Generic Drugs: Generic forms of some very popular drugs are slated to become available in 2006. Included on the list are Norvasc, Zoloft, Altace, Ambien, Zocor, and Pravachol. Generic drugs have the same active ingredients as their more expensive brand-name counterparts. For a generic drug to be FDA approved, the drug company must provide sufficient data that their product has the same effect in the body as that of the brand name.
Diabetes and Tequin Don't Mix: Tequin—an antibiotic used to treat lung, sinus, and urinary tract infections along with some sexually transmitted diseases—affects blood sugar levels and should be avoided by people with diabetes. Research shows that taking Tequin (gatifloxacin) lowers blood sugar during the first three days of treatment and then causes a rise in blood sugar levels from the fourth to last day of treatment. Always inform doctors of any health conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) and whether you have any drug allergies.
Primatene Mist: Those who regularly use over-the-counter Primatene Mist for mild asthma symptoms might need to consider other options. A recent FDA ruling requires that ozone-damaging chemicals called CFC propellants be removed from inhalers, including Primatene Mist. As a result, the product will probably be removed from store shelves this summer or fall. New inhalers can take up to five years to be tested and approved. One CFC-free alternative is an albuterol inhaler, available by prescription only.
Living With Dementia: Drug therapy is a key component in helping patients and their loved ones deal with symptoms of dementia such as communication problems, mood swings, forgetfulness, anxiety, confusion, and depression. Razadyne (formerly named Reminyl), Aricept, and Exelon may slow the progression of dementia and are especially helpful in early treatment of the disease. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs may also be beneficial. Atypical antipsychotics (like Risperdal, Seroquel, Zyprexa, and Abilify) are no longer recommended for behavioral problems in dementia patients, however. Each person is unique and requires specialized treatment and care.
Women's Health Study: While recent headlines may have you wondering about the health benefits of low-fat diets and calcium supplements, experts say the jury is still out. Highly publicized results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study showed no decrease in the risk of colorectal cancer, heart disease, or cholesterol among women on a low-fat diet. The study, however, did not track consumption of potentially harmful trans fats nor potentially beneficial omega-3 fats. The WHI study also found that taking calcium and vitamin D supplements increased bone mass in the hip but failed to statistically decrease the rate of hip or spinal fractures. Research is ongoing. In the meantime, women are advised to limit dietary intake of saturated and trans fats, eat fish twice weekly, and continue taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. The WHI study was a 15-year project involving nearly 162,000 generally healthy women ages 50 to 79.
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