CDU-MONDAY +Farmakeío Exélixi

FN PHARMACY
EVOLUTION
E
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTHCAREARMAKEIOUJ

VOLUME 1, #1 EVOLVE.

E EXPLORE.
XELEXI

EXCEL.

2022

all things are
poison, and
nothing is

without poison

BOTANICAL REMEDIES GOLDtEhNe
REVOLUTIONARY DRUGGISTS OLDeErNa

INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATIONS

LPPAHHWAILRISPMPAINCEY

THE MODERN PLAGUE
E-PRESCRIPTIONS
IMMUNIZING PHARMACISTS

CDU BSP1B: durban·empuerto·lantaca·panes·supera

CEBU DOCTORS' UNIVERSITY

BS PHARMACY 1B

01

INTRODUCTION
TO HEALTH

CARE SYSTEM

GROUP MEMBERS

DURBAN, MARIE ANGELI
EMPUERTO, LESLIE GWEN
LANTACA, ALYSSA REESE
PANES, MARIELLE FAITH
SUPERA, CYREL

02

03

APOTHECARY. Referred to both the person who
manufactured and dispensed medicines, and the
shop in which those medicines were sold. The
appearance of the first apothecary in history was in
Baghdad in 754 AD. Apothecaries were at their most
popular throughout the 1700s but by the turn of the
century, they were starting to be outnumbered by
Victorian chemists. However in the modern age, for
a few remaining establishments, the apothecary as it
was once known is all but extinct.

04

TABLE OF 07 Olden Days of Pharmacy
by Marie Angeli Durban
CONTENTS
09 Diseases in the Olden Times
by Marie Angeli Durban

13 Medicinal Plants Back Then
by Alyssa Reese Lantaca

15 The People Behind Drugs
by Alyssa Reese Lantaca

20 International Legislations
by Leslie Gwen Empuerto

23 Centerfold
27 Philippine Pharmacy Laws

by Leslie Gwen Empuerto

34 Modern Diseases
by Marielle Faith Panes

43 Vaccines for Flu, Polio, etc.
by Marielle Faith Panes

47 Pandemic & E-Prescriptions
by Cyrel Supera

51 Immunizing Pharmacists
by Cyrel Supera

56 Editorial

AESCULAPIUS & HYGIEIA.
The Greek god of healing with
his daughter, the Greek
goddess of health. The Rod of
Asclepius, one snake around a
rod as the symbol of doctors,
and the Bowl of Hygieia, a snake
drinking from a cup as the
symbol of pharmacists. The
two divinities are accompanied
by a snake, the symbol of
wisdom and healing power.

06

olden days of

PHARMACY

By: Marie Angeli Durban

Hippocrates Avicenna

of Kos “The Persian Galen”

Saint Cosmas

A Greek physician who lived from Also known as Ibn Sina, he was a true Saint Cosmas and Damian were third
about 460 B.C. to 375 B.C. At a time polymath with his contributions ranging century Arabian-born twin brothers
when most people attributed sickness from medicine, psychology and who embraced Christianity and
to superstition and the wrath of the pharmacology and the like. His most practiced medicine and surgery
gods, he taught that all forms of important contribution to medical without a fee. Due to this, it led them
illness had a natural cause. He science was his famous book, "The Canon to be known as the holy
established the first intellectual of Medicine." A larger portion of the first unmercenaries, the Anargyroi. They
school devoted to teaching the book discusses the causes of health and reputedly cured blindness, fever,
practice of medicine. For this, he is disease and emphasizes the importance of paralysis and reportedly expelled a
widely known as the "Father of considering both physical and breast serpent. Aside from this, they
Medicine." The school of medicine psychological factors when devising were credited for being the first to
focused on treating the causes of medical treatment plans for patients. attempt a limb transplant on a human
disease rather than just its symptoms. Furthermore, he also emphasized on being. Hundreds of healing miracles
Moreover, these early medical preventative care through balancing the are attributed to the twin saints.
practitioners promoted the six essential lifestyle factors, including
systematic study of clinical medicine. diet, nutrition, and exercise, etc. Aside
Meaning to say, they studied diseases from this, he was also credited with some
by directly examining the living of the early stirrings of important public
person. Through his efforts, medical health and safety measures still in
practice pointed in a new direction, practice today, such as quarantine. In his
one that would move toward a more observations throughout The Canon, he
rational and scientific view of identifies Tuberculosis as a contagious
medicine. disease whose victims should be subject to
quarantine, or isolation, so as to avoid
further spread of the illness.

07

As they say, there are times when we have to look renowned personalities that created history
back to see how far we have come and realise that through their remarkable contributions. All that
we made progress after all. Certainly, the practice the practice of Pharmacy is known for today, and
of Pharmacy has evolved and developed throughout what it will be known for or become in the next
the centuries. That said, let us take a walk down generations, we owe it all to these people who
memory lane, to revisit the rich history of the became our beacon of light, that continues to
profession, back to where it all started and how it inspire, guide, and give hope to pharmacists all
came to be. Here we will be featuring some of the around the world.

alexander
flemming

and damian

They are most famous for the A Scottish pharmacist, pharmacologist, friedrich
miracle of the black leg. It is said and biologist, who was famous for the serturner
that the saints appeared in the discovery which has saved millions of
man’s dream carrying an ointment lives – the world's first antibiotic A German pharmacist, who discovered
and an instrument. In his dream, penicillin. A staphylococcus culture was morphine, a drug that belongs to a class
the saints decided to remove his full of mold, but Fleming, instead of of drugs known as opioid analgesics.
diseased leg surgically and grafted discarding it, wanted to observe it under His discovery of morphine is most
a healthy leg from a recently- his microscope. Surprisingly, the mold important to the well-being of the
deceased Ethiopian who was had eliminated all bacteria in its path. general public in their management of
buried in another church. When After a more thorough investigation, it pain, and this story also served as an
the man awoke, he reached for his allowed him to find the substance he inspiration for further scientific
leg and felt no pain and observed called penicillin. This powerful element developments. He was the first to
that he now had two healthy legs would become one of the first antibiotics isolate the active ingredient associated
although one was not his. effective against diseases that at that time with a medicinal plant and the first to
could be deadly, such as scarlet fever, isolate an alkaloid from any plant,
pneumonia, meningitis and gonorrhea. thus disproving the prevailing notion
He devoted himself to highlight in that all plant substances were acidic in
multiple speeches and lectures that the nature and launching the new science
antibiotic should not be consumed unless of alkaloid chemistry. This initiative of
it is really necessary, and that if it is done, his stimulated other chemists to isolate
the dose should not be very light, nor other important alkaloids, such as
should it be taken in a too short period. codeine, quinine, strychnine, and
This incorrect use of the drug only allows caffeine. Although his discovery was
the bacteria that cause the disease to made in 1805, it wasn’t until after 1815
become stronger, worsening the patients' that morphine became widely available
condition and making it difficult to for use. Due to his discovery and
recover. Even up until today, this is still extensive research into the effects of
one of the lessons that practitioners morphine, we are able to harness its
ensure to emphasize to the patients and pain relief qualities today.
the public in general.

08

By: Marie Angeli Durban

DISEASES

in the olden times

For centuries, explanations for diseases were not based possibility of intervening to prevent disease or treat it.
on science but rather, on religion, superstition, and Despite the contributions of the Corpus, medical and
myth. The Hippocratic Corpus was an early attempt to scientific progress in Europe was arrested for several
think about diseases, not as punishment from the gods, centuries. The population grew, and cities became
but as an imbalance of man with the environment. By densely populated, but there was little attention to
considering the possibility that disease was associated waste disposal and sanitation. These factors set the
with environmental factors or imbalances in diet or stage for endemic disease and periodic epidemics.
personal behaviors, the Corpus also opened up the
FEVER
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, was T
common and occurred as epidemics in the 1800s SCARLE
with a death rate as high as 150/100,000. It is
caused by an organism, Streptococcus, and is
rarely seen in developed countries like the
United Kingdom. It commonly affects children
ages 5 to 12, and shares many symptoms with
strep, such as fever, sore throat, headache, and
nausea, along with a red, sandpapery rash that
appears on the chest and neck and may spread
across the body.

LEPRO

Y
S

Leprosy was initially thought to be a curse or a
punishment from God. In fact, leprosy sufferers were
stigmatized and forced to wear special clothing or ring
bells to warn others when they were approaching.
However, it is an infection caused by the slow-growing
bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae having a long
incubation period of two to five years and symptoms
usually start as numbness or loss of feeling in a defined
area of skin - reflecting the affinity of the bacterium for
nerve cells. Symptoms vary from person to person, and
tend to progress with time; ranging from mild,
indeterminate hypopigmented skin lesions to blindness,
deformity, and severe facial disfigurement.

09

D I D Before the advent of mass production PBLUABGO N I CE
of medication by drug companies in the U
mid 20th century, each Medication was
custom-made from raw ingredients to

Y O U suit an individual patient’s needs.
Pharmacists used the mortar and
pestle for centuries to make custom
medications, which is why it is now

KNOW? theindustrysymbol
of today’s
pharmacists.

The Black Death: Bubonic Plague, an acute Yellow fever is caused by a virus in the family
infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia Flaviviridae, and it is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti
pestis. The bacteria live in the intestines of fleas and mosquito. It most likely originated in Africa and arrived
are transmitted to rats by flea bites. The rats, in the Western Hemisphere in the 1600s as a result of
therefore, serve as a natural reservoir for the the slave trade. The mosquitos spread the virus from
disease, and fleas are the vectors. The bacteria infected to uninfected in the New World. While many
would then spread to the regional lymph nodes and who are infected do not experience any symptoms or
multiply, causing dark, tender, swollen nodules mild symptoms, others have a fever, muscle pain,
(buboes). As the infection spread, the victim would headache, nausea, and vomiting. A small percentage of
experience headache, high fever, delirium, and people infected with the virus develop a life-threatening
finally death in about 60% of cases. form of the disease that involves high fevers, internal
bleeding, vomiting of blood, and jaundice—which is
ELLO where the “yellow” in yellow fever comes from.
Y
FEVE
W LOSIS
R U
UBERC
Tuberculosis, also known as the “white plague,” is caused T
when Mycobacterium tuberculosis attacks the lungs. It
was the cause of more deaths in industrialized countries
than any other disease during the 19th and early 20th
centuries. For most of the 19th century, it was thought to
be a hereditary, constitutional disease rather than a
contagious one. However, Robert Koch’s identification of
the tuberculosis bacillus in 1882 helped to convince
members of the medical and public–health communities
that the disease was contagious thus, preventing the
spread of tuberculosis became the motivation for some
of the first large-scale public health campaigns.

10

GAMES & PUZZLES

word search

L EG I S L AT I ONS E L E P L P E E
XME L E EMANDR A K E S A LHA E
ZAQLNYEDELXZY LETLABE
HR S UOENATUCBU S RHL RON
N S AHANDL I NGE T L EOLMLO
CHR L L EMD L E L D E L GG L A I I
I AAALOEVERAEZLUELCBT
MLN L KGN Y X L E E A L LNLOOA
ELGREATBR I TA I NASLLKZ
DY I L E E S UY L E XQL T E LON I
N O I MMU N O L O G Y E D I H I G I N
AXEBERS PAPYRUSOERYGR
PHA RMA C Y L AWE E L N Z L A I E
L ZWL EN I TNA R AUQEHL E XD
L AN T I DOT E S Y NXWE GL E EO
A S T R A Z E NE C A E F L U E L UKM
L RNL ECANONOFMED I C I NE
L OG I S T I C S S Y XQ L EWZME O
G I N S ENGNY GOLO I MED I P E

EPIDEMIOLOGY GINSENG ANTIDOTES LEGISLATIONS SUBCUTANEOUS
LOGISTICS ALOE VERA QUARANTINE AMENDMENTS ANTHRAX
IMMUNOLOGY GINKO BILOBA CANON OF MEDICINE PHARMACY LAW PANDEMIC
REGULATION MANDRAKE PHARMACOLOGY MODERNIZATION PATHOGENS
HANDLING EBERS PAPYRUS MARSHALL GREAT BRITAIN ASTRAZENECA

11

PLAGUE DOCTOR. A
physician who treated victims
of bubonic plague during
epidemics. The bird masks
were not just a deathly fashion
statement - it was intended to
protect the doctor from
miasma. They rarely cured
patients; instead serving to
record death tolls and the
number of infected people for
demographic purposes. The
most famous plague doctor was
Nostradamus.

12

MEDICINALBy: Alyssa Reese Lantaca

PLANTS back then
Healing with medicinal According to data from the The great age of herbalism is plants were also discovered
plants is as old as mankind Bible and the holy Jewish said to have occurred from the such as tannins, saponosides,
itself. In view of the fact that book “The Talmud”, during 15th to the 17th century. etheric oils, vitamins,
at the time there was not various rituals accompanying a Herbal books were becoming hormones, etc.
sufficient information either treatment, aromatic plants available in English, having
concerning the reasons for the were utilized such as myrtle been translated from Latin Human kind’s quest for
illnesses or concerning which and incense. and Greek. One of the first solutions to relieve pain and
plant and how it could be In Homer's epics The Iliad herbal books to be published alleviate illnesses continues.
utilized as a cure, everything and The Odysseys, created in English was "Grete Herball" Every successive generation
was based on experience for circa 800 BCE, some plants in 1526. This was preceded by learns from & builds on the
our ancestors. were given the names after "Banckes’s Herbal," which is knowledge of the previous.
mythological characters from considered the first English The knowledge of the
The history of medicinal these epics. For instance, the book on herbalism, printed in development of ideas related
plants dates back to 60,000 plants from the genus 1525. to the usage of medicinal
BCE when researchers have Artemisia, which were plants as well as the evolution
found evidence of yarrow, believed to restore strength In 18th century, in his work of awareness has increased the
chamomile, and poplar on the and protect health, their name Species Plantarium (1753), ability of pharmacists and
tooth plaque of Neanderthals. was derived from the Greek Linnaeus (1707-1788) provided physicians to respond to the
We see continued use of plants word Artemis, meaning a brief description and challenges that have emerged
through the ages when the “healthy.” classification of the species with the spreading of
oldest written evidence of Theophrastus (371-287 BCE), described until then. professional services in
medicinal plants’ usage for known as the Father of facilitation of man's life.
preparation of drugs was Botany, founded botanical Early 19th century was a
found on a Sumerian clay slab science with his books “De turning point in the “All that a man
from Nagpur, approximately Causis Plantarium” and “De knowledge and use of needs for health
5000 BCE, which comprised of Historia Plantarium”. In the medicinal plants. The and healing has
12 recipes for drug preparation books, he generated a discovery, substantiation, and been provided by
referring to over 250 various classification of more than 500 isolation of alkaloids - from God in nature.”
plants. medicinal plants known at the poppy (1806), ipecacuanha
time. (1817), strychnos (1817),
Shortly after, the Chinese In ancient history, the most quinine (1820), pomegranate
book on roots and grasses prominent writer on plant (1878), and other plants, then
“Pen T’Sao,” written by drugs was Dioscorides, the the isolation of glycosides -
Emperor Shen Nung circa Father of Pharmacognosy, marked the beginning of
2500 BCE, treats 365 drugs who wrote the work “De scientific pharmacy. With the
(dried parts of medicinal Materia Medica,” which offer upgrading of the chemical
plants), many of which are plenty of data on the methods, other active
used even now. substances from medicinal

The Indian holy book medicinal plants constituting
“Vedas” mentioned treatment the basic materia medica until
with plants, which are the late middle ages and the
abundant in that country. Renaissance. Of the total of
Numerous spice plants used 944 drugs described, 657 are of
even today originate from plant origin.
India, such as nutmeg, pepper, The most distinguished
and clove. Roman physician
(concurrently a pharmacist),
Around 1500 BCE, the Galen (131 CE–200), compiled
Egyptians created the “Ebers the first list of drugs with
papyrus”, a compilation of similar or identical action
medical texts that contains (parallel drugs), which are
over 700 formulas and interchangeable.
remedies meant to cure Ebers Papyrus. The largest and only complete extant medical
afflictions using plants. scroll originated in Ancient Egypt, 16th century BC.

13

OPIUM POPPY MANDRAKE MARIJUANA GINSENG
Panax ginseng
Papaver somniferum Mandragora officinarum Cannabis sativa
Cultivation of the plant A plant that can kill and The medicinal uses of The originating area of
dates back to the earliest cure - it is used as an cannabis was listed in ginseng is known to be in
years of human aphrodisiac, narcotic, Emperor Shen Nung's China during the Han
civilization in Sumer sedative, and anesthetic. (Father of Chinese dynasty era. Its major
around 5000 BCE. It is One of the oldest Medicine) pharmacopoeia. active ingredients are
known for millennia to references to mandrake is It possesses analgesic, ginsenosides, which
relieve pain and its use from the Bible and anti-inflammatory, exhibits a variety of
for surgical analgesia. probably dates to 4,000 anxiolytic, and anticancer therapeutic effects,
“Morphine”, a highly B.C. for its supposed properties, among others. including antioxidation,
potent opiate analgesic fertility power. anti-inflammatory,
psychoactive drug, is antiallergic, antidiabetic,
derived from this plant. and anticancer.

ALOE VERA TURMERIC GINKGO HOLY BASIL
Aloe vera Curcuma longa
The first record of human Ginkgo biloba Ocimum tenuiflorum
use of Aloe vera is in The medicinal use of Ginkgo is one of the Holy basil is native to the
Sumerian hieroglyphics turmeric dates back nearly world’s oldest living tree Indian subcontinent and is
engraved on clay tablets 4000 years to the Vedic species, thus referred to commonly used in the
during the Mesopotamia culture in India, where it as a “living fossil”. It traditional Indian medicine
civilization circa 2200 BC, was used as a culinary supposedly has been system, Ayurveda. It has been
in which it is described as a spice and had some around since the time of found to counter metabolic
laxative. 2000 years ago, the religious significance. It the dinosaurs, and one stress and psychological stress
Greek scientists regarded it possesses anti- tree in China is about - through its anxiolytic and
as the universal panacea. inflammatory, antioxidant, 3,500 years old. anti-depressant properties. It
The Egyptians called it “the anticancer, antimutagenic, Mechanisms of action is also known to help skin,
plant of immortality.” Its antimicrobial, antiobesity, may include antioxidant, respiratory, gastrointestinal,
pharmacological activities hypolipidemic, neurotransmitter/recept and joint conditions.
include promotion of cardioprotective, and or modulatory, and
wound healing, antifungal neuroprotective effects. antiplatelet activating
activity, anti-inflammatory, factor properties.
anticancer, anti-aging, and
immunomodulatory.

14

JOHN
MACLEOD

In 1885, Nagai Nagayoshi, a Japanese chemist CHARLES
studying in Germany, is best known for being BEST
the first person to synthesize
methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is used
to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD). It belongs to the group of medicines
called central nervous system (CNS)
stimulants. However, this medicine is available
only with a doctor's prescription since.

NAGAI FRIEDRICH
NAGAYOSHI SERTURNER

15 In the early 1800s, the opiate alkaloid morphine became
one of the first drugs to be isolated from a plant by
Frederich Serturner, a German pharmacist.

At the time, physicians relied mainly on opium as a
painkiller and sleep aid, but were concerned about its
unpredictable characteristics. Serturner believed that
there was an active chemical in opium that, if isolated,
would be more reliable and effective.

In his search for this substance, Serturner was one of the
first chemists to use the basic principles of chemical
analysis. Eventually, he isolated the chemical from the
opium poppy plant, which he named morphine, after
Morpheus, the Greek god of sleep. He tested morphine
on animals, all of which fell asleep and later died.
Despite these results, Serturner persisted with his
experiments. He made dosage adjustments and
eventually tested the drug on himself and his friends.

THE
PEOPLE
behind the drugs of today

By: Alyssa Reese Lantaca

People have used chemical compounds semisynthesis of novel substances for
both medicinally and recreationally treating humankind's diseases.
throughout history. The beginnings of
medicinal plants’ use were instinctive, Although there are some new
as is the case with animals. Originally, approaches to drug discovery, such as
specific substances were extracted combinatorial chemistry and computer-
frederick from plants, such as cocaine from the based molecular modeling design, and
banting cocoa plant. During the 19th and 20th many drugs are made by synthetic
centuries, chemists began chemistry, none of them can replace the
The discovery of insulin occurred in experimenting with different chemical important role of natural products in
1921 following the ideas of a Canadian compounds to produce many of the drug discovery and development, as
orthopedic surgeon named Frederick drugs used today. most of the core structures or scaffolds
G. Banting, the chemistry skills of his Many drug chemists are infamous in for synthetic chemicals are based upon
assistant Charles Best and John popular culture for their formulations, natural products.
MacLeod of the University of Toronto some of which are now known to be
in Canada. The innovative scientists addictive, harmful, and even deadly. Since time immemorial people have
who discovered insulin won a Nobel Yet some of the most famous drug tried to find medications to alleviate
Prize. Insulin is central to the treatment chemists started out with the intention pain and cure different illnesses. In
of diabetes, as all types of diabetes to create substances that would every period, every successive century
occur due to the body’s inability to use promote health and healing. They were from the development of humankind
blood sugar efficiently as a result of often employed by pharmaceutical and advanced civilizations, the healing
insufficient, ineffective, or nonexistent companies to find new miracle drugs properties of certain medicinal plants
insulin supplies. or cures were identified, noted, and conveyed to
Obviously, natural products will the successive generations. The benefits
continue to be extremely important as of one society were passed on to
sources of medicinal agents. In another, which upgraded the old
addition to the natural products which properties, and discovered new ones, till
have found direct medicinal the present days. The continuous and
application as drug entities, many perpetual people's interest in medicinal
others can serve as chemical models or plants has brought about today's
templates for the design, synthesis, and modern and sophisticated fashion of
their processing and usage.

FELIX In 1897, Felix Hoffman, a
HOFFMANN German chemist working for the
Bayer Company, was able to
modify salicylic acid to create
acetylsalicylic acid, which was
named aspirin. The letter “A”
stands for acetyl; “spir” is
derived from the plant known
as Spirea ulmaria
(Meadowsweet), which yields
salicin.

16

17

PENICILLIUM MOLD. Penicillium are a
genus of fungi that are widely distributed in
the environment, but rarely cause infection in
humans. They are one of the most common
causes of fruit and vegetable spoilage. Some
species of Penicillium are extremely useful in
the production of certain meats, cheeses and
antibiotics like Penicillin, which comes from
Penicillium chrysogenum.

18

19

international

PHARMACY
LEGISLATIONS

By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

ime and experience have Thus, legislations have been
opened the minds of the formulated to ensure the safety of
masses about the the preparations and to ensure the
importance of laws in the accountability of druggists over
context of medicine, pharmacy, the course of this rapid
and in every other field, as a development of medicines.
matter of fact. See, after the The American Pharmacists
creation of essential Association responded to a
pharmaceutical drugs (as certain movement in the late
previously discussed in the 1860s with regard to the
previous section), it is important “increased public protection and
to ensure the proper regulation occupational security”, by making
and moderation of their use and law amendments that paved the
distribution. Why? It is simply way for a pharmacy act to be
because everything must be modeled. Throughout the globe, a
done in regulation, otherwise, pharmacy act provides
what should’ve been used to save consolidated provisions and ideas
people’s lives just might be the to be implemented within the
reason a life would come to an scope of pharmacy (Government
end. Gazette, 2020). It may have
In light of the exponential different variations from country
growth of pharmaceutical to country, but the gist remains to
medications across several put a high priority on the safety of
civilizations, movements have the people through the
been created throughout medications and pharmaceutical
centuries which are anchored on preparations dispensed and
their proper use and regulation provided by pharmacists.

A statesman of Roman
descent, Marcus Tullius

Cicero, once said, “The
safety of the people shall

be the highest law”, to
which we best believe, must
be ingrained in the minds of

every citizen, and be lived
as long as we walk this
earth.

20

However, as we know, there will The 1870s, 1880s, 1890s, and which would require more
always be split ideas and results onwards were the decades modifications to be done in order
from the conduct of certain bills, wherein there was a great boost in to accommodate the rapid rate of
acts, or laws provided. Amongst the funding and association change in the needs of the citizens
the prominent issues with regard among pharmacists, traders, and and the healthcare community in
to that act was the fact that some those who were supportive general.
pharmacists took it negatively in sponsors in the advancement of In pharmaceutical legislation,
such a way that they find some the field. It was a great time for modification was necessary and
restrictions in the pharmacy act pharmaceutical development and was reflected in the vast changes
drawn up by other professionals professionalism, as there was a in therapeutics and practice. Laws
who were concerned with the safe disintegration of hindrances and of the land, especially those of
usage of poison, quite unfair in communication gaps between federal nature, were more strict in
terms of delegation of authority pharmacy practitioners and other the regulation and production of
when it comes to compounding, healthcare professionals. pharmaceutical drugs, especially
administering, and even Institutional certification and the following the war that took place.
dispensing medications. Thus, to identification of pharmacists as a The practice of pharmacy saw a
compensate for this, they have collective group of highly skilled wave of modernization as 1938,
decided to have an empowered and competent health care 1951, and 1962 amendments in
committee to draw up their model providers have paved the way for
law which would protect the best the flourishment of the field and
interests of the masses and the practice of Pharmacy.
practice of Pharmacy
(Remington’s: The Science and
Practice of Pharmacy, 2021).

Throughout the years, Still, despite a seemingly steady
as with any law growth, dramatic changes
created, amendments happened in the 19th and 20th
and resolutions are centuries, among which would
still occasionally include the scourges of humanity
added to address
probable mishaps or already established laws were
overlooked provisions passed (Remington’s: The Science
in already established and Practice of Pharmacy, 2021).
ones. Medicines had tougher standards
to pass and each one was
meticulously judged for safety and
efficacy. The distribution of
pharmaceutical drugs and
products were highly regulated in
the market to ensure that no
counterfeits or substandard ones

21

are distributed. Moreover, laws with regard to
the production and usage of drugs prone to
abuse and addiction were updated through the
Drug Abuse Act, which was enforced through
agencies which monitor and control the
aforementioned preparations.

did you know?

The first Pharmacy Act was passed in Great Britain on the 31st
day of July in the year 1868. This was marked as a huge

milestone in the history of the field and practice of Pharmacy,
as it set up a register of people who were qualified to restrict

or permit the sale of poisons to only qualified people. This
paved the way for the promotion of safe medicines and it

jumpstarted the introduction of formal qualifications for
pharmacists who were the ones responsible for thorough

examination of the pharmaceutical products they were
distributing to the public.



did you know?

in the year 1962, Important
amendments of the international
Federal Food and Drug Act were
made. furthermore, in the year
1973, there was the approval of
the united states Supreme Court
decision which states that
licensed pharmacists can have
ownership control of pharmacies.

Evidently, the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries were integral milestones
for the uphill growth of the field and practice of Pharmacy, which is
why it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the legislation
that became pillars for the laws we now have today. Thanks to the
pioneering heads and members of Pharmacy Organization and
Associations around the globe, we continually have an empowered
mindset that further showcases our competence, talent, intellect, and
skill in the conduct of our work, all for the glory of the one above and
in the service of our fellowmen.

22

THE

ICONIC IRONY

OF TODAY'S MODERN
PLAGUE:

Perhaps readers would wonder what the gist is all
about with regard to the seemingly satyrical
pictures of then renowned renaissance and
medieval paintings and the jab at the current
situation we have as of late.
See, the sense of humor of today's people is
oftentimes radiated by the lighthearted,
humorous take on otherwise depressing matters
such as the pandemic which seemed to never end
at all. The fluctuating rate of cases seems like the
second-hand of a clock, always ticking, always
changing by the second.
As such, the gloves and facemasks worn by the
subjects of the paintings have gained quite a bit of
popularity within the onset of the "new normal"
life we have to currently endure and live through.

23

But hey, let's face it ladies
and gentlemen, sooner or
later, we all will be part of
history too. The satyrical
pictures and paintings would
only be fitting. Only, when it
is finally our time, it would
definitely be ironic how we'd
have the most diseases, when

he have the most
technological advancements

to have saved our lives.

24

GAMES & PUZZLES

crossword

7

6

4 75↓→ 10 8
9
6

3 1

1 2
4
2 I
D
E3
M
I5
O
L
O8
G
Y

ACROSS DOWN

1.A type of anthrax infection that affects the lungs 1.The method used to find the causes of health
2.The twin brothers, Cosmas and Damian, were revered outcomes and diseases in populations.

with this name because they refused to accept 2.It was identified by Avicenna as a contagious disease
payments for healing the sick. whose victims should be subject to quarantine, or
3.R.A 8203 (SPECIAL LAW ON __________ DRUGS) isolation, so as to avoid further spread of the illness.
4.A contagious, blemished, and deadly disease caused
by the variola virus. 3.Galen’s most famous medicinal formula
5.Drug ________ - Analyze new compounds to 4.A process by which a person becomes protected
determine the processes and materials that are used
to manufacture them, as well as their effects on the against a disease through vaccination.
physiology of users. 5.Also known as “acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)”
6.Isolated from a plant by Frederich Serturner, is an 6.An addictive stimulant drug made from the leaves of
opioid agonist used for the relief of moderate to
severe acute and chronic pain the cocoa plant
7.A person who both prepares and prescribes drugs 7.Computer-based electronic generation, transmission,
8.A minor change or addition designed to improve a
text, piece of legislation and filling of a medical prescription, taking the place
of paper and fixed prescriptions.
25 8.This refers to an information that is false, but the
person who is disseminating it believes that it is true
9.A compilation of medical texts that contains over 700
formulas and remedies meant to cure afflictions using
plants
10.Pharmacy Laws of the Republic of the ____

26

PHILIPPINE Since time immemorial, law
PHARMACY LAWS this includes the utmost im
the Medical Field which in
By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

The previous article titled: Fortunately, lawmakers in the tion Commission (PRC) that
“International Pharmacy Philippines have come to terms would further improve the
Legislations” introduced the with the importance of the services offered to the citizens of
mothership of the laws that pharmaceutical preparations the Philippines would include
govern the practice of Pharmacy that pharmacists deliver to their the:
from centuries ago. The patients, which is why there are
Pharmacy Act established in several laws which supplement (1) Philippine Pharmacy Act,
Great Britain in year 1868 was the Philippine Pharmacy Act (2) Food Drug and Cosmetic Act,
the foundation of all other and provide a wide scope of
Pharmacy Acts from all across health care service to (3) The Generics Act of 1988,
the globe. Here in the accommodate everyone’s needs. (4) The Comprehensive Dangerous
Philippines, we also have our Amongst the other laws
variation of the said act. In fact, approved and spearheaded by Drug Act of 2002,
amendments were created from the Professional Regulatory (5) Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs,
the prior version, which gave Board of Pharmacy and with the (6) Food and Drug Administration Act
birth to the current Republic approval of Professional Regula-
Act 10918 “Philippine Pharmacy of 2009, and
Act”. (7) Expanded Senior Citizens Act of

2010



27

ws that govern the land will always have a huge bearing in the conduct of any field, and
mportance of healthcare-related laws that would go hand-in-hand with the movement of
n turn, also touches the vast field and practice of Pharmacy.

RA 10918
(PHILIPPINE PHARMACY ACT):



This Act provides for and shall govern the:

(a) Standardization and regulation of pharmacy education;
(b) Administration of licensure examination, registration, and licensing of pharmacists;
(c) Supervision, control, and regulation of the practice of pharmacy in the Philippines;
(d) Development and enhancement of professional competence of pharmacists through continuing
professional development, research, and other related activities; and
(e) Integration of the pharmacy profession.

Amongst the importance of Republic Act 10918 to the pharmacists here in the Philippines
is that it allows the expansion of the scope of the tasks and services which pharmacists are able
to do. This includes being able to administer adult vaccines by licensed and trained pharmacists
provided in Section 40 of Article IV: Regulation of the Practice of Pharmacy. Moreover, as
previously mentioned, this current Philippine Pharmacy Act contains the new provisions and
amendments, which thus repeals the ones that needed to be changed from the previous version,
as further emphasized by Section 52 of Article VIII: Final Provisions.

28

R.A 6675
(GENERICS ACT OF 1988)



Section 2. Statement of Policy – It is hereby declared the policy of the State:

§ To promote, encourage and require the use of generic terminology in the
importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion,
prescription and dispensing of drugs;
§ To ensure the adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible
cost and endeavor to make them available for free to indigent patients;
§ To encourage the extensive use of drugs with generic names through a rational
system of procurement and distribution;
§ To emphasize the scientific basis for the use of drugs, in order that health
professionals may become more aware and cognizant of their therapeutic
effectiveness; and
§ To promote drug safety by minimizing duplication in medications and/or use of
drugs with potentially adverse drug interactions.

RA 3720
(FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT)



Section 2. It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to insure safe and good quality supply of food, drug
and cosmetic, and to regulate the production, sale, and
traffic of the same to protect the health of the people.
Section 3. In the implementation of the foregoing
policy, the Government shall in accordance with the
provisions of this Act:

(a) Establish standards and quality measures for
food, drug, and cosmetic.
(b) Adopt measures to insure pure and safe supply
of food, drug, and cosmetic in the country.

This particular act is an essential guide not only for pharmacists but also for professionals
who work in regulatory agencies. It is always important to ensure the safety of the production

of drugs, especially those of pharmaceutical nature, that are released to the public. Cases of
mass poisoning would be reduced when the drugs are not defective, which is why it is essential

to mandate meticulous inspection of any pharmaceutical preparation.

29

R.A 9165
(THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUG ACT of 2002)



Section 2. Second Paragraph.

Toward this end, the government shall pursue an intensive and
unrelenting campaign against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs
and other similar substances through an integrated system of planning,
implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs,
and projects. The government shall however aim to achieve a balance in
the national drug control program so that people with legitimate medical
needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of
appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.

did you know?

In Criminal Case No. CBU-83577, the
Information charged dante Dela
Peña from cebu city with violation
of Section 11, Article II of R.A. 9165
for illegal possession of shabu.

"within the jurisdiction of this
Honorable Court, [Dela Peña],with
deliberate intent, did then and
there have in his possession and
control four (4) heat[-]sealed
transparent plastic sachet[s] of
white crystalline substance
weighing 0.02 gram [each] or a total
of 0.08 gram, locally known as
shabu, containing methamphetamine
hydrochloride, a dangerous drug,
without authority of law."

30

R.A 8203 (SPECIAL LAW ON Counterfeit drugs, as provided by
COUNTERFEIT DRUGS) definition, “refers to medicinal
products with the correct
Section 8. Penalties. ingredients but not in the
(f) should a counterfeit drug be the amounts as provided hereunder,
proximate cause of death of a wrong ingredients, without active
victim, who unknowingly purchased ingredients, with insufficient
and took a counterfeit drug, the quantity of an active ingredient,
penalty of life imprisonment and a which results in the reduction of
fine of Five hundred thousand pesos the drug’s safety, efficacy, quality,
(P500,000) to Five million pesos strength or purity.” Thus, it is
(P5,000,000) shall be imposed. essential for pharmacists to always
ensure the authenticity of the
drug, as counterfeits could harm
the lives of patients.

did you know?

JUST THIS MARCH 2022, AUTHORITIES FROM
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, PHILIPPINES seized

AROUND PHP 3.5 million worth of
counterfeit medicines in a raid THAT TOOK

PLACE IN Ozamiz City.
Olaivar, SPOKESPERSON OF PRO-10, said the
suspect HAS FACED charges for violation of
Republic Act 9711, or the FDA Act of 2009,
in relation to RA 8203 or the Special Law

for Counterfeit Drugs.

R.A 9711 (FOOD AND DRUG
ADMINISTRATION ACT OF 2009)

SEC. 4. This Act has the following In line with the R.A. 3720 Food, Drug,
objectives: and Cosmetic Act this act specifically
focuses on the government agency
(a) To enhance and strengthen the which is in-charge of the overall
administrative and technical capacity regulation and monitoring of the
of the FDA in the regulation of production of food, drugs, and
establishments and products under its cosmetics for the people to utilize. This
jurisdiction; emphasizes the role which
(b) To ensure the FDA’s monitoring manufacturers have, their
and regulatory coverage over responsibilities, the scope to which
establishments and products under its them and their business production
jurisdiction; and would be penalized in accordance with
(c) To provide coherence in the FDA’s the law.
regulatory system for establishments
and products under its jurisdiction.

31

R.A 9444
(EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010)



Rule IV. Privileges for the Senior Citizens

Article 7. Twenty Percent (20%) Discount and VAT
Exemption - The senior citizens shall be entitled to the
grant of twenty percent (20%) discount and to an
exemption from the value-added tax (VAT), IF
APPLICABLE, on the sale of the goods and services
covered by Section 1 to 6 of this Article, from all
establishments for the exclusive use and enjoyment or
availment of senior citizens.

Finally, this law is one
of the beneficial ones
created for the benefit
of the senior citizens of
our country.
Pharmacies should
always honor this as
well since, under the
law, it is stated that
any person or company
who refuses to honor
the 20% discount
granted to senior
citizens may be
imprisoned from two
to six years, and shall
be fined not less than
PHP 50,000 but not
exceeding PHP
200,000.

As evidenced by the aforementioned laws and bills that were created
in order to provide better service to our fellowmen, it is safe to say
that the Pharmacy Board in the country, including the agencies and
organizations that help further its cause, are continually tapping
lawmakers to see the integral contributions of the Pharmaceutical
Field and aid them in providing the best care our patients and
fellowmen deserve.

32

LADY JUSTICE "JUSTITIA".
An allegorical depiction of the
judicial systems' moral force.
The sword and scale represent
how justice stands by its
decision, ruling, and fairness,
while her being blindfolded
represents how justice is
unbiased and does give verdict
based solely on outward
appearance.

33

MODERN
DISEASES
By: Marielle Faith Panes

G ood health contributes prosperity to any aspect of one’s
progress without feeling any hindrance within the human
body. However, it has been typical that every life reaches its fate;
connoting that physical and social well-being might degenerate.
As human beings, experiencing diseases and illnesses have been
recognized as a misfortune phenomenon for mankind. For the
past years, some people and certain places around the world
suffer from ailments and even from those that cause global
epidemics.
Undoubtedly, the avoidance of pathogenic microorganisms that
generate disorders seemed not enough to prevent acquiring such
diseases. Their causes are yet to be identified and the deaths of
the victims were continuously reported.
In health care, diseases are the main concerns that need to be
addressed. At the same time, it allows alleviations and treatment
through hospital systems and patient care including those that
offer medical services.
The following are some known conditions that caused a great
effect on the economic, social, and physical facets of the people
during the 21st century, and some points on how they were
treated:

34

ANTHRAX This disease (all types) can be
2001 treated with antitoxins and

Anthrax is an infectious and serious disease that causes antibiotics, including intravenous
skin, lung, and bowel disease (Davis, 2020). It is caused antibiotics. Accordingly, antitoxins
by Bacillus anthracis and affects domestic and wild
animals such as sheep, goats, camels, cattle, and target anthrax toxins that have
antelopes. However, people can acquire anthrax when been released into the body (CDC, n.
in contact with infected animals. The first diagnosed d.). Antibiotics, on the other, prevent
case was identified in October 2011, causing a total of 22 the growth of anthrax or destroy it.
cases and five deaths (Moran-Perez, 2020).

THREE FORMS OF ANTHRAX

CUTA Cutaneous Anthrax

Affects the skin and tissue around the site

of infection. Cutaneous anthrax symptoms

include itchy small blisters or bumps,

swelling, and skin soreness.
L

EOUS
N
STROIN Inhalation Anthrax

Affects the lungs and is often fatal.
Symptoms of inhalation of anthrax include
fever, malaise, and cough or chest pain.

ESTINA
T

Gastrointestinal GA
Anthrax

Acquired when a person eats
undercooked meat from an animal
infected with anthrax, thus,
affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastrointestinal anthrax symptoms
include fever and chills, sore throat,
nausea, bloody vomiting, and
painful swallowing.

35

SARS-CoV
2003

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral
respiratory disease formed due to the SARS-associated
coronavirus. This disease was first discovered during an
outbreak that occurred in China in February 2003, and
eventually, spread to four other countries (World
Health Organization, n. d.). SARS is said to be the first
severe and readily transmissible disease to appear in the
21st century which had a clear capability to spread along
the routes of international air travel. Accordingly, it is
an airborne virus and can transmit through droplets of
saliva in a similar way to colds and influenza.
This illness includes symptoms such as high fever having
a temperature of 38 degrees celsius, sometimes
associated with chills. Aside from those, it may include
headaches, non-productive cough, shortness of breath,
malaise, and muscle pain symptoms. For people to avoid
acquiring SARS, preventive measures such as hand
washing using soap and alcohol-based disinfectants, and
using masks must be frequently performed. People who
are infected must isolate and quarantined for certain
days.

36

H1N1 VIRUS2003
(SWINE FLU)

This flu is a type of influenza A virus and is primarily
caused by the H1N1 strain of the influenza virus. Its
signs and symptoms can include chills, cough, difficulty
in breathing, headache, seizures, muscle pain, diarrhea,
and others (MayoClinic, n. d.). The swine flu outbreak
happened in 2009, and health workers have traced the
virus to a pig farm in a southeastern Mexican state
(DerSarkissian, 2021). Recommended treatments for this
illness include antiviral drugs such as peramivir and
zanamivir—such drugs could help patients get well
faster.

EBOLA VIRUS2014
DISEASE (EVD)

EVD is a rare yet severe and fatal illness in humans.
The virus can be transmitted from wild animals to
humans which might eventually spread through person-
to-person transmission. In March 2014, WHO reported
cases of EVD which soon spread in the rural region of
southeastern Guinea. People with this disease may
suffer from fever, aches, fatigue, sore throat,
gastrointestinal symptoms, and more.
Fortunately, vaccines were developed to protect against
Ebola and have been used to prevent its spread and
outbreaks.
Moreover, two monoclonal antibodies such as Inmazeb
and Ebanga were approved by US Food and Drug
Administration for the treatment of ebolavirus
infection in adults and children in late 2020 (World
Health Organization, 2021). Breastfeeding and pregnant
women with this disease should be offered early medical
and supportive care. Furthermore, outbreaks can be
controlled by applying a series of interventions
including case management, infection prevention,
contact tracing, good laboratory service, social
mobilization, and noble burials.

37

CO2020 VID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by the
SARS-CoV-2 virus. Similar to SARS-CoV, COVID-19
is also an infectious disease that causes respiratory
illness. The virus can transfer through droplets of small
liquid particles from an infected person when they
cough, sneeze, speak or breathe. This disease is easily
transmitted resulting in a surge of cases and eventually
causing a global pandemic and lockdown. Some people
with this disease can recover without special treatment;
however, some will become severely ill that will require
medical attention, especially older people and those
with other conditions.

Infected people might experience the most common
symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, cough, and loss
of taste or smell, and less common symptoms include
sore throat, headache, diarrhea, and aches. Some might
also experience difficulty in breathing, loss of mobility,
and chest pain. Fortunately, vaccines were developed to
protect against acquiring the virus. To further prevent,
preventional measures such as wearing a proper mask,
physical distancing, and frequently washing hands with
soap, water, and alcohol. For people who are infected,
staying home and self-isolation are recommended until
recovered.

A lot of unexpected incidents have emerged in the past
years. Indeed, the occurrence of various diseases is
something that is not new in human nature; yet, the
effects they give on those affected are injuriously
unpredictable. Patients suffering from certain diseases
carry both physical discomfort and emotional feelings of
heaviness; even the idea of encountering ailments and
disorders itself is already terrifying. However, there are
remedies that helped alleviate from experiencing
diseases. Such remedies involve the health care system
which consists of medical organizations, people, and
activities that aim to promote, maintain, prioritize, and
restore health. It allows access to obtain medical care
along with disease prevention and medications. With
some aforementioned known diseases and outbreaks that
occurred in the 21st century having the corresponding
responses and attention ascertain that health should be
significantly valued.

38

DID YOU Smallpox is a condition that first
KNOW? occurred 3,000 years ago but
currently, there are no cases of
A contagious, blemished, and deadly disease this disease, and is totally
that induced a downcast surge affecting eradicated!
humans for thousands of years. Smallpox is
reportedly caused by infection with the
variola virus, and it has the ability to be
transmitted from person to person. This
condition is a terrible disease. People who
acquired this suffer from unfortunate
physical appearance which shows small red
bumpy rashes that are gradually filled with a
milky fluid (Skin Sight, n. d.). Such
characteristics follow the symptoms like
fever, achiness, headache, vomiting, and
overall discomfort. Moreover, smallpox is
life-threatening and often causes death.
According to Cleveland Clinic, 30% of
millions of people who got smallpox every
year died. Accordingly, it was due to
systemic shock (body-wide infection) and
toxins in the blood. People who survived
may have long-term problems such as severe
scars and blindness.

The smallpox-like rashes findings on
Egyptian mummies suggest that smallpox
existed for thousands of years. The first
description of this disease appeared during
the 4th century CE in China. In India and
Asia Minor, there were also written
descriptions that emerged during the 7th and
10th centuries, respectively. Fortunately, due
to the success of vaccination, the last
outbreak of smallpox in 1949 occurred in the
United States. The World Health Assembly
finally declared that smallpox had been
completely eliminated in 1980, and no cases
of smallpox have happened since (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention).

39

40

41

Vaccines
By: Marielle Faith S. Panes
42

Vaccines
By: Marielle Faith S. Panes

Germs, viruses, and other bacteria

have been acknowledged as natural causes of health and life threats. These
pathogenic microorganisms are present both in the surroundings and
bodies that when encountered, will generate diseases and worse, death.
Nonetheless, the human body has various ways of protecting itself from
these disease-causing organisms. To prevent pathogens from going into the
body, organs, structures, and certain organelles including the skin, mucus,
and cilia primarily act as barriers. When pathogens enter the body, the
immune system will act as a defense and helps destroy them through the
antibodies that are produced. Accordingly, these phenomena are the
natural responses when the body encounters pathogens. However, these
scenarios should not be overlooked as those who experience this might be
susceptible to diseases. Some may cause mild symptoms and for certain
reasons, they might lead to severe and life-threatening diseases.

Fortunately, there are antidotes that help alleviate and treat such diseases
including vaccines. According to World Health Organization (2021),
vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses for protection; thus,
reducing the risks of acquiring a disease. They contain inactive parts of a
particular organism that initiate an immune response. According to
European Vaccination Information Portal, vaccines help create a
“memory” that allows the body to remember a certain virus or bacterium
to protect itself against them and the disease it causes. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (2018) further added that vaccines imitate
infection to develop immunity. Below are some known diseases that are
prevented by vaccines.

43

Flu (Influenza)
Vaccines

Influenza, commonly known as flu, is a
viral infection that attacks the respiratory
system. It can be spread from person to
person and can be acquired through the
air while the infected person is coughing
or sneezing, or via contact with infected
surfaces. Symptoms include colds, fever,
aching muscles, headache, persistent
cough, chills, shortness of breath, and
others. Flu can be resolved over time;
however, its complications can be fatal
and deadly, especially for young children
under the age of 5, older people over the
age of 65, and people with chronic illness
and weakened immune systems.

Vaccines such as flu shots and nasal
spray vaccines are recommended by the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (2019) to reduce the risk.
Flu shots are given to children aged 6
months and older. Nasal spray vaccines
can be given to patients aged 2 through
49 years. However, there are
restrictions applied to certain people
with underlying medical conditions.
Furthermore, some types of influenza
vaccines include inactivated influenza
vaccines (IIV) and live attenuated
influenza vaccines (LAIV). Both are
produced to protect against distinct
seasonal influenza viruses.

44

COVID-19 Vaccines

SARS-CoV-2, known as coronavirus, is a virus that causes respiratory illness
that emerged in 2019 causing the disease called COVID-19. It can be acquired
through breathing in the air or close contact with an infected person and by
touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus. This virus has
caused the pandemic and millions of health problems and death around the
world as it easily transmits in different ways. The arrival of COVID-19 in every
region calls for a high demand for solutions to such diseases. Fortunately,
researchers and pharmaceutical manufacturers have developed vaccines that aim
to protect one from the virus and limit its spread.

The availability of vaccines exists in different brands. In the Philippines, the
available COVID-19 vaccines are Sinovac Biotech, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-
BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Sputnik V. These are categorized
by the ways that obtain key vaccine ingredients into the body. Pfizer and
Moderna fall under the type of messenger RNA vaccines that carry a blueprint
of the partial genetic information from the virus, instructing the body to make
key immune-fighting cells. Viral vector vaccines such as AstraZeneca and
Johnson & Johnson use adenovirus, a harmless virus that carries the instructions,
that serves as a carrier to acquire immunity-boosting instructions to the cell.
Lastly, the inactivated vaccines use an inactivated form of the virus that would
help the human body recognize the virus and fight it off when exposed to it.

These vaccines require two doses delivered between fourteen (14) to twenty-
eight (28) days apart, except for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine which requires
only one dose. Generally, the efficacy range of these vaccines is as follows:

1.AstraZeneca - 70%
2.Johnson & Johnson - 57%-72%
3.Moderna - 94%
4.Pfizer - 95%
5.Sinovac (50%-91%)
6.Sputnik (91%)

45

Polio Vaccines

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is caused by poliovirus that induces disabling and life-
threatening conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC, n.d.), the virus spreads from person to person and can affect the human spinal
cord, causing immobility or paralysis. Fortunately, it can be prevented with the help of a
vaccine. The Polio vaccine is administered through certain methods, depending on its
type: IPV and OPV. The inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is given by a shot in the arm or
leg, considering the patient’s age. Meanwhile, the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is
administered orally. CDC (n. d.) suggests that children should get one dose at ages 2
months, 4 months, 6 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years old, a total of four doses
of polio vaccine.

Chickenpox Vaccines

It is a contagious condition caused by the VZV or varicella-
zoster virus. Reportedly, two doses of the vaccine given
subcutaneously (separated by at least three months) are about
90% effective to prevent chickenpox. Some vaccinated people
could still get chickenpox, however, it is usually milder with
fewer blisters and little or no fever.

Hepatitis Vaccines

Hepatitis is most often caused by a viral infection
that results in an inflammation of the liver. There
are three types of hepatitis namely hepatitis A,
hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. The vaccines developed
for preventing this disease are for hepatitis A and
hepatitis B only; thus, there is no vaccine created for
hepatitis C. The vaccine for hepatitis A is
administered as a series of two shots while for
hepatitis B, it is given in three shots. Essentially,
taking shots according to the schedule would help
get long-term protection from these viruses.

46

By: Cyrel Supera

PANDEMIC &
E-PRESCRIPTIONS

As discussed in the previous article, modern COVID-19 has not caused pharmacists to quit
disease, COVID-19 is a global pandemic that
has infected millions of people globally, killed working; in fact, they have stepped up to take
over a million people, and is readily
transmitted, largely by respiratory secretions on more responsibilities. One of these is the
or droplets but also through contact with
contaminated surfaces, has prompted health community pharmacists, who have played
services to adapt how they provide health care.
Hence, both health professionals and patients, various roles in helping the healthcare system
particularly those who are older or have co-
morbidities, are at risk of infection. during COVID-19. This includes giving drugs

With this COVID-19 battle, there is indeed a to patients, assessing patients for chronic
need for shields and soldiers for the people to
rely on. Such is the healthcare system and our medication renewal, providing minor ailment
respective healthcare professionals, which
undoubtedly include pharmacists. consultations, debunking common

misunderstandings about COVID-19

therapies, and conducting COVID-19 triage

and screenings. Moreover, due to the

increasing number of patients before,

community pharmacists have reduced the

burden on the healthcare system by diverting

the influx of patients away from hospitals by

educating patients on telehealth services.

47

According to Imlach et al. (2021), similar to COVID-19 has not caused pharmacists to quit
other countries, services that previously
delivered all or most of their care in-person working; in fact, they have stepped up to take
shifted to remote ways of working, such as
telephone and video consultations (telehealth). on more responsibilities. One of which is the
To reduce communication between health
professionals, pharmacists, and patients, community pharmacists, who have played
electronic prescribing procedures (e-
prescribing) were developed or facilitated. various roles in helping the healthcare system
The government's decision to put the country
on 'lockdown' in response to the COVID-19 during COVID-19. This include giving drugs
pandemic led to a swift move to telehealth
and e-prescribing. to patients, assessing patients for chronic

Electronic prescribing, commonly known as medication renewal, providing minor ailment
“e-prescribing/prescription”, is a prescription
that is made electronically (Penm, 2020). consultations, debunking common
Health care providers enter prescription
information into a computer device – such as a misunderstanding about COVID-19 therapies,
tablet, laptop, or desktop computer – and
securely transmit the prescription to and conducting COVID-19 triages and
pharmacies using a special software program
and connectivity to a transmission network. screenings. Moreover, due to the increasing

number of patients before, community

pharmacists have reduced the burden on the

healthcare system by diverting the influx of

patients away from hospitals through

educating patients on telehealth services.

Prior to the pandemic era, most physicians
print out a patient's prescription in the
surgery using a feature in their computerized
medical records. Patients then take it to a
drugstore to get the prescription filled. This
written prescription must be kept at the
pharmacy for two years. However, due to the
onset of COVID-19 pandemic, physicians can
utilize their medical software program to
compose and transmit the prescription as a
"token" to the patient's phone via e-
prescribing. This may be sent as a text message
or an email with a QR code. Patients may then
pick which pharmacy they want to use to get
their “token” dispensed.

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They can either have their phone scanned or Although e-prescription has been touted as a
have the SMS or email sent to the pharmacist. way to ease the inpatient medicine ordering
The pharmacy enters the code into its and dispensing process, there is still a
dispensing software, unlocks the prescription, possibility of prescription inaccuracies, which
verifies it, and then administers the drug. necessitates pharmacist involvement, albeit at
Nevertheless, if the email or SMS is deleted by a lower rate than manual prescribing. To
accident, patients must contact their doctor to reduce prescription mistakes, pharmacists
have their token cancelled and reissued. In line should intervene during prescription screening
with this, the Food and Drug Administration and maintain regular communication with
released FDA Circular No. 2020-007, prescribers, particularly when it comes to
"Guidelines on the Implementation of the Use medication regimens. Future prescribing-
of Electronic Means of Prescription for Drugs problem-reduction attempts should focus on
for the Benefit of Individuals Vulnerable to the medication categories and specialty wards
COVID-19," on March 17, 2020. The said that are most commonly connected with e-
guidelines were developed to allow medication prescription interventions (Lean et al., 2021).
dispensation to Senior Citizens, Persons with
Disabilities (PWD), and patients with chronic Therefore, the significance of pharmacists in
disease or immuno-compromised illnesses each ward for identifying prescription-related
who require prescription medicines or issues should not
maintenance pharmaceuticals based on an
electronic prescription supplied by a licensed
physician and dispensed by a registered
pharmacist (Domingo, 2020).

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