent over two It is found in the gastric metronidazole (400mg three agents, the risk of delaying years) they are associated with a mucosa which protects it from times daily). Metronidazole diagnosis of a possible cancer higher risk of complications such attack by stomach acid. Its exact should not be used alone as was thought to be insignificant as bleeding or perforation. The role in causing duodenal ulcers resistance can occur. inthis younger agegroup. Buta mangement plan recommends is unclear and it is also uncertain The working party did not history of recent onset of that they should always initially how the infection is acquired. recommend triple therapy for indigestion in a patient older be referred to a gastro- Not all patients with the patients with non-ulcer

760 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 , ,

dyspepsia, gastric ulcer or adverse effects similar to the symptoms of the underlying coffee or on cereals. Antacids NSAID-induced ulcertation. ranitidine. disease. There was some initial should not be taken half an Bismuth compounds alone Gynaecomastia and concern about development of hour before or after a dose. would be acceptable for these galactorrhoea have occured in carcinoids in the acid-secreting Sucralfate patients, although some gastro- males taking high doses of cells of rats, but this was found Sucralfate (Antepsin) is a enterologists are prepared to cimetidine for long periods and not to be caused by the drug but complex of aluminium prescribe triple therapy in a few reports have suggested by the reduction of acid, and hydroxide and sulphated Helicobacter positive gastric ranitidine may have this effect. does not occur in humans. sucrose but has minimal antacid ulcer or non-ulcer dyspepsia in There have also been rare Interactions Enhances the properties. It may act by binding which the patient relapses reports of impotence with effects of warfarin and to the ulcer and protecting the frequently and has a good cimetidine. Mental confusion is phenytoin. mucosa from acid-pepsin attack. symptomatic response to another uncommon side-effect It also promotes local synthesis 3. Selective of prostaglandin E , which bismuth compounds alone. with H : receptor antagonists. One of the major problems is Interactions Cimetidine binds to antimuscarinics enhances mucosal defence adverse effects from the the liver P450 microsomal Pirenzepine (Gastrozepin) mechanisms. It is given for up to antibiotics, which means that enzyme system and so retards inhibits gastric acid and pepsin six weeks. triple therapy is not generally the breakdown of drugs secretion. It is as effective as H Precautions Renal disease. considered a first line treatment normally metabolised by this receptor antagonists in healing Side-effects Constipation, but tends to be preferred for route, leading to increased gastric and duodenal ulcer, and diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion, those patients with frequent plasma concentrations. The can be used in conjunction with dry mouth, rash, pruritus, back relapse. It is also fairly most clinically important effects these agents in resistant cases. It pain, dizziness, insomnia and cumbersome and compliance vertigo. Some aluminium may might be a problem. be absorbed, which might Early clinical studies using complicate long-term use. omeprazole and antibiotic Drug interactions Reduces combinations are showing absorption of warfarin, promising results in the phenytoin, ciprofloxacin, eradication of H. pylori, norfloxacin, ofloxacin and although the usefulness of this tetracycline. regimen will not be known for a Counselling point Antacids couple of years. Omeprazole should not be taken within half alone does not eradicate the an hour before or after a dose. bacterium. 5. Liquorice derivatives Othertrials are looking at Carbenoxolone (Biogastrone, the use of H, receptor Duogastrone) may act by anatagonists with antibiotics. protecting the mucosal barrier from acid-pepsin attack and by The drugs used increasing mucin production. Antacids help to promote Although effective, it has fallen healing by reducing acid- out of favour compared with induced damage, but these the newer anti-ulcer agents preparations have already been because it commonly causes covered in depth in previous sodium and water retention and C&D articles. The other drugs hypokalaemia which may used fall into five main exacerbate hypertension, categories — H, receptor oedema, cardiac failure and antagonists, anticholinergics, muscle weakness. agents promoting mucosal Warnings Contra-indicated in defence, prostaglandin hypokalaemia and pregnancy. analogues and proton pump Not recommended in people inhibitors. over 65. Regular monitoring of Healing gastric ulcer (stellate scar) 1. H receptor weight, blood pressure and antagonists electrolytes is recommended. are likely to occur with oral is taken for four to six weeks. Interactions Spironolactone and Four compounds of this type are anticoagulants, phenytoin, Side-effects Occasionally dry amiloride inhibit ulcer healing. available — cimetidine theophylline and intravenous mouth and visual disturbances, Carbenoxolone antagonises the (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid lignocaine, all of which have a agranulocytosis and hypotensive effect of PM), naxotidine (Axid) and fairly narrow therapeutic index. thrombocytopenia. antihypertensives. It increases ranitidine (Zantac). They heal the toxicity of cardiac glycosides gastric and duodenal ulcers by 2. Acid (proton) pump 4. Protective agents if hypokalaemia occurs and reducing gastric acid output as a inhibitors Bismuth compounds results in increased risk of result of blocking histamine Omeprazole (Losec) inhibits Tripotassium dicitrato hypokalaemia with receptors on parietal cells. They gastric acid by blocking the bismuthate (De-nol) has a acetazolamide, thiazides and are effective but relapse is hydrogen-potassium adenosine healing rate comparable to H loop diuretics. common when treatment triphosphatase enzyme system receptor antagonists after four Deglycyrrhizinised liquorice ceases, so the patient is usually of the gastric parietal cell. It to eight weeks and reduces the (Caved S, Rabro) is free from the managed by further short therefore acts specifically at the relapse rates (see above). side-effects of carbenoxolone courses of treatment or by low final step of acid secretion. Healing may be related to its but is of doubtful efficacy. Long dose maintenance therapy. Healing rates and relief of action against H. pylori, or it term use of Caved S is not The drugs usually produce symptoms are better than with may bind to proteins in the base recommended. relief of symptoms in one or two H antagonists as omeprazole is of ulcers and form a protective 2 6. Prostaglandin weeks and heal 80-90 per cent a more effective anti-secretory coating; it may also stimulate of duodenal ulcers after four to agent. Although in most mucosal bicarbonate secretion. analogues eight weeks. Gastric ulcers may countries the drug is accepted as Warnings Avoid in severe renal Misoprostol (Cytotec) is a take more time but usually over a first line treatment for gastric impairment. synthetic analogue of 80 per cent are healed in eight and duodenal ulcers, the UK Side-effects It may blacken the prostaglandin E1 . It inhibits weeks. Data Sheet says it is indicated tongue and teeth and darken gastric acid secretion and Precautions Renal impairment only for those ulcers thefaeces. Bismuth-containing enhances mucosal defence (which requires dosage unresponsive to conventional antacids are not recommended mechanisms by stimulating reduction), pregnancy and therapy, including those due to for long-term use because production of mucus and breast-feeding. NSAIDs, and that long term absorbed bismuth can be bicarbonate. Side-effects The drugs are well treatment is not recommended. neurotoxic (although this is not Warnings Use with caution tolerated. Most adverse effects However, an announcement a problem with the citrate when hypotension might are rare and readily reversible concerning the terms of the UK complex). precipitate severe on withdrawal of the drug. The licence is expected this month. Counselling points The elixir is complications. Contra-indicated Adverse Drug Reaction Bulletin Warnings Contra-indicated in likely to adhere to food rather in pregnancy or women (April 1991) said that double- pregnancy and breast-feeding. than the ulcer so should be planning pregnancy, as it blind randomised controlled Side-effects Nausea, occasional taken 30 minutes before meals increases uterine tone and trials of short-term treatment headache, diarrhoea, and, on the four times daily contractions. with cimetidine, ranitidine or a constipation, flatulence and dosing schedule, the last dose Side-effects Diarrhoea (so placebo have shown that rashes. In comparative studies, should be two hours after the magnesium-containing antacids unwanted effects were similar the incidence of reported main evening meal. Patients should be avoided), abdominal in the three groups. The more adverse events has been similar should not drink milk during cramps, dyspepsia, flatulence, recently introduced famotidine to those with ranitidine and treatment, although small nausea and vomiting, abnormal and nizatidine are likely to have cimetidine and mainly reflects amounts can be taken in tea or vaginal bleeding.

Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 761 , A working PACT Dr Barry Strickland-Hodge, MRPharmS, director of Medical Information Technology and Training, concludes his three-part series on PACT looking at its practical application

fuller documentation as The previous two articles about pharmacists can use this as a PACT* have concentrated on discussion point perhaps Levels 1 and 2, bringing out the bringing in the use of the problems often associated with "number of days treatment the interpretation of PACT. box". However, it is possible tha- Pharmacists can bring their skills by averaging the numbers and scj into action for the benefit of the producing a shorter document, patient and the general the overall usefulness might practitioner, and by being aware improve. We need to compare of the limitations of PACT, the the PACT and SPA systems in due pharmacist's confidence can be course. much improved when answering The figure also shows the questions. of prescriptions number and the I Those already involved in total costs of treatment. The interpreting PACT data often Level 3 from which the figure

' remark that the initial questions was taken was over 1 00 pages they are asked are basic and show long and referred to one quarter a fundamental misunderstanding only. of the meaning and purpose of the data. Taking aside hidden Discussions agenda, the purpose of PACT is to draw prescribes' attention to the The data shown in Level 2 and 3 cost of drugs. By showing a (Figure 2) can provide the basis practice how they use drugs in for a practice discussion. In particular therapeutic areas, it is various practices around the hoped that prescribing will take country, the community cost into account, contain it and pharmacist is being encouraged eventually reduce it. to be involved in these

Rational prescribing is of discussions which is in line with them into the appropriate BNF paramount importance to Looking at Level 3 the Nuffield Report's chapter, section and subsection. patients. It is the concern of all in recommendations. Confidence Before we consider the If practitioners always prescribe healthcare that an appropriate in the data and its pharmacist's position in this tablets in 30s this will all appear product is given when necessary. interpretation is probably the scheme, it is necessary to look at on one line whereas if they The selected item must be safe most important precursor to the Level 3 PACT data. This full range over a number of different and, all other things being equal, community pharmacist's catalogue of a general prescribing quantities for each the prescriber should ensure that involvement. practitioner's prescribing in a prescription they will be shown the most economical option is The pharmacist must be quarter must be requested and is separately. Figure 1 shows this chosen. In addition, patient aware that both PACT and the arranged numerically by for the cardiac glycosides. Notice acceptance and outcome of prescribing schemes are for chapters as in the British that Level 3 places the treatment needs to be taken into information to GPs. Patients are National Formulary, so that generically written preparations account. Cost, although an to receive exactly what the GP chapter 1, gastro-intestinal first. important aspect of rational considers most appropriate for system precedes chapter 2, the In Figure 1 you can see that prescribing, is not the most them at the time. If the product cardiovascular system, and so on. there is a range of prescription important, and the patient's chosen are expensive this shoulc As the full catalogue can be numbers for digoxin 125mcg, welfare remains the priority. not be the overriding factor in extensive, there is an index for each different number being Following the development of selection or deselection. easy retrieval. recorded on a separate line. PACT, the Department of Health The first thing to note from Following five pages of The Scottish Prescribing introduced both the Indicative the practice is why they are general practice analysis, which Analysis (SPA) system shows an Prescribing Scheme for the considering their prescribing. Is covers such things as cost per average number for each majority of GP practices, and Fund it because the Level 2 was sent 1 ,000 PUs, the analysis takes all preparation which produces a Holding for those who were automatically and they have prescriptions in turn and groups shorter document. I prefer the interested in managing their own decided to see if there are ways budgets and met certain criteria. of rationalisation leading to cos] Table 1 . book collection Both PACT and the prescribing Minimum containment? Or is it to help schemes have had the effect of with the creation of a practice (Adapted from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's list of books which emphasising the importance of formulary? If it is because of the must be available if a pharmacist has a pre-registration student) cost — some say they have taken need for cost-containment, use

cost out of context. It is a well The current editions of: Level 2 first to find the areas of j

fact that bill is known the drugs The British National Formulary major concern particularly high but one thing of has been isolated Drug Tariff special concern is that not enough practice asks attention is paid to low cost Martindale — The Extra Pharmacopoeia therapeutic g practices. full catalogue which is too Medicines, Ethics and Practice Level 2 PACT is sent daunting for the average automatically only to those Patient care in Community Practice practice to use. practices whose total prescribing Data Sheet Compendium (ABPI) On the reverse of Level 1 costs are above certain set there are a number of choices Handbook of Pharmacy Health-Care Diseases and Patient Advice parameters. This implies that it is which can be made for the Level Pharmaceutical Press 1990 these practices that need to make 3 arrangement. Figure 2 shows changes. While agreeing that this Diluent Directories (NPA equivalents) these choices as displayed on

it the Level 1 analysis. Note the may be the case, must also be A Medical Dictionary eg Butterworths possible that low cost practices practice needs to decide if it may need to make changes which New Drugs (2nd edition) 1991 Ed John Feely BMJ wants the analysis as a practice could increase their prescribing Medical Pharmacology at a Glance. M. J. Neal Blackwell Scientific Publications Level 3 or for individual doctors. costs. PACT puts downward As PACT is based on practice Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin pressure on costs but fails to prescribing, it is generally more address the important aspects of Individuals to contact: appropriate to request the

rational prescribing. It is not • Drug information pharmacists either at your local district hospital or at the practice analysis. related to diagnoses, morbidity or Regional Centres. The telephone numbers for these Centres are at the Preparation of Level 3 can outcome of treatment and this beginning of the BNF. take some weeks and so in the

means, therefore, that it is • The NPA Information Department is a very helpful organisation manned by meantime, look at Level 1 and 2 useful only as an educational tool qualified staff who are willing to provide anwers quickly. to see if there are any obvious or as a foundation to prescribing • The RPSGB has a number of departments which may be of relevance. The reasons for high cost. For audit. Law Department for example or the Library. example:

762 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 • What is the level of generic precribing? Prescribing Period GP/Practice Therapeutic Groups • Is the high cost attributable Quarter ended to the number of items Practice or to each item's prescribed Aug '91 Aggregation All Groups Infectons Q cost? May '91 Self Cardiovascular System Respiratory System • Is it the selection of products Feb '91 Musculoskeletal All Other BNF or dosage form? Nov '90 Gastro Intestinal Dressing & • Is it the number of tablets or Aug '90 Central Nervous Appliances length of treatment? Other There are likely to be Preparations different types of discussion points. Any of you who have OP.Signature Dr SAMPLE HIGH-COST 501 077 332467 NE999X been on a course which has handy. There are also many free will be treated 2. Cardiovascular System Figure 1 courses available to community sympathetically. pharmacists which look at the Other individuals might 2.1 Cardiac Glycosides pharmacology of products, and suggest different book lists and Digoxin Qty Rx Nos Cost these should be considered. you may have your own £ As far as PACT is concerned, favourites. This is merely a

the BNF is the most important starting point which I hope will Digoxin Tab 62.5mcg 28 8 0.96 source of information as it not be of help to those pharmacists 30 5 0.65 only contains monographs but who want to improve their Digoxin Tab 125mcg 28 19 1.71 as mentioned before, PACT data confidence to enable them to 30 42 3.78 is arranged in the same way as become more involved in the 36 1 0.11 the BNF. If the BNF changes so prescribing process. 50 1 0.16 does the arrangement of PACT. The above discussion has 56 2 0.36 The Handbook of Pharmacy relied on the practice contacting 60 3 0,57 Healthcare is expensive but it is you. It assumes you already have 100 1 0.31 well worth it. Medical a rapport with the practice and Digoxin Tab 250mcg 28 11 1.32 Pharmacology at a Glance that you are willing to be 30 12 1.56 expects you to remember your involved. For those who are 60 5 1.30 pharmacology and sums up willing but have not been 100 4 1.72 main principles of drug action approached, I suggest you make Lanoxin-125® Tab(0.125mg) 28 1 0.33 and metabolism. Try it from the the positive step when you are Lanoxin-PG® Tab (0.0625mg) 28 7 2.31 library first if you are not sure. ready. Suggest a meeting — 30 1 0.36 New Drugs covers all major describe your interest in PACT 123 17.51 areas of drug handling. and offer assistance. Naturally

In any fast changing area, it you must not suggest an discussed PACT will realise that The same applies if the is essential that journals are "invidious distinction" between there are simple changes which practice has asked you to used. The Drug and pharmacies and/or pharmacist, may cut costs, some points consider a formulary with them. Therapeutics Bulletin can be but if you have attended a which are not so simple and There are hard copy sources ordered at a reduced rate from course on PACT, let the practice those which have a major which it would be sensible to the NPA. As GPs receive this know. clinical input. For example, buy. There are journals which free, it is hoped that suggesting a change from a you will need to subscribe to but representations from the * The other two parts of this coloured branded tablet to a there are also telephone Council of the RPSGB for series were published on April 6 generic tablet of the same numbers which you should keep pharmacists also to receive it and August 10. colour should not cause too many problems for patient or doctor. However, changing from a tablet to a capsule or one capsule to a different coloured capsule just to save money may Taking a closer look not be appropriate when the patient's requirements are put Reading glasses — a valid, profitable, public service or unethical first. In this case, it would be more appropriate to suggest competition with a fellow profession? For those whose views lean prescribing the cheaper product towards the former, C&D takes a look at stocking reading glasses for new patients but leaving existing patients on the original and advising customers branded product. On April 1 , 1 989, an exemption Reading glasses can be In some cases, a GP may from the provisions of the supplied, providing the prescribe a drug which, Opticians Act 1 958 came into following regulations are according to the BNF, is of effect. The result was that an complied with: dubious value, for example a optical or general medical • The spectacle must have two peripheral vasodilator. Many of practitioner's prescription is no single vision lenses of the same these are high cost. It is the GP's longer required for certain positive power, which must not decision, but this type of point "excluded" sales. In other exceed +4.00 dioptres. can help begin a discussion. In words the sale of simple, • The sale must be wholly for table 1 , the book 'New Drugs' is magnifying reading glasses is the purpose of correcting, mentioned; here you will see a not longer restricted to remedying or relieving the slightly different approach to opticians. condition presbyopia. peripheral vasodilators for known as example and you need both This is not the first time this • Sales must not be made to any has been allowed. Reading person underthe of 16 sides of the story. age glasses had been available from years. various outlets until the In addition, the new Sources of legislation was changed in 1958. exemption also adds to the Sales information The recent change, of Optical Appliances Order accompanied by stories in the 1984 with two further In many cases you can see a national Press of "buying glasses conditions: discussion point fairly rapidly. with your fish and chips", • No spectacles can be sold However, there will be those presented a serious dilemma to which include celluloid or cases where a much more pharmacists. cellulose nitrate in their detailed consideration will be The new law effectively manufacture and all must essential. The clinical removed the optical profession's comply with the relevant British requirements you may need are monopoly on the sale and supply standard. beyong the scope of an article of reading glasses and was not • The supplier should ensure describing PACT. Remember, universally popular. However, that spectacles comply with the however, you are not alone. the legislation did bring the UK conditions relating to safety, There are information sources into line with a number of other serviceability and optical available to you, either countries including America, performance. The patient has a individuals or books and Sweden, Canada and New right to redress if the spectacles periodicals. Zealand. are unsatisfactory.

Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 763 Age related AVERAGE ACCOMMODATION test card from a distance of 14 (DIOPTRES) inches. If the customer can see The main beneficiaries of the clearly and feels no strain after change in legislation have been reading the card several times, some 20 million people over the then that particular strength age of 40 years who have not should be correct. If not, the worn glasses before. process should be repeated with

In the normal eye, the range the next strength up. It is also of accommodation, or focusing, important that the frame feels is measured by finding the comfortable and is not too tight: nearest point to the eye at at the temples. which distinct vision is possible. Carronshore Marketing In children, this can be less than International, manufacturers ofl 10cm but with increasing age, Optest, have introduced hardening and flattening of the another variable into the lens occurs and as a result of the selection process. To ensure the accommodation range customer gets the correct gradually recedes (see graph). spectacle for their needs the This condition, called lenses have to be correctly presbyopia, is usually first centred in front of the eyes, noticed as an inability to read they say. Opticians overcome small newspaper print or to this by measuring the distance thread a needle without between the pupils and holding the object at arms accounting for this when the length. 10 20 30 40 50 60 lenses are cut and mounted in There is no cure for AGE (YEARS) the frame. presbyopia and reading glasses Optest have introduced a are basically magnifying lenses Figure 1 To show how the amplitude of system of centration — all held in a spectacle frame. They accommodation varies with age glasses are available in three are an aid to close work and are lens centrations in addition to not intended to take the place colour coded and numbered. Society's advice is that it would six lens powers. The lens comes of prescription glasses. In Because of individual be inappropriate, for security with a test tape with a hole addition, they are of no value variation and the fact that reasons, forthe fitting and sale marking the optical centre of for driving or watching presbyopia is a disorder which of spectacles to take place in the the lens. When customers try television and are not tends to worsen with age it is dispensary. Ideally, they say, a the glasses they can tell whethe recommended for people who important that a range of lens separate room or area should be the centre of the lens lines up have eye defects for which they stengths is offered. Someone set aside for such activities. with the centre of their eye. already wear spectacles. who first purchases reading Pharmacists should advise all Presbyopia affects most glasses at the age of 45 is likely Choosing correctly customers, particularly the people at some time after the to need a lower strength than elderly, to have regular sight age of 40. Therefore the UK has they will at 65. Manufacturers recommend that checks. Anyone purchasing a base of 24.8 million potential The display of reading a person choosing reading reading glasses who appears to customers. Even considering glasses is particularly important. glasses for the first time should be significantly under the age o that just under a half of these A dirty, poorly positioned stand start with the weakest strength 40 should be referred to their will already wear some form of with strengths and styles and then attempt to read the optician. corrective eyewear, the missing may discourage sales potential consumer population and illustrate a lack of is over 12 million people. professionalism in the approach Ethical concerns Studies from Sweden and to selling the product. Pharmacists who choose not to stock reading glasses may do so for America show that purchasers The majority of a number of reasons including the ethical concern of not competing of reading glasses own, on manufacturers supply their with another profession. pairs — pair for average, 2.4 one range on a self contained Writing in C&D last year (September 8, 1990), Mr G.E. the home, one for work, one in display stand also holding MacCaghrey, chairman of the Association of Optometrists, warned the car for reading maps etc. advice leaflets, a sight testing that pharmacists should think twice about succumbing to the This all adds up to a large chart and mirrors. If glasses are commercial pressure to supply spectacles. for pharmacists tap market to to be displayed and sold away "Although it is accepted that wearing lenses which are not into — in America the market from the recommended stand specifically designed for that person's eyesight can cause no has been established for over these additional articles should permanent damage, the purchase of these items will often mean 1 00 years and is growing by 36 be at hand. that the wearer does not attend for regular eye examinations. The per cent per annum. To help keep the stand full at sale of 'ready mades' will ultimately lead to the later detection of all it is times worth ensuring many eye diseases and it is for this reason that most optical practices that individual strengths or Stock and display still refuse to supply them," he said. styles can be ordered through a The claim that the sale of reading glasses other than from in Reading glasses are available wholesaler or direct from the opticians leads to a reduction in the number of sight tests is disputed a range of lens strengths and company. This avoids the need by Grett Optik. They quote the results of an American survey of frame styles. The different to wait until stocks have run low 10,000 adults which showed there was no discernable difference in strengths are expressed in enough to justify ordering a the frequency of eye tests between people who purchased ready to dioptres. A lens of 1 dioptre, for manufacturer's standard pack. wear reading glasses and those who did not. In the UK, there has example, brings parallel rays to The size of unit and the been a fall in the number of sight tests in recent years although the a focal point at 1 metre; if the range of glasses stocked will be manufacturers argue that this is because the test is no longer free. focal point is 0.5 meters the determined, to some extent, by Given that reading glasses outside opticians are now a fact of life, power is 2 dioptres. the space available in the shop it seems that pharmacies are a preferred outlet for them. A Gallup Most manufacturers offer a and what the pharmacist survey commissioned by Grett Optik showed that when offered the range of dioptre strengths. perceives as the likely customer drug store, choice of glasses being purchased in a pharmacy, | Grett Optik's Easi Readers, for demand for the product. supermarket, department store, bookshop or other outlet, 63 per example, are available in six Reading glasses are best cent considered pharmacies "most suitable". strengths which relate to displayed either on a free Properly displayed and sold with appropriate, professional advice customers dioptres from +1.25 to +3.50. standing unit so that there is no reason why the sale of reading glasses through Readi-read glasses come in nine can walk around or on the end pharmacies should not enhance the range of pharmacy based strengths between + 1 .25 and of a counter. They should not be services offered, as well as adding an additional profitable + 4.00 dioptres. To aid too close to the till. dimension tothe business. consumer choice these are The Royal Pharmaceutical Absolute Alcohol Synthetic quality available to British and all well known International Specifications and Pharmacopoeias HAYMAN LIMITED FORMERLY JAMES BURROUGH (F A D.) LTD. 3 YE, TEL: 517517 , 70 EASTWAYS INDUSTRIAL PARK, WITHAM, ESSEX CM8 ENGLAND 0376 764 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 THIS is what 30,000 CP.s are seeing every week

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Trade mark Roberts Pharmaceutical Corporation, USA. Pharmacists are reminded that NEWS EXTRA the dispensing of EUSAPRIM in Home Office thinks again on response to a prescription for SEPTRIN heroin import ban

is a breach of the code of ethics of the Secretary Kenneth Baker is Evans Home and should be allowed t

specifically states in paragraph 1 .4(ii) a Dutch supplier. Three High Court Generics had launched its Higls

judges last week agreed it would be Court action on the grounds thai: that the drug dispensed must be precisely "good sense" for Mr Baker to the Government's refusal to issue an reconsider the Government's import licence was contrary to EC

that which has been prescribed, except imposition of a total ban on the trading laws. Its intention was t( import of therapeutic heroin. import diamorphine hydrochloride when substitution is made with the Last April the Home Office contained in freeze-dried phial:] conceded that "the absence of a ready for injection. permission of the prescribing doctor, or common EEC policy" did not justify In December 1989, Generic: the Minister's earlier refusal to grant applied for a product licence and in in an emergency. The application of an import licence. Despite the September last year asked tha concession, an application Home Office for permission undeil this rule, even to products imported launched by Generics challenging the Misuse of Drugs Act to impor the Minister's decision in the High diamorphine from another EC under a PL(PI) was upheld by the Court went ahead last Friday after member state. two companies involved in the The Home Office replied thati European Court. manufacture and sale of until such time as there was a diamorphine hydrochloride in this common Community policy, it had In addition, such conduct country intervened. been decided at ministerial leve Mcfarland Smith Ltd (MSL), that it was not possible to open up may amount to an infringement of who refine pure diamorphine from the UK market to EC imports. opiate raw materials, and Evans Lord Justice Watkins said the. trade mark rights. Medical Ltd, who freeze dry, trade in Controlled Drugs had beer package and sell the product said the subject of negotiation between In particular, it is an infringement they viewed "with the gravest the UK and other EC member; concern" the Home Secretary's states for some years. It was now of Wellcome's rights in the registered decision not to contest the case in being proposed that a working court. group should examine how the UN trade mark SEPTRIN to apply the mark But on Friday Lord Justice conventions on narcotic drugs and Watkins, Lord Justice Mann and Mr psychotropic substances might be SEPTRIN to tablets being sold or Justice Roch agreed that Mr Baker applied to the legal trade in drugs in should reconsider the matter. MSL the European single market. dispensed when such tablets were originally marketed under the name Views on vet biologicals QA/QC inspections has EUSAPRIM. been included and the VMD plans medicine fees to invoice for the required sums towards the end of November. Over the last few years Wellcome The Veterinary Medicines The variation fees for product Directorate has reviewed the fees licences and animal test certificates has had cause to initiate proceedings structure for veterinary medicines have been reduced to reflect the 5 and come up with three options. per cent increase decided b) against a number of pharmacists, Option A suggests no change. ministers. Refunds will be made to The possibility of simplifying the those who paid at the higher rate. importers and wholesalers who were existing structure, to reduce the number of services offered, was engaging in this practice, and who have studied carefully but the VMD found GP leaflets — it difficult to find any meaningful all giving settled with Wellcome by way in which it could be achieved. missing Option B is the replacement of undertakings not to repeat such conduct, the graded annual fee by a fixed annual fee, which would be an information and by paying agreed sums towards costs annual charge made on each licence Patients wanting to find out abou to cover the costs of maintaining services offered by their doctor cai and damages. that licence throughout the year. not rely on discovering th Option C is a combination of information in the compulsor Wellcome will continue to graded annual fee and fixed annual practice leaflet, or even getting fee, and would be the most complex leaflet at all, says the Nationa take actions to protect its intellectual structure to run. Federation of Consumer Groups. The options and their possible Their survey of 95 GP leaflet property rights. impact on fee levels are outlined in found that only five were completely a letter to interested organisations satisfactory. Of the remainder ths

Septrin and Eusupnm are Trade Marks of The Wellcome Foundation Ltd and licence holders (VMD 589). sort of information missing includec Although not a formal consultation, the sex of the doctor, qualifications comments are invited by December and details about clinic times. Nc 6 to Mrs R. Hext at the VMD. leaflet could be obtained at ten o The Medicinces (Fees Relating the surgeries visited. Wellcome to Medicinal Products for Animal There was found to be a wide Use) (Amendment) Regulations variation in services offere The Wellcome Foundation Limited, 1991 (SI No 2063, HMSO £1.45), including hypnosis anc Unicorn House, 160 Euston Road, which came into effect on October acupuncture clinics, Sunda) London WCI 2BP 3, made two main changes. The surgeries and prescriptior power to collect fees for the deliveries.

766 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 Businessnews

OFT call for P&G win qualified new law The Director General of Fair approval on Faterdeal Trading has called for tougher laws to protect vulnerable consumers Commission has best pleased by the news. They including nappies, adult The European from unscrupulous traders. finally passed the proposed merger believe that the deal will allow P&G incontinence and feminine Speaking at a conference for the the and and Fater to dominate the nappies protection products, say Molnlycke between Swaddlers representatives of trade and nappies businesses (C&D market in some parts of Europe. and Peaudouce, "whereas in fact Pampers consumer bodies, Sir Gordon called September 29 1990, p581 and The Commission has treated the the market for nappies is quite for a new integrated package of laws January 19 1991, p98). transaction as involving the market separate from that of other sanitary to act as a safety net; the current the terms of the original for all sanitary protection products, products". Under "patchwork of controls" have not agreement the two companies were been enough. "There are still too going to set up joint ventures in many occasions when businesses, Italy, Spain and Portugal, while in Opportunity 2000 gets penalised neither by the Swaddlers would be bought the UK marketplace nor by existing by Procter & Gamble. Both P&G pharmacy support consumer law, are able to take manufacturers and Fater, advantage of ignorance, respectively of Pampers and Opportunity 2000, the campaign to Personnel director Peter Roche inexperience, or trust of some Swaddlers, have agreed to modify improve the position of women at said the company actively helped its consumers," he said. the deal to meet Commission work, has received the support of women employees by such schemes Sir Gordon's proposals would competition requirements. some 60 organisations with several as flexible hours and a "term time extend the scope of the Fair Under the terms of the amended from the pharmacy sector, including only" contract, career breaks and Trading Act 1973 to cover Wellcome, Boots and Glaxo. job share opportunities. deal Fater does not sell Swaddlers "misleading, deceptive and to P&G and the joint ventures are The campaign, launched by the Wellcome say they are unconscionable practices". Under free to make and produce the Business in the Community examining their recruitment and new powers available to local quantities and qualities they want all women's economic development selection procedures to see how trading standards authorities a over the EC and to fix their prices team proposes to emphasise the they can encourage more formal caution would be served on and sales conditions as they see fit. need for greater equality in the applications from women. Media a business considered to be carrying Moreover, P&G have given an workplace. relations manager Rosemary on an unfair course of conduct undertaking not to combine the At Boots they say the scheme is Hennings explained that the detrimental to consumers. post of general manager for any of "a reflection of everything we have company had been involved in a Sir Gordon's proposals were the joint ventures with any already set out to achieve". The partnership nursery with the Joyce first outlined in an OFT report last managerial post in the company's company emphasised that 86 per Green Hospital for several years. year. European paper product business. cent of the workforce at Boots the Situated at the company's Dartford Other restrictions and Chemists are women and 80 per site, it represents a pilot scheme for undertakings include: cent of their regular customers are the whole company, said Ms Swains and Sirius • Not to exchange information female. Hennings. Swains have agreed to handle the about oral care or pharmaceutical guarantee repairs for Sirius business International's cameras and • A management structure under Lloyd rejects Grampian binoculars. Products under which the joint ventures are guarantee should be sent to managed alternately by P&G and Lloyds Chemist will not accept Macarthy's shareholders not to Swains, but for a chargeable Fater, rather than jointly Grampian's offer for their 9.9 per accept the Grampian bid. "We are repair service when warranty has • A five year undertaking not to tie cent holding in Macarthy. This confident the MMC will allow our expired they should still be sent customers to the joint venture could prevent Grampian from acquisition of Macarthy to to Sirius. through rebate or other schemes taking Macarthy private if their bid proceed." Sangers' service • Access to nappies made by P&G succeeds. Meanwhile Grampian Holdings Sangers have extended their outside Italy, Spain and Portugal for "I continue to believe that Bill chairman Hughs was urging order cut off time for next day customers in those countries. Lloyds Chemists is the natural Macarthy shareholders to accept his delivery. Now orders taken up to Peaudouce and their Swedish merger partner for Macarthy," said £79m all paper bid by the November 5.00pm can be processed for the parent company Molnlycke are not Mr Lloyd in a statement urging 1 deadline. following day.

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Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1991 767 EC backs down on batch logging

The controversial requirement for position by next January or wholesalers had grown to between the market to subsidise the hugej batch number logging throughout February before adoption by the 65-70 per cent largely at the loss-making end. the distribution chain has been Council of Ministers. The Directive expense of short-liners and direct Turning to the Monopolies! dropped from the EC Directive on would come into effect on January distribution. The largest growth Commission referral of the pharmaceutical wholesaling. 1, 1993. area was in hospitals. Unichem and Lloyds bids for The proposal was vehemently A warning that the European But having to offer a complete Macarthys, Mr Watts said the opposed by wholesalers who pharmaceutical industry will range of drugs caused problems, BAPW also made a submission to claimed it could force many smaller dominate this country unless UK because over 4,000 lines were slow- the Office of Fair Trading against wholesalers out of business. But companies take urgent action came moving and most full-line the Lloyds bid. "The primary' aim ol Patrick Deboyser of the EC from Michael Watts, director, wholesalers made money on less our submission was to achieve an in- Commission warned this week that British Association of than 10 per cent of the lines they depth investigation of the sector by the requirement might still be Pharmaceutical Wholesalers carried. They needed a virtual the MMC and we are delighted that introduced under guidelines on (formerly NAPD). monopoly of the profitable end of this will now take place," he said. good distribution practice yet to be "Don't expect the Government

decided. And the Directive still to step in to prevent the invasion as requires wholesalers to keep any prospect of a reduced drugs bill records of their transactions. will be music to their ears," he told LIG European merger The Directive also requires that the meeting. The London International Group Universal packaging will allow suppliers of medicines to the public, He explained that UK has merged its UK and mainland pan-European advertising whichj such as pharmacists, can trade as manufacturers had been too inward European divisions to take Mr Hodges believes, will grow the wholesalers providing they have looking and slow to recognise the advantage of the single European market to the benefit of the chemist) authorisation. potential advantages of trading in market. trade. Addressing a meeting arranged Europe using UK wholesalers' The managing director of the In total two members of the by Management Forum in London alliances. Such agreements between new European operation, Nick group's subsidiary'. LRC Products last Tuesday, Professor Deboyser wholesalers and manufacturers Hodges, says the merger will enable join the European management said the Directive would not go for were well advanced in Germany, the group to rationalise sourcing team. In addition to Mr Hodges, its second reading in the European France and the Netherlands. policy and streamline on pricing formerly managing director of LRC, Parliament which was unlikely to Looking at the state of and packaging. The aim is to David Whitewood, previously LRC's make any dramatic amendments. wholesaling in the UK Mr Watts provide a cohesive strategy across finance director, joins as finance The EC Commission would then said that the percentage of the Europe. director, Europe. have change to re-examine its ethical market supplied by full-line Coming Events Lloyds fined for 'mistake' Leicestershire Branch, RPSGB Unipos tour Postgraduate Medical Centre, Leicester A Cheltenham branch of Lloyds a bottle of splash-on cologne and Unichem's Unipos roadshows are Royal Infirmary, 7.30 for 8pm (buffet) "Imigran. a new migraine treatment" Chemists has been fined for 20p more for some hair cream. completing the final leg of a plus a discussion on new Code of Ethics charging more than the sale prices According to the Gloucester nationwide tour with visits to displayed in the window. Echo, company secretary Stephen Swansea (November 5), Exeter Wednesday, November 6 Cheltenham magistrates court Buckell admitted three charges of (November 6), Croydon (November Isle of Wight Branch, RPSGB heard recently that the pharmacy, in breaking the Consumer Protection 7), Walthamstow (November 13) Postgraduate Medical Cente, St Mary' Edinburgh Place, offered a bottle of Act. He said it was a genuine and Chessington (November 14). Hospital, Sandown at 7.30pm. "Modern pre-dental rinse for 99p but sold it mistake as the shop had been Customers can either make an forensic medicine" by Mr A.J to a trading standards officer for experiencing administrative appointment for a personal Clatworthy, the Metropolitan Police 30p more. They charged 6p more difficulties. Lloyds were fined £750 demonstration in the afternoon or Laboratory. National Pharmaceutical than the £1 .29 advertised price for and ordered to pay £211 costs. attend the open evening. Details Association. Leeds Hilton, Nevill from Unichem Head Office Street, Leeds at 6.30pm (buffet). "How Marketing on 081-391 2323. to counsel smokers who want to give up" by Dr Chris Steele and Dr Allen Norris. Quest Vitamins Ltd hit back Contact Kathy Whelan on 0582 416565. at Canadian's disclaimer Croydon LPC Thursday, November 7 Croydon Local Pharmaceutical Bristol Branch, RPSGB. Postgraduate The UK vitamins company Quest No compromise in quality of any Committee are holding their annual Centre, Frenchay Hospital, 7 for 8pm Vitamins Ltd have reacted strongly sort is involved in our decision to general meeting at the Forte Post (buffet). "Training of Customs & Excise to the statement put out by their switch to UK sources of supply for sniffer talk and demonstration. House Hotel, Purley Way, Croydon dogs" former supplier and majority those parts of our product range Joint meeting with veterinary surgeons. on November 27, 7 for 7.30pm. shareholder Quest Vitamin Supplies previously obtained from Canada," Northern Scottish Branch, RPSGB. The guest speaker will be David Ltd of Canada (C&D last week). says Mr Regan. Craigmore Hotel, Inverness at 8pm. Sharpe, chairman of the The Canadians accused the "Drug abuse in the Highlands" by Brian Pharmaceutical Services Gardner, Highland Health Board. British company of circulating Negotiating Committee. A buffet Stirling Branch, RPSGB. The Leapark misleading promotional material Fuji regroups and bar will be provided. Details Hotel, Bo'ness Road, Grangemouth at and stressed the availability of its from Julie Short on 081-688 3253. 8pm (buffet). "Microsurgery" by Mr Nigel Fuji Film (UK) Ltd has own drugs under the Pheonix Photo Harris, consultant surgeon. Nutrition brand name. formed a new Imaging Group to Quest Vitamins Ltd point out streamline its consumer Sunday, November 3 Friday, November 8 that less than half of its vitamins photographic, photofinishing and National Pharmaceutical Co Durham Branch, RPSGB. Eden range were manufactured for it by professional business. Association. Conference and Mini- Arms Hotel, Rushyford 7.30 for 8pm. the Canadian company and say all All photographic products and show at the Lord Daresbury Hotel, Annual dinner dance, tickets £17.50, from 9.30am.' dress formal. their evening primrose oil gammaoil services will now be the rsponsibility Daresbury, Warrington is made in UK DoH licensed of one group, resulting in easier flow Monday, November 4 Saturday, November 9 premises. "We have given the same of communication, says the East Metropolitan Branch, RPSGB. Wirral Branch, RPSGB. Prenton Golf advantage of high quality and company. Churchill Room, Wanstead Library, Club at 7.30 for 8pm. President's dinner availability to all Quest products," Peter Samwell has been Spratt Hall Road, 7.30 for 8pm. The and dance. Tickets £14.50. says sales and marketing director appointed director of the new work of The Samaritans. Eamonn Regan. group, with responsibility for the Sunday, November 10 also photofinishing products division in Quest Vitamins Ltd says Tuesday, November 5 Isle of Wight Branch, RPSGB. to his existing that the manufacturing technology addition Banff, Moray & Nairn Branch, Community Rooms, Sandown Railway for their vitamins is summarised in responsibilities for the consumer RPSGB. Gordon Arms Hotel. Station, 9.45 to 4.15pm. "Dermatology" a revised product manual "that and professional photographic Fochabers, 8pm. "SHARP (Soutra) continuing education. Contact Sarah supercedes a previous brochure." divisions. Project" by Dr B.Moffat. Insole on 0983 882473. 768 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 Classified Cancellation deadline 10am Monday prior to publication date. Post to Classified Advertisements, Chemist & Druggist, Display/Semi Display £19.70 per single column centimetre, min30mm Benn Publications, Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1RW. Column width 88mm. Tel Tonbridge (0732) 364422. Telex 95132. Fax (0732) 361534 Whole Page £1970.00 (250mmx 180mm) HalfPage£1024.40 Ring Stuart Bourne Ext 2472 for further information (130mm x 180mm) Quarter Page £512.20 (130mm x88mm) Publication date Every Saturday Box Numbers £5.00 extra Available on request. Headings All advertisements appear under appropriate headings All rates subject to standard VAT. Copy date 4pm Tuesday prior to publication date.

APPOINTMENTS

CHEMLST& Qualified DRUGGIST Dispenser DO YOU ENJOY WRITING? Chemist & Druggist is looking for a lively, enthusiastic pharmacist, Full time preferably with real experience of the profession, to join the editorial team. He or she would be able to write clear, concise English - typing Camden Town or word processing skills would be an advantage. However, an editorial training package will be available. Please apply to Qualifying in your vocation has demonstrated far more than John Skelton MRPharmS, Editor, (Private & confidential) at your commitment. It detail, knowledge Benn Publications Ltd, Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1RW, shows attention to in-depth and ability. enclosing a full cv. Which is exactly what we require at our Camden Town Benn store. We have significantly increased patient contact within our dispensaries, and have enhanced our existing high levels of service by computerising medication records. AGENTS In our modern, fully equipped dispensary you*ll prepare prescriptions, assisting our Pharmacist in all aspects of patient care and, being trained on all new techniques, you'll undertake other general dispensary duties. AGENTS REQUIRED An important member of our highly professional and by SHOPFIELD LTD well trained healthcare team, your competitive salary Suppliers of self care, travel accessories and package, reflecting your experience, will include a profit staff discounts and other large baby care products sharing bonus, generous company benefits. Territories available in all areas. Not to mention a progressive, forward thinking Attractive commission available environment serving the healthcare needs of our local communities. write with cv. or telephone: Please write with full career details to, Shopfield Ltd or telephone: Mr R Cohen, Store Manager, Boots The Chemists Ltd, 173-175 Camden High 56a Woodford Avenue, Hford, Essex IC2 6XF Street, Camden Town, NWT 7JY. Tel: (071) 485 5216. 081-550 4933

REGIONAL AGENTS required to promote a growing range ofquality An equal opportunity employer counter medical products to retail chemists and multiples.

Ifyou are dedicated, enthusiastic, persistant, determined, sociable and driving call 081-684 3664. To advertise in this Section please GOLDSHIELD phone Julie MacCarthy on PHARMACEUTICALS 0732 364422 Ext 2218

Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 769 !

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George Lowe shopfittings ltd CHEMILINES PHARMACEUTICALS 4 PRESTW00D COURT, LEACROFT ROAD, BIRCHWOOD, WARRINGTON. FRENCH FRAGRANCE RRP COST TEL: 0925 827292 FAX: 0925 852518 ANAIS EDT 30ML SP 17.95 8.25 ARAMIS ASL 60ML 17.00 9.35 JAZZ ASL 50ML 16.00 9.25 BEAUTIFUL EDP 30ML SP 30.70 19.99 L AIR DU TEMPS 30ML SP 18.00 8.50 STOCK FOR SALE MAGRIFFE PDT 30ML SP 8.50 2.50 OPIUM EDT 50ML SP 36.00 19.95 KOUROS ASL 50ML 18.50 11.50 COCO EDT 50ML SP 31.50 21.95 WE KEEP A FULL RANGE OF FRAGRANCES. Perfumes/Aftershaves CHANEL, ESTEE LAUDER. & CALVIN KLEIN IN STOCK. PARALLEL IMPORTS DISCOUNT' COST All main brands in stock including Estee AZANTAC 21% 11.90 ADALATELP 20mg 24% 4.46 Lauder, Chanel and many more!! SEPTRIN TABS 10 30% 1.19 SERC 43% 6.32 ZYLORIC300mg 75% 4.15 Free delivery nationwide. OTOSPORIN 10ml 71% 2.53 PROTHIADEN 75mg 21% 3.19 For a pricelisttelephone: 081-422 3269. CORDARONE 200mg 48% 9.75 TIMOPTOL0.25% 36% 3.40 Fax:081-907 8323 FROBEN 50mg 22% 7.65 'INCLUDES 5% SETTLEMENT FOR 30 DAYS PAYMENT JALARAM IMPORTS DIRECT IMPORTERS OF PHARMACEUTICALS KODAK GOLD FILMS COST OFF TRADE GA-24 ENG/JAP £1.45 33% GA-36 ENG £1.87 30% GB 200 ASA 24's & 36's 22% GC 400 ASA 24's & 36's 22% DISPENSARIES FUJI FILMS TO 47 iDURACELLMN1500£1.10/B4 Up to 60 days credit and nationwide prompt delivery. Many other special Forthe best value offers. Ring 08 1 -908 0 1 24 or 08 1 -904 0 1 77 to receive full price list. Dispensary fittings CHEMILINES PHARMACEUTICALS, UNIT3P, BUILDING B, GET YOUR INFO PACK NOW WEMBLEY COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 80 EAST LANE, NORTH WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX HA9 7NL. RETAIL DESIGN SYSTEMS TEL: 081 -908 01 24 or 081-904 0177. FAX: 081 -904 0942 TEL: 0922 59822 FAX: 0922 57232

770 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 99/ Businesslink

A FREE Service for Chemist & Druggist Subscribers

regular long term basis. Tel: (0203) lOOmg, 5 x 6g Vermox, 78 Rifinah two years maintenance. £900. Tel: PHARMACIST MANAGERS 223855. 300, 56 Hypovase 5mg, 100 Trasicor 0590 673745 (P.G. Laws). STOKE-ON-TRENT, SE - Due to SCARBOROUGH - Pharmacist re- 20mg. Above less 30% + VAT + RICHARDSON BBC labelling sys- recent acquisition we now require quired one day a week on a regular postage. Tel: (0232) 401837 (correc- tem. Computer, monitor, printer an experienced pharmacist to man- basis. Telephone 0723 365569. ted telephone number). (Citizen MSP-10), disc drive and age a thriving community phar- BASILDON, ESSEX - Pharmacist NORDIA - Dispensary and shop discs. £250. Tel: 051-638 2772 macy. Pension scheme etc. Salary required for regular Friday nights fittings, counter units, four gon- (Wirral). by negotiation. Telephone Geoff 5.30-9pm. Top rates paid. Tel: Ms Y. dolas and two perfume cabinets 862240 day, 0773 (three years old). Offers, will deliver. Pickering, 0246 Soetan on 0268 281708. HOLIDAY LET 609622 evenings. Tel: 0482 51022. LONDON SE26 - Enthusiastic man- PARK LABELLING SYSTEM - Inc- FLORIDA - All year round sunshine. SITUATIONS WANTED ager required for easy to run phar- luding patient medication records. Luxury lakeside villa. Sleeps 8/10 macy. Minimum paperwork. Please COLNE / BURNLEY / SKIPTON £950 ono. Tel: 0532 570298 (day persons. Own heated pool. £350 per contact Mr Joshi on 081-659 7745. AREA - Locum available for one or time). week, £600 two weeks. Tel: 0493 two days per week during Novem- ALFA ROMEO 33 Cloverleaf 1.7, G 650915. ber. Please ring 0282 842741/ reg, one owner, 16,000 miles, full TENERIFE, GOLF DEL SUR - LOCUMS 614650. service history, alarmed, £6,250 Lovely, one bedroomed apartment HALIFAX AREA - Saturday morning GLASGOW AREA - Experienced, ono. Tel: day: 081-346 1917 (Bakul with balcony overlooking golf locums required for three easily run reliable locum available from Nov- Patel). school and Atlantic. 27 holes golf, pharmacies. Please contact Keith ember. Days, weeks or long term. TAKIO blood pressure and pulse pool. £125 weekly. Tel: 081-458 Wilson - Ryburn Pharmacy, Sow- Tel: 0349 830280. unit. Excellent condition. Offers. 2084. erby Bridge. Telephone 0422 SOUTHAMPTON / PORTSMOUTH Please ring 0227 457830 (John NEAR BENIDORM - Villa to rent, 832005 (daytime) or 0422 824538 - Reliable, experienced community Judge). £75 per week. Sleeps up to six. (evenings and weekends). pharmacist taking bookings weeks LINK 2 PLUS PMR SYSTEM - Please ring 0582 572523 for details FYLDE COAST - Locum required commencing 2nd/9th/16th and Includes tape streamer, modem and of availability. one or two days per week. Tele- 23rd December and 13th/20th and phone A Kendrick Ltd, Thornton- 27th January 1992. Odd day or full Free entries in "Business Link" (maximum 30 words) are Telephone Cleveleys, Blackpool. weeks. Telephone (0794) 68935. restricted to community pharmacy subscribers of Chemist & 0253 821695. LEEDS AREA - Young, enthusiastic Druggist. No series, box numbers or trade advertisements will be WIGAN - Locum required for regular pharmacist requires regular days as permitted. Acceptance is at the discretion of the publishers and Thursdays all day. Telephone Mr G. locum. Telephone 0269 825690. depends upon space being available. Send your proposed wording Jones, 0942 55304 day, 0204 50934 evenings. to "Business Link", Chemist & Druggist, Benn House, Sovereign BUSINESSES FOR SALE CANNOCK, STAFFS - Locum re- Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1RW. Include your name, the full name quired for regular evenings (two or LONDON SE17 AREA - Long estab- and address of your pharmacy, or your personal registration three per week - three hours per lished pharmacy. Turnover, exclus- number, and a day-time telephone number. Alternatively, leave the shift 5-8 or 6-9), starting November. ive of VAT, £165,000 pa. Approx- details on our special answering service. Contact Mr Prokopa on 0543 imately 2,000 per month. Doctors PHONE 24 HOURS ON 0732 359725 271445. adjacent (live in). No direct com- petition. Would suit owner/man- ager. £45,000 plus SAV for lease, PHARMACISTS (PART TIME) FOR YOUR LAST MINUTE ADS, goodwill, fixtures/fittings. Tel: HANDFORTH, CHESHIRE - Phar 081-460 0876. PHONE UP TO 9AM WEDNESDAY macist required for regular even- (Publication will depend upon space availability) ings. 6pm-8pm. Good supporting FOR SALE staff. Telephone Jan Grime, 0625 523945. SLIGHTLY SOILED CARTONS - 4 PLEASE MENTION "C&D BUSINESS LINK" COVENTRY - Part time pharmacist x 28 Inderex Caps, 1 x 100 Oruvail WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISEMENTS required to do either afternoon Caps, 100 Tab Trasicor lOOmg, 84 hours or late evening hours on Surgram 200mg, 2 x 100 Orudis ON THIS PAGE.

(To: Business Link, Chemist & Druggist, Benn House, Sovereign Way, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1RW.

PLEASE COMPLETE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

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-hemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 771 About people

Godfrey goes APPOINTMENTS at Wellcome Robert Darracott (below), until recendy assistant editor at Chemist David Godfrey, CBE, currently & Druggist, has been appointed a chairman of the Association of the principal pharmaceutical officer in British Pharmacteutical Industry, the Department of Health's will retire from the boards of pharmaceutical division. He will be pic The Wellcome Wellcome and assisting in taking forward the wider Foundation Ltd next April. role initiatives and with joined The Mr Godfrey remuneration issues in community Wellcome Foundation in 1956. He pharmacy. became responsible for UK and Ireland to which was later added Australasia and Southern Africa, and Wellcome Biotechnology Ltd. He joined the board of management of ABPI in 1970, becoming vice-president in 1976 and serving as president from 1987 to 1989 and again from 1991. Mr Devereux and Mr Copestick have also decided to retire from the boards of Wellcome pic and The Wellcome Foundation Ltd, on January 17 1992.

Raymond Dickinson, deputy secretary at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and Secretary of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association, was presented with his OBE at the Palace last week

Pharmacists

scoop awards Mawdsleys have appointed two new Four pharmacists from the business development executives: University Hospital of Wales in Jeff Owens for the South and East Cardiff are celebrating this week Midlands, and Richard Lloyd, after having been awarded three West Midlands. Janet Renshaw major research grants. also joins the business development Dave Roberts, principal team as customer support pharmacist, clinical services, won a executive, Salford. Guild of Hospital Pharmacists/ICI Award for a project entitled: From January 1992, Dr George "Pharmaceutical care of patients Poste will become chairman of with post operative pain: What can Smithkline Beecham Americans teach us?" The award Pharmaceuticals Research and will enable him to visit various Development. Dr Poste, currently hospitals in America. vice-chairman and executive vice of Ulster Chemists Association president Verus Reaney hands over a cheque Mike Spencer, director president, succeeds Dr Keith for £200 to Liz Ritchie, fund raising manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care pharmacy, Rowena Farr, senior Mansford who is retiring. Beaconsfield Centre. The money was raised from a prize draw at the UCA pharmacist, and Bob McArtney, dinner at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast last Saturday principal pharmacist, have won an Barry M Cosmetics Ltd have United Kingdom Clinical Pharmacy appointed Roger Soper as national Association 3M Award for a project accounts manager. Two area on the pharmaceutical care of managers have also been Glyn Jones Award children requiring chronic appointed: Shelley Luff for Applications are invited for the Glyn enable the applicant to carry out a medication. Scotland and Susan Kennedy for with Jones Travel Award which is relevant investigation. Applications Bob McArtney, together South London and Sussex. available for travel in furtherance of should have a clearly stated Jenny Harries and Howard Rowe research that will benefit objective, a sound method of from East Glamorgan Hospital, Hidy Ng has been appointed community pharmacy. The award of investigation and an end product have won a Guild of Hospital managing director of the Tudor for a Ltd. £1,000 may be used for material or which is of practical use. Further Pharmacists/MSD Award Photographic Group equipment necessary for an details and application forms can be project on the design and investigation, the cost of travel at obtained from the College of implementation of a clinical Ernest Jackson & Co Ltd have home or abroad or the cost of Pharmacy Practice. Tel: 0203 pharmacy intervention record sheet appointed Pam Francis as the employing a locum pharmacist to 692400. and scoring system. company's new marketing manager.

Typesetting and graphics by Magset Ltd, Sidcup, Kent. Printed by Riverside Press Ltd, St Ives pic, Whitstable. Kent. Published by Benn Publications Ltd, Sovereign Way, Tonbridge. Kent TN9 1RW. Registered at the Post Office as a Newspaper 22/18/16s Contents © Benn Publications Ltd 1991. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in, any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Benn Publications. Benn Publications Ltd may pass suitable reader addresses to other relevant suppliers. If you do not wish to receive sales information from other companies, please write to Fraser Murdoch at Benn Publications Ltd.

772 Chemist & Druggist 2 NOVEMBER 1 991 UCT NEWS . NEW PRODUCT NEWS . NEW PRODUCT NEWS . NEW PRODUCT NEWS . NEW PROD

WITH NUMARK'S NEW SKIN CARE SYSTEM, YOU'LL LOOK MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE TO YOUR CUSTOMERS.

THE NEW 'SKINCARE SYSTEM' FROM NUMARK.

Numark proudly introduce a new skin care Helping to sell the Numark system hard is a

range with a wealth of product pluses. purpose-made display merchandiser, as well as free

Five new treatments make up an integrated consumer information leaflets - all of which are

system of skin care, extensively researched to meet available from your local Numark Wholesaler. And

your customers' needs. the profit on return is excellent.

And they're totally free. Free from lanolin, free If you would like the complete story, please

from fragrance, free from animal testing. contact Trevor Davies at Numark. He will be able to

All of which, together with competitive pricing, tell you all about the skin care system in the context

will make the Numark skin care system a favourite of a Numark beauty care range that is going to grow

with women of all skin types. and grow. NUMARK

PHARMACY IS HEALTHCARE RETAILING NUMARK MANAGEMENT LTD, NUMARK HOUSE, 5/6 FAIRWAY COURT, AMBER CLOSE, TAMWORTH BUSINESS PARK, TAMWORTH, STAFFORDSHIRE B77 4RP. TEL: (0827) 69269. nee she discovered CERUMOK, *' fine's into stereo

Hardened ear wax is a common cause of deafness but it's one that's easily remedied with Cerumol. By softening and loosening impacted ear wax Cerumol allows/easy first- time syringing, or may be effective enou on its own to free the wax andvGl$$fli meatus. Cerumol has been shown to b non-sensitising 1 so you can recdrhmend

it with confidence.

An arachis oil base containing paradichlorobenzene and chlorbutol EARDROPS the confident way to unblock ears

Further information is available from /f^\1 1 ' *\ Laboratories for Applied Biology Ltd VI I 'J 91 Amhurst Park, London N16 5DR Telephone 01-800 2252

Cerumol" is a registered trade mark

Would you recommend a No.2 painkillei

to your No. I customer?

Numerous clinical studies have settled the issue: Nurofen is one of the most effective analgesics you can recommend for pain. Even your own.

Nurofen (ibuprofen) is more effective than aspirin or paracetamol in relieving headaches, dental pain, period pain, flu symptoms, — in short, most common indications.

And, unlike paracetamol and codeine, Nurofen is anti- inflammatory.

This efficacy is accompanied by an equally good safety

record. In overdosage, Nurofen is safer than either aspirin or paracetamol and has been shown in clinical trials to have a better tolerability profile than aspirin in normal doses.

Also, Nurofen is rapidly excreted and is less likely than aspirin to have an adverse effect on the gastro- intestinal tract.

So it's no wonder that Nurofen, supported by a £5 million TV campaign, appeals to more and more people.

NUROF€N We hope you recommend it. Because, when you really compare Nurofen to any other analgesic, we think you will come to the inevitable conclusion. There's no comparison.

We invite comparison COUGHS&COLDS A CHEMIST & DRUGGIST SUPPLEMENT NOVEMBER 2, 1991

J\ QUcallUll UI CllUICt:; He

A critical look at what's new for coughs

- 1 a V_dll-lllllt4a fr Initio 11U1UVinlH Ulf\T d?k LU1Ui^r\\i\ D

For cold victims, the experience is anything but common

DlCdUlC UCcpiy OQ

An investigation of the popularity of natural inhalants

i n l ldnning me winter sneives

Unichem advise on space allocation for P and GSL lines

1 ldlKlllg UUWIl lllc 11 U 1/1

A look at Smithkline Beecham's colds and flu monitor

Feeling sore? 18

Advice on stocking and merchandising for sore throats

News round-up 20

What's going on in analgesics, decongestants and cold remedies

It's only natural 22

A review of symptom relief that comes "naturally"

BACK THE ODDS-ON FAVOURITE

Hofels is your fastest growing garlic range, outselling the nearest

competitor 3 to 1 !*

New, hardhitting £ 1 million National Campaign in press and magazines, with heavyweight PR and merchandising, piling success on success.

Featuring heart and circulation plus coughs and colds, garlic's most important natural benefits.

' Stock up now, with the safe bet to win fc M< i °A y your share of sales.

R I G I N A L

E ODOURLESSo« y CARDiOMAK GARLIC ODOURLESS Neo

slsen HOFELS. BRITAIN'S NO. 1 GARLIC PEARLES COUGHS A question of choice

The cough products market is fairly mature and static yet this season sees the launch ofa whole host of new products and variants. Can retailers afford to stock them all?

cough market in Hot on the heels of these C&D asked the Thepharmacy is worth daunting figures comes news manufacturers of this year's around £55 million of a whole host of new new products to put forward a year making it products and variants. Given their reasons why one of the largest that, unfortunately, pharmacists should give their self-medication sectors. Yet pharmacy shelves are not products shelf room. year on year growth only elastic, and that each product shows a 9 per cent increase in needs to justify its shelf space value with a 2 per cent allocation, will pharmacists New Benylin increase in volume. When respond by stocking these The Benylin non-drowsy you also consider that new products? variant for chesty coughs has pharmacy's share of the Some manufacturers been introduced as a result of market has slipped for each suggest the outcome could be extensive consumer research, of the past three years the selective stocking of new says Mr O'Sullivan. It is the picture is not so rosy. brands with retailers sixth Benylin variant but David O' Sullivan, reviewing the performance of Nielsen figures show the marketing manager at existing products. brand is number one in the Warner Lambert Health Care, This approach is valid, say market accounting for a third believes the cough market is Warner Lambert ran a who of cough sales through static and saturated. He trial in conjunction with the pharmacy. predicts this year could see Hull-basea chain Selles. By The company's research growth in value around the 7 using planograms and showed that 40 per cent of per cent mark with no concentrating on consumers require a non- increase in volume of sales. independently determined drowsy product and that Any major differences in market leaders, sales chesty coughs are the most the market for pharmacy are increased by 17 per cent. common. This demonstrates likely to be related to the that there is a market for the incidence of illness in the product, he says, which will population or any change in New entrants also benefit from the Benylin the balance of sales between New entrants in the cough name. pharmacy and grocery. market this Winter include: A big plus for pharmacy is Alan Main of LRC a) Benylin non-drowsy that this is the first Benylin to Products puts the swing to b) Actifed cough relief be a GSL product restricted grocery down to three c) Tixylix — three new to pharmacy. The product factors: a change in shopping products and decongestant therefore has the GSL display habits with more one-stop inhalant capsules advantages but pharmacists shopping; more self- d) Vicks Vaposyrup — a new can be assured that if they medication with lines; range with four variants GSL recommend the product a and better merchandising by e) Cabdrivers — paediatric satisfied customer wishing to grocers! and diabetic variants. repurchase has to return to a Pharmacists should are these likely to How be pharmacy, says Mr review their stocks carefully received by the trade? Will O'Sullivan. and take note of tactics such struggle to find a place some Warner Lambert are as dual siting and effective on pharmacy shelves? advocating dual siting — use of point of sale material at pilot A small study in putting the product on the times of peak demand, he London asked pharmacists self-selection GSL shelves says. which of brands a) to d) they but also to display it with the One noticeable factor were likely to stock and in children's product with a full Benylin range. about the market is the large which order of preference. brand name that-mothers can Warner Lambert plan to number of brands competing The results show that on spend over £2 million on the trust. for shelf space. This could be average pharmacists were The product is a Pharmacy Benylin range to include a related to the fact that there likely to take five out of the line and will a new national television be backed by has little innovation in nine products. been commercial starting in marketing support campaign cough products in previous Benylin non-drowsy including Press advertising to came December. This will stimulate years, with the possible out top with Actifed health professionals to gain on demand for the product, says exception of Coughcaps cough relief also well their recommendation. Point Mr O'Sullivan, but also ) which challenged the received. For Tixylix, of sale and promotional business for pharmacy. traditional view of liquid reception was more selective material will also be available. cough remedies. — the cough and cold variant Intercare Laboratories say Independent research being the most well received. Children's Actifed the childen's sector of the carried out in London earlier Vicks Vaposyrup appeared to Actifed cough relief is a new market grew by 7 per cent in this year shows that have the worst reception, variant especially formulated volume in the year to August pharmacies stock a great with those pharmacies who for children from one to 12 1991. They also say that sales variety of cough products — said they would stock it years, say Wellcome of original Tixylix grew by some of which put very little quoting the power of TV Consumer Division. The 32.6 per cent over the same money through the till. When advertising. product is sugar and colour period. This is a good reason all the different brands, The majority of free. for extending the range and variants and sizes are pharmacists questioned said Like Intercare, Wellcome widening the product's considered multiples carry an they would not discontinue recognise that the children's applications, they say. average of 23 different packs stocking any existing area of the market is buoyant. Intercare are placing a while independents stock products to make room for There is demand, they say, great deal of emphasis on the around 50! the new ones. for a specially formulated Tixylix name as they say it is

4 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 well trusted by parents and ingredients. This increases advertisements. threatened meadows. recommended with viscosity of the product and A post-Christmas mailing An on-pack promotion confidence by pharmacists. so coats the cough receptors to the trade is planned invites consumers to send for Original Tixylix is joined by more effectively, say SB. featuring composite display a poster of wild flowers. For Tixylix daytime, cough and Marketing (director Wendy material under the Wellcome each poster LRC will donate cold and decongestant Davidson says the relaunch is Consumer banner and a 50p to the campaign. inhalant capsules. Although designed both to sustain competiton. Actifed and The Buttercup brand the latter is GSL, it will be consumer loyalty and to Calpol will also benefit from continues to perform well restricted to pharmacies. strengthen the product's this activity. despite poorer distribution Support behind a product competitive position in the Hills Balsam, now owned and merchandising than its

is an important factor when market. by Windsor Healthcare, will weaker competitors, says deciding what to stock and A new pack design be on TV in the TVS and LRC's Alan Main. "In the Intercare say they are communicates and Granada regions this Winter. pharmacy sector, sales of committing £750,000 to differentiates the specific A Press advertising campaign GSL cough medicines have promote the new range in advantages of each variant. is also planned. POS material not performed as well as in women's publications, SB plan to spend over £1.6m and trade and consumer previous years," he says, mother and baby magazines supporting Venos, including public relations bring the attributing this to and newspapers. a new national TV total spend behind the brand competition from grocers and commercial from November. to over £1. 75m. poor access and visibility of Vicks Vaposyrup Following its first full "Consumer advertising GSL products in store. season as a national product, on this scale has not been put This Winter, the Buttercup Gamble are Procter & SB say they are very pleased behind the brand for many range will be supported with claiming that the introduction with the performance of years and our aim is not only a campaign in the women's Vicks Vaposyrup, available of Coughcaps. The benefits of to remind existing users of Press. LRC are also offering a four variants (three P, one in the convenient, portable the benefits of Hill's but also free stock bonus and food GSL), marks "a major format and up to eight hours to attract new consumer trial hamper to retailers who place innovation in cough relief". ' relief have been key to the and brand loyalty, ' says point of sale material and Vaposyrup, unlike product's success, they say. Windsor's Ruth Higham. give extra shelf facings. traditional cough mixtures, This Winter, the company Cupal's Meltus range is Covonia from Thornton & has a thixotropic polyol is looking to increase its currently showing 16 per cent Ross is sporting a new style formulation said to coat the market snare still further and volume growth compared to label this Winter. To promote throat's cough receptors, will be providing a wide last year, says marketing this, new POS material is providing rapid relief from range of display material in manager Nick Duffy. A available and the company is coughing, says P&G's Bart addition to spending £1.6m licence variation, removing running a window display Struwe. The company says only 3 per cent of consumers feel current cough mixtures deliver the rapid relief of symptoms they require. In addition, P&G have allocated over £2.5 million to TV advertising and POS material. The company has also set up a professional healthcare advisory team to call exclusively on pharmacists, providing information about the brand. Although not included in the pilot study, C&D also asked Opal Products, distributors of Cabdrivers, to put their case to pharmacists. Opal say they have researched the market and have developed two new variants — paediatric and diabetic — in response to consumer requirements. In addition, they have introduced new packaging to on TV advertising. the drowsiness warning on competition. enhance consumer appeal. Another reformulated Meltus Dry Cough, has Nicholas Laboratories, product is Owbridge's which resulted in extra sales. manufacturers of The sugar-free linctus has Tancolin is now based on National consumer Press Children's Linctus, the been introduced in the light say guaiphenesin. The traditional advertising begins in October tangerine flavour is of heightened awareness of a winner capsicum, clove through to It the problems caused by and anise running March with children. contains flavour has been maintained. Meltus will be vitamin excess sugar intake, say and Baby C but no colourings. Press. Opal. The junior product was advertised in the baby Whitehall Laboratories' Special offers, trade Robitussin's introduced after parents £440,000 New campaigns promotions competitions in asked about a milder version. and campaign women's are available. magazines "We can now offer the Wellcome are employing a breaks in Cupal's Bronalin, the pharmacist a complete fresh approach to Sudared December. POS material, Cabdrivers Cough Linctus this season, concentrating on sugar and colour free range, consumer leaflets and an will have the drowsiness assistants range, a development which advertising in national competition are from the hasbeen consumer led and newspapers. The campaign warning removed planned. variant allows exploitation of the will run from October dry cough from Unichem's range of own already strong allegiance," through to February in all December 1. label products includes dry say Opal. major dailies. cough linctus, chesty cough The aim is to communicate linctus and children's dry Charitable News round-up Sudafed's benefits of fast cough linctus. acting, effective relief without This year, LRC's Buttercup Unichem are offering a Smithkline Beecham have interrupting normal daily syrup is teaming up with the 17.5 per cent discount off the reformulated Veno's cough routine. New POS material is Royal Society for Nature price of its own brand mixture range using xanthan available using the same Conservation to raise £10,000 products when 25 packs gum in addition to the active visual image as the to protect Britain's across the range are ordered.

A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 5 TECHNICAL

all We know the feeling — that tickly nose, the first sneeze. . .signs of that complaint, the common cold. A stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, aches and -pains — all are familiar symptoms. But despite this, not many people would describe their cold as common Catching hold of a cold

is most commonly contracted following a cold, and requires monitoring by the GP (and possibly antibiotics) to prevent the possibility of long term hearing problems. Although children may suffer wheezy bronchitis and not be asthmatic, recurring wheeziness in children should be referred to the GP to rule out asthma. Advice Most people tend to seek relief from a cold, and along with the trend towards self medication and the ever- increasing numbers of products, there are plenty of opportunity for sales. But reassurance and education are as important as acute coryzal become more intense. The cold should also be counter prescribing. Parental episode — better virus attacks the nose and monitored and treated. These reassurance is still the best Anknown as the throat first, so colds affect the manifest in different ways in management for children common cold — upper respiratory tract. individuals, depending on with recurrent respiratory is undoubtedly After transmission, the their age, health and infections, according to a the most common Winter virus probably settles on the susceptibility. There is report in Archives of Disease illness. Most adults suffer lining of the nose and breaks evidence to suggest that the in Childhood, December 1990. from coughs and colds through the mucus layer, common cold virus can Loss of appetite may occur between three and six times a causing infection of the convert carriage of pathogens during a cold, but fluid intake year, according to Crookes underlying cells and to disease, and that common should be maintained, Healthcare. And children inflammation of nasal tissues. respiratory infections may act especially in the young and may contract up to twice that This inflammation is as cofactors for bacterial elderly who are particularly number, probably because caused by increased blood infection (BMJ, October 19). vulnerable to dehydration. they are exposed to more supply as a result of dilation Most mechanisms by Following exposure or infections and have built up of blood vessels. which dual infections infection, if a person is run less immunity. Inflammation and increased enhance disease are open to down, tired or stressed Rhinoviruses are the most mucus production cause speculation but may involve emotionally, they are common cold viruses and nasal congestion, one of the interferon and antigens, for perhaps more likely to get a over a hundred different primary cold symptoms. example. Secondary infections cold, which has flooded the types have already been Nasal discharge starts as may also tend to occur market with tonics, vitamins identified. Immunity is only watery and clear and because the right conditions and "pick-me-ups". specific to one type. So becomes thicker after a few exist — destroyed and A report in the New although a sufferer will gain days as the body fights the inflamed mucus membrane England Journal of Medicine immunity to the type causing infection. linings and excess mucus. (Aug 29) concluded that their cold, exposure to Some cold sufferers will be people suffering from stress another means it is possible prone to sinusitis, catarrh and are prone to catching colds. to catch another cold Complications bacterial throat infections, or According to a recent immediately. Throat irritation can be may have a relapse of asthma, survey carried out by Other viruses responsible caused by the virus or by chronic bronchitis, or Crookes in conjunction with for colds include excess mucus running down emphysema. Chest infection She magazine, only 2 per cent adenoviruses and the back of the throat. This is not part of the common of respondents said they myxoviruses. Some are more can activate the cough reflex; cold. And a red, sore throat would visit their GP in active during Summer and similarly, sneezing is caused caused by the cold virus is response to a cold-like illness, should not be by nasal tissue irritation. usually different to a bacterial compared with 54 per cent underestimated as up to 40 Sinusitis or inflammation infection like tonsilitis. who would visit the per cent of all colds occur in of the sinuses occurs when a Cold symptoms in pharmacist. Some 90 per cent the Summer, say Crookes. small hole leading from the children are not really would then act on the Colds are most commonly nose to the sinus becomes different to adults, but their pharmacist's advice. spread by droplet inhalation, blocked off with trapped response can be different. Up to 70 per cent of so to prevent transfer, mucus. This causes pressure Common complications to consumers take time off work scrupulous hygiene is and pain under the eyes and which children are or school as a result of severe required — easier said than around the nose, along with susceptible include infections sore throats, cold symptoms, done with children! headache. A secondary of the middle ear and lower or coughs, while 17 per cent The incubation period for bacterial infection may alsp respiratory tract. Otitis of all working days lost are a cold is around two days, occur in the trapped mucus. media, characterised by pain attributed to the common after which symptoms Complications of a simple and a red inflamed ear drum, cold, say Crookes.

6 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 Karvol. For children who'd rather not be greasers

Something remarkable happens when Karvol clears a child's blocked

up nose. That's all it does.

There's none of the greasiness of vapour rubs. Its ingredients of pine, K. 0 RU cinnamon and menthol are inhaled, which eases a child's breathing. W& Decongestant capsules m j|Nk m Without it touching the skin. Karvol ¥ Karvol is available in packs of 20, or 10's for new mums to try out.

It's hard on vapour rubs. But gentle with a child. ;

INHALANTS Breathe deeply!

Although consumers are primarily concerned with a product 's efficacy and performance, there is an underlying interest in what goes into a medicine and a preference for natural ingredients. Inhaled decongestants are increasingly the first choice, particularly for children

the desire for appeal to health conscious natural remedies consumers who prefer its Asand concerns natural pure plant oil about health ingredients to more synthetic issues continue chemical formulations." to be powerful influences on Recent research has consumers, so non-ingested shown that pharmacies healthcare products will typically stock over 30 continue to grow, predict decongestant brands, say Crookes Healthcare. Lane. 'There must come a According to Nielsen time when it is more figures, sterling growth in the profitable to display and sell nasal decongestant market feading line like Olbas rather last year was 11.6 per cent than take up shelf space with with inhalants holding just low demand lines that do not over a fifth of the totalvalue generate profit." To help of approximately £23 million with display, Olbas is being at rsp (excluding Boots). changed to a two-facing tray Pharmacy contributed for the 10ml size and a three- around 87 per cent of the facing tray for the 28ml size. market total. Three main awareness and rate of sale. blended aromatic oils which, During the first month of when released, help ease brands dominate this sector Happy birthday! of the market — Karvol, TV campaign last year, sales breathing and aid sleep. Olbas Oil and Vicks Vaporub. of Karvol increased by as Amanda Jenkins, Tixylix One hundred years ago a now familiar little blue jar It is in the area of much as 27 per cent year on brand manager says: first the children's decongestants that year, he says. This Winter, "Mothers with young appeared on — Vicks inhaled products are Karvol will be on TV from the children are particularly American market Pharmacist particularly strong with last week in December concerned to use medicines Vaporub. mothers, especially those through to the end of which are not only effective Lunsford Richardson was for developing with children under the age February. Advertising does but safe. Tixylix now offers responsible the Vicks range of home of six drawn to natural work and retailers should be them a range with a name remedies. One of these, a products as opposed to aware of it as an effective they can trust." vaporising salve for colds, giving their children support to their efforts at To promote the launch the developed for his son 'drugs". point of sale, says Mr company plans to spend was Portsmouth. £750,000 advertising in the who was a 'croupy baby". Dual siting, in a retail women's Press and mother Menthol was incorporated Display Karvol together environment, is a ploy the and baby magazines from in an ointment base In the year to April, sales of multiples have learned to October untilthe end of with rubefacient agents. By Karvol were 10 per cent over exploit but which smaller March. Full colour rubbing the ointment on the chest, of and above last year's figures, chains or independents have advertisements will appear in person s the heat the say manufacturers Crookes yet to take up. A trial with daily and Sunday the body would vaporise Healthcare. Following a Karvol in a small multiple newspapers and new POS menthol and the soothing vapours could be inhalecT minor change to the showed that dual siting on material is available. In 1905, the Vicks family product's formulation, the the babycare fixture resulted Olbas Oil is performing product is now classed as a in a 75 per cent increase in well in the market, Remedy Company was GSL medicine. sales of Karvol 10s. maintaining overall share founded to sell the products its to a global Andrew Porstmouth, "Although the market is competitiveness with other and progression provides an insight senior product manager at mature there is a phenomenal leading brands, say G.R. brand Crookes, believes that when potential for increased sales Lane Health Products. "The into the development of Karvol was a Pharmacy to be gained by taking brand clearly continues to Continued on plu medicine it operated at a advantage of consumer disadvantage because it could dynamics and changing not be displayed prominently purchasing patterns," says with competitior brands. This Mr Portsmouth. Displaying has now changed and the GSL brands where trie company plans product trial, consumer can self-select is improved packs and targeted particularly important. advertising support for the coming season. A new player However, there is little evidence that pharmacists This year Karvol is facing have rushed out and moved what is probably its most Karvol to the GSL shelves, direct form of competition — particularly in independent the launch of Tixylix pharmacies, says Mr decongestant inhalant by Portsmouth. Crookes hope Intercare Products Ltd. this will change, particularly Tixylix decongestant as they are investing money capsules is part of a range of in TV support this Winter three new products under the aimed at increasing brand Tixylix name. They contain

A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 Once again our commercials will end up giving you a sore throat.

)n Decer %z or Strepsiis go back on at. And when your loors open on December 2nd, yoi be lost for words. Hard! Last year, when these commercial rate of sale in pharmacies.' And t hi

on them. And if you find that hard t© swallow, you know what to take.

•Nielsen Jan/Feb 1991 new POS material. Also new this Winter is an Space planning electric vaporizer from Mountain Breeze. This uses pads, supplied with the unit Unichem's planograms give merchandising and as refills, which release a advice for 80 per cent the products used in blend of natural oils of including menthol and pharmacy. The shelf layouts give the eucalyptus. The product will pharmacist ideas on how to maximise sales be advertised in women's weekly and monthly The pharmacy value of the per cent. The year on year magazines in December and counter medicines sector is growth of this sector is 5 per January. £192.2 million, a share of 46.9 cent. Pharmacy Recommende Continued from p8 Value (£) Share Space Allocatio Oral analgesics 47.8m 46% 34°/ modern marketing methods. Cough treatments 17°/ Sales were boosted by the flu 40.3m 74% epidemic of 1918-19 and by Cold treatments 23.8m 58% 9°/ 1929, Vicks Vaporob was Cough — cold pastilles 13.3m 36% 5°/ established in more than 60 countries. Decongestants 10.5m 30% 111 Indigestion remedies 18.9m 44% 7°, Easybreathers Stomach upset remedies 4.5m 30% 2% Robinson have launched Laxatives 7.8m 39% 3°/ Easy Breathers inhalant Paediatric remedies 0.9m N/A 3°/ tissues, to be claimed "a unique product with major First aid dressings 5.0m 21% 2°/ product benefits". Antiseptics 4.0m 22% 1°/ The dry tissues release a Miscellaneous markets 8.0m 40% 7°/,\ vapour which includes camphor, menthol and pine Pharmacy medicines oils. It is an alternative to "messy" liquids or rubs, says the company, yet still provides the sufferer with the Innovative touch benefits of inhaling a vapour. The company's research Although doctors have long showed that 72 per cent of recommended inhaling steam those who used Easy mixed with aromatic Breathers said they would substances to relieve colds, catarrh and sinus congestion, purchase it, if available in the shops. To support the launch there are disadvantages to the towel and bowl of hot an initial campaign will run regionally in women's water method. magazines. An appreciation of this lead a community pharmacist to invent the Clearway galore Appliances Inhaler. The device is a mask The big news in the inhalant which fits around the nose appliances market this and mouth attached to a Winter is the relaunch of plastic cup into which hot Wright's Vaporizer in an water ana the required electric format. inhalant are placed. It is easy Nick Pearse, new product to use, inexpensive, and development manager at compact, say Clearway. LRC Products, says the A survey showed that decision was taken following where recommended by = = = consumer research which pharmacists for catarrh and Yellow laxatives; red indigestion remedies; aqua stomach upset remedies; purple = antiseptics; blue = first aid dressings; showed that, although the sinusitis, sales averaged 5.4 green = cold treatments; aqua = cough & cold pastilles; blue = oral product was seen as per week per pharmacy. analgesics; brown = decongestants traditional and effective, the Header cards are available candle format was old providing an eye-catching fashioned and could be point of sale message. GSL countermedicines misused. The inhalant device The new electrical format Virotherm produces around offers advantages, says Mr 40 litres of air a minute, Pearse: it is safer, more saturated with water and effective due to a more even raised to 43C. It raises the heat, has a medicinal image, nasal passages to this and is cleaner and cheaper for temperature and can relieve the consumer to run. congestion and sinus Blocks and fluid for the pressure, say the Vaporizer are available as manufacturers. refills and the electric unit Pifco Carmen produce a comes complete with a 2m unit which combines facial cable fitted with a plug — an sauna and nasal inhaler — important factor when you Steam Therapy. The electric consider that it is likely to be unit has three settings, two a distress purchase, says Mr for saunas and one for nasal MISCELLANEOUS '

OTHER INDIGESTION REMEDIES . ELAST0PLA8T' Pearse. inhalation, and two separate MARKETS , LRC are promoting the adaptors for full facial sauna new unit with a £500,000 or just nose and mouth Green = cough liquids; blue = oral analgesics; purple = cold advertising campaign and inhalation. remedies; yellow = paediatric remedies; red = misc markets

10 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 This strong anaesthetic and antiseptic will ensure your customers never come back.

roWI'RFUL LOCAL ANAESTHETIC 24 ANTt-BACTEAIAL LOZENGES What you see before you is the end of ttv So, if you want really satisfied customers,

sore throat as we know it. just clear your throat and recommend

This humble lozenge has the power to Dequacaine, along with its highly

numb pain and treat the cause. effective sister, Dequadin. ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE The common cold

With more than 1 20 different strains already identified as producing after the beginning of school Autumn term, and followed by cold symptoms, and more contributory viruses being isolated all the a post-Christmas epidemic and a third peak period in the early time, perhaps it is not surprising that the common cold is the most Spring. prevalent, and consequently the most expensive, illness in the Each of these epidemics seems to be associated with a Western world different virus, with the severity of the illnesses dependent on the strength and virulence of the specific viral strain. Based on information gathered from doctors and consumers over the past four years for the Smithkline Beecham Healthcare "Colds & flu monitor", the mid- Winter epidemic is by far the most prevalent and severe. Although it is not known why there is a correlation between cold weather and colds, all the : evidence connects the two.

Specific symptoms

The common cold is caused by viral infection in the upper respiratory tract which manifests itself, in varying degrees of severity, in a mixture of all-too-familiar symptoms. The main sites of infection are the nose, the throat and the bronchi. Sufferers may have a sore throat and a dry chesty cough, a rise in temperature, watery eyes, a loss of voice and a diminished sense of smelll and taste. Such are the number and variety of the cold viruses that even an acquired immunity to one strain is no guarantee against succumbing to others, particularly since up to 10 per cent of common colds are associated with more than one virus, and simultaneous infection by two viruses is not uncommon. Tests have proved Smithkline Beecham research Thus, the only means of Seasonal severity that clinical immunity from data shows that over 20 per cent preventing the spread of a cold Research has shown an individual strains can prove of people suffer a cold or flu in is to isolate the sufferer, but apparent relationship between effective for up to two years any one week during the since the virus is present and the frequency of colds and the after infection, although Winter, and that as much as 60 infectious well before the cold time of year. About 20 per cent reinfection is never entirely per cent of the population symptoms manifest themselves, of the population suffers a cold eliminated and usually results in suffer a cold over a 1 2 month isolation can hardly be during the Summer months, a modified illness. However, flu period. In Great Britain alone considered a fail-safe method of during which time other vaccinations are available. more time is lost from work and cold prevention. respiratory disorders and school because of colds than all allergies such as hayfever are other diseases combined, while Types of treatment Colds affect all ages necessarily most prevalent. recent figures from the United However, the three peak Hence treatment of the States maintain that the Nor do the viruses show much seasons for common colds seem common cold can never be common cold accounts for more respect for age or state of to occur at the beginning, entirely preventative and thus than 50 per cent of all absences health, although these factors middle and end of the Winter, must be symptomatic, among industrial employees. are related to the incidence and starting with an outburst just concentrating on the relief of What is more, while many severity of the disease. Young colds are no more than an children are undoubtedlyy the uncomfortable inconvenience most susceptible to colds, with lasting just a few days, they can children under five succumbing also give rise to much more to an average of between six serious disorders of the ear, and twelve respiratory throat and sinuses, as well as infections annually, most of generating the kind of which are colds and can lead to bronchial hyper-reactivity that other complications such as ear worsens bronchial asthma or and throat infections. acute and chronic bronchitis. A poor nutritional state, fatigue and emotional disturbances are undoubtedly Virulent viruses associated with increased The nature of the many cold susceptibility to infections of viruses is such that the any kind, but even the prevalance of the disease seems healthiest, fittest and happiest inevitable. For a start, they are people are not immune. Getting very infectious and spread easily wet or cold are not direct causes and rapidly from person to of a cold in themselves, but will person without recourse to an undoubtedly add to the intermediate source such as symptoms should the virus food or water. already be in the system. existing discomfort and, in their appreciation of the severe cases, the prevention of product's many technical and potential complications. The remedial benefits. Pharmacists latter would usually require are interested in the sustained professional medical attention, release technology provided by but straightforward cold the beadlets contained within symptoms can easily and the Coughcap capsule. This effectively be alleviated with provides a therapeutic and bed rest, adequate fluid intake effective level of and self medication with dextromethorphan for up to modern proprietary medicines. eight hours at a time which is the length of effectiveness Consumer comment never available before. Customers are pleased with the Market research into consumer product's blister-packed capsule experience of colds and coughs format, which makes them reflects the medical evidence conveniently portable and easy supplied by doctors and to swallow, as well as ensuring research scientists as to the day-long dry cough relief. symptoms and frequency of the Beechams Powders disease, but produces some Beechams Powders have been widely divergent opinions as to providing fast relief from colds, the severity of the suffering flu and rheumatic pains since involved and the efficacy of cold their launch in 1926 and they treatments. all ages and sexes accepting the Both men and women claim fact that there is no infallible that, typically, they catch two or cure for a cold, but trusting three colds a year and that tried and tested products to children are more susceptible alleviate symptoms, particularly than adults, probably because during the early stages of the they are more liable to catch illness. Interestingly, most colds from each other at school. people prefer to take a known Both sexes also describe similar brand name product rather than symptoms at the onset of a cold own label medicines. — sneezing, sore throat and general lassitude — and both Coughs agree that there is little one can do to avoid catching a cold. As the viral infection which However, when it comes to the causes the cold increases in definition of the illness, men intensity, mucus forms on the apparently suffer much more membranes lining the air than women and describe their passages and a cough acts as an symptoms in much more severe automatic respiratory reflex to be cleared to prevent further remain Britain's best known and graphic terms. clear the foreign matter from infection. This chesty or cold remedy to this day, with a Whereas women tend to the tracheobronchial tree. Thus, productive cough means the remarkable brand awareness of adopt a fairly philosophical a cough is one of the most patient is able to cough up 98 per cent. The product is still approach to the illness and will common symptoms of a phlegm or mucus. Over two- available in its original wrapper often simply let the cold run its respiratory disorder and can thirds of coughs are chesty. At format, as well as in tablet form course with the help of a few often be one of the most this stage it would clearly be and decongestant capsules, and hot drinks and a couple of distressing and uncomfortable wrong to suppress the continues to grow at a rate of aspirin, men are much more side effects of the common cold. productive coughing action as more than 1 3 per cent year on likely to take advantage of Not only does the cough cause a plugs of phlegm in the small year. symptomatic self-medication. sore throat, but constant airways can cause infection and Hot Remedies Hot drinks are Although more women actually coughing can also result in a discomfort when breathing. one of the most popular cold purchase cold and cough headache, stomach ache and Thus a medicine which soothes remedies with all ages, remedies for family use. often a feeling of nausea. the sore throat while loosening providing fast relief from the Furthermore, among cold The type of cough a sufferer phlegm and congestion is most symptoms of cold and flu, in a sufferers who do take may experience during the advisable. soothing, palatable format. medication, men are much more course of their illness depends Veno's Smithkline Beecham Repackaging for the product inclined than women to start upon the severity of the cold Health Care UK have recently last Winter helped to generate reformulation of sales for treatment immediately they and it is important for the right announced the increased the whole all the variants in their popular Remedies range. begin to feel unwell in an treatment to be taken if Beechams Hot Veno's cough syrup range. The Lemon is still the attempt to stave off further maximum comfort is to be Beechams Hot symptoms. It should be said also attained from the medication. new formula combines nature- favourite flavour, with that women tend to be rather During the early stages of a cold identical xanthum gum with Beechams Hot Blackcurrant scathing about men's attitude or a mild infection, the cough active ingredients in the syrup continuing to outsell its nearest to illness and most believe that can be dry and tickly, causing to increase the viscosity of the competitor and Beechams Hot men's tolerance to feeling extreme irritation and soreness. cough mixture and thus coat the Lemon with Honey still a with unwell and coping with illness is This is a non-productive cough, cough receptors more consistent performer a effectively provide fast flavour to the market much lower than their own. because the sufferer is not and unique Cold treatments are coughing up phlegm in the relief without drowsiness. place. generally well thought of, with respiratory passages which must Each of the products in the Day Nurse and Night Nurse Veno's range has been Day Nurse and Night Nurse are developed to suit a particular the number 1 brand leader in type of cough and contains an cold remedies in pharmacy, and essential demulcent action to retain a massive 30 per cent calm and soothe the throat. share. Growth for the brand has Veno's Expectorant for Chesty proved particularly spectacular Coughs also contains since the launch of its capsule guaiphenesin, an expectorant format, with an increase in sales clinically proven to loosen of 26 per cent year on year last phlegm and congestion. Veno's winter alone. Honey and Lemon for Tickly The secret of Contac 400 is its Coughs and Veno's Cough tiny "time pills", some of which Mixture for Dry Coughs act as are designed to work suppressants, reducing the immediately, the others to be impulse to cough by blocking released later, to obtain up to the cough receptors in the 12 hours' relief from a runny or throat. blocked up nose. Coughcaps ccessfully Contac 400 is distributed on launched last winter Coughcaps Smithkline Beecham Health has enjoyed sales at RSP of over Cares behalf by The Wellcome £1.5 million in their first year on Foundation — this product is the market as both pharmacists therefore available from your and consumers have shown Wellcome sales representative. PRACTICE Tracking down the flu

Every week around 200 GPs provide information on the incidence ofcolds and flu in their practice. The result is an up-to-date monitor of the season s trends

the Winter of 1918-19, Beecham Health Care. given by each pair as a number of cases over the 20 million people The company sees the percentage of the total previous two years. In Inworldwide lost their benefits as including: number reporting at a 1990-91 there was no lives in just eight • Allowing prediction of national or regional level. epidemic which may be due weeks, a higher death coming changes in incidence This percentage is then partly to increased resistance toll than during the preceding at both national and regional weighted to take into account in the population following war. In the Winter of 1989-90, levels. its importance. The the previous years' epidemic. 25,000 people died. The cause • Improving qualification of percentage from 1 and 2 is Although 1990-91 showed no — influenza. consumer demand for, and multiplied by one, the score large peak in the number of sufferers, the baseline was slightly higher than in previous years. GPs are sampled by the monitor because they are considered to be better informed, more expert and objective than either consumers or retailers, says Smithkline Beecham Health Care's marketing manager David Crow. Patients themselves tend to have a very subjective view of Winter ailments with one person's sniffle equivalent to another person's flu. Last year, SB carried out a

consumer monitor to see if it yielded more information than the doctor's survey but the trends identified were Probably the major sales of, relevant products. from 3 and 4 is multiplied by very similar, he says. problem for anyone involved • Enabling the preparation 2 and the score from 5 and 6 Mr Crow says he would in healthcare is the and timely deployment of by three. The resulting like to see the monitor unpredictable nature of the appropriate marketing incidence gives a score of 100 expanding. With doctors flu virus which makes it activity, production and when the number of colds referring patients to the virtually impossible to distribution. and flu in the population is pharmacy for over the forecast when the next "low to normal' and a counter products for minor epidemic will occur. maximum of 300 when there ailments there is a possible Relatively simple Apart from the obvious is an epidemic. opportunity to study other risk of falling victim The monitor is a relatively SB s experience has therapeutic areas. However, themselves, manufacturers, simple study for surgeries to shown that 150-199 points the monitor does work best wholesalers and retailers participate in. Every week for indicates that heavy colds, for conditions that are have to consider another 24 of the 26 weeks between probably with increasing flu, seasonal in nature — the aspect of an epidemic — early October and early April, are prevalent and warrant incidence of coughs is a coping with empty shelves Meditex telephone around precautionary activity. When possible application or even and "out-of-stocks" while 200 GP surgeries between 200 is reached, flu is a major nay fever. public demand soars. Thursday and Sunday. The factor and an epidemic may Maybe in future Although it sounds rather collated results arrive at SB be likely. A progressive rise pharmacists will only order mercenary, for the well by Wednesday morning. in score can give up to three stock after studying a range prepared retailer a good The survey consists of weeks warning of major of monitors showing the epidemic can really lift profits! only one question: "In the movements. likely demand. On the other The Winter of 1968-69 was last seven days, which of the As an indication of the hand, SB would certainly when the infamous Hong following statements best serious nature of the last UK settle for a more accurate Kong flu epidemic struck. describe the incidence of epidemic (Winter 1989-90), Srediction of when the next One of the main frustrations colds and flu currently the monitor's score reached u epidemic will strike. for manufacturers was how observed in your practice?" 280. In other words, nearly In the meantime, slowly they received data There are six answer options. 100 per cent of the doctors pharmacists can play an about the incidence of illness 1. Cold and flu are at a low believed that there was an important role in alerting and market demand. One rate epidemic in progress among Satients to the availability of company, Beecham, felt they 2. Colds and flu are at a their patients. u vaccines. The Department needed more up-to-date, normal rate of Health currently actionable data and so, in 3. Distinct rise in colds and recommends annual trends 1971, they set up a colds and flu Annual vaccination of patients with flu monitor with Meditex Ltd, 4. Distinct fall in colds and flu The monitor is also able to chronic respiratory, cardiac a specialist research agency. 5. Very heavy rate of colds produce data which shows or renal disease, diabetes or In 1987, the monitor was and flu how the pattern of colds and immunosuppression. In increased to give a regional 6. Epidemic in progress. flu varies considerably from addition, vaccination is split and today it provides Incidence scores are one year to the next (see recommended for residents weekly information on the derived by pairing answers 1 graph). Prior to the epidemic of nursing homes, old national incidence of colds and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6, of 1989-90, there had been a peoples' homes or other long and flu to Smithkline expressing the numbers gradual build up in the stay institutions. 1991 14 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER GRAB THE MEDICATED SWEET MARKET BY THE THROAT. (AGAIN.)

Tunes and Lockets are brands not to be sniffed at. They account for over 55%* of

the medicated sweet market, and sales of them treble in winter months. We'll be maintaining this healthy lead with a £3.5m* * advertising campaign. So don't

get left out in the cold. Stock up with Tunes and Lockets before the rush begins.

Mars 5 Confectionery 1991 Sources: 'NMRA/CCCA "MEAL Equivalent ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Benylin care — the pharmacy answer Introducing Benylin Non-Drowsy Formulation For Chesty Coughs

Research indicates that 25 per With the launch of the new Non- Heavier promotion cent of the population actively seek non-drowsy cough Drowsy formulation, the Benylin In the main 1991-2 season the treatments, and there is now a Benylin range will be promoted Benylin with the answer for range now provides an answer to all more heavily and more these customers. Benylin Non- effectively than ever before. Drowsy for Chesty Coughs the usual types of cough and customer Over the past few years Benylin contains 100mg guaiphenesin preference. Customer requirements has spent millions of pounds to per 5ml dose, which is the help build pharmacy cough maximum strength allowed in a are evolving and, as market leader, product sales, with TV GSL formulation. Because of advertising as the spearhead. guaiphenesin's bittertaste, non- Benylin is anticipating and responding This policy continues this winter drowsy formulations could be with new consumer-tested affected by poor patient to these needs. To give pharmacy commercials with a £2 million compliance, but Benylin Non- customers the widest choice for all budget which will reach 90pc of Drowsy's palatability has been all Britain's housewives. clinically proven, and is highly their family's needs Benylin now Effective in-store acceptable to users of other non- merchandising will maximise sedating cough treatments. In offers a complete range, including the impact from this TV support, and fact, 67 per cent of non-Benylin there are important users said that they were likely new Non-Drowsy formulation for opportunities for pharmacists to to purchase the Benylin Non- chesty coughs participate in Benylin promotion Drowsy formulation. through an enlarged range of However, for the 75 per cent free display and merchandising of cough sufferers who are not Benylin Chesty Original that they value Benylin's aids. Window cards, counter concerned with possible formulation will continue to be clinically proven efficacy, in a units and two sizes of shelf strips drowsiness, the Benylin range is the leading product, outselling range of specialised have been specially designed for still the first choice for fast and the next closest competitor by formulations for all their the pharmacy to give extra effective cough treatment. three to one. Loyal users show family's needs. impact to the cough/cold section. A big pharmacy opportunity with Benylin Non-Drowsy

GSL but limited to pharmacy

The Non-Drowsy launch opens Benylin display or up another big profit merchandising units and, of opportunity which is exclusive to course, with other GSL the pharmacy. Benylin Non- medicines on open display. The answer for your customers' needs Drowsy's Pharmacy-only status A GSL siting will have Adult range: gives you the benefits of self- important implications for Benylin for Chesty Coughs original formulation selection opportunities while profitability. Up to now, other — 300ml and 125ml sizes available ensuring that cough treatment GSL cough medicines, which are Benylin for Dry Coughs sales stay within the pharmacy. primarily sold through grocery Benylin for Cough Relief and easier breathing As a GSL product, Benylin outlets, have had a Benylin new Non-Drowsy Formulation for Chesty Coughs Non-Drowsy can be displayed in disappointing record forthe locations in-store. pharmacy. On average, they a number of Children's range: This is the first time that the take upto 17 percent of the pharmacist has been able to space devoted to cough Benylin Specially Formulated for Children showa Benylin on open sale, treatments, but contribute only Benylin Sugar-Free Formulation for Children, with no artificial colours and the profit potential of the 9 per cent to sales. Displaying new brand calls for multiple Benylin Non-Drowsy in GSL areas Now there's every good reason to recommend Benylin sitings — such as the P shelves, as well as on the P shelves could with the rest of the Benylin go a long way towards range, in one of the special free correcting this.

Benylin care and the pharmacist Benylin care is the answer for the pharmacist

as well as the consumer because of all that it offers him:

• Pharmacists can be confident selling lines in pharmacy are in recommending Benylin Benylin variants. because of itsclinically proven • Benylin has always been efficacy. Recent clinical studies uniquely well promoted, with Benylin have shown that Benylin soothes heavy TV support in the peak an irritated throat and starts season, combined with heavy working immediately to relieve belowthe linesupport a patient's cough (1). Additional throughout the year. clinical trials against another • Benylin provides a better leading pharmacy brand (2) return per foot of shelf than showed that Benylin was most cough treatments. This was significantly better in terms of proved in a study with the Selles the degree of cough relief and Chemist Group, which showed the rate of improvement of the that the re allocation of shelf patient'scough. space to leaders like Benylin in • Benylin isthe brand leader — accordance with market shares well-regarded and accepted by lifted profitability by 17 per all the trade and consumers cent. alike. Itcontinuesto outsell its nearest competitor by three to 1. Data on file Warner-Lambert Co. Benylin for Chesty Coughs versus a one. Benylin offers a complete competitive guiaphenesin with range and its high rate of sale thixotropic polyol cough mixture means that space dedicated to Benylin will be profit efficient. 2. British Journal of Clinical • Benylin offers a high cash 79S5 Practice. Benylin for Chesty Coughs margin, and combined with its versus a competitive triprolidine high rate of sale it makes good hydrochloride, pseudoephedrine business sense. Nielsen figures hydrochloride and guiaphenesin showthatfouroutof the top 10 cough mixture

placeow orders may be ointravel pnM oftl .»50 representawe^ „ amar0 a first wind<)W Now — a Non-Drowsy Benylin GSL butpharmacy-only Recent consumer research by Warner-Lambert Health Care showed that 67 per cent of non -Benylin cough sufferers would be likely to purchase eve „ umbrella t°L 2£?3.V'severyone^^^^^^a winner! Benylin Non-Drowsy in preference to their current brand Winter Window SORE THROATS Feeling sore?

Products for sore th mats, whether licensed lozenges or medicated confectionery are not as seasonal as many retailers imagine, so it is worth spending time studying which products to stock and how] to merchandise them

is a tendency important that retailers stock, Thereto associate sore all four variants of Strepsils. throats with Winter This year, the range is coughs and colds, sporting updated packaging however, some following research that manufacturers are finding indicated that original and that up to 40 per cent of sales honey & lemon appeared a occur in the Summer months. little dated. This means that cold and Displaying the brand sore throat preparations prominently is very make for one of the busiest important, says Mr over the counter fixtures in Portsmouth, quoting the pharmacy. However, research that shows Crookes Healthcare say much consumers regard Strepsils as

can still be done to increase the "beacon brand". Even if profitability and sales. they do not want to purchase Throat remedies continue Strepsils, they locate where to be the backbone of sales in the other sore throat Winter coldcare with a remedies are stocked by current value of £80.2 million looking for the Strepsils increasing 6 per cent in value on last year. some degree, understand containing menthol to help After last year's poor that licensed lozenges offer relieve blocked noses, are performance Andrew Tasker, certain benefits, it is unfair to predicted to do well. group product manager at invite a price comparison. Crookes have also Merrell-Dow, predicts this Crookes also believe that identified a polarisation season will see some growth retailers should consider any between "serious" and "first coming back into the market. above the line support a stage" sore throat Crookes' Andrew product receives. Brands medications. Strepsils are Portsmouth agrees but which are supported in this purchased as a "first stage" believes the future will see way are those which are treatment which consumers the top five or six accounting performing best in the reach for when a sore throat for a greater proportion of market, they say. first strikes. If a stronger sales. medicine is required later Displaying GSLs then the Dequa range is the Critical appraisal "serious" choice, says Mr Having looked at what Portsmouth. Mr Tasker believes products are stocked the next pharmacists must have an step is ensuring that those understanding of shelf space which are given shelf space Head to head allocation in this market area. are displayed to the Merrell-Dow, manufacturers They should look critically at maximum advantage. of Merocaine, Merocets and a brand's turnover and at the Where a product is Merothol, see themselves as profit on return, he says, and displayed will depend, to a lining up for head-to-head packs, he says. base their allocation or space large extent, on whether it is competition with Crookes, The brand will be back on on these factors. Pharmacy only or GSL. especially since the latter now TV this year in December and "I think pharmacists 'do Merocets and Merothol, owns the Dequa range. "It's January and new POS themselves down' sometimes although GSL, are restricted very much our objective this material will be available. by giving prominence to to pharmacy outlets, year, in terms of what we're Together with Karvol and the medicated confectionery something which Mr Tasker doing in pharmacy to Dequa range, Strepsils will brands which are low margin believes pnarmacists are challenge Strepsil's market benefit from a display

products and which can be beginning to appreciate. share, ' says Andrew Tasker. initiative with mystery bought anywhere," he says. GSL products like This Winter, Merrel are shoppers calling on retailers Recommending a product Merocets and Merothol and using a spoon logo on between January and March. which can be purchased at Strepsils should not be kept advertisements and POS Crookes predict that outlets other than a out of reach on the P shelves. material to emphasise the Dequadin and Dequacaine pharmacy can mean that Companies such as Merrell message "a real medicine in a will see major growth in the when a consumer wants to and Crookes believe that as lozenge". The company sees future. As they are regarded repurchase the sale maybe consumers' confidence in the three products as as "serious" products there lost to the grocery sector. Mr self-medication has increased separate brands linked by the is unlikely to be any conflict Tasker believes the so has their knowledge about Mero-name. with Strepsils, the company confectionery sector still symptoms and their desire This year, the company is says. "The two brands takes a higher amount of for a product with a specific running a "Grand pay and compliment one another shelf space than it should, proposition. display" cash draw linked to perfectly at point of sale and based on turnover and profit. This increase in display of POS material, and in terms of consumer's If these lower priced knowledge has been reflected an assistants' competition. It perception, needs and products are given shelf room in the number of "niche" is also looking at a sampling application," says Mr they should not be displayed products offering benefits for campaign for Merothol. Portsmouth. next to higher priced licensed different types of sore Crookes advocate that in The Dequa range will see a GSL brands he says. throats. Anaesthetic order to cater for the different doubling in the amount of Although consumers, to lozenges, and those types of sore throat, it is money behind it this year

18 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 with a national poster distributors Chemist Brokers. display outer, says the campaign in December and Recent figures show that company. January. sales, particularly of the 100ml liquid, are on the Buttercup range increase in pharmacy. David Earlier this year, LRC Brand news Hill, market development Products extended their Ernest Jackson are director, believes this augers range with Buttercup throat confronting the 1991-92 well for the coughs and colds lozenges containing bee season with their most season. "TCP liquid propolis. LRC see the comprehensive range of antiseptic is the brand most product as more serious and products yet. This year, their trusted when the sore throat therefore competing with the range is joined by rotters season descends upon likes of Strepsils and Catarrh Pastilles and Zubes. families," he says. Merocets. Sales of Buttercup Although they always New for 1991 is an orange medicated sweets grew in used to manufacture Potters, flavour of TCP pastilles, volume by 13 per cent last Jackson's are now which pre-launch research year, say LRC. responsible for sales, indicated is especially Olbas pastilles have also marketing and advertising. popular among young shown growth in the past "It's future is in safe hands," people. year, say G.R. Lane. They says managing director Lee The brand will be This Winter will see a £3. 5m attribute this largely to extra advertising Walker. The company is also supported by national Press campaign. availability at point-of-sale, committed to restoring advertising and a consumer Halls Mentholyptus advertising, and the trend Zubes, once a household public relations and leafleting currently takes a 22 per cent towards more natural based share of the name, to its former glory. A campaign to educate existing UK confectionery products. market, repackaging programme is and potential users about the say Warner Lambert Tunes and Lockets underway with advertising brand's benefits. Confectionery. It will be on account for over 55 per cent support planned for the New According to Schering TV from December through of the medicated sweet Year. Plough Consumer Health, to March. Joint trade market with sales trebling in Throaties and Throaties Meggazones, established for promotions with Kleenex the Winter months, say Mars. Extra are currently worth over 195 years, grew by 39 tissues are also underway. over £3m at rsp, say per cent between 1987 and Jackson's, ana plans are in 1991. It is a therapeutic sore hand to repeat the previously throat remedy which, they When it's not a cold! successful TV-am campaign. say, is growing at the There is a tendency to expect that snuffles and sneezes in the Winter are likely to be a cold, while in the Summer it must be hayfever. Although this is the case, the opposite scenario can occur. A customer who asks advice on an unusually persistent "Winter cold", or one that seems to worsen in certain environments, may have an allergy. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a year-round problem that has increased in recent years with the prime causes being dust, house dust mites and animal dander. The nose and eyes are most commonly affected with inflammation of the nose causing watery discharge and sneezing as well as nasal blockage. Eyes become sore, itchy and watery and facial pains and headache may be due to blocked sinuses. This Winter Merrell Dow, manufacturers of the terfenadine-containing antihistamine range of Triludan, and Triludan Forte, are running a consumer awareness campaign to alert sufferers that their cold may be an allergy. It is useful, in trying to pinpoint the cause if a record of symptoms is kept. The company has produced a range of point of sale

materials including display boards and a consumer leaflet« "Understanding allergies — effective advice when it's not just a cold". A bright future is also expense of more predicted for Zensyls. confectionery type products. Lofthouse of Fleetwood Made to a traditional JHSHHIHHHHHHHB launched a sugar-free formula, A.L. Simpkins's Winter remedies — top five brands Fisherman's Friend in the Olde Miners lozenges are A.C. Nielsen figures based on sterling sales in pharmacies for 12 Summer to appeal to an selling particularly well in months to July/August 1991. increasingly health conscious traditional mining areas. The market. A sampling company has also had Cough remedies Analgesics 1. Benylin operation will start this demand from choristers and 1. Solpadeine 2. Aerified 2. Nurofen Autumn with over 8 million male voice choirs. Old Miners 3. Covonia 3. Anadin packs being given away. is available on bonus — 27 for 4. Sudafed 4. Panadol Lofthouse believe that the the price of 24 — yielding a 41 5. Venos 5. Migraleve Fisherman's Friend range per cent POR for a standard "with new and innovative Cough, cold products in the pipeline", pastilles & lozenges Cold treatments will tempt a wider range of 1. Strepsils 1 . Beechams Powders palates. A humorous 2. Merocaine 2. Lemsip 3. Merocets 3. Night Nurse advertising campaign is 4. Throaties 4. Day Nurse planned using the line 5. Tyrozets 5. Benylin Day & Night 'Never underestimate the power of the Fisherman's Decongestants Facial tissues Friend". 1. Sudafed 1. Kleenex For Men TCP, although 70 years 2. Otrivine 2. Kleenex Super 3 old, is still a key player in the 3. Karvol 3. Andrex Winter remedy market with 4. Sinutab 4. Kleenex Boutique research showing consumers 5. Mucron 5. Kleenex Regular perceive it as a versatile, all- Source: Retail Inde purpose treatment, say

A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 19 NEWS ROUND UP Fighting the pain

Analgesics have been increasingly positioned into the colds market over the last few years and their all round benefits mean they are suitable for a variety ofcold symptoms

analgesic market been shown to be effective distribution has been gained Theis currently worth against sore throat pain, say over the last few months, say around £147m, Crookes. The trial, in Clin. Sterling Health. The according to Pharmacol Ther 1988 Vol 44 company say Panadol Nielsen. No 6, p704 showed that achieved a growth of 9 per Crookes say over 10 per 400mg of ibuprofen was cent year on year to August. cent of the market is sold for significantly more effective in The next burst of advertising seasonal colds and 'flu (6.4 relieving sore throat pain will be in January. A per cent and 5.2 per cent after two hours than lg promotional package aimed respectively). Television paracetamol. In addition, the at doctors and other health advertising for Nurofen has time taken to achieve a 50 per professionals is available, and been launched to coincide cent reduction in the the company are also with the seasonal uplift in intensity of the sore throat targetting consumers analgesic purchasing. was significantly shorter for through hospitals. "The coughs and colds ibuprofen treated patients. Nicholas Laboratories market is another area we are The anti-inflammatory relaunched Aspro last looking to expand in, since properties of ibuprofen will month, and two of their we now have a product to help relieve the muscular existing products, Paraclear compete in the soluble aches and pains which often and Junior Paraclear have sector," says senior product accompany 'flu, sayjanssen. been renamed incorporating manager for Nurofen, Alison Disprin and Codis claim a the prefix Aspro. New Williamson. Over the Winter 5.9 per cent share of the adult packaging has been designed they will be supporting analgesics market, say Reckitt and the relaunch will include Nurofen Soluble by a PR & Colman. Disprin can be a poster advertising programme explaining the used as a gargle for the relief campaign and on-pack have relaunched multiple benefits of ibuprofen of sore throats, before promotion. Junior Panaleve as a cherry in relieving cold and 'flu swallowing, says the Last month, Wellcome flavoured symptoms. company. launched Calpol Extra for suspension (paracetamol 120mg/5ml) Although ibuprofen does The launch of Panadol 48s Adults, a Pharmacy analgesic and have launched Panaleve 6 not have an indication for last January is now beginning containing 500mg Plus (paracetamol treating sore throats, it has to pay dividends as paracetamol, 5mg codeine phosphate and lOmg 250mg/5ml), an orange flavoured caffeine. A Press advertising suspension. Another relaunch earlier DOCTORS RECOMMEND THIS campaign is running, and the this year brand will be supported with was Panadol Junior Sterling Health. a variety of POS material, from TO TREAIkCATARRH & SINUSITIS In along with a quiz for addition to paracetamol, Medised also pharmacy staff. contains promethazine, which helps dry up runny analgesics Children's noses ancl sniffles, so easing Calpol's range dominates the breathing, say Panpharma. market, with a 75 per cent Promethazine also nelps ease sterling share. Wellcome will the symptoms associated be supporting Calpol this with chickenpox. Winter with a £600,000 Cupal say that Cupanol is advertising campaign showing over 20 per cent covering 70 per cent of the growth this year with a lot of target audience of young interest in the 200ml Over Six mothers. Below the line variant introduced in activity includes POS January. Consumer material and a quiz for advertising in the baby Press BUT YOU CAN RECOMMEND THIS pharmacists. breaks this month and will Pinewood Laboratories continue until April.

CLEARWAY INHALER TO INHALE STEAM & AROMATICS THE EASY WAY

COMPACT • EFFECTIVE • LESS RESIDUAL ODOUR MAY BE USED BY CHILDREN INCREASED INHALANT SALES 10 CHARGED AS 9 FROM YOUR WHOLESALER SHOWS 40% P.O.R. SELLING AT £3.53

20 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 . .

decongestant market is static A stuffy head in volume, and is worth around £6. 5m (including oral This commercial will be Boots, moving annual total to decongestant rescreened from late The March/ April 91), say Ciba. market is one of the December. Last But the non-pharmacy it said largest cold-related January/February was -market is worth around markets, worth to increase the rate of sale by £1.5m, growing at around 13 £20m, say Ciba Consumer 72.5 per cent compared with per cent value they say. Vicks Pharmaceuticals. The December 1990. Early next Sinex is a main player in this company say the market is year a counter assistant market. buoyant, growing at 5 per information pack and display Mike Dallman, product cent volume and 13 per cent Kromotion will support manager for Otrivine, says its value. It is characterised by a lucron too. higher sale during Winter number of large players, Warner Lambert will be indicates higher usage for British phenomenon." namely Mucron, Sinutab and spending around £lm on colds rather than allergy. But Otrivine has a prescription Sudafed, the brand leader. Sinutab this season, with a he says pharmacists have market of around naif a Mucron, traditionally a repeat of the skull and arrows failedf to merchandise and million scripts a year, with 60 catarrh remedy with a degree advertisements. The display it appropriately, per cent for children up to a of usage for sinusitis, has company say the total bearing in mind the GSL, but year old. This Winter, the been repositioned over the decongestant market through pharmacy restricted, status. promotional campaign will last two seasons as a more pharmacy has increased by 14 He recommends dual siting: develop more fully the mainstream congestion per cent value and 8 per cent "Consumers are looking to brand's ethical heritage with while Sinutab's product. This was achieved volume, self select; it is a typically a campaign targetted at GPs. with a pack redesign and a share has increased from 18.8 commercial featuring the per cent to 19.3 per cent. "uncommon cold", say Ciba. The pharmacy topical SUDAFED WEUCOW MUEFFHM* COUGHS AND (0U»

A soothing remedy. . remedies are market, with the capsules Coldworth over £49 showing growth of over 26 million, according per cent last year. A television to Nielsen. advertising spend to the tune Beechams of £800,000 will support the Powders lead the market and brand this season. SB say it has a brand Reckitt & Colman are awareness of 93 per cent, with launching Lemsip Night Time growth of more than 13 per this week, a Pharmacy only For details of Sudafeds' advertising campaign, see p5 cent a year. This Winter will liquid medicine for colds and see an advertising campaign flu, containing paracetamol, with a £lm marketing chlorpheniramine maleate, support package for the phenylpropanolamine and brand. dextromethorphan A further £lm television Consumers prefer to take campaign this Winter will medicines as hot drinks, say promote Beechams Hot the company, so the 30ml Remedies. This follows last dose of Night Time can be year's repackaging of the taken either cold or added to Langdale's Essence of range, which helped to hot water. Cinnamon has been generate increased sales for The company aim to add relaunched in time for the all three variants, say SB. value to the Lemsip brand by 1991 autumnal colds Despite the popularity of including dedicated blackcurrant and hot lemon Pharmacy-only medicines, with honey, the country's says product group manager The benefits of the aromatic favourite flavour is hot Anna Bharier. and stimulating properties lemon, according to SB's taste Commercials featuring of cinnamon, are once again trials. Lemsip Night Time will run available as Langdale's Smithkline Beecham say from December, and further Ksscncc of Cinnamon. In Day Nurse and Night Nurse promotional support is have a 30 per cent share of the planned including POS convenient lozenge form, or pharmacy only cold remedy material and an information liquid taken in milk or leaflet — all part of a £4m water, this completely spend for Lemsip. natural product can help Meanwhile, Benylin Day alleviate some of the and Night is holding its uncomfortable symptoms market share, say Warner associated with colds, 'flu, Lambert. The brand will be catarrh, chills and shivers. part of a £2m spend for the total Benylin range. Langdale's Essence of Cold sufferers prefer to Cinnamon - 50ml, 150ml take fluid treatments at night time and capsules during the and 250ml bottles and 20 day, according to AAH. The tablet boxes - available from Vantage own-label winter Unichem, AAH, MaCarthy remedies range was Medical or your usual relaunched last month with wholesaler. the addition of several new products including hot lemon Further information from: ESTABLISHED cold powder with vitamin C, Alcxmain, 7, Si. Peters' I'aradc, Farlsheaton. 1*7/tC night cold comfort and cold Tel (0924) 465714 1 / 4J relief capsules.

A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 '

NATURAL REMEDIES

Along with the trend towards natural alternatives is an opportunity for sales of herbal and homoeopathic cough and cold remedies. These are nothing new in Europe — in France the "number one" cough and colds remedy is homoeopathic, andhomoeopathy represents 63 percent of the OTC coughs and colds market It's only natural

But is homoeopathy pharmacist than in 1989. suitable for the rapid relief of Combination Q, for

cough and cold symptoms? . catarrh and sinus disorders,

Although it is often viewed as also sells for hayfever, and j, a slower, long term for coughs colds and treatment, this is not the chestiness, is also case, says Mr Barsby. It all appropriate for summer comes down to correct colds, so sales are steady dosing, and frequent doses throughout the year, says Mr are required for acute O'Neil. conditions like coughs and Within the single colds. Aconite is known to act ingredients range, Ferrous quickly and gelsemium, for Phosphate, for coughs, colds example, can work fast, chills and feverishness is one especially on children. For of the best sellers. acute conditions, an Mr O'Neil believes that improvement should be seen because New Era products

after six doses. are "ailment-led' , in other Mr Barsby believes that words labelled with frequent dosing has indications, the brand is a advantages, particularly for good entry point for cold treatment. "Patients feel customers interested in involved because they homoeopathy. "It gives them

' monitor their own illness, confidence to look at the he says. With frequent aconites, gelsemiums and dosing they continually feel Pulsatilla's of this world." they are doing something to But what are the benefits help themselves. to consumers of surprising Barsby believes that for So what does the future number of everyday ailments like colds, hold? Mr Barsby says that the people will have the symptomatic approach greatest area of growth is in ago at alone is perfect. pharmacies, who now take homoeopathy for Tailoring a preparation to the same proportion of the coughsAand colds remedies, particular cold symptoms homoeopathic market as says Weleda's sales manager, means that a pharmacist health food stores. Roger Barsby. He believes needs to use professional Customers are turning to this is because conventional skills and find out a little bit outlets that can offer remedies are not very more about the cold than professional advice, he says. effective, and homoeopathy they would normally, says offers something different. Mr Barsby. Customers also New Era Consumers are worried feel that the product is suited about side effects such as to their "unique" cold. New Era, manufacturers of drowsiness with As an extension of this homoeopathically prepared conventional cold remedies, personalised approach, biochemic tissue salts, say and are also looking for Weleda offer a dispensing that sales of its cough, cold something suitable for service, where prescriptions and catarrh remedies — children, he says. can be ordered over the Combinations J and Q — Mr Barsby expects telephone and despatched increased by 20 per cent last homoeopathic cold remedies the next day — most are year and they predict further to follow in the footsteps of classified as Pharmacy expansion for homoeopathy the hay fever sector which, medicines. in the pharmacy with cough he says, has shown massive In fact over half of and cold remedies growth due to offering non- Weleda's remedies are spearheading that growth. homoeopathic cough and drowsy treatment. classified as Pharmacy This year sales are again cold products? "People buy Homoeopathy for the medicines, something to be expected to show at least 20 benefits, " says Mr O'Neil, treatment of coughs and exploited for the Winter per cent growth, says adding that homoeopathic colds offers the customer a remedies. product manager Shaun products have no side effects wide choice for the same O'Neil. like drowsiness, are pleasant ailments. And the advisory "The homoeopathic tasting, gentle, effective, and Rapid relief role required in choosing a remedy market is on a are suitable for children. remedy fits well with the Weleda say that particular growth path," say New Era. These benefits are pharmacist's role and helps products that perform well 'Retailers who offer their particularly suitable for self- with customer loyalty. during Winter are aconite for customers this choice will limiting illnesses like colds. Traditional homoeopathy the onset of coughs and build custom and Safety is an important delves into a person's colds; bryonia for hard, dry reputation." The company criteria responsible for the character as well as their coughs; ipecac for suffocative say in 1991, twice as many growth, as homoeopathic symptoms. Although this coughs, and gelsemium for consumers purchased tablets cannot be overdosed. total approach is difficult to flu, sore throat, runny nose, Combinations Q and I on the The company sees children as! do in the pharmacy, Mr headache and tired limbs. recommendation of a a key entry point, with the

22 A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 safety element attracting people. Consumers worry e homoeopathic cold treatments about children more than SYMPTOM themselves, says Mr O'Neil. Beginnings of colds. Sudden onset from exposure to cold. Seven Seas are putting a Worse at night. full support package behind Common cold with much sneezing, watering of eyes and New Era, starting with a profuse acrid nasal discharge. Accompanying temperature and fresh promotional campaign for thirst, worse for warmth, better in air Euphrasia 6 Common cold with pronounced sneezing and watering of eyes. Combinations Q and J. Ferrum phos. 6 Feverishness, stuffiness and sneezing at onset of cold. Heavyweight consumer Gelsemium 6 Hot and cold shivering 'flu symptoms. Sore throat, runny nose, advertising is running until at headache and aching in all limbs least February, with a Press Nat. mur. 6 Watery cold with general feeling of discomfort and headache. campaign targetting health Loss of taste and smell, dryness of skin and violent sneezing. orientated women's Press. Dry, cracked lips and cold sores. Irritability and dislike of being There are also plans for a disturbed. brand awareness media ilicea 6 Slow onset and recovery, with sinusitis and headache. campaign to run through the Winter. stores' share of 38 per cent — with cardiac problems, and Boots) is now worth over three years ago health stores capsicum can cause problems £2.5m. Nelson were in the lead at 60 per cent for those suffering gastric Lusty's Garlic Perles are with pharmacies taking just hyperacidity. often recommended for "Homoeopathy is naturally 40 per cent, he says. minor respiratory problems happier in the pharmacy and catarrh, especially in says A.C. Nelson's Garlic sector," Potters Winter, they say, and the managing director Robert Seven Seas say that the total Shen brancf will continue to Wilson. Nelson's cold and flu It is important to distinguish market for garlic receive heavy promotional prevention and cold and flu herbal remedies like Potters supplements now exceeds support. treatment, for example, are from homoeopathic £15m, with Hofel's share at Ian Broadway, marketing indicated for conditions, but treatments, to avoid around 39 per cent. manager of English Grains customer confusion. the Classical range, which Although there is a greater Healthcare, manufacturers of takes 50 per cent of their Herbal remedies treat the awareness among consumers Red Kooga Ginseng, says: cause not the symptoms, say business, is not indicated for of garlic's role in the "To my knowledge, there is symptoms. Potters. They are a slow maintenance of a healthy no hard and fast evidence for treatment, requiring the This helps to distinguish heart and circulations, it is the benefit of garlic in consumers expectations of complete course to be taken becoming better known for treating coughs and colds." them working as a — an important point when coughs and colds as more But he says most people use counselling customers. conventional cough and cold advertising and promotional it as a tonic to help recuperate preparation, says Mr Wilson. Potters make a range of support for these traditional and provide an energy boost Nelson products showed cough mixtures and herbal uses appears, says the during the dark Winter tablets. Their most popular value growth of 26 per cent company. Its associated months. last year and 31 per cent this product is Vegetable Cough benefits include antibacterial, The juice extracted from year, he says. Remover, containing herbs antifungal and expectorant the leaves of the aloe vera said to have antispasmodic The company says properties, say Seven Seas. plant is an effective remedy pharmacy's share of the and expectorant qualities. Hofels One-A-Day for the symptoms of colds The Potters range of market has risen to 62 per original Garlic Pearles or and flu, say Life Stream cent, compared with health tablets was colorfully Garlic and Parsley tablets can Research, who market repackaged in February to be recommended for Biogenic Aloe Vera. give an overall identity while Hsplay symptoms such as Its natural mild antibiotics retaining the individuality of troublesome coughing, are claimed to help prevent . benefit of homoeopathy each product. Since then rhinitis and cattarh, say colds and flu if 15-30ml is products is that they are sales are said to have Seven Seas. Ideally they drunk on an empty stomach. small, easy to stock, and increased by 20 per cent. The should be taken as a It can also be used as a profitable, says Weleda's company believes that a new prophylactic throughout the remedy for sore throats if sales manager Roger of is type consumer being winter to build up resistance used as a gargle. Barsby. attracted by the new against cold and flu viruses, Langdales Essence of But if they are confined a packaging, consumer who say the company. Hofels will Cinnamon, dating back to the to the alternative section, is probably much younger. be advertised in the national 18th century, has been this will narrow purchases Sales manager Stephen Press later this year. relaunched this year, to people who'll go to that identifies three Burgess types G.R. Lane say the supported by a national section, he says. Weleda of — the pro- pharmacist pharmacy garlic remedy consumer PR and advertising currently have a Winter herbal remedies pharmacist, market has shown growth of campaign. It is a natural discount promotion on who knows a lot and goes out over 40 per cent value over product containing cinnamon their cough elixirs and his way to learn; the the past year, and bark blended with three their top 20 cough and pharmacist who is interested pharmacy's share (excluding herbal expectorants. cold products, these can and wants to find out more; be singled out and and the anti-herbal displayed with other pharmacist. So how does the cough and cold remedies. company tackle the latter? New Era introduced a "It's a long uphill struggle," special display unit earlier he says. this year, containing twelve each of Seven Seas Combination Q and J. But product manager Shaun Seven Seas herbal remedies O'Neil says it may be include catarrh tablets, impractical to licensed to relieve sinus merchandise in two sites. obstruction and catarrh. They If so, and if pharmacists contain a combination of are to make the most of seven herbs, used the homoeopathy market, traditionally for the relief of they need to merchandise common Winter ailments. all products together as a Contra-indications exist for system of medicines, he two herbs in the formulation says. — lobelia is not recommended for anyone

A SUPPLEMENT TO CHEMIST & DRUGGIST 2 NOVEMBER 1991 23 THANKS TO YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS WE'RE STILL STACKING UP RECORD SALES

THANKS TO THE RECOMMENDATION OF

THOUSANDS OF PHARMACISTS LIKE YOURSELF,

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CUPALLIMFTEO. , PHARMACEUTICAL MELTUS LABORATORIES, Recommend with confidence BLACKBURN, LANCS. BB2 2DX

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