Wednesday June 4th / 2008

Wednesday June 4 / 2008

12:10: The Health Roundup with Jay McQueen.

12:12: The Scleroderma Walk N Talk goes this Saturday at TB McQuesten Park. Many people are still unsure what the disease even is.
Guest: Peter Woolcott, Immediate Past President of The Scleroderma Society of Ontario, Fundraising Chair for Ontario as well as Chair of the Walk N Talk.

12:20: Hamilton dentist Dr. Larry Levin has been appointed President of the Ontario Dental Association, the professional association that represents more than 80 percent of dentists practicing in Ontario.
Guest: Dr. Larry Levin.

12:35: To support the work of the Hamilton/Burlington branch of Bereaved Families of Ontario, a special event is happening this weekend. The Walk in Remembrance and Butterfly Release fundraising event goes Sunday June 8th at Hidden Valley Park.
Guest: Sue Wolstenholme, bereaved mother who is actively involved with BFO.

12:45: Rexall Radio Health Matters segment.
Guest: Irene.

Morning After Pill is Non-Prescription in Canada

Canada has become the 5th country in the world to approve the off-the-shelf sale of leveonorgestrel ( Plan B ). The emergency contraception drug, after the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities recommended it comes out from behind the pharmacy counter. The change comes 3 years after Health Canada made lavonorgestrel, also known as the morning-after pill, available without a prescription. However prior to purchasing the drug women had to consult with a pharmacist and provide sensitive personal information, which did raise privacy concerns. These latest change means women aren’t obliged to receive counseling from the pharmacist prior to getting the drug. The move may also mean the cost of the drug, may become availably cheaper, as some pharmacies sold the drug for up to $50, which included mark-up, dispensing, and counseling fees. Selling levonorgestrel off-the-shelf should increase its availability for women who need it. Cost is definitely a barrier to access, particularly for young women. And research also showed privacy issues had also been a barrier as well. The scheduling change is not binding but most provinces and territories typically follow National Association of Pharmacy regulatory Authorities recommendations. Some pharmacy groups don’t like the change, they say pharmacists offer valuable services, such as determining when Plan B isn’t appropriate and counseling on birth control and sexually transmitted infections. Changing Plan B to schedule 3, means that some drug plans may not cover it anymore. In Quebec, pharmacists write a prescription for Plan B, this increases the chance of coverage by drug plans. Most patients say they value the counseling they receive from pharmacists about taking Plan B. Creating a private counseling environment is important. Pharmacists play a key role in helping women determine if ECP is appropriate for their situation.

What is the Morning-after pill? It is considered 95percent effective at preventing unintended pregnancy if taken within 24 hours of unprotected sex, but has no effect on an established pregnancy.

Rexall #0202 Nadine Janacek Blog Reporter