March 13, 2021March 13, 2021

Astra Zeneca/COVISHEILD COVID-19 Vaccine

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

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February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

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 is designed for easy opening and may seem like a toy. Unintentional ingestion of acetaminophen products can result in overdose and serious health consequences, including liver damage or death. Symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and pain in the upper part...

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January 11, 2021January 11, 2021

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 we wanted to answer at this stage, as follows:  Enough steps and safeguards – YES – it was so fast because it was TOP priority for everyone in the field and billions of dollars from governments and companies around the world were spent on getting...

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January 11, 2021January 11, 2021

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. Over 70,000 people were involved in the trials of the approved vaccines. The mRNA technology on which the vaccines are built started in the early 1990s, so this science is not actually new to us. As of January, more than 15 million people have been vaccinated worldwide. The...

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January 06, 2021January 6, 2021

 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 vaccines were developed so fast because it was a top priority for everyone in the field and billions of dollars from governments and companies around the world were spent on getting it developed. The scientific world cooperated in ways they had not before.  New technology...

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December 24, 2020December 24, 2020

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 labelled with the global label. This label is presented in English-only and is missing some important Canadian-specific information normally found on Health Canada approved labels. HMC

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December 21, 2020December 21, 2020

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 appear safe and may decrease the likelihood of severe COVID-19. Ongoing studies should provide further details. HMC

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December 19, 2020December 19, 2020

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 you get COVID-19. Download the COVID Alert app and/or keep track of where you go and when. HMC

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December 15, 2020December 15, 2020

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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December 15, 2020December 15, 2020

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 available evidence and has concluded that the current Product Monograph and available public health guidance are appropriate, and is not recommending any changes to the product’s use at this time. HMC

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November 15, 2020November 15, 2020

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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November 02, 2020November 2, 2020

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. HMC

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