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.
• New Option for Pain Relief: Lyrica is now approved to treat chronic diabetic nerve pain (a condition called diabetic neuropathy) and pain associated with shingles (or post-herpetic neuralgia). The potent drug also helps control partial onset seizures in patients already taking one or more anti-seizure medications. In clinical studies, Lyrica provided benefits similar to the prescription drug Neurontin, and at lower doses. The manufacturer expects that Lyrica will have fewer side effects than those reported with Neurontin therapy, although no one has proven this yet.
• More on Thyroid Pills: Take thyroid medicine at about the same time each day for maximal absorption and effect, and wait at least two hours before consuming multivitamins, iron supplements, calcium supplements, and antacids. Don‘t change a longstanding routine without checking with your doctor, however. Your thyroid dose has probably been adjusted to make up for any decrease in absorption caused by the supplement. Thyroid medication is an essential part of life for people with low levels of thyroid hormone in the body (hypothyroidism).
• Medicare Part D: It is not too late to sign up for this prescription drug plan. No penalty will be assessed until after May 15, at which time premiums will increase by one percent for each month that the eligible Medicare recipient is not enrolled. This penalty does not apply to anyone who has insurance through an employer as an active or retired employee. People enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (an HMO or PPO) should have received information in the mail to help them choose between their current plan and a traditional Medicare supplement with drug benefit. The next enrollment period begins on November 15, 2006. For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit their website at www.medicare.gov.
• Diabetes and Infection: Stress from an infection may interfere with the way the body produces and releases insulin. As a result, people with diabetes may have difficulty managing their blood sugar levels when they come down with a cold, flu or other ailment. When ill, diabetics need to check blood sugar levels regularly—especially if they are having trouble keeping food down. Those on insulin shots should consult with a physician before making any changes to the prescribed dosing schedule.
• Prednisone and Calcium: To K.H. in Little Falls, Minnesota: Taking
calcium and prednisone at the same time should not affect the efficacy of either drug. It is important that people on steroids add calcium and vitamin D to their diets. Treatment with oral prednisone, even for a couple of months, can reduce the amount of calcium the body absorbs and decrease bone formation, putting one at risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Those at high risk for osteoporosis (fair-skinned, petite, over age 50, inactive lifestyle, a woman, or requiring prednisone therapy for more than three months) may also benefit from bone-building drugs like Boniva, Fosamax, or Actonel.
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