Archived News
Pharmacists welcome recommendation to expand methadone treatment services outside of Dublin
Tuesday, 21 December 2010 11:24
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), the representative body for pharmacists in Ireland, has welcomed the ‘“Introduction of the Opioid Treatment Protocol”, a report published today by the HSE. President of the IPU, Darragh O’Loughlin, said “No part of the country has been spared the scourge of heroin addiction. The scale of the challenge is underlined by the fact that it is estimated there are over 20,000 opiate users in Ireland, only 8,551 of whom are receiving treatment. We welcome in particular the recommendation to expand methadone treatment services into areas outside Dublin. There is an urgent need to reach out and support people who wish to overcome addiction in more rural areas. To ensure this can happen, a national pharmacy co-ordinator should be appointed to support pharmacists who provide methadone treatment services in their local communities.
Pharmacists welcome plans to enable them dispense cheaper generic medicines
Tuesday, 14 December 2010 15:18
The Joint Committee on Health and Children is today considering plans to introduce generic substitution and reference pricing.
Darragh O’Loughlin, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), said: “Generic substitution by pharmacists is standard practice in many other countries and will mean lower medicine prices for patients and considerable savings for the State. Generic substitution should be introduced without delay.”
Community Pharmacists warn on Mixing Alcohol and Medicines in run up to Christmas
Thursday, 02 December 2010 13:08
Community Pharmacists have today warned about the dangers of consuming alcohol while taking medicines or herbal remedies. Even moderate amounts of alcohol when mixed with certain medicines can lead to significant drowsiness and can impair judgment and the ability to drive. The warning comes at a time when many people are suffering from coughs, colds and flu and the Christmas party season will be shortly underway. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the risks of mixing medicines and alcohol. Some medicines, including many cough, cold, flu and allergy treatments, commonly used pain relievers and even certain herbal remedies can interact with alcohol. People should always ask their pharmacist about the effects of taking alcohol with their medicine.
Patients encouraged to ask about speaking to the pharmacist in private
Monday, 01 November 2010 15:12
Pharmacists are encouraging patients to seek a private consultation if they wish to discuss an issue with the pharmacist in private. From today, all pharmacies are obliged to have a private consultation area available to patients.
Rory O’Donnell, Donegal Pharmacist and Vice President of the IPU said “This is a great facility and I would encourage patients to use it, especially if they feel uncomfortable about asking for advice across the counter of a pharmacy. Some patients may feel embarrassed to ask at the counter about certain health issues – such as thrush, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, headlice in children, etc. Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and advise on these issues every day.”
Prescription Levy introduced today
Friday, 01 October 2010 07:57
- 50c Prescription Levy introduced today
- Pharmacists criticise HSE on lack of information on Levy
- Certain Patient Groups should be exempt
- Patients should continue to take their Medicines
1 October 2010: Darragh O’Loughlin, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU), has criticised the HSE for its failure to communicate to the public about the introduction of the new 50 cent levy on prescription medicines which comes into force from today. The IPU is the representative body for pharmacists in Ireland.
Under new legislation, a medical card patient must pay a 50 cent levy for each item on a prescription dispensed under the medical card scheme. This is subject to a cap of €10 per month per individual or family.
"This levy has faded from the public consciousness since it was first announced in last year's Budget. The HSE has not run an adequate public information campaign to ensure that medical card patients would be alerted to the imposition of this charge, something which we believe should have happened long before now."
Page 1 of 5
