Would you like a zinc supplement with that beta-blocker, sir?

[canetoad]

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/chemists-pill-deal-under-fire-20110925-1kru7.html

PHARMACISTS have been accused of putting money ahead of patients' interests after striking a controversial deal to market dietary supplements with prescription medicines.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, which represents 94 per cent of Australia's 5200 pharmacies, has agreed to start recommending a range of Blackmores products to patients when they pick up prescriptions for anti-biotics, blood pressure drugs, cholesterol medicine and proton pump inhibitors.

Last week, Blackmores chief executive Christine Holgate told Pharmacy News the deal meant they could provide ''the Coke and fries'' with prescription drugs while providing pharmacies with ''a new and important revenue stream''.
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Her comments prompted sharp criticism from doctors and consumer advocates who said it risked turning pharmacies into McDonald's-like businesses that push products onto patients who do not need them.

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This annoys hell out of me. Blackmore's are a pyramid selling company, pushing herbal 'cures' such as 'Joint Relief' and 'Stress Free'. Pharmacists have fought for a long time for recognition of their training and accountability. One more profession sold out for a buck.