On February 26, 2021, Health Canada authorized the use of the Astra Zeneca/COVISHELD vaccine. This vaccine is an adenovirus vector vaccine and is administered through two doses. More information about the AstraZeneca vaccine including how it works, how it’s given and possible side effects is available at https://www.canada.ca/en/health- canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19- industry/drugs-vaccines- treatments/vaccines/astrazeneca.html HMC
Author: Amir Khakshaee (Amir Khakshaee)
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Unintentional exposure of young children to adult acetaminophen tablets may pose serious health risks
Health Canada is advising Canadians to take precautions to prevent the unintentional exposure of young children to adult acetaminophen easy-to-swallow tablets following multiple incident reports to poison control centres. These tablets are red and sweet tasting, may seem like candy to young children, and can be packaged in bottles with a red, gear-shaped cap that...
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Some short useful videos about COVID vaccine
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUKIRxHVLkEUm727UtibHSg HMC
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More COVID-19 Vaccine Info
Dear Patients, As you all know, the first vaccines are being given to higher risk people and health care workers. But we look forward to when we will have access to the vaccine. We do not yet know the place or the timing and we will communicate this when we do. Some questions have arisen that...
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COVID-19 Vaccines
Dear community members and families, In the last few weeks, we have seen significant movement in our understanding of the COVID-19 vaccines. As of today, here is what we know: The vaccines are safe The vaccines approved for use in Canada work by sending a message to our body’s immune system to stimulate our natural immune response....
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Pharmascience Inc. recalls certain lots of over-the-counter ranitidine
Pharmascience Inc. is recalling 13 additional lots of its store-brand over-the-counter ranitidine products (75 mg strength tablet) after tests found NDMA, a nitrosamine impurity, above accepted levels. HMC
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Answering Patient Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines
Dear Patients, As you all know, the first vaccines are being given to higher-risk people and healthcare workers. But we look forward to when you all will have access to the vaccine. We do not yet know the place or the timing and we will communicate this when we do. Appropriate steps taken – The...
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Important Safety Information on the Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine with English-only Vial and Carton Labels – Moderna Biopharma Canada Corporation
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine was authorized for use in accordance with the Interim Order Respecting the Importation, Sale and Advertising of Drugs for Use in Relation to COVID-19. As an extraordinary measure to provide earlier access to vaccine supplies in the context of the global pandemic, Moderna is providing, at this time, vaccine vials and cartons...
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3 Approved COVID-19 Vaccines Efficacy
Interim results of two large randomized, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate ~95% relative efficacy in preventing COVID-19 (Pfizer, Moderna). The AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine has ~70% relative efficacy. Absolute benefits will vary with baseline risk and time but if annual risk of developing COVID-19 is 20%, then vaccine would decrease risk to 1% (6% with AstraZeneca/Oxford). These vaccines...
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Here are the top five things doctors recommend you can do to protect yourselves and others:
Wash your hands often. Wear a mask or face covering at all times, unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors at a guaranteed two metres’ distance from others. Stay away from crowded places. Celebrate or gather only with members of your household. Don’t invite others into your home. Prepare for contact tracing if...
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Health Canada warns Canadians not to buy COVID-19 vaccines sold online or from unauthorized sources
Health Canada is warning Canadians not to buy COVID-19 vaccines sold on the internet or from unauthorized sources as they are counterfeit. Counterfeit COVID-19 vaccines may pose serious health risks, and are ineffective at protecting an individual from the COVID-19 virus. HMC
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COVID-19 Alert APP
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covidalert Download the app to protect yourself and the community. HMC
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More Info about COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/covid19-industry/drugs-vaccines-treatments/vaccines.html
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Important Safety Information on ELMIRON (pentosan polysulfate sodium) and the Risk of Pigmentary Maculopathy – Janssen Inc.
Cases of pigmentary maculopathy have been reported with long-term use of ELMIRON. These changes may be irreversible, and retinal and vision changes may progress even after cessation of therapy. This medicine is usually used for urinary symptoms and pain associated with interstitial cystitis, a condition that presents with painful and frequent urination. HMC
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Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: Health Canada recommendations for people with serious allergies
Two individuals in the U.K. reported severe allergic reactions to Pfizer BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine on December 8, 2020. As vaccine roll-out begins in Canada, Canadians may be wondering about the risks of allergic reactions and if they should receive this vaccine if they have allergies to foods or other medications. Health Canada has reviewed the...
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Ultraviolet (UV) lights and wands falsely claiming to disinfect against COVID-19
Health Canada is warning Canadians about the risks of using ultraviolet (UV) lights and wands that make unproven claims to disinfect against the COVID-19 virus. HMC
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Contraception
Great tool from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) to choose your favourable and appropriate birth control method or contraception: https://itsaplan.ca Consult your physician for further advice and information. HMC
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Glucosamine and chondroitin for osteoarthritis pain
Glucosamine and chondroitin do not appear to be effective in higher-quality, larger and/or publicly funded studies. If studies at high risk of bias are included, at best ~10% more people will have meaningful reduction in pain with either treatment over 35-45% of people with placebo. There is reason to doubt the effectiveness of either treatments....