Montreal Public Health has issued an urgent warning regarding the circulation of pink tablets resembling PEZ candy that contain etizolam, a potent sedative not approved for sale in Canada.
These tablets are particularly concerning because:
(more…)-
Shingles: What Every Canadian Over 50 Needs to Know (And Why the Vaccine Matters More Than You Think)
You had chickenpox as a child. You recovered, moved on, and probably haven’t thought about it since. But here’s something most Canadians don’t realize: that virus never fully left your body. The varicella-zoster virus — the one that caused your chickenpox — went dormant in your nerve tissue. Decades later, it can reactivate as shingles, bringing with it a painful, blistering rash and, in some cases, long-lasting nerve damage that can be difficult to treat.
(more…) -
GLP-1 Agonist Medications: What Patients in Ontario Should Know
GLP-1 agonist medications have become an important option in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic health. In recent years, growing awareness, new research, and changes in medication availability have raised many questions for patients considering or already using these therapies.
(more…) -
Oral HIV Self-Test Approved in Canada: A Major Step Toward Earlier Detection and Elimination
Canada has approved a new oral HIV self-test for sale — a development that public health experts say could play a critical role in earlier diagnosis, improved access to testing, and progress toward eliminating HIV as a public health threat by 2030.
(more…) -
Safe Ramadan Fasting With Medical Conditions: What You Should Know Before You Begin
Ramadan is a sacred month of spiritual reflection, discipline, and community. Fasting from dawn to sunset is deeply meaningful — but for individuals with medical conditions, safe participation requires advance planning and professional guidance.
(more…) -
Can Love Mend a Broken Heart? Evidence Shows Strong Relationships Support Heart Health
Centrum Pharmacy — Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care
Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, cards, and romantic gestures — but emerging cardiovascular research suggests that love and relationship quality may also play a meaningful role in heart health and recovery.
(more…) -
Health Canada Recall Alert: MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg — What Patients Need to Know and How Centrum Pharmacy Protects You
Centrum Pharmacy continuously monitors Health Canada advisories, recalls, and safety notices as part of our medication safety and quality assurance program. When alerts are issued, our team immediately reviews affected products, lot numbers, and suppliers to determine whether any of our patients could be impacted.
(more…) -
Heart Health Month in Canada: How Your Pharmacist Supports a Healthy Heart
February is Heart Health Month in Canada, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease — one of the leading causes of illness nationwide. Maintaining a healthy heart goes beyond doctor visits alone. Your pharmacist plays an essential role in supporting heart health, particularly when it comes to managing conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension).
(more…) -
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
At Centrum Pharmacy, we’re proud to recognize the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a United Nations‑designated day celebrating the critical contributions of women scientists and innovators around the world.
(more…) -
Trying to Lose Weight? Protect Your Muscle — Not Just the Number on the Scale
Weight loss medications, structured diet plans, and lifestyle programs are helping more Canadians reduce excess weight than ever before. Newer options — including GLP-1 medications — have changed how obesity and metabolic health are managed. But there is an important clinical detail many people don’t realize:
(more…)
