Stunning Backdrop

When was the last time you've watched a live performer on stage? Have you noticed his/her backdrop?

Happy Holidays Everyone

To all Pinoy Pharmacist, 

readers, followers and friends

Editor and contributors of pinoypharmacists.com 

would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

May we all experience and share the true meaning of Christmas all days of our lives. 

God bless us all. 

For Better Sound

If you're wondering why music videos sound so perfect? The top pro tools 10 is the answer.

DOH-FDA Advisory No. 2012-017

This advisory was released by DOH-FDA to inform the public about Antimicrobial Resistance. Please take time to read.

 

Source: FDA Philippines

Disclaimer: The owner of this blog does not claim ownership on the above file. This is shared to help DOH-FDA Philippines to spread the advisory. 

Benefits and Health Risks of Smoking Cigars

Smoking is dangerous to your health. We need to remember that smoking can cause diseases including cancer. We certainly do not want to suffer from those. 

GOING GANGNAM ALL THE WAY

It's good to see that there are other ways to keep safe this coming new year. 

Promoting a New Pharmacy Business

Your pharmacy business is now up and running but the sales are not giving you significant figures. The solution is advertising and wide-ranging tactics. 

Pharmacy Calculations and Simple Gram Conversion

This is a very helpful video tutorial on simple gram conversion and pharmacy calculations. Hope you'll find this useful.

Do you want to try snowboarding?

Snowboarding is an activity that require skills and stamina to withstand cold surrounding. Minor accidents or serious injuries may occur if not properly trained to do so.

DOH TO CONSIDER FIREWORKS BAN

“There are more ways to be happy in welcoming the New Year. An injury in the family will not make our New Year happier,” this is the concluding statement of Secretary Ona of Department of Health (DOH).

Despite the decreased of fireworks-related injuries, Secretary Ona announced that they might consider banning the individual use of fireworks. Only accredited organizations can buy and use fireworks on designated areas.

I personally like this option. Hope it will be approved to continuously avoid injuries caused by fireworks during festive seasons.

Have a Safe New Year Everyone. 

Related Article:DOH TO CONSIDER FIREWORKS BAN EVEN AS TOTAL FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES DECREASED BY 33%

Pharmacy Computer System

In running a pharmacy business, having custom computers with custom software that can perform specific task are very important. 

What is Metformin and How Does it Work?

Metformin is a medicine use to treat Diabetes Type II, also known as non-insulin dependent type. Diabetes is a disease that happens when the body does not use the insulin properly or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. When this occurs, the glucose level in the blood goes up. 

Pharmacy Shelving

There are so many things to consider in building your own pharmacy. Aside from preparing a bunch of documents, the location and the actual floor area matters.

Addictive Food

There are numerous addictive food that sometimes we don't realize they are. Whether you are on diet or not, you should be aware of this to avoid bad effects.

Keeping Away From Danger

Whatever we do and where ever we go, there are things we can do to avoid injury. We don’t know for certain what’s on our way so it’s better to take precautionary measures to keep us away from any health hazard.  

Pharmacy Style (Gangnam Style Parody)

December 19, 2012
Pharmacists are truly talented in many ways and this is one of the proofs.

No Acceptance of Application for Authorization for Medical Devices

December 18, 2012
Calling the attention of all medical device representatives, please be reminded that FDA-Philippines is not accepting application for authorization of Medical Device from December 16, 2012 until January 13, 2013.

Is there a standard salary for pharmacist in the Philippines?

One of our fellow pharmacists asked a question, "Is there a standard salary for pharmacist in the Philippines?"


Our say:

At the moment, we don't have anything to hold on as standard salary. If that law will be implemented soon, we are classified in Grade 15 Salary (Step 1: Php24,887) for pharmacist working at the government. For those pharmacists working in the private sector, at least 35% above of the minimum wage is the possible salary, based on the New Pharmacy Law. 


Nowadays, fresh graduates are at the window of Php 8000- 12,000 monthly basic salaries. If a pharmacist has 1-4 years' experience, Php 10,000-15,000 is the salary range. Supervisor positions of pharmacists are receiving between Php 15,000-20,000. If you are at the managerial position, the salary is between Php 15,000 - 25,000.

These are not good ranges to look at so we are hoping that the New Pharmacy Law be implemented soon.


Here's the latest Legislative Status of Philippine Pharmacy Act of 2010:

Legislative Status:
Consolidated/Substituted in the Committee Report dated February 28, 2012.

In no time, the bill will be out for debate or voting. 

Sounds of Christmas

December 11, 2012

Every year, we see bunch of individuals singing carols on our doorsteps. There are good and there are not so good. I think it’s safe to say that way. Kids love repeat performance. I mean, kids will be back tomorrow and the next day and the next five days. But after their piece, some homeowners still pull something out of their pockets and hand over to the kids. Some annoyed homeowners will shout, “patatawarin” (Filipinos way of saying, “forgive me I don’t have something to give you”). This is true especially when they are in the middle of watching their favourite tele-novela (TV Series). 

In Europe, people don’t do caroling outside homeowners pretty decorated houses. People go to the shopping center, auditoriums and churches to sing and play instruments like harp, accordion, violin, flute and other instruments. In Ireland for example, most people know how to play instruments. Irish people can make you sing and dance on Christmas Day through the sound of one amazing accordion. Believe me, this instrument really makes a lovely harmony.

On the streets, there are singers, instrumentalists, bands and other performers putting notes and acts together to inspire and share the spirit of Christmas.

Whether they perform so they can have food on their table, for charity, for candies or something else, these people perceived that music is their way of saying Merry Christmas. 

Cosmetics Have Expiration Date Too

December 11, 2012
Not all cosmetics have expiration date printed on them especially when their shelf life is 3 years or 30 months. This is a tough one since it’s hard to tell when the item was manufactured. Even so, there are precautionary measures that we can do to protect ourselves from the ugly effects of expired cosmetics.

One of trusted brands when it comes to cosmetics.

1. Choose a reliable store to buy your make up or other personal care products. 
2. Check the labels or packaging before heading towards the till. Always look at the period after opening (PAO) on the label. It looks like the picture below. Please take note, a cosmetic that has been opened are exposed to microorganisms that can cause skin irritation, allergies or infection.
3. Close the container after every use to reduce chances of contamination.
4.  If you’re not yet convince, you can check the physical consistency of the product. Check the smell, color and texture.
5. If still you’re still unhappy, contact the manufacturer to verify manufacturing date of the cosmetic you have.
6. Toss to the bin any expired make-up, face creams and similar items.
7. Do not buy brands you don't trust. 

Period After Opening

How to Take Care of Your Eyes

December 10, 2012

Our eyes are very important in our daily lives. Taking care of them is not hard as long as we know what to do. If something’s not right, go to the doctor or optometrist for check-up. 

 

Few Things About Doxycycline

December 10, 2012

Doxycycline is an antibiotic that can be used in treating infections such as the following:

• Respiratory Tract Infections
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Dermatological Issues
• Other Unusual Infections including cholera, gastroenteritis and conjunctivitis.

How Can I Show You Love?

December 9, 2012

Ensuring the safety and good health of our kids are two of the many responsibilities of parents. Inside and outside of the house, we do not want our kids to get harm whether physically, emotionally or mentally.

Proper Storage of Medicines

December 8, 2012
In movies or commercials, we often see actors looking for medicines inside a cabinet found in the bathrooms. That's a complete no-no.

Plan Before You Dine Out

December 7, 2012

In a sudden trip to a restaurant, questions keep on popping in our minds while our hungry stomach keeps on bothering us.  What food to eat, what is the restaurants’ specialty, or can they serve our food in a quickest possible time?

Just a little favor

To all our followers, readers and friends:

If you have queries that needed our answer or opinion, please use the CONTACT form. This is to make sure that you'll get an answer directly.

We believe that some of the questions thrown to us are confidential and answering you through our blog posts is unprofessional.

Don't worry we won't share your e-mail address to anyone.

Thank you so much for continuously supporting and following this blog site.

From: PiPharm Editor

Fish Spa: Is it safe or unsanitary?

December 3, 2012
Fish spa or fish pedicure is becoming popular nowadays. How does it work? The fish called Garra rufa, consume all the dead skin which in a sense helps in cultivation of healthy skin. This is a native fish in Middle East where fish spas are accepted as treatment for a skin disease known as psoriasis.  Garra rufa is also known as the nibble fish, physio fish, kangal fish or doctor fish.

Some believed that it only cures the symptoms temporarily and the process should be repeated in certain period of time in order to achieve the desired effect.

The popularity of these claims has encouraged the entrepreneurs to establish new business line known as nail salon fish baths. In US, not all states have accepted the idea. In fact, some of the states, banned the fish pedicure because of many reasons such as the following:

1. There's an outbreak of nontuberculous myobacterial infections due to infections left behind by previous customers.
2. The tubs are not properly cleaned.
3. The fish itself cannot be sanitized between customers.
4. Wrong fish was used. There are species of fish that have teeth. They can blood from customers which creates the chance of spreading infections.
5. Fish are deprived of eating real fish food so they can function well by eating skin during the spas. This is believed to be animal cruelty.
6. Garra rufa is not native in US which is possible treat to plant and animal if release into the wild.

In Austria, the treatment is done in a controlled facility not in salon.

In Malaysia, Sampuoton Fish Spa at Petaling Jaya in Malaysia is one of the popular establishments that have fish spa therapy. 


In Philippines, fish therapy is not only conducted at salons or clinics but also in oceanarium. The fun at Manila Ocean Park doesn't stop at seeing the lovely sharks and sting rays. The tickling experience continues at the fish spa area where hundreds of hungry Garra rufa are waiting to feast on your legs and feet.

Fish Spa at Manila Ocean Park

Is fish spa safe or unsanitary? There are many factors to be considered in order to answer the question.
If you're not comfortable doing it then don't. The benefits of fish spa are good but precautions must be taken in order so as not to worsen the situation.

Have you tried it yourself? I did. 

Holiday Food Safety TIps

November 30, 2012

This holiday season we want to ensure that we are safe from the foods we will set on our tables. We must then be vigilant in buying food products. This is to avoid acquiring of food-borne diseases. 

In severe cases, unsafe food may lead consumers to illnesses such as gastritis, typhoid fever, cholera, food poisoning and amoebiasis. Among the symptoms to observe are diarrhea, vomiting and flu like symptoms. Better be careful than sorry. Here are some food safety tips.

1. This season avoid holiday rush so you will have ample time to scrutinize the items you will buy.  Always make sure to buy your food in trusted and reputable shops.

2.  We love to make fruit salads and most of the ingredients are canned. Check the physical quality of the product. Do not buy deformed items especially on canned foods. 

3. Always check the expiration of the product. It may be on sale but it was best before months or years back. Some small shops use stickers to hide original expiration dates. If you think, it was tampered, do not buy it. 

4. In wet market, there are food products for sale but bears no labels. Sellers may claim, it is what we're looking for. Watch out, it may be not. Proper labels are important to verify the brand and quality of item. 

5. Always wash hands before handling, preparing or cooking food. No excuse on that. 

5. Fresh fruits and vegetables must be washed properly before using or eating.  

6. Cook the food properly and accordingly. Temperature is important in cooking food. Make sure to use food thermometer to check the roast chicken inside the oven. Do not base your judgement on outer look. 

7. Refrigerate what's left good and discard the spoiled or contaminated food. 

How about you, do you have any food safety tips to share? You can share it on the comment box below. Have a stress-free holiday. 

Best Vitamins and Supplements for Energy

If you pay a visit in the supermarket, you will see massive display of energy sources. There are energy drinks and energy bars that you can easily grab at the cooler and counter. There are also large numbers of energy supplements at the corner.  It seems like people are more concern about wanting more energy to sustain daily activities. That is fine as long as people know what they are picking from the shelves.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 are some of the vitamins mainly linked with reduced energy.  Experts believe that deficiency of these vitamins will lead to tiredness, fatigue and stress. Presence of other symptoms may also occur.

Production of healthy red blood cells is through Vitamin B12 together with folic acid. These cells help in proper digestion and absorption of food. These cells are able to turn the food into energy that has influence in metabolism. Reduced level of Vitamin B12 may be due to medications or the lifestyles of people. A person with insufficient Vitamin B12 can be seen with symptoms such as lack of energy, numbness of feet and hand, sore and cracked tongue and rare mood changes. Long term deficiency of this vitamin can lead to permanent brain and central nervous system impairment. Among the foods rich in Cobalamin that should be included in the diet are liver, eggs, caviar, beef, fish, lamb, oysters, mussels, crabs, lobsters, and cheese. Cyanocobalamin is also available in different drug formulation together with other important vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12 Supplements are available as well in the market and online. You can check out their websites to check the wide variety of supplements that are energy boosters.

Another important energy giving vitamin is folic acid, other known as folate. As mentioned earlier, this goes with the Vitamin B12 in creation of new red blood cells that help the body in so many things. Insufficient levels of folic acid may lead to a disorder called as megaloblastic anemia. Symptoms that may occur with insufficient folic acid are insomnia, weakness, shortness of breath, digestive disturbances, memory problems and inflamed tongue. This particular vitamin is mostly destroyed during cooking so proper way of handling food is necessary to achieve appropriate levels of folic acid. Dark leafy vegetables, avocado, celery, corn, beets, beans, peas, citrus fruits, okra, seeds and nuts, carrots, squash, cauliflower and brussel sprouts are some of the foods rich in folic acid.

Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are available drug dosage forms in the pharmacy and health shops as well as online. You can check out their websites to check the wide variety of energy booster supplements.

Shall I take my medication or not?

Certainly, drugs have their beneficial effects and unwanted effects. But taking them to provide remedy for an existing condition is far better than the risks of not to continue medication. 

Five Tips to Reduce Exam Stress.

November 25, 2012

Here are five tips to reduce exam stress.

1. Mental fatigue is arising when you are so loaded of ideas, notes and numbers causing you later on to lost concentration. Stop studying for a while. Have short frequent breaks. Grab a glass of water and walk for few minutes. Those will help you to focus again.

2. Always have a timetable and checklist to follow. This will prevent you from forgetting something and rushing. 

3. Eat a well-balanced diet. Avoid caffeine since it will only boost you up for some time but will prevent you from getting a good night sleep. Stick with fruits, water and multivitamins. 

Alcohol is another one to avoid since it has a bad impact on your short term memory and will decrease the effects of your multivitamins causing you welcomes more stress. 

4. It is vital to sleep well. You should rest for an hour after reviewing before heading to your bed. Listening to a soothing music will help you relax naturally. Avoid staying up so late. 

5. Except from the multivitamins, exercise also helps boost your energy levels. Walking and running are few examples of de-stressing. Try them. 

Voluntary Recall of Calchews

November 21, 2012
The DOH-FDA issued an advisory stating the voluntary recall order of Calchews manufactured by Pascual Laboratories. The Calchews Chocolate Flavor affected are lots with LN: 382BWA & 382BWB ED: 8/2014. The said company is in the process of investigating the cause of the contamination. 

Please do not consume affected products but instead, return them to:

Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corporation

10/F ETON Cyberpod 1, Centris Bldg., 

Edsa corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City

Alternatively, consumers may contact the following:

Chiko Lara (Corporate Communication Manager) at 0917-7271710

Mr. James F. Yaranon (Pharmacovigilance Officer) at 0917-7271304; email address jfyaranon@pascuallab-pharma.com.

If you feel ill from taking the affected products, consult your doctor.

Resource: DOH-FDA Advisory No. 2012-013

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the official advisory. The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. If you have any health-related questions, persistent health condition or before taking any medication, please consult your health care provider.

Voluntary Recall of NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder

November 18, 2012
The FDA Philippines issued an advisory concerning the voluntary recall of  NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder because of the possible presence of Salmonella in particular lots of its ingredient, Calcium Carbonate. Although the product is distributed within US only, there is a chance of acquiring them in the Philippines through families in US by balik-bayan box or by other means. Whether you're in US or not, taking note of this advisory is important. 

Nestlé USA announced the voluntary recall of limited quantities of Nestlé NESQUIK® Chocolate Powder in the 10.9, 21.8 and 40.7 ounce canisters. The voluntary recall is limited to only NESQUIK Chocolate Powder, which was distributed nationally. No other varieties of NESQUIK powder or any sizes or flavors of NESQUIK ready-to-drink are affected by this recall. 

For precautions, still consumers are advised to check the bottom of the canisters and check the product code. All affected canisters are manufactured early October 2012 and bears an expiration date BEST BEFORE OCT 2014. The recall is limited to the following sizes, UPC and production codes:  

Size	UPC Code	Production Codes
40.7 oz. Chocolate (72 servings)	0 28000 68230 9	2282574810 2282574820
21.8 oz. Chocolate (38 servings)	0 28000 68090 9	2278574810 2278574820 2279574810 2279574820 2284574820 2284574830 2285574810 2285574820 2287574820 2289574810 2289574820
10.9 oz. Chocolate (19 servings)	0 28000 67990 3	2278574810

For US residents, if you have bought the affected batch, you can return the product to the place of purchase or call Nestlé Consumer Services at (800) 628-7679.

For Philippine consumers, if the affected product ended up on your hands for whatever means, please call DOH FDA at Tel. No. 807-8275.

Resources: DOH-FDA Advisory No. 2012-012

Recall NESQUIK® 2012

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor/government official. The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. If you have any health-related questions, persistent health condition or before taking any medication, please consult your health care provider.

Prices of Basic Medicines Monitored By DOH Philippines (October 26, 2012)

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona informed the public that prices of drugs and medicines will be continuously and closely  monitored.

Possible Choking Hazards with Toy Whistles

Not all toys are safe for kids. Some toy compositions are dangerous and can be life threatening.

Food and Dietary Supplement Has No Approved Therapeutic Effects

November 1, 2012

DOH-FDA advised the consumer in taking food or dietary supplements.

KOREAN NOODLES CONTAMINATED WITH BENZOPYRENE

November 1, 2012
Six Korean Noodles were found to be contaminated with Benzopyrene by Korean FDA.

How E-cigarettes Work

Cigarettes create so many negative impacts in one’s health and being. Some says it’s hard to quit smoking but benefits of quitting are far more worth it than the temporary satisfaction it brings.

Physical and psychological addiction to cigarettes is because of the substance called nicotine. Even though it’s addictive, it does not cause the smoking related disease but the thousands of chemicals found in a tobacco. That is why Nicotine Replacement Therapy was introduced as part of smoking cessation. There are drugs and devices available to help with the plan. One of them is the so called electronic cigarette. The question is how does it work?

Sample of e-cigarette with three parts

Electronic cigarette is becoming popular nowadays for number of reasons. E-cig, E-cigarette or vapor cigarette are the other names of electronic cigarette. It basically simulates the tobacco smoking.

The vital components of electronic cigarettes are plastic cartridge, atomizer and battery. The cartridge is use as the mouthpiece and a container for the liquid. Followed after the cartridge is the atomizer which is the heating element. The battery is the longest part of the e-cigarette and responsible in triggering the atomizer. Once e-cigarette is puffed, the heating starts due to the availability of the airflow sensor in the battery causing the liquid to vaporize. Some newer brands of e-cigarettes consist of two parts, the battery and the cartomizer.  It is a cartridge and an atomizer together. A cartomizer holds more liquid than the atomizer. It also resolves the issue of the atomizer burning up after few refills since the cartomizer can hold as much as 1.6 ml of the liquid. Example of this brand is Green Smoke.

Green Smoke is one of the electronic cigarettes which offer wide variety of choices. They have electronic cigarettes with nicotine and without nicotine.  The vapor of the electronic cigarettes by Green Smoke contains USP Grade propylene glycol, USP Grade vegetable gylcerin, nicotine and flavorings. Some components are USP Grade meaning to say they are approved by FDA and are safe to use. Nicotine is highly addictive and is not recommended for non-smokers that is why they are offering their zero nicotine electronic cigarettes.

Green smoke uses flavoured liquid in the cartridge giving a fresh and clean feeling. One new cartomizer is equivalent to 30 regular tobaccos. It will remain fresh for two weeks. They have two kinds of batteries, the long and the short one. The long battery can lasts up to 400 puffs which is equivalent to 33 regular tobaccos. Re-charging long battery may take 5 to 6 hours. The short battery on the other hand can lasts up to 300 puffs which is equivalent to 25 regular tobaccos. Re-charging short battery may take 4 to 5 hours.

Cigarette smoking is really dangerous to your health. If you’re a non-smoker do not attempt to try. If you’re a smoker and you have made your decision to quit, visit your doctor or your local pharmacist for more professional advice.

Disclaimer: 

The information and reference materials contained here are intended solely for the general information of the reader and NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor. The owner of this site disclaims any responsibility for the decisions you make based on this information. If you have any health-related questions, persistent health condition or before taking any medication, please consult your health care provider.

Stem Cell Therapies

October 23, 2012

Secretary Ona released a public advisory concerning the use of stem cells as therapy. He mentioned that  Department of Health is still investigating the claims regarding the preventive and curative benefits of the said therapy.

Prices of Basic Medicines Monitored By DOH Philippines (October 19, 2012)

Source: Department of Health Philippines

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona informed the public that prices of drugs and medicines will be continuously and closely  monitored. Doctors are also advised by Secretary Ona to prescribe generic drugs. The public are also advised to inform their local pharmacist that they prefer to buy generic drugs or the same drug with the lowest price.

Source: DOH-Price Monitoring Charts

JOBS: October 12, 2012

Position	Company/Job Description	Location
Licensed Pharmacist	Pointwest Technologies ü  Fresh graduates are highly encouraged to apply. ü  Must be computer literate. ü  With excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Company Profile and Other Details	Quezon City-UP Technorub Commonwealth Avenue, Diiman QC
Licensed Pharmacist	Hospital Based Pharmacist through Kan-Ya International Services Corp. ü  Fresh graduates are welcome to apply. ü  With or without experience ü  Female 25 – 37 years old Company Profile and Other Details	Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Regulatory Pharmacist	Nutraceuticals andSupplements Inc. ü  2 years of experience in related field ü  Full-Time positions available More Details	Pasig City
Licensed Pharmacist	Viscal Development Corp (Metro Gaisano Chain of Stores) ü  With or without experience ü  Full-Time positions available Company Profile and Other Details	Pasay City
Senior Pharmacist	Viscal Development Corp (Metro Gaisano Chain of Stores) ü  At least 4 years of  experience in related field ü  2 full-time positions available. Company Profile and Other Details	Fort Bonifacio, Taguig

More Job Opportunities

Disclaimer:

This Page acts as a free-of-charge job posting service only of Pinoy Pharmacist and makes no recommendations regarding potential employers. Applicants and employers must ensure the integrity and credibility of each other by requesting references or by asking for any additional information. Pinoy Pharmacist site owners and editors are not responsible for safety, salaries, working conditions, or any other matters concerning employment.