Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 09-08-2003
	Quote of the day: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)

Greetings on the eve of Patriot's Day! When "Pearl Harbor" (depicting the attack on America by Japan) was released by Hollywood- were Japanese/American persecuted? When "Schindler's List"- depicting German atrocities perpetrated against Jews - opened in theaters were German flags burned in the streets and German/Americans harassed? (Note: the retarded, gypsies, Catholics, Serbs, Poles, and other non-Arians were earmarked for extermination too). All of the dialog will be in Latin or Aramaic and the movie will not have subtitles. Presently there is quite a stir in "the biz" as to the effect that Mel Gibson's new movie "The Passion" (showing the Roman torture and executions of Jesus) will have on Christian/America's treatment of Jews. Distributors are backing out of previous arrangements using the "we don't know the anti-Semitic trouble we will stir up!" logic. Most of the critics have not seen the movie but are already frothing at the mouth. …Click here for full text of story. http://edition.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/11/film.the.passion.ap/

These are the same sensitive people who rammed "The Last Temptation of Christ" down the collective public's throat. Seems like "situation ethics" at its worst used against the LETHAL WEAPON guy. This is the same type of "logic" that I rail against in the Prattle when it comes to pharmaceutical companies, politicians, or other groups as they push their agenda at the expense of the greater community. True patriots will not seek out the differences we have between us and cause more division but will celebrate the common good. I, for one, intend to view the movie as it depicts the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus (assuming that it makes it into a theater near me). I don't expect that the actions of some men almost 2000 years ago to affect my opinion of modern men because they hold the same ethnicity /faith as their ancient brothers. The actions of my historical peers does get me riled up….or couldn't you tell. Now for some PHARMACEUTICAL prattle….(instead of the generic kind of prattle)

1) FDA declines to regulate Ariva- GSK combination candy/tobacco product
	Only need alcohol, fat, and caffeine to be a complete product! …Click here for full text of story.http://www.pharmacyonesource.com/members/work/daily_news/article.asp?category_id=1&record_id=69549

2) Do not believe this for one minute!

The US companies hold many patents. Patents protect the intellectual property of the US proprietary drug companies (not generic firms). This is the RULE OF LAW that helps to make sense of the world of trade. This all started when the government was demanding price reductions on CIPRO and threatened to invalidate the patent so an Indian generic firm could provide ample supplies (dirt cheap). Invalidating select patents will take an absolute 20 years of protection for property and make it vulnerable to subjective decisions. Someone will always proffer a seemingly legitimate reason to invalidate a patent with a motive. Humanitarian compassion, reduced government spend on drugs, reduced movement of hard currency out of third world countries…. etc. Granted that some US generic houses MIGHT sell more generics abroad but there are MANY MORE foreign generic houses who would undercut even those prices drastically. This idea is madness! (But then again its just my opinion…I could be wrong) …Click here for full text of story. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/030829/la_fin_brazil_us_aids_drugs_1.html

3) IRS rules that OTCs are OK for medical spending accounts.
	Flexible Spending Accounts can now be used for Claritin, Nicorette, Prilosec OTC and other such items. This is just in time for members to figure this into their planning for the 2004 benefit year. Sounds like the best idea out of the government this year! …Click here for full text of story. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3382431

4) Dutch treat or Dutch threat?

Pharmacies in Holland can now legally dispense "medical" marijuana. Five grams for $48 (regular) or $60 for the "good stuff". Growers and pharmacies will have to purchase (from the government) permits related to this. No mention is made of residency requirements (tourists would take advantage of this…would they?) The government distinguishes "MJ" from the bad, hard drugs. Situation ethics?….with the government as benefactor?….maybe. …Click here for full text of story. http://65.54.170.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=3edce3655d58210fef6dc2899cbbcd40&lat=1062514516&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2epharmacyonesource%2ecom%2fmembers%2fnpt%2easp%3fr%3d69623%26c%3d7

5) Canadian mail is doomed!

The prices of US drugs as illegally imported into the USA are going up in response to drug company restrictions on export to Canada. Serves them right for flaunting the law. The NEXT threat will be from Mexico and other places plagued with counterfeit drugs. It may not just be patriotic to "BUY AMERICAN" but also much safer for your well being. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2003/09/01/americans_find_jump_in_cost_of_drugs_from_canada/

6) Sweet catastrophe
	Life as we know it in the WORLD is changing as DIABETES takes over.. 194 Million people today and 333 million by 2025….Stock up now but check the expiration dates on those testy strips…. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3332899

7) E-detailing but hard perks.
	Physicians like to attend on-line educational seminars but still like to see the pharma rep with the boatload of samples and pens and pizzas, and Amazon.com vouchers and …. Just one last case of enlightened self interest for the day. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.internetnews.com/IAR/article.php/3068741

no 101 things today...
	Stop for a moment on Thursday, Sept 11th and remember those who lost their lives. That day, 2 years ago, brought us together as a nation despite differences in "race, color or creed". Let's each make an effort as individuals from now on to make a difference… to judge not by prejudice but by actions. My hope is that you will be judged kindly by your fellow citizens as the see your noble actions.

Wishing you a pleasant week! Steve

Disclaimer: "Pepin's Pharmaceutical Prattle" (AKA "The Prattle") is the property of PHARMWORKS, LLC and Steven M. Pepin, Pharm. D, BCPS. The opinions expressed are those of the bald-headed author. To start or stop any drug without the advice a supervision of you physician would be stupid. So don't do anything based upon what you read here without professional advice. To be added to or removed from the distribution list please e-mail your request to spepin@pharmworks.com . All insightful comments from readers are thoughtfully considered (the rest are callously discarded). Copyright 1998-2003 PHARMWORKS,LLC all rights reserved.