Centrum Pharmacy Blog

At Centrum Pharmacy, we believe that even everyday habits—like your morning coffee—deserve thoughtful, evidence-based attention. That’s because medications don’t work in isolation, and common food and drink interactions can affect your treatment outcomes, sometimes significantly.

One of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, coffee may seem harmless. But it can interact with medications in subtle or serious ways. As your local pharmacist-led clinic, we specialize in catching these interactions before they cause harm—and in helping you get the most from your medications.

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Heart disease remains a leading cause of death in Canada, and it’s hard to find someone whose life hasn’t been touched by it. Whether through personal experience or that of a loved one, a heart attack often brings a profound wake-up call. According to estimates, over 800,000 Canadians suffer a heart attack each year, and 1 in 5 of those survivors experience another one within five years.

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Pharmacists in Ontario are making a measurable difference in managing minor ailments like UTIs, allergic rhinitis, cold sores, pink eye, and more—reducing ER visits, shortening wait times, and improving access to timely treatment. Studies of pharmacist-led minor ailment programs show:

• 95% of patients would return to a pharmacist for similar care.
• 81% of patients report significant symptom relief.
• A 30% reduction in family doctor and ER visits following pharmacist intervention.
  (Source: Canadian minor ailments pilot program, PMC)

At Centrum Pharmacy, we match—and often exceed—these national standards every single day.

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If you’ve been following the headlines, you may have seen the buzz around Novo Nordisk and the Canadian patent for Ozempic (semaglutide).

You may have heard the buzz: Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic patent in Canada has expired — not because of science, but because of a $450 missed fee. (Yes, really.)

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A nationwide shortage of key prescription pain medications — including medications like Percocet (acetaminophen with oxycodone) and Tylenol No. 3 (acetaminophen with codeine) — is impacting patients across Canada. The disruption, expected to last into early August, affects several widely used pain relief products and is the result of both manufacturing delays and increased demand.

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At Centrum Pharmacy, our pharmacists stay current with the latest research in drug therapy so we can better counsel our patients on the safest and most effective medication options for their individual needs. A recent Canadian study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is a perfect example of research that informs—but does not dictate—our approach to care.

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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), the fragrant herb native to the Mediterranean, is beloved in kitchens around the world. But beyond its culinary use, rosemary is capturing attention in scientific circles for its remarkable health benefits—particularly in the realms of brain health, inflammation, and immune support.

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Antidepressants are a vital part of treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain—conditions that affect millions of Canadians. However, one of the most common and frustrating side effects of many antidepressants is weight gain, which can affect adherence to treatment and long-term health.

At Centrum Pharmacy, we understand how concerning this side effect can be. That’s why our pharmacists are well-informed about the latest research and equipped to help you manage and minimize antidepressant-related weight changes—without compromising your mental health treatment.

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When U.S. President Donald Trump recently floated the idea of imposing 200% tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals, headlines were quick to react—but for Canadian pharmacists, this is no time for passive concern. It’s time to prepare.

Though these tariffs are aimed primarily at India and China, where most generics and raw pharmaceutical ingredients originate, the ripple effects could hit Canada hard. In fact, Canada’s own exports—about $3 billion worth of generics annually to the U.S.—could become collateral damage, threatening our domestic drug supply, our pharmacy operations, and our patients’ access to affordable care.

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At Centrum Pharmacy, we’re often asked:

“Are there natural ways to lower my blood pressure that actually work?”

The answer is yes — but it requires more than cutting back on salt. As pharmacists, we’re uniquely positioned to guide you through safe, evidence-based strategies that go beyond medication, blending clinical insight with everyday, practical advice.

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