Author Archives: admin

Now that the warmer weather is here, many of us are spending more time enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re heading to the beach, going for a walk, or just relaxing in your backyard, it’s important to keep sun safety top … Continue reading →

Biosimilars are becoming more common in Canada, offering patients trusted alternatives to the originator biologic medication. Biosimilars are not the same as generics. Generics are exact chemical copies of brand-name drugs, like acetaminophen for Tylenol. Biosimilars are made from living cells and … Continue reading →

If you have a weakened immune system due to a condition (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) or due to a treatment (for example, chemotherapy), you may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles can have serious complications such … Continue reading →

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (IBD), you might also have joint pain—and it may not be a coincidence. This type of joint pain could be linked to your IBD and is called enteropathic arthritis. It is more … Continue reading →

Though HIV and autoimmune diseases both involve the immune system, they operate very differently. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells, often requiring immunosuppressant treatments to control inflammation and prevent further harm. On … Continue reading →

Every day, Charlton pharmacists counsel patients on advanced therapies for many immune-mediated conditions. Some of this discussion focuses on how the medication works to treat a particular condition. We discuss the risks and benefits of treating vs. not treating a … Continue reading →

Ustekinumab was first launched in Canada in 2008 under the name Stelara by the manufacturer Janssen. It is a protein-based treatment, which we refer to as a biologic. It treats many immune-mediated conditions such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s, and … Continue reading →

Charlton Health is pleased to support Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Each Friday, staff who are donating are entitled to wear blue jeans to work. Colorectal cancer is the 4th most diagnosed cancer in Canada, and there is a 90% cure rate when found … Continue reading →

Pharmacy Appreciation Month is celebrated each March as a time to highlight the growing role pharmacy professionals play in our healthcare system and thank them for their extraordinary efforts. Pharmacists are the most accessible health professional and serve a vital … Continue reading →

As we end the month of February, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of the heart. I recently asked a group of women what the word ‘heart’ meant to them. I received many answers, such as being at … Continue reading →