Category Archives: The Charlton Centre

How Anti-IL-6 Medications Work

For our last blog, we continued a series of how specific biologic medications work. Rituxan was the first medication presented in February 2018 and last week we shared how anti-TNF biologics work.  This was prompted by a patient asking me … Continue reading

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How Anti-TNF Treatments Work

Recently, we’ve discussed how specific biologic medications work. Rituxan was the first medication presented and we also shared how Orencia (abatacept) works.   This was prompted by a patient asking me to express in writing what I verbally explain when someone is … Continue reading

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What is a biosimilar?

In a previous blog we spoke about what a biologic medication is, and how it is produced through the programming of live cells to produce a treatment that mimics a protein structure in a human. Biosimilars are produced after the … Continue reading

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National Meeting of Pharmacists Features Biologics

Our pharmacist, Carolyn Whiskin recently returned from the Canadian Pharmacist’s Association meeting in Fredricton, New Brunswick where she presented on the topic of biologics and biosimilars. Biologic treatments have revolutionized the way we treat many autoimmune diseases. Human insulin is … Continue reading

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What is Health Quality Ontario?

Our Pharmacist Carolyn Whiskin recently attended the Ontario Rheumatology Association Meeting as clinical  pharmacist specializing in treatments for rheumatic diseases.  One of the presentations featured Carol Kennedy from the Health Quality Ontario  (HQO) Program. The HQO is the provincial advisor on quality health care in … Continue reading

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The Walk For Arthritis

This weekend come out  for “The Walk For Arthritis” being held in cities across Canada. Hamilton’s event is being run on June 3rd at Mc Master University.  See contact information below or visit: walkforarthritis.ca  to support this worthwhile cause. The Walk … Continue reading

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How Orencia (Abatacept) Works

In February 2018, we started a series on how specific biologic medications work. Rituxan was the first medication presented. This was prompted by a patient asking me to express in writing what I verbally explain when someone is starting this … Continue reading

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Another Treatment For Psoriatic Arthritis is Approved

People with psoriatic arthritis now have another effective biologic treatment.  We have identified more than one inflammatory chemical which is  involved in generating excess inflammation in the joints and skin of people with psoriatic arthritis.  One of these chemicals is called IL-17 … Continue reading

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This week is Nursing Week!

The Ontario Nurses’ Association is proud to celebrate and acknowledge Nursing Week 2018. Nursing Week is a time to recognize the year-round dedication and achievements of Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and to increase … Continue reading

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The use of Fibroscan to determine if you have liver disease

FibroScan,® also called transient elastography, measures the stiffness of your liver by emitting a small pulse of energy. The more damaged or stiff the liver, the more rapidly the energy waves will pass through it. FibroScan® calculates the speed of … Continue reading

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