Ashwagandha is one of the most popular natural health products used to help manage stress, support energy levels, and promote overall well-being. However, Health Canada has recently completed a safety review examining a possible link between oral ashwagandha products and rare cases of liver injury (hepatotoxicity).
(more…)Happy Independent Pharmacy Day from Centrum Pharmacy
Independent Pharmacy Day is a chance to recognize pharmacies like Centrum Pharmacy: locally owned, not answering to a head office, and free to make decisions based on what’s best for our patients rather than a corporate playbook.
(more…)How to Dispose of Sharps and Needles Safely
If you or someone in your household uses insulin needles, lancets, an EpiPen, or any other sharp medical device, you already know they can’t just go in the trash. Here’s what actually counts as a “sharp,” why it matters, and the easiest way to get rid of a full container.
(more…)How to Dispose of Expired or Unused Medication Safely
Most medicine cabinets have at least one bottle that’s expired, half-finished, or just never got used. Before you toss it in the trash or flush it down the toilet, it’s worth knowing why that’s a problem, and how easy the right way actually is.
(more…)Thinking About Buying GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic® or Mounjaro®? Beware of Fake or Unauthorized Products
With growing public interest in GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic®, Rybelsus®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) for diabetes management and weight loss, Canadians are increasingly encountering these products through online sellers, social media ads, and unauthorized retailers.
Unfortunately, not all GLP-1 products being sold in Canada are legitimate or safe.
(more…)Back to School Safety: Don’t Forget Your EpiPens
As the new school year begins, families are busy preparing supplies, schedules, and routines. For those living with severe allergies, back-to-school planning also means making sure lifesaving medications are up-to-date and accessible.
(more…)Back to School Prep Isn’t Just Supplies, It’s Having a Family Doctor
School supplies, timetables, new shoes. The back to school checklist gets a lot of attention every August. One item that’s just as important but easy to overlook: whether your family actually has a doctor. Immunization records, school health forms, and any sick visit that comes up once classes start all go smoother with a physician who already knows your family’s history.
(more…)Finasteride and Suicidal Ideation: What Patients Should Know
Finasteride, a type 2 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). While usually well tolerated, concerns have emerged around a cluster of persistent side effects known as post-finasteride syndrome. These may include:
(more…)Male Pattern Baldness: Understanding the Best Treatment Options Available
Hair loss is one of the most common concerns among men, affecting confidence, self-image and quality of life. Male pattern baldness, also called male androgenetic alopecia, is driven largely by genetics and sensitivity to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research suggests that approximately 50% of men experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia by age 50.
A Canadian-led study recently examined available treatment options to determine which medications may provide the greatest improvement in hair growth, comparing minoxidil (oral and topical formulations), finasteride, and dutasteride. Researchers analyzed 23 clinical studies involving men with androgenetic alopecia and compared changes in total hair count and terminal hair count after 24 and 48 weeks of treatment.
(more…)Calcium Supplements and Heart Disease: Why Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Should Talk to Their Pharmacist First
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports strong bones, muscle function, and nerve health. For many older adults, calcium supplements are recommended to help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
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