New nacds chairman bryant sees 'key areas' to address

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- We have come a long way.

That was gist of incoming National Association of Chain Drug Stores chairman Warren Bryant, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Longs Drug Stores, who outlined accomplishments of association and heralded the " new NACDS " that's bolder and more strategic in its policies and actions.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

" In its 75 years, NACDS has served . . . as a strong advocate for pharmacy care, as a resource for its members and as an influential voice in the public policy debate, " he said.

Looking forward, Bryant addressed three key areas that pharmacy industry needs to stress today in order to ensure its future. First, there is technology, he said. " In retail pharmacy; we've tapped promise of technology to manage drug interactions, claims adjudication, supply management and work flow, " he said. But industry needs to do more in improving prescription-delivery process by advocating greater adoption of electronic prescribing. " This is true in particular when it comes to getting a greater number of physicians to buy into electronic prescribing so that we can take full advantage of the investments chain pharmacy has made into this system, " he said.

Second, industry needs to attract more practitioners, Bryant said, especially when taking into consideration gap between number of practicing pharmacists and work load that pharmacists will shoulder as baby boomers continue to age.

But it is not interest in industry that is lacking, he said, it is the number of available openings across nation's schools of pharmacy. " In 2007, the School of Pharmacy at University of California in San Francisco had 1, 604 people apply for just 122 open spots in the program, " he said, noting that nationally the average ratio of applications to available spots in pharmacy school is 8-to-1. " Clearly we are doing something right when we've this impressive level of interest in pharmacy as a career. But we must find a way to better meet the demand from an educational standpoint. "

Third, industry needs to pull together. " As issue of full-scale healthcare reform rises from a simmer to a boil, manufacturers and retailers have to explore ways to find mutual gain, " he said. " We can do more if we move beyond the old analysis and find a way that allows retail pharmacy, manufacturers, insurers, physicians and the government to make better use of our resources and think more creatively about how to deliver health care more effectively in a new era. "

" We all have one common interest-the preservation and promotion of retail pharmacy as a source of jobs, revenue and health services in our communities. And, I would add, to well-being of nation's healthcare system, " Bryant said.

Pharmacists don't work on bankers' hours, Bryant noted, but many healthcare services do. " Ours is really a modern model for healthcare delivery. Now and in future, " he said. " As a nation [we] take a hard look at cost and access in health care. We demand services with proven value, treatment at reasonable cost, efficacy, efficiency and convenience. That's what neighborhood drug store offers. "

Health advice that you can't refuse

What we know about Viagra.

Viagra: uses Viagra is used to treat male sexual function problems ( impotence or erectile dysfunction ) by blocking a certain enzyme ( phosphodiesterase-PDE5 ) in body. In combination with sexual stimulation, Viagra works by helping the blood flow into penis to achieve and maintain an erection.

Viagra is not indicated for use in women.

Use of Viagra doesn't protect against sexually transmitted diseases ( e. g. , HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis ) . Practice " safe sex " such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Viagra: how to use Viagra is taken by mouth as needed, at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours, before sexual activity ( 1 hour before is most effective ) . Don't take more often than once daily, and take as directed.

A high fat meal may delay time of onset of this drug.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while we are being treated with Viagra unless your doctor instructs we otherwise.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications we may be taking ( see also Drug Interactions section ) . Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Viagra: side effects Headache, flushing, stomach upset, heartburn, nasal stuffiness, diarrhea, dizziness, or lightheadedness may occur while use Viagra. Vision changes such as increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or impaired blue/green color discrimination may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Viagra because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Viagra don't have serious side effects.

Rarely, a sudden loss of eyesight in one or both eyes ( NAION ) may occur while use Viagra. This may or mayn't be due to Viagra. If this serious problem occurs, seek immediate medical attention. We have a slightly greater chance of developing this serious eye problem if we have heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain eye problems ( " crowded disk " ) , high blood pressure, are over 50 years of age, or if we smoke.

Sexual activity may put extra strain on your heart, especially if you have heart problems. If you have heart problems and experience any of these serious side effects while having sex, stop and tell your doctor immediately of:

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using Viagra and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

Rarely, Viagra may cause sudden hearing problems, or ringing in the ears. Seek immediate medical attention if these effects occur.

A serious allergic reaction to Viagra is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Viagra: precautions Before taking Viagra, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using Viagra, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Viagra may make you dizzy or cause vision changes; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Do not take Viagra with any other product that contains Viagra or other similar medications for erection problems ( e. g. , tadalafil, vardenafil ) .

Caution is advised when using Viagra in elderly because they may be more sensitive to side effects of drug.

Viagra is not indicated for use in women or children.

Viagra: interactions Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

See also How To Use section for drug-food interactions.

Viagra shouldn't be used with following medications because very serious ( possibly fatal ) interactions may occur:

If we are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Viagra.

Before using Viagra, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of:

If we are taking an HIV protease inhibitor ( e. g. , ritonavir, saquinavir ) , do not take more than a 25mg dose of Viagra in a 48 hour period.

If we are taking more than a 25mg dose of Viagra and are also taking an alpha-blocker medication ( e. g. , doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin ) for various conditions ( e. g. , enlarged prostate ) , separate time between taking these medications by more than 4 hours.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Viagra, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Viagra with EU shipping

Medications for High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is called the 'silent killer' because it has no symptoms until it causes major damage. A number of FDAapproved drugs, along with lifestyle changes, can help treat this condition.

Denture Cleansers: Allergic Reactions and Misuse. FDA is asking the manufacturers of denture cleansers to revise labeling and consider appropriate alternatives to an ingredient called persulfate. This action is in response to reports of at least 73 adverse reactions linked to these cleansers, including at least one death

FDA's Strategic Plan: Charting Our Course for the Future. FDA's Strategic Action Plan sets forth the agency's long-term strategic goals and objectives.

Prilosec and Nexium: No Increased Risk of Heart Problems Found. After a comprehensive, scientific review, FDA has determined that Prilosec (omeprazole) and Nexium (esomeprazole) are not likely to be associated with an increased risk of heart problems

FDA 101: Biological Products. Basic facts about biologics, products that replicate natural biologic substances such as enzymes, antibodies, or hormones in our bodies.

Botulism Risk from Canned Green Beans. FDA is warning consumers about potentially contaminated canned cut green beans manufactured by New Era Canning Company, New Era, Mich. New Era is voluntarily recalling the green beans because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum), the bacterium that causes botulism.