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Teva UK has alerted the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to the problem posed by steep energy prices. Teva's UK General Manager Kim Innes wrote to the minister seeking assurances that the distribution of medicines to patients will be safeguarded over what's likely to be a difficult winter. The problems posed by steep energy prices and the potential for power rationing is putting pharmacies under pressure from increased costs and the risk of losing power supplies as a 'non-domestic' energy user, said the company. Kim said: "In our letter to the Secretary of State we acknowledged that the government knows that medicines manufacture is strategically important and that it's a vital component in maintaining patient health." "But I wanted to make sure that the Secretary of State also realises the consequences of the energy crisis further down the supply chain - for example, the need for a pharmacy to have a fridge switched on at all times for storing cold chain products."

Solgar® is delighted to announce the launch of its newest innovation Solgar®Earth Source® Koji Iron 27mg. The new supplement is designed to support consumers' everyday energy levels and uses an innovative koji fermentation process to transform mineral iron into an iron-rich fermented food which is high in bioavailability,easy to absorb and gentle on the stomach. Available now in a 30-capsule bottle (Trade Price £6.50 - RRP £13.99/€14.50), each capsule will provide 27mg of naturally sourced koji food fermented iron. The convenient one-a-day formulation offers a number of health benefits including: Supporting energy and reducing tiredness and fatigue Contributing to the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells Supporting cognition Supporting immune defences Minerals, including iron, support growth and development and ensure our bodies function optimally. Iron is present mostly in animal protein such as lean meats and seafood, but also in nuts, tofu and white beans in smaller amounts. Iron supports the production of haemoglobin, the crimson pigment in red blood cells, that helps carry oxygen around the body. It also helps energise the body, and athletes, for example, may need more iron to support oxygen transport to muscles so they can keep exercising.

Leaders from across the pharmacy sector and trade bodies dwelled on the challenges faced by the pharmacists at the Sigma Conference held on Sunday (2 October). "If the cost of carrying out regulation is higher than the benefits, it's time for all the bodies to sit together and talk on what can be adjusted accordingly," said Salim Jetha, Chairman, Avicenna. Jetha highlighted the challenges faced by the independent pharmacy and also raised the concern about the 'level playing field' for pharmacists compared to GPs. He said: "GPs get paid for energy cost, premises cost, the staffing cost. We don't get paid for that. So don't be misled by saying we are being exactly the same. Yes, on paper we are, but in reality we are not. I think also the rules of engagement are different." He called for better collaboration with GPs, and urged PSNC and other trade bodies to ensure a level playing field. Janet Morrison, CEO, Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee(PSNC), warned that the pressure in the sector is building up to a 'breaking point'.