Centrum Pharmacy Blog

Every year on March 8th, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize the achievements of women — and to acknowledge areas where women’s health continues to be under-recognized, underdiagnosed, or harder to access.

(more…)

World Obesity Day is a global opportunity to move beyond outdated narratives about weight and instead focus on obesity as a complex, chronic medical condition—one influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, medications, mental health, and access to care. Recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the day emphasizes evidence-based, compassionate approaches rather than blame or oversimplification.

(more…)

A new Canada-wide scientific assessment led by researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has delivered a powerful and unexpected message: when all harms are considered together, alcohol causes more overall damage to Canadians than any other drug, including tobacco, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis.

(more…)

Many medications are prescribed for daytime use — which creates challenges during fasting hours.

Common risk categories include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Thyroid therapy
• Antibiotics
• Mental health medications
• Pain control regimens

What Can Go Wrong Without Adjustment

• Reduced drug effectiveness
• Side effects from empty-stomach dosing
• Missed doses
• Double dosing errors
• Withdrawal effects

Our Pharmacist Medication Timing Service

Centrum Pharmacy provides structured Ramadan medication planning:

• Full medication list review
• Fasting-compatible dosing schedules
• Extended-release alternatives when appropriate
• Physician coordination for required changes
• Written medication calendars

Never adjust prescription medication timing without consulting with a professional.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.

Endometriosis affects approximately 1 million Canadians, yet remains one of the most under-diagnosed and under-treated conditions in women’s health. This March, for Endometriosis Awareness Month, Centrum Pharmacy wants to shine a light on something that often goes overlooked: the critical role your pharmacist plays in the ongoing management of this complex, chronic condition.

(more…)

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…)

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…)

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…)