Editor's Note: Pharmacists are an integral, and sometimes untapped, part of the healthcare maintenance team. If you have a question about medications, please write to Cara Acklin, Pharm. D., From the Pharmacy, 1100 Waterway Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Thyroid: Over five million Americans have an underactive thyroid, a condition known as hypothyroidism; many are undiagnosed. Characteristic symptoms include fatigue, weakness, weight gain, coarse hair, feeling cold, depression, constipation, memory loss, abnormal menstrual cycles, and muscle cramps. Thyroid replacement medications are available in a wide variety of strengths. Dosages may be adjusted based on results of simple blood tests to measure your thyroid hormone levels. It is recommended that you take the thyroid medication first thing in the morning about an hour before breakfast.
Preventing Prescription Errors: Despite the best efforts of pharmacists and pharmacy staff, dispensing errors sometimes do happen. To help ensure the accuracy of your prescriptions, talk to the pharmacist about the drug's normal use and common side effects. When refilling medicines, report any change you may notice in pill size, shape, or color. Also, be aware that some drugs look or sound alike. Take special care to double-check prescriptions when taking the following drugs:
• Toprol XL vs. Topamax
• Zyrtec vs. Zantac
• Insulin products
• Celebrex vs. Celexa vs. Cerebyx
• Lamisil vs. Lamictal
• Serzone vs. Seroquel
• Morphine liquid 100mg/5ml vs. 20mg/5ml
Sodium in Pills, Too: Salt may be a hidden ingredient in the medicines we need as well as the foods we eat. Those concerned about limiting their salt consumption can check drug labels and product inserts for sodium content. The FDA requires that sodium content be listed on labels of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies when the maximum daily dose contains over 140 mg of sodium. Antacids, laxatives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cold medicines are some of the OTC products that may contain large amounts of sodium. Ask your pharmacist to refer to the package inserts that accompany prescription drugs for sodium content.
Drugs and Eye Pressure: To A.K. in Forreston, Illinois: Benicar and Synthroid should not worsen a person's glaucoma. Claritin (loratidine) is also generally safe. Claritin-D, however, contains pseudoephedrine, a chemical that can potentially raise blood pressure and increase pressure within the eye.
Insulin Product Availability: Eli Lilly & Co. recently discontinued production of three types of insulin: Iletin® II Pork Insulin (Regular and NPH® formulations), Humulin U and Humulin L. Lilly estimates that about two percent of the 3.5 million diabetics on insulin currently use these products—which have also been used to treat diabetic dogs and cats. Discuss treatment alternatives with your doctor if your type of insulin is no longer available. Close monitoring of blood sugars is vital during the transition from one type of insulin to another.
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