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Welcome to yet another fresh edition of The Prescription!
The alarming rise of the Zika Virus across the globe has created quite a stir and has become a cause of serious concern. Mosquito-borne diseases have turned out probably the greatest threat to the health of the human race. The prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, elephantiasis, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever, wasn't enough that we now have another virulent attack of the Zika virus. This virus is spread by the Aedes Aegypti species of mosquitoes that are abundant in India. Though till now there has been no news of Indians being affected, but still the fear prevails and in the coming days we hope to see an antidote being invented. This edition is dedicated to the Zika virus. Read on to know more on this virus, including it's preventive measures. Read More>>>
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Pooja Khaitan
Chief Editor ,
The PRESCRIPTION
Partnership for Safe Medicines India.
“We are committed to promote the use of traditional medicine in our Public Health System through regulation of research and appropriate integration of quality products, practices, and practitioners into the health system. Young entrepreneurs who are planning a start-up could find a lot of opportunities in holistic healthcare”.
Shri. Narendra Modi
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India
Very recently, there has been news that the Medical Council of India has prepared standard operating guidelines for Doctors with the motive of curbing Doctors from taking freebies from pharma firms .
MCI declared that Doctors accepting freebies such as gifts and foreign jaunts from pharmaceutical companies will now be punished based on the value of gifts received. The punishment will range from a censure for gifts of up to Rs 5,000 to deletion of the errant doctor’s name from the state or national medical register for a period of one year or more.
Background : Zika virus disease is an emerging viral disease transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This is the same mosquito that is known to transmit infections like dengue and chikungunya. Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947.
PEG used as anti-counterfeit marker in PharmaResearchers in Germany have developed an on-dose marker technology based on polyethylene glycols (PEGs), a commonly used pharma excipient. The team describes a technique in which they incorporated combinations of PEGs within the coating of tablets to create a unique code that can be used to authenticate the dose using a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. "Several batches of these PEGs, each batch being monodisperse with respect to its molecular weight, served as the basis for coding, and specific codes were 'written' into the coating of the drug product itself," write the researchers in the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics (February 2016).
Hawaii's Big Island declares emergency over dengue fever infectionsFeb 2016: The Mayor of Hawaii's Big Island declared a state of emergency on Monday to deal with a growing outbreak of dengue fever, spread by infected mosquitoes, with 250 cases confirmed over the past four months.
Florida Businessman Pleads Guilty To Selling Fake & Misbranded Drugs
February 03, 2016: Robert Lohr sold the fakes via a fake pharmacy known as either “American Drug Club of Bradenton” or “Canadian American Drug Club.” Lohr made over $1 million selling his counterfeit medication to unsuspecting patients.
Death in LA County highlights the dangers of Counterfeit Medication
February, 2016: LA County officials warn public about the toxic threat that fake medications pose, and share a tragic story about a woman whose efforts to save money by using non-FDA approved treatments led to her death.
Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What are cosmeceuticals?
Answer: Cosmeceuticals refers to the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.. A cosmeceutical is essentially a skincare product that contains a biologically active compound that is thought to have pharmaceutical effects on the skin. For example, vitamin C is a known antioxidant and when this is added to a lotion or cream the product is considered a cosmeceutical. Sunscreens, moisturizers , Hair-cleansers with anti-oxidants, botanical and marine extracts, vitamins, or peptides or pharmaceutical ingredients are some well known cosmeceuticals. Read More>>>
Q2. What Naturopathy means?
Answer: Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine employing a wide array of "natural" modalities, including homeopathy, herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as diet (nutrition) and lifestyle counseling. Naturopaths favor a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment and generally avoid the use of surgery and drugs. Naturopathic medicine contains many pseudoscientific concepts and is considered ineffective and can be harmful, which raises ethical issues. Naturopaths have repeatedly been accused of being charlatans and practicing quackery The term "naturopathy" was created from "natura" (Latin root for birth) and "pathos" (the Greek root for suffering) to suggest "natural healing". Naturopathic practice is based on a belief in the body's ability to heal itself through a special vital energy or force guiding bodily processes internally. Diagnosis and treatment concern primarily alternative therapies and "natural" methods that naturopaths claim promote the body's natural ability to heal. Naturopaths focus on a holistic approach, often completely avoiding the use of surgery and drugs. Naturopaths aim to prevent illness through stress reduction and changes to diet and lifestyle, often rejecting the methods of evidence-based medicine. In India, naturopathy is overseen by the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).
Dr. KranJeet Singh blogs : Very Good initiative ! Would be delighted to be of any help to you.
Akash Verma, Medico professional Tweets: Thanks to PSM India for joining the mission of improving health of Indian citizens through proper education and awareness!
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Disclaimer : Our newsletter endeavors to compile patient safety information from various sources . PSM India may not be held responsible for any article published in The Prescription.