Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

Pharmacists warn of shortages in every category of drug as HRT supply issue continues. If you have a pestilence, good luck getting the drugs to fight it. UK, before ‘Brexit.’ What after Brexit?

Laura Donnelly. The Telegraph•October 1, 2019

Pharmacists have warned of shortages of every major type of medicine – including HRT, antidepressants and blood pressure pills. 

Drugs for diabetes, epilepsy and skin problems are among the treatments in short supply, along with common contraceptives, a survey suggests.  

The poll of more than 400 pharmacists found hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs were worst hit, with 84 per cent of respondents struggling to get hold of these products. 

Meanwhile, 67 per cent of pharmacists had seen shortages of contraceptives, 58 per cent experienced supply issues of antiepileptic drugs.  And around 20 per cent of those polled declared shortages of antipsychotic drugs, with even more warning of difficulties obtaining medication to treat diabetes. 

Experts said there are a number of reasons for the shortages, including manufacturing problems, a paucity of some raw ingredients and the discontinuation of some brands. 

Pharmacists said they felt on a “knife edge” trying to cope with supply problems, which some fear will worsen in the event of a no-deal Brexit. 

A shortfall was reported across all 36 categories of medicines included in the survey of 420 community pharmacy professionals by Chemist and Druggist magazine.

Those polled said it was increasingly difficult to explain current shortages to “angry and desperate” patients.

It follows warnings of growing shortages of HRT, which are expected to continue until at least next summer.  Around two thirds of HRT treatments are understood to have been affected by shortages.

Leading HRT brands affected include Everol and Elleste, which between them are prescribed to more than 100,000 women a year – more than half of those on the treatment. Some women said they have been forced to seek supplies abroad in order to help manage debilitating symptoms of the menopause. 

One respondent to the survey said difficulties trying to source medicines has caused them to hand in their notice after 35 years as a pharmacist. Another said their team felt “on a knife-edge” trying to obtain such drugs. 

Dr Farah Jameel, of the British Medical Association, said: “There are lots of different reasons why drug shortages happen, but they are gradually getting worse and can have a serious effect on how quickly patients receive appropriate treatment.

“Practices often won’t know that a drug is in short supply until patients return from the pharmacy, and these extra GP appointments can dramatically add to their already burgeoning workload – as well as distressing patients.”

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has raised concerns about shortages of many contraceptive pills, warning that it could result in a rise in unplanned pregnancies. 

It follows warnings about shortages of fluoxetine – commonly known as Prozac – as a result of manufacturing problems.

The Department of Health and Social Care has written to GPs urging them to contact their patients who take the drug to ask how many supplies they have at home.

Any patient with enough pills to last until November should not be issued with a repeat prescription, the magazine Pulse reported. 

A separate survey by The Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) in August suggested that around 21 per cent of prescription drugs had suffered shortages in the previous three months. 

More than 90 per cent of respondents felt the shortages had increased over the previous year. 

Alima Batchelor, head of policy at PDA said: “Whilst these shortages cannot be ascribed to Brexit, they do show the need for concerted action to ensure that leaving the EU will not exacerbate an already unacceptable level of drug shortages.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “We fully understand the concerns of those who require medications in their daily lives and want to reassure them that we are doing everything appropriate so they can access the medicines they need. We have no evidence to suggest current or previous supply issues are linked to Brexit. 

“The department is working with partners in industry and the health and care system to help ensure the supply of medicines and medical products remains uninterrupted after October 31, whatever the circumstances.”