Centrum Pharmacy Blog

When you ask a search engine to define “pharmacist,” the answer is often archaic: someone who “prepares and dispenses” drugs. This outdated definition fails to capture the immense value, rigorous training, and daily clinical impact of the modern pharmacist, especially here at Centrum Pharmacy.

As we advocate for better system-wide collaboration (as detailed by pharmacist advocates), it is essential that our patients, policy makers, and fellow clinicians understand exactly what we do. Our mission, rooted in our commitment to Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, and Connected Care (the 4 C’s), is to be the accessible backbone of your community health.

Each year, on November 11, Canadians pause to honour the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served — and continue to serve — in Canada’s Armed Forces.

At Centrum Pharmacy, we stand united in gratitude, remembering those who gave everything for the freedoms we cherish today. Their courage and devotion remind us that the peace we enjoy was built on sacrifice, resilience, and compassion.

Centrum Pharmacy is encouraged by the Ontario government’s recent announcement to ban closed Preferred Pharmacy Networks (PPNs) — a long-overdue step toward restoring fairness, access, and choice in pharmacy care.

As part of its fall economic statement, the Minister of Finance announced that the government will introduce legislation to end exclusive deals between insurers and certain pharmacy chains that limit where patients can fill their prescriptions — especially for high-cost specialty medications.

Community pharmacy in Ontario is at a crossroads. For many pharmacy owners, the label “independent pharmacist” has become a misnomer: they carry the risks of the business—rent, staffing, regulatory compliance—but with little power over the professional-service fees or business model driving sustainability. Many pharmacists in Ontario effectively operate as “dependent contractors”, underscoring a systemic problem. (“They bear all the risks … but are denied the fundamental right to set or negotiate the prices for their own professional services and fees.”). The community pharmacy landscape in Ontario is facing a structural crisis. What many would consider “independent pharmacies” are increasingly operating under the economics of a dependent contractor model and are dominated by a few large payers and chains.

Halloween is a time of fun costumes, spooky decorations, and of course, lots of candy! But with all the excitement, it’s easy to overlook some health and safety tips that can help make this Halloween enjoyable and safe for the whole family. At Centrum Pharmacy, we’re here to share a few helpful tips to ensure a Halloween that’s memorable for all the right reasons. (more…)

Ottawa Public Health (OPH) has confirmed two additional measles infections in Ottawa residents — bringing the total to 12 cases in 2025. These new cases are linked to previously reported infections.

While the risk to the general population remains low, OPH is releasing these details to reach individuals who may have been exposed but cannot be contacted directly.

As specialists in diabetes care and medication management, pharmacists at Centrum Pharmacy are often asked about the safety profile of glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists—particularly concerns about pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. A new population‑based cohort study brings reassuring news: long‑term use of GLP‑1 receptor agonists does not appear to increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Centrum Pharmacy has long been at the forefront of bringing physicians to Orleans, Ontario, ensuring that local patients have timely access to primary care. Now, recent developments suggest that provincial efforts are finally starting to make a measurable difference.