Pinoy Pharmacy

Pharmacy is the study of the safe and effective usage of medication in relative to the wellness and chemical sciences. To choose the best online pharmacy classes you should broadly speaking take factors such as the quality, cost, and accreditation of the syllabus. The completion of these courses may open a number of vocational opportunities for you, such as working in local retail pharmacy outlets, hospitals, or health care establishments.

Pharmacists are health care professionals. In general, pharmacists work on in a pharmacy and issue medication to patients according to a prescription that is written by a medical doctor. Pharmacists may offer advice to the patient on the specific usage of the medication. In some cases, they assess how well the prescription fits the needs of the patient.

When selecting the best Online Pharmacy Classes, it is more often than not a sound idea to pick out a school that is licensed. This means that upon completion of your online course work, you will have the essential qualifications to work as a pharmacist according to the capability offered by the program you have accomplished. Online Pharmacy Classes usually feature a curriculum that punctuates pharmaceutical record keeping, pharmaceutical and medical terminology, and pharmacy law.

Some online pharmacy classes may offer specific qualifications. These plans specify the attainable jobs you could be qualified for after completing your studies. Many Online Pharmacy Classes only provide accreditation as a pharmacy technician. This means that you will be able to work at an entry-level position, most likely under the supervision of a certified pharmacist. In this regard, it can be significant to verify exactly what kind of accreditation the online pharmacy classes provide.

Online Pharmacy Classes that are taught in conjunction with colleges and universities generally can be a good option. This relationship usually proposes that the quality of training offered is of sufficient quality. Programs that render teaching instruction by established instructors typically is a familiar measure of the overall quality of the program.

Some online pharmacy classes have agreements with private pharmacies. This can potentially provide a better chance to secure employment. Such understandings imply that the private pharmacy will employ graduates of the several online pharmacy classes upon the completion of the program. This option is similar to a type of internship, offering you with valuable experience in a pharmacy setting. It may also establish to any future employer that you have the essential skills and training to excel in the position.

Check Online Pharmacy Classes

Hi! We all know naman na kung ano anong mga seremonyas at mga rituals ang ginagawa natin like reviewing, mag practice sumagot ng mga questions, and etc bago mag take ng board exam.

Here's some tips para sa mga kukuha ng Pharmacy Licensure Exam (ito ang ginawa ko noon, sana makatulong sa inyo)

1. Listing all the Subjects- Think for a awhile, then isipin mo kung ano ba dapat ang una mong rereviewhin. Malaking tulong ang pag gawa ng list ng subjects na dapat aralin. Pag minsan kasi bara-bara tayo sa pag pili ng mga subjects na ating rereviewhin. Kung ano lang ang gusto natin un lang ang rereviewhin. hindi tama un.

2. Set priorities - Just think about it, kung ikaw ang normal students at graduate ka ng April, kukunti nalang ang panahon mo para mag review. More than 3 months nalang ang timeline mo para sa board exam. So you need to set priorities at kelangan din mag set ng goals and decide kung mag eexam ka ba talaga o hindi. Minsan kasi sasabihin mo sa sarili mo na mag eexam ka pero in fact hindi ka naman nag rereview. Happy go lucky ka nalang at pa mall mall nalang. Set your mind na mag bboard exam ka at hindi magbabakasyon.

3. Study Smart not Hard - ito minsan ang mali sa pag rereview. They are reviewing so hard and not smart. Kelangan mong maintindihan na ang exam ay multiple choice. Hindi mo kelangan i-memorize ang PACOP reviewer para pumasa ng board exam. What you need is to know the basics and to review everything na napag aralan mo noong nag aaral ka pa.

4. Be prepared - Most people think that taking a licensure exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines is difficult, but people don't usually notice that what makes the exam really difficult is that they lack the preparation neccessary in the board exam

5. Start Praying - I say when preparing for anything we have to ask a lot of help from someone or something which is of higher being. It is because from my experience it really helps a lot. BELIEVE that you will be helped but you must also do your part which is to study. Pray everyday. You don't necessarily have to go all the churches just to seek help. Its just the same being and the end results would just be the same. as quoted from my review instructor "Pray like there's no one to help you and Study like there's no prayer to help you." Just do your best and God will to the rest.

6. Review everyday and practice - There's no great preparation for the board exam than studying everyday. I am not saying you study 247. Just have time to study everyday. Studying is not reading. Having read the a chapter in the book does not mean you have learned the lesson(except for those gifted individuals of course). I suggest you read a chapter slowly and try to understand it very well. It's hard at the beginning but you'll get used to it because that's what you'll probably be doing from now on right? There are a lot of study tips available in the internet if you want to have a good study habit.

7. Reward yourself - From time to time reward yourself by going out at some place where you can relax your mind. It's important that rest your mind after studying because it is in this time that the brain will process what you have just studied. Dont study the day before the board exam. Lalo kang ma ttense kung ganun ang gagawin mo. At lalo mo lang makakalimutan ang mga nireview mo. Relax and just be prepared for the exam. Always get enough sleep. Optimum function ang brain kapag ikaw ay may pahinga. Dont watch TV, makipag-away sa BF, mag Mall, Manood ng sine. These task will divert all your knowledge at makakalimutan mo ang mga nireview mo.

8. Focus Focus focus - There is no greater way than focus. Just focus on your study and NEVER think that you will fail. You have no reasons to fail because you are studying. Focus focus focus and dont get nervous!

9. Read and Understand - The exam is simple, basahin mo at intindihan ang tanong. Simple di ba? You dont have memorized everything all you need is the understand what is being asked.

10. Be Healthy - Kumain ng tama. A sound mind is a sound body. Paano ka makakapag isip kung ikaw ay gutom. Humingi ng tulong sa mga kasam-bahay na dapat nilang maintindihan na ikaw ay nag rereview para sa board exam. Dapat ipagluto ka nila bigyan ng masusustansyang pagkain dahil kelangan mo un. Dont take too much fatty food, medicines, and other substances na pwedeng magpapoopoo sayo before the board exam. Mahirap ang pumunta sa CR para lang pumupoo.


Remember: "You don't have to be an honor student or a dean's lister to pass the exam. Being academically exceptional in college is not a guarantee ."

Hi!! Im happy to announce for the creation of the forums for PinoyPharmacy.
Feel free to visit and join the forums

http://forum.pinoypharmacy.com

My dear readers especially pharmacist, we recollect why we have chose pharmacy as our profession
I would start my reason.. I chose pharmacy because:

1. There are many girls in the college of pharmacy. (hahaa!)
2. I attended the open day at CEU. It seemed like an interesting course so i just applied. LoL!
3. I love chemistry
4. Im looking for a Pre-med course.
5. I have ALWAYS wanted to work in the healthcare sector, even as a young child.

I want to ask my readers if you and did you really enjoy your pharmacy years when you were still a student?? Pharmacy Students can read this and learn something from you.

Although there are many programs advertised to help you lose weight, the only proven long-term and safe method is to burn more calories than you consume. Here are the basics of losing weight fast and effectively

1. Weight Loss Tip 1 - Change your lifestlye
This is the most effective way to lose weight. By changing the way you eat and way of living, you can effectively lose weight fast. Thats a fact.

2. Weight Loss Tip 2 - Eat less
By reducing the food intake there by reducing calorie intake, you are ensuring that all the fats in your body burns up.

3. Weight Loss Tip 3 - More exercise
Increasing your physical activity means increase metabolism, thereby increasing the energy expenditure.

4. Weight Loss Tip 4 - Drink more Water
Drinking Eight(8) glasses a day keeps your body nourish and promoting execretion of waste. Once the body gets rehydrated with water, the weight will come right back.

5. Weight Loss Tip 5 - Avoid Fast Food
These foods has more fats, preservatives and chemicals. But if you have no choices but to eat those, be sure to choose the less fatty foods.

6. Weight Loss Tip 6 - Eat more Salad, fruits and vegetables
Fresh foods contains more antioxidants, enzymes and fibers that promote good health.

7. Weight Loss Tip 7 - Decrease carbo
Lets face it, Carbohydrates has more calorie thereby increasing your calorie intake. So dont take too much rice, pasta, and breads. Avoid them.

8. Weight Loss Tip 8 - Consult your health care provider
A registered dietitian is an excellent resource for individualized weight loss. Always talk to your health care provider before starting any weight control program to provide you the best method you can use to lose weight.

9. Weight Loss Tip 9 - Stay positive. Dont lose hope
Be committed to staying on course and making these necessary lifestyle and dietary changes.

10. Weight Loss Tip 10 - If cant lose weight, use medication
If you are worried about losing weight, there are several OTC and Prescription medication you can use to help you minimize weight. But beware of any side effects that may occue. Just consult your health practitioner about your plans.


Weight loss does not have to be overwhelming and difficult. These are ways to decide whether to use a diet or not. If there is no nutritionally or medically reliable information provided, and if there are no statistics to back the claims, then it is not a good diet to consider. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.



Dont repost this article. Original post is found in pinoypharmacy.blogspot.com
Photos and brand are owned by respective owners.

I attended today an orientation about US Internship.Consulting firm offers a clinical research internship in the Atlanta, Geogia. J-1 Visa is applied through these methods. Hiring an consulting firm and pay appropriate fee usually about $3000-4000 for the Immigration laywers and $500 for the agency.

The difference between regular and internship work is that some companies sponsoring home, travel and food accomodation for internship program. J-1 visa usually is granted in 3-4 weeks depending on the application.

As a working professional, I don't really recommend this kind of career path going through the internship and paying some huge fees just to learn the Educational and Culture of other country. These type of visa usually last for 12 months which can be extended up to 18 months. After that you are required to go back to your country of origin. You cant apply for another type of vsa. Well, what will you do after that? These, I think are the basic questions to answer before getting into signing contract and paying extensive fees.

If you have more questions, you can post your comments. Thanks.

Guides: J Visa

I'm pissed off today as the result of our meeting with a BIG multi-national pharmaceutical company. I'll just state this in filipino/tagalog language since this is a pinoy site. Kaninang umaga tinawag kami ng ahente namin may meeting daw sa isang customer namin tungkol sa NCR(nonconformance) na nangyari noong mga nakaraang lingo. Nagrerequest daw ang QA manager para meeting daw namin sila. Aware of the situation about the NCR, I was forcefully sent to meet with them. Dalawa kaming pharmacist at yung sales agent namin. Noong nandoon na kami sa meeting, i was nervous what will happen sa mga ganitong situation na malaking company ang customer at may problema ang produkto. Mas sanay ako sa mga customer complaint na mga consumers lang ang nag rereklamo. Naka damit desente sumugod kami sa kumpanya nila na walang pag hahanda. Pumasok kami maayos pa ang mood ko, kaya hindi ko masyadong ininda ang situation.

Pero noong nakilala ko na ang mga KA-MEETING namin ay kinabahan na ako ng todo. Nangiginig ang kamay ko at mabilis ang tibok ng puso. Akalain mo ba naman na QA manager, Purchasing Manager, at isang supervisor ang humarap sa amin. Goodluck sa amin, isang pharmacist at isang ahente lang ang kasama ko. I cannot imagine na ganito ka tindi ang susugurin naming kalaban. Para kaming sumugod sa giyera ng walang bala. I started the meeting with a grappling voice. Matindi talga ang nerbyos ko neto. Pa utal utal habang nag sasalita. Tapos english pa yung conversation. Hello???!! naubos tuloy ang aking bokabolaryo sa aking baul.

Habang nag meeting, they questioned yung mga nakasulat sa NCR. Bakit ganito, bakit ganyan. So ineksplika ko sa kanila ang standard operating procedure kung bakit nag ka-ganun. So going smooth ang usapan na pero kabado paren, along the way I questioned an issue kung nagiba ang situation sa isang issue ng NCR ano ang mangyayari...then the QA manager ask questioned my position kung taga QC or QA daw ako at bilgang nag iba ang tuno nya. Nakakairita talga! Na shock ako sa pangyayari iyon. Biruin mo, sabihin ba naman.. "Excuse me, Are you from Quality control?" sabay ngiting parang sinasabing ang bobo mo hindi mo ba alam un?. Parang nagunaw ang mundo ko noong ipahiya nya ako sa lahat ng tao sa kwarto. Natulala akong bilga at hindi naka imik. Hindi ko na siya nasagot, pero buti nalang biglang sumagot yung ahente at sinalo ako. Explaining their point of view hindi ko paren naintindihan kung ano ang gusto nilang ipahiwatig. Kung dinedefend nila ang kumpanya nila o sinasabi lang nila ang side nila. Feeling ko tuloy lumulusot lang sila sa problema na sila naman ang may gawa. Bwisit sila! Lapses ng kumpanya nila ay isinisisi nila samen.

Hangang ngayon ang nabbwisit paren ako sa nangyari. Nanliit ako sa sinabi nya waaah! Dayuhan kasi kaya hindi alam ang totoong kalakaran dito sa pilipinas. Hindi nya alam mas matindi pa sa bansa nila ang mga problemang ganun. Bukas mag rereport ako sa boss ko kung ano mga nangyari. Sana maalala ko pa ang mga bagay bagay at mga points na dapat naming pag isipan para ibwelta sa kanila. Sinulat ko dito sa blog ang mga bagay bagay na gusto kong ipahiwatig para lumuwag ang sama ng loob ko sa mga nangyari. I cannot elaborate more of this issue and especially i cannot put a names on this baka ako ay ma demanda ng libel. hehehe mabuti na yung nag iingat!

Last night i was surfing the net and break off to get some water to drink. When I switch on the lights and go to the sink. I came across to see a scorpion near the sink. Yes, you heard me right, SCORPION in the Kitchen. Hey, this is Philippines! What in the world a scorpion doing in my kitchen. So i get me IXUS camera to take a few photos of the scorpion resting on the wall. I climbed on the over the sink to take more shots of it. The scorpion is resting above the tiles. I just got a plastic cup and force the scorpion to move into the cup. After several attempts, I successfully put the small scorpion inside. I'm not sure what kind of specie of scorpion is this but surely i'll try to research more of this in later time. I'll just put it near my computer and observe.

Picture courtesy of BFAD
Because of late arrival of reference standards the result for testing on milk and milk products will be delayed.

This is a reality that we should focused on. Which only means that extensive and numerous analysis cannot be performed by BFAD. Limitation on operation maybe one of the factors, BFAD should seek funds from DOH and the government to improve and develop existing operation.

Isa sa mga nakikita kong solution para makabawas sa problema ng BFAD ay online application ng mga product registration. Kung alam ninyo lang kung gaano kahirap at ubos oras ang mag submit ng documento sa BFAD ay masasabi ninyo rin dapat ipatupad ang electronic application for faster processing ng application at ease narin sa mga BFAD employees. Tutal same din naman ang declaration ng documents at nilalaman nito compared sa actual na issubmit mo.

Pinoy Pharmacist ano bang ma i ssugggest mo para ma improved ang services ng BFAD?

Post your comment now.

Picture courtesy of FDA

At this point, there is no clear national movement within the health care system to address this issue. However, there is increased awareness within the clinical community, and small changes by practitioners can be incorporated into daily practices to benefit patients now. Even with no further instruction, the prescription label should, at a minimum, be sufficiently clear to allow patients to take their medications properly. Thoughtful consideration of how to word medication directions, and use of clear and concise auxiliary labels, will go a long way towards helping patients take their medications properly.

Providing supplemental medication information for patients sounds like a useful way to expand their knowledge, right? Unfortunately, not only are these rarely provided to patients, 77% of patients report never having read them. Furthermore, average readability measures at the high school graduate level, which is significantly higher than the average reading ability. And even appropriately written medication information is unable to help patients when it is not provided, nor read by patients.

Patients also frequently misinterpret auxiliary labels. This “For External Use Only” warning label, which is frequently used and (we think) easily understood, elicited the following responses when patients were asked what it meant: “Use extreme caution in how you take it”; “Medicine will make you feel dizzy”; “Take only if you need it.” Furthermore, the colors chosen for auxiliary labels may be perceived by patients to have specific meaning, such as associating red with danger. Physicians and pharmacists should be aware that, while these labels are intended to provide useful information, they may require more explanation. In some instances they have been associated with patients performing actions in direct opposition to their intended message.

Another area of major concern is dosage frequency. Pharmacists need to consider this patient deficit as they generate new prescriptions to ensure the label is comprehensible to the patient. Physicians can help, too, by writing out explicit directions in layman’s terms instead of standard Latin sig codes, and using more numbers than words. For example, a label reading “Take 1 tablet every morning” would be less confusing than “Take one tablet once a day”. Medications taken twice a day create the greatest confusion for patients.

Pharmacists may be able to develop creative methods for labeling medication for individual patients with low literacy, such as placing two dots on a vial that needs to be taken twice a day and only one dot on a vial that is to be taken once day.

Another factor that can greatly influence a patient’s health literacy is the ability to speak and read English. Individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English have limited English proficiency (LEP). It is important to remember that patients with LEP who speak English well may have a difficult time reading English, and therefore are less able to interpret prescription label information

Filipinos read labels naman, kaso nga lang yung iba hindi talaga. They just rely on the advertisement set by the product owners. Paano ba natin sasabihin sa ating mga patient na kelangan nilang basahin ang label kasi isa ito sa mga importanteng bagay bago inomin ang gamot.

Honey is primarily composed of fructose, glucose and water. It also contains other sugars as well trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids. The color and flavor of honey differ depending on the bees' nectar source (the blossoms)

Honey is "manufactured" in one of the world's most efficient factories, the beehive.
In addition to gathering nectar to produce honey, honey bees perform a vital second function - pollination. About one-third of the human diet is derived from insect-pollinated plants, and honey bees are responsible for 80 percent of this pollination.

Pollination is the fertilization of a flowering plant. It occurs when pollen is transferred from the anthers of a flower to the ovules of that or another flower. Honey bees are responsible for pollinating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and more.

What is the problem in honey?
Honey once stored in warm or hot condition will breakdown into a simple sugar. Upon long term storage hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is increase depending on the pH of honey and on the storage temperature. HydroxyMethylFurfural is an aldehyde, whose molecule is illustrated at right, which can be used as an indicator of honey quality limits are set by food standard agencies. High levels of HMF (greater than 100 mg/kg) can be an indicator of possible adulteration of the product.

Should we consider locally manufactured honey to be adultered if stored in room temperature? I think the best answer is that, Stability may be compromised and shortened if stored in normal room temperature. A standard of 2 year may be applied for freshly prepared honey. Honey is best stored between 18-25 Degree Celsius for maximum shelf life requirements.

I know honey is not on our list mga pinoy pharmacist. But I have think we should let the public realized how important the degradation of honey over a period of time. Doing so, may help them in determining that before buying and Honey is not forever be stable and we should correct the connotation here in the Philippines.

Honey sold freely in the market without label may considered by adulterated. Shelf life is not indicated so as the important information. Bureau if Food and Drugs should strictly implement the regulation on this issue.

Health literacy means the ability to understand health–related information – not
just the ability to read printed material just the ability to read printed material.
Health literacy is defined by Healthy People 2010 as: “The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Patients need to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor’s directions and consent forms. They also need to be able to navigate through the health care system, which can be very complex.

According to American Medical Association, poor health literacy is “a stronger
predictor of a person’s health than age, income, employment status, education
level, and race.” There is a high correlation between the ability to read
and health literacy, but it is important to recognize that patients who are fully
literate may be health illiterate.

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that patients of all literacy
levels, not just those who have a low literacy level, have trouble comprehending
instructions on how to take their medications. The most frequent effects of patient confusion are dosage errors, followed by dose frequency errors.

People with low literacy are much more likely to misunderstand medication information, and comprehension is even lower when patients take multiple medications. Even basic information such as knowing the name of their blood pressure medication poses a challenge for up to 60% of people with low literacy. The end result of this patient confusion may be medication errors and an increase in ER and hospital visits.

If we relate it in our country, Filipino people tend to forget that every information in the label is important. They just rely on information on what they see on the television, radio and other other information ads. We should also recognizes the critical link between functional literacy and health status. The relationship between literacy and health is complex. Literacy impacts health knowledge, health status, and access to health services. Health status is influenced by several related socioeconomic factors. Literacy impacts income level, occupation, education, housing, and access to medical care. The poor and illiterate are more likely to work under hazardous conditions or be exposed to environmental toxins

Reasons for limited literacy in the Philippines:
1. Lack of educational opportunity
2. Learning abilities and disabilities
3. Older adults declines cognitive functions
4. Reading abilities
5. Poverty

But what can the Philippine government do? Some government agencies are conducting seminars to help our illiterate people in understanding the importance of literacy. I think the government should conduct and disseminate more information about literacy in the Philippines. The more people are health literate the better chance of reducing the health problem, medical errors and health visits.

Pinoy pharmacist what can you do to help our kababayans?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today issued two Warning Letters to Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd., of the Republic of India, and an Import Alert for generic drugs produced by Ranbaxy's Dewas and Paonta Sahib plants in India.

The Warning Letters identify the agency's concerns about deviations from U.S. current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements at Ranbaxy's manufacturing facilities in Dewas and Paonta Sahib (including the Batamandi unit), in India. Because of the extent and nature of the violations, FDA today issued an Import Alert, under which U.S. officials may detain at the U.S. border, any active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) (the primary therapeutic component of a finished drug product) and both sterile and non-sterile finished drug products manufactured at these Ranbaxy facilities and offered for import into the United States.

The problems at these two Ranbaxy plants relate to deficiencies in the company's drug manufacturing process. These actions are proactive measures that the FDA is taking in order to assure that all drugs that reach the American public are manufactured according to cGMP requirements. While this action does not involve removing products from the market, FDA has no evidence to date that Ranbaxy has shipped defective products. We will continue to monitor the situation.

Today's announcement does not impact products from Ranbaxy's otherplants which are not affected by today's actions. FDA has inspected those facilities and, to date, they have met U.S. cGMP requirements for drug manufacturing.

The FDA recommends that consumers continue taking their medications manufactured by Ranbaxyand not disrupt their drug therapy, which could jeopardize their health. Patients who are concerned about their medications should discuss their concerns with their health care professional.

Earlier today, the FDA informed Ranbaxy that until it resolves the deficiencies at each of these two facilities and the plants come into compliance with U.S. cGMP requirements, FDA's drug compliance office will recommend denial of approval of any New Drug Applications (NDAs) and Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) that list the Paonta Sahib or Dewas plants respectively as the manufacturer of APIs or finished drug products

Ranbaxy is one of the largest foreign suppliers of generic drugs to the United States. The company makes a number of drug products.

The FDA Import Alert covers more than 30 different generic drug products (Drug List) produced in multiple dosage forms and dosage amounts ( i.e., 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg) at these two locations.FDA has evaluated whether these actions would create any potential drug shortages in the United States, and has determined that other suppliers can meet market demand, with one exception. Because Ranbaxy is the sole supplier to the U.S. of one drug product, Ganciclovir oral capsules (an antiviral drug), to avoid creating a shortage of the drug, FDA generally will not detain shipments of this product, and plans to arrange for additional oversight and controls until the company resolves these manufacturing issues.

"With this action we are sending a clear signal that drug products intended for use by American consumers must meet our standards of safety and quality," said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). "The FDA has notified other agencies and health care professionals to make them aware of today's actions so that they can take appropriate action and advise patients as needed." The Warning Letters issued today document the results of FDA investigations at these two sites.

One Warning Letter addressed problems at Ranbaxy's Dewas facility found during an inspection conducted by FDA in early 2008. During that inspection, FDA investigators documented significant cGMP deviations in the manufacture of sterile and non-sterile finished products and violations with respect to the manufacture and control of APIs. Specific areas of concern included the following aspects of the firm's quality control program:

* The facility's beta-lactam containment program (measures taken to control cross-contamination), which appeared inadequate to prevent the potential for cross-contamination of pharmaceuticals;
* Inadequate batch production and control records;
* Inadequate failure investigations; (A failure investigation is done to address any manufacturing control or product rejection to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence); and,
* Inadequate aseptic (sterile) processing operations.

The second Warning Letter addressed the Paonta Sahib facility following an inspection at its Batamandi unit, also in early 2008.This inspection documented various cGMP deficiencies, including the following:

* The lack of assurance responsible individuals were present to determine the firm was taking necessary steps under cGMP;
* Inaccurate written records of the cleaning and use of major equipment;
* Incomplete batch production and control records; and,
* Inadequate procedures for the review and approval of production and control records for drug products.

Following the two inspections, FDA provided Ranbaxy with a separate list of inspectional findings for each of the facilities. In mid-April and May, Ranbaxy responded in writing to these findings in lengthy submissions to FDA. The agency then evaluated its findings, Ranbaxy's responses, and the firm's overall inspectional history, an evaluation that required substantial time due to the complex scientific and technical nature of both the identified deficiencies, particularly at the Dewas site, and the firm's responses. Ultimately, FDA concluded that the firm's responses were not adequate and that the Warning Letters were the appropriate regulatory response.

"Today's actions are clearly warranted by the serious violations established by FDA's investigations at these two sites," said Deborah M. Autor, director, CDER's Office of Compliance, FDA. "Until the company addresses these deficiencies, APIs and finished drug products from these plants will remain on the Import Alert, and we will not approve any Abbreviated New Drug Applications or New Drug Applications that list either of the two facilities as the manufacturer of APIs or finished drug products."

This represents the second time in less than three years FDA has issued a Warning Letter to Ranbaxy. In 2006, FDA cited Ranbaxy for violations of U.S. cGMP at its Paonta Sahib facility.

source:here

Comments: Naku madami palang deficiency itong Ranb@xy na ito. Magiging supplier pa naman namin sila in the next 6 months. So far cla na ang biggest supplier namin for Pharmaceutical products. I doubt kung kukunin pa ng management ang supplier na to. Baka problema lang ang abutin namin. QC regulators lang ang mahihirapan gumawa ng nonconformance and incidence reports. For sure babahain kami ng problema nito. hayyyyyyyyyyyyy buhayyyyyy! Maganda sana pakinggang marami kayong product na binebenta, on the contrary mahirap naman kapag nagkaroon ng problema o deficiencies.Dahil tayo naman ang hahabulin ng BFAD pag nag kataon. Ano ba ang gagawin natin mga Pinoy Pharmacist???

Source: onip.ca

What is a Pharmacy Technician?
A Pharmacy Technician provides technical and clerical support to pharmacists. Unlike pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians cannot counsel patients and cannot take prescription information over the phone

Related job titles
* pharmacy assistant
* pharmacy helper
* pharmacy cashier
* pharmacy clerk

According to the Environmental Scan of Pharmacy Technicians, September 2001, the word "technician" is often used to describe any non-pharmacist in a pharmacy who assists in dispensing. Any person may call himself or herself a technician without having completed technical certification.

Major duties

The responsibilities of a Pharmacy Technician are varied depending on the specific pharmacy. Under the supervision of one or more pharmacists, a pharmacy technician's essential duties include:

* assisting the pharmacist in the day-to-day operation of the pharmacy
* measuring, mixing, packaging, labeling and delivering drugs
* restocking medications and related supplies
* identifying expired products for disposal, destruction, or return to manufacturer
* inputting prescriptions into the computer system
* maintaining computerized lists of medications taken by patients
* filling medication orders
* maintaining inventory
* dealing with clients on a one-to-one basis, directing them to items or the pharmacist for medication consultation
* looking after home health-care products such as canes, vision aids and hearing aids
* pre-packaging medications (including unit dose packaging)

Sometimes duties may also include:

* answering telephones
* receiving written prescriptions
* cleaning and sterilizing dispensing bottles and instruments
* answering questions regarding non-drug products
* operating a cash register
* preparing receipts, invoices, letters and memos, and general filing
* receiving and sending electronic communication
* delivering medications to institutional wards


Qualifications and requirements
Often the first qualification mentioned in the job postings is:

* graduate of an approved Pharmacy Assistant Program, or
* applicants must be graduates of a recognized pharmacy technician program or equivalent.

The evaluation of your non-Canadian education is extremely important in this case. But some retail pharmacies may require no more than a high school diploma that includes courses in chemistry and biology

* Certification (CPhT) from a college of pharmacy is preferred
* Knowledge of the English language is essential. Your communication skills and knowledge of terminology play a vital role.
* Computer keyboard skills are preferred.
* Accuracy is important. There is no room for error.

Other required qualifications may include:

* organizational and time management skills
* problem-solving skills
* ability to work with minimal supervision


Compensation
Salaries vary depending on the pharmacy, the location and the skills and responsibilities of the technician. Those working in retail can expect to start at approximately $7.50 to $8.50 per hour while those working in hospitals earn approximately $17 to $22 per hour.

Who are the employers?

The majority of jobs are in retail pharmacies. Other employers include

* hospitals, and community pharmacies

Occasionally, you may also find these positions with

* pharmaceutical companies
* insurance companies


Comment:
A lot of Filipinos now are looking for opportunities in Canada. Maybe because its one of the best places to live. Considering the PRO's and CON's, Is it really worth going there? If there's a lot good opportunities here for pharmacist and pharmacy technicians will you stay here?

Sinong Filipino Pharmacist gusto mangibang bayan para maging Pharmacy Technician? Kung kumikita ka ng 30-50 thousand a month at may magandang kapalaran ang nag hihintay sayo aalis ka pa ba?

I think mali ang nagiging nosyon sa pilipinas na kapag ikaw ay nag abroad ay garantisadong yayaman ka. Sa pag kakataong ito, nais kong ipamahagi ang messahe sa ating mga kapwa Pinoy Pharmacist na hindi lahat ng pilipino na nagpupunta sa Canada o kahit sa bansa na pupuntahan nila ay magiging successful. Kung makikita ninyo lang sa TV,radio at sa mga iba pang pahayagan kung ano talaga ang situation sa ibang bansa. Kung ang amerika bumagsak ang ekonomia, bakit gusto mo dun? Hindi mo ba alam naghihirap sila dun?

Bilang Pinoy Pharmacist ano ba ang maipapayo mo sa mga Registered Pharmacist na gustong pumunta ng ibang bansa para matrabaho bilang Pharmacy Technician?

Limang (5) paraan para makatipid sa pagbili gamot

1.Gumamit ng Generic Drug. Ito na siguro ang pinakaunang maiisip mo kung bibili ng gamot sa botika. Ito na rin siguro ang pinakamatipid na paraan para di mabutas ang bulsa natin. Mas maganda kung tatanungin mo sa Pharmacist ng botika kung ano ang magandang generic ng gamot na nireseta sayo ng doktor. Wag mag duda sa mga generic drugs. Basta't mapagkakatiwalaan ang pagbibilhan mong botika at mahusay naman ang kumpanyang gumawa, pareho lang ang epekto nito sa branded.

2. Humanap ng mas mababang presyo ng gamot. Paano kung walang stock generic? Mag tanong isa ibang botika. Siguro naman ay meron ding ibang katulad nito na nakakagamot sa pareho o mas murang halaga. Konsultahin muna ang iyong doktor bago mag palit at bumili ng kung ano ano. Mas mainam na may rekomendasyon ng doktor bago bumili ng gamot na hindi mo naman alam kung ano ang epekto nito.

3. Magtanong tanong sa mga katabing tindahan o botika. Subukan mo munang mag tanong ng mas murang presyo sa ibang katabing botika. Baka naman mahal ang presyo ng gamot sa binibilhan mo.

4. Bumili ng maramihan. Sa panahon ngyon, nauuso ang wholesale discount. Kahit ang mga Chinese gawain ito. Kapag bumili ka ng marami, mas malaki ang diskwento mo. Kaya kapag niresetahan ka ng doktor ng sampung piraso ng gamot, mag tanong sa botika kung magkano ang diskwento nito kapag bibilhin mo lahat.

5. Alamin ang mga freebies at discounts programs. Tignan at basahin maigi kung ano ano ang mga libreng promo na bibilhin ninyo. Marami kumpanya ngyon na nagpapamigay at nagppromo ng produkto para makilala ang pangalan ng produkto nila. Usisain at makinabang sa mga promo na ito.

"Buksan ang ating mga kaisipan sa katotohanan" Ang sabi nila maaring maganda sa pandinig ang pangalan ng produkto pero sa totoo lang ay hindi mo ito kelangan. Maging mapag-usisa, palatanong, at mautak sa lahat ng produkto na ating bibilhin. Suriin mabuti at huwag bibili.. uulitin ko.. Huwag BIBILI sa mga hindi makapagkakatawalaang botika.

I think most of the blogs today are equip with earning ads. I don't know who started these kind of marketing strategy but there are already thousands or even millions (who can count?) of blogs out there using it.

Should we place these ads on our blog? I think should think first the balance the argument and consider some points before putting ads in your blogs.

How much would they pay you placing their ads?
Look who's advertising in your related niche?
Think of position in your market
Consider your Competing Ads and Affiliate Programs

What do you think about putting ads in your blog?

After few research in Google and Yahoo, i finally realized the importance of labels/categories in your blog post.

But first, lets take a moment to examine what categories and tags are.

What are Categories and Tags?

I think categories as the table of contents for your blog, a kind of general outline that directs visitors to general topics that you blog about. Tags are more like the index page of a book, a list of key words people will use to search for specific terms.

But the what is the real purpose of tagging and putting it into categories?

If you ask me, it serves only 1 purpose, helping your readers find the information they need on your blog.

Well, I am new to this blogging, hopefully this place can be where all my ideas can be posted. Thanks!