Call First, Act Later
One of the most rewarding parts of my work as a
pharmacist is answering questions people have about their medicines. It is also one of my most frustrating jobs, especially when people call with a question about a medication that they have already taken. At that point, I’m unable to help them avoid potential drug [...]
From the Pharmacy
Be Careful with Coumadin
Warfarin (Coumadin), a prescription drug used to
prevent blood clots, saves countless lives. However, many drugs and supplements (even common pain
medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen) can intensify its anti-clotting effect and put patients at risk of excessive bleeding. When Coumadin therapy is indicated, give your doctor—and your pharmacist—a comprehensive list of your prescription drugs, [...]
Shingles Solutions
An attack of shingles (caused by the reactivated
chickenpox virus, which usually stays dormant in
people who had the disease) is typified by burning pain and sensitive skin, followed by a blistering rash that takes weeks to resolve. The antiviral drugs acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir may reduce symptoms
if started within three days of getting [...]
Water Pill Basics
Water pills (called diuretics) get rid of extra fluid in the body, making it easier for the heart to pump, and help reduce blood pressure. Common diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide and others) and furosemide (Lasix). When to take: in the morning to limit nighttime
bathroom trips. What to watch for: Some people suffer leg cramps when [...]
Allergy Relief
Don’t suffer needlessly from springtime allergy
symptoms. Taken once or twice daily, over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain the active ingredient
loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) help treat runny nose, sneezing, and itchy and watery eyes. These drugs, which may be used in combination
with OTC pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) to relieve congestion, sometimes cause a dry mouth. [...]
Gout: New Therapy Guidelines
Recent medical findings show that
lower doses of prescription colchicine treat gout just as well as the higher amounts used in past years—and with fewer side effects. Instead of 10 tablets per day, doctors now recommend taking two tablets at the first signs of an
attack, followed by one tablet an hour later, if needed. [...]
What Happened to Armour Thyroid?
Armour thyroid, a natural hormone
replacement for those suffering from
hypothyroidism, is currently unavailable because of a shortage of its active
ingredient (dried pig tissue that contains the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones). Until the backlog is resolved, people who
prefer the combination of pig hormones may talk to their doctors about taking prescription Cytomel [...]
Treating and Preventing Skin Ulcers
Need help for chronic leg ulcers or sores? A prescription ointment containing papain and urea may help. Regular use of the product helps break down dead skin or tissue in wounds, a process known as debridement. This allows dead cells to
be more easily removed and promotes healing. A doctor who specializes in wound care [...]
Drug Options to Keep Cholesterol in Check
If considering a switch from Zetia, which blocks the absorption of LDL “bad” cholesterol in the gut, to Niaspan, a B vitamin that raises HDL “good” cholesterol, new research supports the decision. In a study of the two prescription drugs, Niaspan was better than Zetia at shrinking buildups in neck arteries. Niaspan may be taken [...]
Heartburn Relief
Long-term use of drugs called proton pump inhibitors (such as Aciphex) for acid reflux is seen by most as a safe choice that is made on a case-by-case basis. There is some evidence that the decrease in acid in the stomach increases a person's risk of pneumonia.
From the Pharmacy supplements the advice of your health care provider,
whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
whom you should consult for personal medical problems.
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