The College issued the following news release on September 26, 2014 at 9:50 AM PDT:
College of Pharmacists of BC shuts down Marigold Compounding and Natural Pharmacy in Courtenay over public safety concerns
VANCOUVER, Sept. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - The College of Pharmacists of BC has ordered the closure of Marigold Compounding and Natural Pharmacy in Courtenay and a suspension on the registration of its manager, Mr. Isidore "Rudy" Sanchez, after an investigation revealed serious concerns with both the pharmacy site and the pharmacy practice conducted there. The College believes this pharmacy poses a significant public safety and patient health risk, dispatching an investigations team to Courtenay that successfully shut down the operations of the pharmacy this morning.
Some examples of unsafe practices that the College believes pose a risk to the public include:
- Unsterile and generally unclean facilities being used to manufacture a variety of prescription drugs and over-the-counter health products without authority to do so. In addition, compounding safety standards appeared to not have been followed when delivering that service.
- Human placenta intended for encapsulation was accepted, handled, and prepared with little evident regard for safety protocols necessary when handling human tissue. This service was being offered despite the lack of a proper facility or the regulatory approval to provide it.
- Patients were counselled on alternative drug therapies and products well outside the scope of pharmacy practice and without notification to the original prescriber.
- Documentation was completed and submitted incorrectly to a number of relevant parties. An incorrect health care record is a serious risk as improper decisions could be made on the wrong information, putting a patient's health at risk.
Mr. Sanchez was previously suspended by the College for similar infractions and served a year and a half suspension. He completed educational training, paid a fine to the College, and signed an undertaking to practice pharmacy in accordance with pharmacy standards and all other federal and provincial legislation. The extraordinary suspension to Marigold's pharmacy licence and Mr. Sanchez's registration as a pharmacist will remain in place until such time as the College's investigation is complete.
The College of Pharmacists of BC is the regulatory body for pharmacy in British Columbia and is responsible for registering pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and licensing pharmacies throughout the province.
If you are a patient of Marigold Compounding and Natural Pharmacy:
- Consult your physician if you have used any products from Marigold Natural Pharmacy and are concerned about your health.
- If you need to have a prescription refilled, please contact your prescriber to write you a new prescription. You can then attend any pharmacy of your choice for pharmacy care.
Media Contact
Mykle Ludvigsen, Director of Public Accountability and Engagement
604.676.4204
[email protected]