Category: Drugs

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Compounding Drugs Health

Do You Have a Drug Allergy? How Compounding Can Help

Living with a drug allergy can be a challenging experience, as it limits the treatment options available to you. However, there is a solution that can address this issue and provide personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Compounding pharmacies offer a valuable service by formulating customized medications, free from allergens, and optimized to suit your specific requirements.

In this article, we will explore the concept of drug allergies, their symptoms, and how compounding can help you achieve effective and safe treatment.

Understanding Drug Allergies

  • Definition and Causes: Drug allergies occur when the immune system reacts adversely to certain medications. They can manifest suddenly, even with prior successful use of the medication. Common triggers include antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and contrast dyes.
  • Symptoms of Drug Allergies: Drug allergies can result in a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. These may include skin reactions like rashes and hives, respiratory issues such as wheezing and difficulty breathing, digestive problems like nausea and vomiting, and in extreme cases, anaphylaxis—a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Challenges Faced by Patients with Drug Allergies

Living with a drug allergy presents several significant challenges that can have a profound impact on your health and overall well-being. Understanding and addressing these challenges is crucial for effectively managing your condition. Let’s delve deeper into each of these challenges:

  • Limited treatment options:

One of the primary challenges faced by patients with drug allergies is the limitation of treatment options. When you have a known allergy to a specific medication, it becomes necessary to avoid that drug completely. This restriction significantly narrows down the range of available medications that can be used for treating various conditions. For example, if you are allergic to penicillin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic, you will need to explore alternative antibiotics that are safe for you. However, finding an effective substitute can be challenging, as not all medications may be suitable or have the same efficacy for your specific condition.

  • Ineffective treatments:

Even when alternative medications are available, they may not always be as effective as the allergenic drug or may not be suitable for certain conditions. Each medication has its unique properties and mechanisms of action. When a specific drug is found to be effective for a particular condition, it can be disheartening to discover that you are allergic to it. This situation often necessitates finding an alternative medication, which may not provide the same level of effectiveness or desired outcomes. It may require trial and error to find a suitable replacement that effectively manages your condition while avoiding the allergen.

  • Cross-reactivity:

Cross-reactivity is another challenge that patients with drug allergies face. Some medications with chemical structures similar to the allergenic drug can also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This means that not only do you have to avoid the specific drug you are allergic to, but you also need to be cautious about other medications that may share similarities in their chemical composition. Cross-reactivity can further limit the available options and make it even more challenging to find safe and effective alternatives.

  • Patient anxiety:

Living with a drug allergy can lead to significant anxiety and fear of adverse reactions. The fear of experiencing an allergic reaction can be overwhelming and may deter you from seeking necessary medical care. This anxiety can arise from past experiences or the knowledge of the potential risks associated with taking medications that have triggered allergic reactions in the past. However, avoiding medical care due to fear can lead to compromised health outcomes and hinder your overall well-being. It is essential to address and manage this anxiety effectively through open communication with healthcare providers and exploring alternative options such as compounding to alleviate concerns.

Managing these challenges requires a proactive approach and collaboration with healthcare providers who understand the complexities of drug allergies. By working closely with your healthcare team and exploring innovative solutions like compounding pharmacies, you can find strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure effective and safe treatment for your medical conditions.

The Role of Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding pharmacies play a crucial role in addressing the unique needs of patients with drug allergies. They offer a range of services that can help overcome the challenges mentioned earlier. Let’s explore how compounding pharmacies can assist:

  • Customized Medications: Compounding pharmacies can prepare personalized medications by removing allergens or modifying formulations. This customization allows patients to receive medications without allergenic triggers, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
  • Allergen Elimination: Compounding pharmacists can create medications without allergenic components, such as dyes, preservatives, or fillers. By eliminating allergens, patients can receive medications free from potential triggers.
  • Dosage Adjustments: Compounding pharmacies have the flexibility to tailor the strength and dosage form of medications to meet individual needs. This is especially valuable for patients who require specific dosages or have difficulty swallowing traditional pills.
  • Alternative Delivery Methods: Compounding allows for the creation of medications in alternative forms, such as creams, gels, or nasal sprays. Non-oral delivery methods can minimize gastrointestinal reactions and provide localized treatment when necessary.
  • Cross-Reactivity Mitigation: Compounding pharmacists can work closely with healthcare providers to identify potential cross-reactivity concerns. By modifying formulations or selecting alternative ingredients, they can help patients avoid allergic reactions and find suitable alternatives.

Benefits of Compounded Medications for Drug Allergy Patients

Compounded medications offer several benefits specifically tailored to patients with drug allergies. These benefits include:

  • Enhanced safety: Medications are customized to individual needs, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and adverse effects.
  • Improved efficacy: Compounded medications can provide optimal dosing and delivery methods for enhanced treatment outcomes, ensuring the medication works effectively for you.
  • Comprehensive care: Compounding pharmacists collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure the best treatment plans and provide comprehensive care for patients with drug allergies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, living with a drug allergy can be challenging, but compounding pharmacies offer a solution to address these difficulties. Burt’s Rx provides you with personalized, allergen-free medications tailored to individual needs. This compounding pharmacy helps their patients safely and effectively manage their conditions. With customized formulations, dosage adjustments, and alternative delivery methods, compounding offers a viable option for individuals with drug allergies. Consult with your healthcare provider and explore the possibilities of compounding to receive the care you deserve.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

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Drugs Medicine

Capsules vs Tablets: Which is Right For You?

Capsules vs tablets — which suits your needs?

As we delve into the world of medication, the question of form often arises – should you opt for capsules or tablets? Both of these have their own unique benefits and potential downsides. Your choice may depend on a range of factors, including the purpose of the medication, your personal preferences, and any specific health considerations.

What’s the Difference?

Before we can understand which type of medication is right for you, it’s important to distinguish between the two.

1. Capsules: These are small, cylindrical medication forms that are encased in a hard or soft soluble container, usually made from gelatin. The medication inside can be in liquid or powder form. Capsules are often preferred for their smooth texture which makes them easier to swallow.

2. Tablets: These are typically round or oval and are made by compressing the active ingredients of the medication. They may be coated or uncoated. While they can be harder to swallow for some, they are often the more affordable option.

Key Considerations

When choosing between capsules and tablets, several aspects should be considered in more detail:

  • Taste and Swallowing:

Capsules are typically designed to be tasteless, making them easier to swallow compared to tablets. If you find tablets unpalatable or have difficulty swallowing them, capsules can be a preferable option. The smooth gelatin or vegetarian capsules slide down the throat more effortlessly, reducing any unpleasant taste or texture.

  • Absorption:

Capsules may offer faster absorption compared to tablets. Since capsules only need to dissolve, they can release their contents quickly, allowing the active ingredients to be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. On the other hand, tablets need to break down completely into smaller particles before the dissolution process can begin, potentially prolonging the time it takes for the medication to be absorbed.

  • Dosing Flexibility:

Tablets often offer a wider range of doses for certain medications. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture tablets in various strengths, making it easier for healthcare providers to prescribe the appropriate dosage based on individual needs. However, compounding pharmacies can also create custom doses for both capsules and tablets, ensuring that the required dose is available in the desired form.

  • Cost:

In general, tablets tend to be less expensive than capsules. The manufacturing process for tablets is often more streamlined and cost-effective, leading to lower production costs. However, it’s important to note that cost can vary depending on the specific medication, brand, dosage strength, and market factors. It’s always advisable to compare prices between different formulations before making a decision.

  • Allergens and Sensitivities:

Some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to certain materials used in capsules or the binding agents present in tablets. Capsules are commonly made from gelatin, which is derived from animal sources. In response to this, vegetarian capsules made from plant-based materials are available as an alternative. Tablets, on the other hand, may contain binding agents, fillers, or coatings that can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities in some people. It’s essential to review the ingredient list and consult with a healthcare professional if you have known allergies or sensitivities.

Considering these factors will help you decide when choosing between capsules and tablets for your medication. Ultimately, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and preferences.

The Role of Compounding Pharmacies

If you have specific needs that aren’t met by standard tablets or capsules, a compounding pharmacy might be the solution. These pharmacies can make custom medications to cater to individual needs. They can alter the form of the medication, change its flavor, remove certain ingredients you might be allergic to, and even adjust the dosage. For example, if you’re allergic to a dye used in a certain tablet, a compounding pharmacy can create a version of the medication without that dye. Similarly, if you need a medication that’s only commercially available in tablet form but you find tablets hard to swallow, a compounding pharmacy can make a capsule version for you.

Making the Right Choice

The choice between capsules and tablets comes down to your requirements. Here are some steps to help you ensure you make the right choice:

  • Consult your healthcare provider: Discuss your specific requirements, preferences, and any allergies you may have with your trusted healthcare provider. They can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.
  • Explore availability and cost: Research the availability and cost of your medication in both capsule and tablet forms. Burt’s Rx offers a wide range of options, and understanding the pricing and accessibility can help you make an informed decision.
  • Discover compounding pharmacy options: If you can’t find a commercially available option that meets your needs, consider the role of a compounding pharmacy. Burt’s Rx works closely with compounding pharmacies to create customized doses in both capsule and tablet forms, ensuring your medication is tailored precisely to your requirements.
  • Inquire about absorption rates: Don’t forget to ask about the absorption rates of the medication in each form. This crucial information will help you understand how quickly you can expect to experience the effects of the medication.

Capsules vs Tablets Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between capsules and tablets, it is important to consider the pros and cons of each option. Consulting with your healthcare provider or pharmacist is crucial in making an informed decision about the best medication form for you.

At Burt’s Rx, we are committed to providing exceptional pharmaceutical solutions tailored to your needs. Trust us to prioritize your health and well-being, offering high-quality capsules and tablets customized to meet your individual requirements. Make the right choice for your health by considering the benefits of both forms and relying on Burt’s Rx for exceptional care. After all, your well-being comes first!

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

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Compounding Drugs

How Compounding Can Help With Drug Side Effects

Medications play a crucial role in managing our health, but they often come with unwanted side effects. Thankfully, compounding pharmacists offer a valuable solution to alleviate these side effects and improve patient well-being.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of compounding and how it effectively addresses drug side effects.

Understanding the Impact of Drug Side Effects

Drug side effects are prevalent and can range from mild to severe, impacting a patient’s quality of life and adherence to treatment. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, and skin irritations. It is crucial to find personalized solutions to minimize these side effects and optimize treatment outcomes.

The Role of Compounding in Addressing Side Effects

In addition to tailoring medications to individual needs, compounding plays a crucial role in addressing side effects associated with conventional medications. Many commercially available drugs can cause unwanted side effects in certain patients, leading to discomfort and decreased compliance with treatment. Compounding pharmacists possess the knowledge and expertise to mitigate these side effects by formulating alternative medications that are better tolerated by patients.

For instance, if a patient experiences gastrointestinal distress as a side effect of a particular medication, a compounding pharmacist can create a custom formulation that bypasses the digestive system, such as a transdermal gel or a sublingual preparation. This innovative approach allows the medication to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and enhancing overall patient comfort.

Compounding pharmacists can also modify the dosage form or strength of a medication to address side effects. They can create lower-dose versions of drugs to minimize adverse reactions while still maintaining therapeutic efficacy. By working closely with patients and healthcare providers, compounding pharmacists can identify the optimal dosage and form that best balances the desired therapeutic effects with the least amount of side effects.

Moreover, compounding enables the removal of potential allergens or irritants from medications. Patients with specific allergies or sensitivities can benefit from personalized formulations that exclude certain ingredients, such as gluten, lactose, dyes, or preservatives. By eliminating these potential triggers, compounding pharmacists can help patients avoid adverse reactions and enhance their overall well-being.

Benefits of Compounding in Managing Drug Side Effects

  1. Dose adjustments: Compounding pharmacists can modify medication dosages to minimize side effects. Lowering the dosage while maintaining effectiveness reduces the severity of adverse reactions, benefiting patients who are more sensitive to medications.
  2. Combination therapies: Compounding allows pharmacists to combine multiple medications into a single dosage form. This enhances treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects, simplifying complex medication regimens.
  3. Alternative delivery methods: Compounding pharmacists can transform medications into alternative forms such as creams, gels, or transdermal patches. These methods bypass the gastrointestinal system, reducing systemic side effects. Topical creams or gels can be used to treat pain, minimizing the risk of gastrointestinal complications.
  4. Eliminating allergens and additives: Compounding pharmacists can create medications without allergens, fillers, dyes, or preservatives found in commercially available drugs. This reduces the risk of adverse reactions and promotes patient safety and tolerability.

The Advantages of Collaborating with a Compounding Pharmacist

  1. Customized solutions for specific needs: Compounding pharmacists work closely with patients and healthcare providers to tailor medications according to individual preferences. They adjust dosages, and flavors for pediatric patients, or dosage forms for elderly patients.
  2. Enhanced patient adherence and satisfaction: By minimizing side effects, compounding pharmacists improve patient comfort and tolerability. This leads to increased adherence to prescribed treatment plans and overall patient satisfaction, resulting in better health outcomes.

Consultation and Collaboration with a Compounding Pharmacist

Patients experiencing drug side effects should consult their healthcare providers and consider the benefits of compounding. Healthcare providers can refer patients to compounding pharmacists specializing in personalized medication solutions. Effective communication and collaboration between healthcare providers and compounding pharmacists ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Experience the transformative benefits of compounding with Burt’s Rx! Our expert compounding pharmacists collaborate closely with healthcare providers to deliver tailored medication solutions that address your unique needs. Say goodbye to troublesome side effects and embrace a treatment plan designed exclusively for you.

At Burt’s Rx, we believe in going beyond the ordinary. Our compounding pharmacists create custom-made medications, eliminating allergens, and additives, and finding the perfect dosage form. Take control of your health and unlock a world of possibilities.

Don’t let drug side effects hold you back. Consult your healthcare provider and request Burt’s Rx today. Experience the difference personalized medications can make in your life. Trust us to be your partner on the journey to optimal well-being.

Conclusion

Compounding offers personalized solutions to minimize drug side effects and improve patient well-being. Through dose adjustments, combination therapies, alternative delivery methods, and eliminating allergens/additives, compounding pharmacists play a vital role in optimizing treatment outcomes. Collaborating with a compounding pharmacist allows patients to receive customized medications that address their specific needs, enhancing adherence and overall satisfaction. If you’re experiencing drug side effects, schedule a consultation with one of our compounding pharmacists today and explore the benefits of compounding.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. Do not substitute it for medical advice. Always listen to your doctor for the management of your condition.

Categories
Drugs Medical Tips

What is an Adverse Drug Reaction and How to Treat It?

If you’d like a better understanding of an adverse drug reaction, then you’ve come to the right spot. Read further.

I am sure you can remember a time when you or someone you know had an adverse reaction to a particular drug. It is not fun and can pose a threat to your health. It calls for immediate attention. But, first, you need to know what an adverse drug reaction is.

What is an Adverse Drug Reaction?

It can be described as a negative reaction to a medication, whether taken orally or topically. The reaction can range from mild to severe and requires medical attention. The course of the treatment varies based on the severity of the reaction. It is often confused with drug hypersensitivity, but it is slightly different from an adverse drug reaction.

How to Figure Out If I have an Adverse Reaction?

Let’s dive deeper; the reaction is essentially the response of your immune system to a foreign agent in the body. Essentially, your immune system goes into an overdrive mode to protect your body and starts developing antibodies and T cells to combat the effects of the drug. This process leads to reactions such as; nausea, rash, jaundice, anaphylaxis, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Symptoms of an Adverse Drug Reaction

As soon as the drug breaks down in the body and starts to interact with the immune system, the symptoms start to show up. Let’s look at the most common symptoms:

Mild Symptoms

Red, flaky, itchy, and swollen skin are the most common sign of mild symptoms. In some cases, patients also experience flat, red skin covered in small bumps and hives.

Severe Symptoms

Some of the most common severe symptoms include blisters, peels, vision problems, itching, and extreme swelling. In some cases, patients also experience toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and other serious health conditions.

Anaphylaxis Symptoms

Throat tightness, difficulty breathing, tingling sensation, dizziness, and wheezing are some of the most common anaphylaxis symptoms. It is a sudden, life-threatening reaction that requires immediate treatment.

Adverse Drug Reaction Diagnoses

The diagnosis process will begin with your service provider asking you about your medical history and allergies. Some people require additional testing if the patient has developed anaphylaxis once they are exposed to the trigger and exercises. In addition to this, you might require the following tests:

Patch Test

During a patch test, a small amount of the drug will be put on your skin, covered by a patch for two days. After the due time has passed, your doctor will check your skin for a reaction.

Skin Prick

During the skin prick test, a small amount of drug will be put on your forearm, and it will be pricked with a needle. Then your doctor will check for a reaction.

Intradermal Test

A small amount of drug will be put underneath the skin, and your doctor will watch for a reaction.

Drug Provocation Test

A drug provocation is also known as a challenge test. The doctor gives you increasing doses of the drug and watches for a reaction.

In some cases, the healthcare provider might not ask you to take any of the tests as the cause of the reaction is obvious. Sometimes, switching to a different drug is the only option. In other cases, you will be asked to avoid taking two medications at the same time. On the other hand, some cases call for compounding pharmacy as certain individuals need that particular drug to counter a medical condition.

Adverse Drug Reaction Treatment

The first thing you need to do is seek the help of a medical professional. A medical professional will look for the signs of infections and might perform certain tests lifted above to identify the root cause. Once the cause is identified, your doctor will recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Some common treatment options are:

  • Antihistamines – Minimize mild symptoms such as itching, redness, or rash.
  • Epinephrine – It is used to treat severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis.
  • Steroids – They are commonly used to reduce inflammation.
  • Desensitization – This might be done post-reaction if you require a particular drug for treatment again. In this case, your healthcare provider will inject small doses of the drugs. The dose is increased slowly and steadily till it stops causing an allergic reaction.

None of these methods should be tried without the supervision of the healthcare provider. Avoid self-medication at all costs, especially when you are experiencing an adverse reaction.

Preventing Adverse Drug Reaction

Preventing adverse drug reactions is possible. It is a collective responsibility of the pharmaceutical industry, doctors, and the patient. Contrary to popular belief, patients play a significant role in the prevention of adverse drugs. First things first, as a consumer, you must ensure high-level compliance with medical instructions. It minimizes the chances of adverse reactions and maximizes therapeutic effects.

Inadequate compliance can lead to toxicity or treatment failure, increased treatment costs, and a possibly fatal outcome for the patient. As a patient, you need to avoid self-medication at all costs.

The role of compounding pharmacy is crucial in this regard. Compounding pharmacists can eliminate the allergy-causing substances from a particular drug and formulate it in a manner that suits you. They are able to work with your healthcare provider to create a drug that fits you best.

Seek Immediate Help

Seek immediate help if you experience any of the following symptoms; rash with itchy, swollen, red spots, blisters, skin peeling, trouble swallowing, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, difficulty breathing, hoarse voice, fast or pounding heartbeat, the whites of eyes turning yellow.

Final Takeaway

Adverse drug reactions are more common than you think. If you or anyone surrounding you experiences a reaction after using a particular drug, stop using it and seek medical help immediately. Don’t try to cure it by yourself, as it takes only minutes before your symptoms start to get worse. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

If you wish to know more about the subject or need assistance in regards to a compounding pharmacy, feel free to contact us. We assist in the management of your health through education, specialty products & services. Our team would be happy to serve you.

CONTACT US TODAY!

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Drugs Medicine

Types of Medications: Your Pills 101 Guide to Know

Knowing that there are different types of medications out there, it’s tough to choose which best suits your needs. To help, here is a guide to better understand and make your choice.

Oral medication comes in a lot of shapes and sizes. From liquids to pills to powders, you name it and you will find it. Each one has its own pros and cons when it comes to ease of use, effectiveness, and safety. However, all types of medications have one goal; to prevent or treat a disease.

Why Does Medication Come in Different Forms?

As per Gina J. Ryan (Chair of Pharmacy Practice and a clinical professor of Pharmacy Practice at Mercer University) “The main purpose of putting a medication in a specific form is getting the drug to the site where it needs to be”

For instance, insulin can only be available in a non-oral form whereas cancer medications come in all forms; liquids, tablets, topical ointments, and injections. On the other hand, birth control comes in patches as well as tablets.

Types of Oral Medications

Oral medications refer to anything that is taken by the mouth. The effect of oral meds starts to take place when they reach the stomach. Here are the main types:

Tablets

It is the most commonly used form of all. Tablets are essentially medications mixed together with binder powder. Most of these pills have a thin coating that makes them easy to swallow. The enteric-coated tablets easily absorb in the stomach and then go to the bloodstream. Tablets can be further categorized into the following types:

  • Chewable Tablets – Chewable tablets come in a variety of different flavors and are quick to act.
  • Orally Disintegrating Tablets – These tablets dissolve as soon as you put them in your mouth and go directly into the bloodstream. They work wonders for nausea and migraine.
  • Sublingual Tablets – These tablets are quick acting and go under the tongue.
  • Effervescent Tablets – Such tablets are first dissolved in water and then consumed orally.

Capsules

When it comes to capsules, medication is coved by a shell. The shell comes in both hard and soft forms and is typically made of gelatin. Let’s breakdown the types further:

  • Spansules – These are capsules that release medication slowly, usually over a period of hours. A great example is Dexedrine that is used to treat DHD.
  • Softgels – They are also called liquid gels and the medication is dispersed through gelatin.

Liquids

Liquid medications are perfect for those who find it difficult to swallow a tablet. It is mainly preferred by kids, infants, and elderly individuals. However, it is important to measure this medication precisely before consuming it.

Granules/Powders

Powders are generally mixed into soft foods such as yogurt or milk and even water. This form of medication is preferred for kids or people who have trouble swelling.

Which Form is Better? And Some Points to Consider

As per the experts, no form of a pill is better than the other and vice versa. It is mostly a matter of individual preference. However, there are certain things you need to keep in mind.

  • Solid tablets generally have a longer shelf life than liquid ones. Hence, always check the expiration date.
  • If you find it difficult to swallow certain medications or you are taking them for the kids, chewable and liquid forms of tablets are a much better option. But, it is important to remember that not all medication comes in different forms.
  • The form of medication generally doesn’t affect the price. The price tag is based on the number of bills/quantity of liquid and brand name.
  • If you want to split the dose, you will have to purchase a tablet because other forms of medications cannot be split.
  • It is best to get advice from an expert pharmacist prior to making the final purchase.

Medications and their Durations

They come in two main forms; IR and ER.

IR – Immediate Release

As evident from the name, IR medications are quick to action and work immediately to relieve symptoms. You will have to take multiple doses throughout the day as the effect wears off pretty quickly.

ER – Extended Release

These medications are slow-acting and the effect lasts for a longer duration. Typically, you will be required to take them once every 24 hours.

The fact that you need to choose ER or IR medication involves much more than your personal preference. It includes factors such as age, liver health, kidney health, how the individual’s body breaks down medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to assist you more in this matter.

Are Certain Types of Medications Better than Others?

Well, the best form depends on the patient who is taking it. No form is better than the other. It is a matter of personal preference and suitability.

Medication Safety

  • Some people split their tablets to adjust the dose without consulting with a pharmacist. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before doing so. This is recommended by Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
  • Always read the “HOW SUPPLIED” section carefully to ensure FDA allows tablet splitting. As a general rule of thumb, controlled and time-released medications are not recommended for splitting.
  • Look for a mark on the tablet and split it accordingly. It is one of the best ways to divide a tablet. Your pharmacist can guide you further on how to do it correctly.
  • It is also crucial to first consume both halves of the tablet before reaching out for the next one. Factors like humidity, heat, and moisture can impact the medication.
  • Different brands of the same medication might have different rules regarding tablet split. It is best to confirm with the pharmacist beforehand.
  • Always use the measuring spoon or a dropper to measure liquid medications.

Final Thoughts

Medication can come in a variety of different forms. What suits one person might not suit another and vice versa. Before taking medication or choosing its type, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. Never switch the brand, type of medication on your own and trust your healthcare provider.

Your safety needs to be your number one priority. And if you need more information, contact us today!

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Drugs

Dog Medicine: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

If your pup requires medication, it’s important to know what you should – and should not – do during this time. Here’s what every pet owner should know about dog medicine.

There may be times when your beloved pet dog needs medical attention. In fact, more than 130 million dogs visit a veterinarian in a single year. While many of those visits are for annual check-ups, many others are due to illness or injury.

Reports show the top reasons for emergency vet care include:

  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Hit by a car
  • Consuming toxins like antifreeze, household chemicals, or human prescriptions

During these visits to the vet, your dog may be prescribed medicine.

Dog Medicine and Prescriptions

Some of the top medications prescribed for dogs include:

  • Metronidazole for giardia infection, an intestinal infection that causes digestive problems.
  • Famotidine is prescribed for upset stomach and may sometimes be prescribed along with metronidazole or sucralfate.
  • Diphenhydramine helps treat dogs who suffer from acute allergy symptoms. For dogs who have chronic allergies, your vet may prescribe doxepin.
  • Tramadol is usually prescribed if your dog is in pain.
  • Prednisone is prescribed to fight inflammation.
  • Doxycycline is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for dogs.

Before giving your dog these medicines or any other drugs prescribed, there are things you should know as a pet owner. We’ve created a list of essential factors below.

Antibiotics

There are things you should understand about antibiotics. Your vet will likely explain why your dog is prescribed antibiotics, but we want to provide you with an overview here.

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Vets can use a culture and sensitivity test at the site of infection to determine the best antibiotics for your dog. However, antibiotics have side effects, even in dogs. Your vet should explain side effects like gastrointestinal problems and the potential for allergic reactions.

Also, make sure you stick with the recommended dose schedule. Finally, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you don’t feel comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment of your dog.

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers are serious drugs for both humans and pets. That means prescription pain relievers can have side effects and can cause damage to vital organs, like the liver, digestive tract, and kidneys. Side effects can include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

It’s important to check with the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to see if the medications prescribed for your dog are approved in both brand and generic forms.

Pain relievers, antibiotics, and all other dog medicines may be prescribed in pill form.

If your vet prescribes medicine in pill form, your first thought may be about how you will get your dog to take oral dog pain medication. Unfortunately, this is a common problem. However, there are many reports with tips on how to do this the easy way.

Tips on Getting Your Dog To Take a Pill

Tips include wrapping the pill in food or hiding inside foods your dog enjoys. Pill devices exist so you can administer the medicine and get the pill far enough back in your dog’s throat that all of the medication is consumed.

You can also follow pill taking with a reward and get help restraining your dog if you find it challenging to keep them still or get them to cooperate. Finally, talk to your local pharmacist about compounding your dog’s prescription medicine.

A pet compounding pharmacy takes all your dog’s needs and preferences into consideration to create a version that is easier to consume.

Never Share Your Medicine With Your Pet

Depending on why your pet needs medicine, you may learn that the drugs prescribed are the same types prescribed to humans. For example, anti-anxiety, antibiotics, and even pain medicines are the same.

However, do not share your medications with your dog. You may want to save time and money; you could harm your dog by giving them your medicine, even when you break it in half or reduce the dose.

Dogs are not human. Their metabolic processes are different, weight should be a factor, and there may be inactive ingredients that don’t bother you, but will upset your dog.

Also, avoid sharing over-the-counter medications with your pet for the same reasons.

Properly Store Dog Medicine

Just like medications created for humans, dog medicines require proper storage to maintain effectiveness and, for some, to keep them from spoiling. The FDA sets guidelines for adequately storing pet medicines. Some of the policies include keeping dog medicine in its original container with the original label.

Keep your dog’s medicine in a secure location, safe from pets and children. If you have multiple pets on medication, make sure you keep them separate. For example, you don’t want to give horse medicine to a cat, or cat medicine to a dog, etc.

Get rid of the expired medication safely and properly, including used needles. Work with your local pharmacist to determine the best way to get rid of medication. Also, if there are any problems you’re your dog’s medicine, report them to your pharmacist and vet right away.

More Benefits of Using a Compounding Pharmacy

Compounding is when your pharmacist uses specific ingredients to create the medicine in a way that benefits you and your dog. For example, your pharmacist can make a liquid medicine instead of a pill. In addition, they can add flavoring, scents and can eliminate ingredients that may cause side effects.

Picture this; your dog gets excited when it sees the liquid medicine that tastes and smells like peanut butter. Or, your dog wags its tail when you feed it the chewy, beef-flavored medicine bite.

Compounding pharmacists can turn a prescription pill into a topical cream that can be applied directly to your dog’s area of pain. They can also go over the entire medicine label with you to ensure you understand it completely.

Finally, working with your local compounding pharmacist ensures you get the correct medicine for your dog in the proper dosage. You are not guaranteed this when you order pet medicine online or from other sources. Pharmacists can help your dog live a happy, healthy life.

Categories
Drugs

Enbrel vs. Humira: Which One is Right for You?

There are many different medications available for people suffering from auto-immune diseases, and it’s difficult to choose which one is right for you. Today, we’ll focus on two of the main options: Enbrel vs Humira.

Auto-immune illnesses, including Crohn’s Disease (CD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Psoriasis, and Hidradentis Suppurativa (HS), are notoriously difficult to treat. Unlike an infection, which occurs due to colonization or invasion of harmful bacteria and viruses, the cause of the disease originates within the patient’s own body instead.

Essentially, the immune system either functions at an abnormally low rate, or it goes into overdrive, attacking the body’s own tissues instead.

 

Prescription Enbrel and Humira for Auto-Immune Illness

Drugs like Enbrel and Humira help patients with autoimmune disorders by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the body. TNF plays a critical role in immune function; by reducing its presence, attacks on tissue lessen, it reduces damaging symptoms like inflammation. This protects patients from permanent damage while increasing comfort.

Although they fall into the same class of drugs, and share certain properties, which is better between Enbrel vs Humira? We’ll help you get to know these medications and decide which one is right for you in this post.

 

What to Know About Enbrel

Enbrel (etanercept) is a biopharmaceutical drug that inhibits the production of TNF in the body. It helps patients with auto-immune diseases recover from active flares or disease while also slowing, or otherwise preventing, permanent damage to joints, skin, and other organs. It also suppresses overactive immune responses to stop the body from attacking its own tissues.

In most cases, Embrel comes as an injectable solution. If you are prescribed this drug, your doctor or pharmacist will likely handle the injection process for you. Over time, most patients are given the option to self-inject at home via a sterile syringe or SureClick® Autoinjector.

Dose can vary dramatically depending on:

  • The age of the patient
  • The severity of disease
  • Other medical conditions
  • Even treatment response

Because Enbrel is an immunosuppressant, it should be taken at the lowest possible dose to achieve results.

 

Enbrel Prescriptions

Enbrel is approved by the FDA for the treatment of:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PA)
  • Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Plaque psoriasis

Clinical trials are currently exploring whether it is an effective treatment for extended oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (eoJIA) and enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA). However, these treatments are still considered “off-label.” Thus, Enbrel may or may not be an option for you if you suffer from one of these diseases.

 

Enbrel Effectiveness

When used to treat one of the five FDA-approved conditions listed above, Enbrel has a remarkably high rate of effectiveness. For example, Amgen reports that patients with RA who were treated with a combination of Enbrel and methotrexate experienced almost universal remission with no progression of joint damage. This is why it is considered a “first line” treatment for the condition.

Studies show that Enbrel’s efficacy in treating other conditions (e.g., JIA and PA) varies depending on the patient and the condition. Still, the data is promising. Enbrel reports that 80 percent of all PA patients saw a significant improvement in symptoms.

Patients being treated for AS, on the other hand, reported a 36 to 46 percent improvement in back pain after taking Enbrel for at least 12 weeks. JIA patients also benefited significantly, with 94 percent reporting far fewer flares and an overall reduction in daily symptoms of the disease.

 

What to Know About Humira

Humira is the brand name for a drug called adalimumab. Like Enbrel, it works by suppressing TNF levels in the body, a substance that plays a critical role in overall immune function. This can help:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Damage to organs and joints
  • Pain
  • Other associated symptoms of certain auto-immune diseases

Humira is also typically delivered by injection, rather than by oral liquid, pill, or lozenge. The company provides their own automatic injection system and/or pre-filled syringes; your pharmacist or physician can help you decide which is best for your needs.

Like Enbrel, your pharmacist or doctor will need to show you how to inject the drug safely before you inject it on your own at home.

Humira’s dose varies depending on the condition being treated. Most patients begin with a lower starting dose; this protects the patient and ensures treatment can be stopped if rare side effects arise.

 

Humira Prescriptions

Humira is FDA-approved to treat:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Crohn’s disease (IBD/CD)
  • Psoriasis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
  • Ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa

It is also sometimes used to treat particularly difficult cases of uveitis, a condition involving inflammation of the eye.

Humira is one of the most common biologics prescribed for Crohn’s Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).  In fact, it is considered the “first line” choice for autoimmune gastrointestinal disorders of this nature.

 

Humira Effectiveness

As with Enbrel, Humira’s effectiveness depends on the patient, the condition being treated, and whether or not the drug is taken in combination with other medicines, such as methotrexate.

According to RheumatoidArthritis.org, around 20 percent of patients taking Humira for RA experienced a clinical response within six months. More than 60 percent of all patients were satisfied with the level of improvement they experienced.

The manufacturer’s clinical data also supports the use of Humira in Crohn’s Disease, claiming that most patients experienced “rapid remission” in as little as four weeks after starting the drug.

Results in JIA treatment were also promising, with most patients reporting a minimum 30 percent drop in flare frequency and an overall reduction in symptoms like pain, inflammation, and joint damage.

What is also interesting is that clinical data also shows that Humira was particularly useful for patients who lost response to other biologics. This may make it a good choice for treatment-resistant patients.

 

Enbrel vs Humira: Which is Best?

Truthfully, there are no easy answers to the question of comparison. Your own unique health picture will significantly influence whether or not either of these drugs is right for you.

Treating auto-immune diseases with biologics (of any kind) can be a tricky business; not every patient responds, and it isn’t always clear why. Sometimes, a bit of trial and error is needed to find the right solution, regardless of your condition.

Enbrel vs Humira: they are similar, and fall into the same drug category (biologics), yet they are not identical.

Here are the most common differences.

— Enbrel

  • Enbrel can be taken up to twice a week, while the dosing schedule for Humira is much more patient specific.
  • It is generally used once per week via a pre-filled syringe or auto-injection pen. Humira may be taken once per week or once every other week.
  • If you find Enbrel too expensive, a “biosimilar alternative” called Erelzi is available to the US market. Biosimilar alternatives to Humira do exist, but are not yet available for use in the United States.

— Humira

  • Humira comes in a much broader variety of doses than Enbrel.  This may make it easier to treat particularly sensitive patients and/or special patient groups.
  • At least one study identified a higher risk for injection site burning, pain, and swelling in patients who took Humira versus those who took Enbrel. This may or may not preclude you from being able to safely utilize the drug.
  • Only Humira is FDA-approved to treat Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

— Both

  • Both drugs treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

 

 

Common Questions About Enbrel vs Humira

How Do Prescription Drugs Help Auto-Immune Disease?

They block tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the body. These drugs help reduce inflammation and attacks on body tissue caused by TNF while increasing comfort.

What Are the Differences Between Enbrel vs Humira?

The dosing schedule, pricing, and risk differ between the two. There are also different uses of each drug (as approved by the FDA).

What Does Enbrel Help With?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and plaque psoriasis.

What Does Humira Help With?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s disease (IBD/CD), psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), ulcerative colitis (UC) and hidradenitis suppurativa.

 

Conclusion

TNF-blocking drugs are effective, but they should only be taken under the watchful eye of a physician or specialist. Never take Enbrel or Humira unless you have a prescription, and don’t allow someone else to take your medication, either.

While both drugs are safe and effective when prescribed to the right patient, they aren’t necessarily the right choice for every person. Depending on your lifestyle, there are other options for you to reduce pain.

Speak with your pharmacist if you have additional questions after reading this article.

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Drugs

Medication Half Life: Understanding How It Affects You

Medication half life can be confusing. If you know what to expect from medicine, you won’t feel the need to guess when taking it. Learn more!

Have you ever felt withdrawal symptoms after you stop taking a medicine, prescribed or over the counter? Have you ever taken medicine and wondered how long it takes to start feeling its effects?

These are questions that can be answered by understanding medication half-life, which affects you each time you consume a drug, whether it was a prescription or bought over the counter.

We have created a go-to guide on medication half-life, starting with a clear definition.

Medication Half-Life Defined

The medication half-life of a drug is the amount of time it takes for the drug’s main active ingredients to reduce by half in your body. It’s an estimated time used to determine when precisely 50% of a drug will be metabolized and exited from the body.

During this time, the chemicals in the drug are still interacting with your brain’s chemistry.

For example, if your instructions for taking medicine are to take a 20mg dose every four hours, there should only be 10mg left in your system in two hours. When you reach four hours, all the medicine should be metabolized and no longer in your system.

Certain factors can alter the half-life of a medicine.

Factors Affecting Half-Life

There are factors from the person taking medicine and also factors from the drug itself that affect half-life.

Gender, weight, height, ethnicity, and age are examples of factors of the human body. Further factors are a person’s blood circulation, diet, kidney and liver function, pre-existing conditions, obesity, smoking, and the use of other drugs, illicit or not.

Depending on the drug you take, factors influencing half-life can include the formulation. For example, some drugs are created to be extended-release while others are quick release. How the drug is administered makes a difference too.

If it is taken orally, the drug must pass through the digestive system before it enters the bloodstream. This is a much longer process than if the drug is injected directly into your bloodstream. IV administration means the drug will go into effect and exit your system much faster.

Other drug factors include whether the drug is made to exit your body, where it is stored in the body, and if it binds to proteins or not. Some drugs are created to have short half-lives, while others are designed for a longer half-life.

Short vs. Long Half-Life

There are differences between short and long half-lives. When a drug has a short half-life, that means the effects of the drug will arrive quickly. It also means the drug and the effects will leave your system quickly. Medicines with a short half-life must be taken multiple times throughout a day to feel the effects consistently.

Substances with a long half-life will take longer for effects to appear. But that also means the impact will last longer. It can take days or weeks for the drug to leave your system.

Short half-life drugs will produce more difficult withdrawal symptoms than long half-life drugs. Below are examples of medications with both short and long half-lives.

Drugs With Half-Lives

Anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax are considered to have a short medication half-life. The effects start to appear within an hour of consumption and only last about six to twelve hours, depending on the human factors mentioned above. However, there are some anti-anxiety drugs with longer half-lives, including Klonopin and Valium. With medications like this, it’s possible to develop a tolerance that can lead to addiction.

The same is true for short half-life drugs in the amphetamine category, like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Desoxyn, and Dexedrine. Amphetamines speed up your metabolism, which also speeds up the amount of time the drug is in your system.

Drugs with longer half-lives include those that affect the heart, like Pacerone. Anti-depressants like Effexor, Prozac, and Zoloft can have a half-life of two to four days. A drug called Aimovig used to treat migraines has a half-life of 28 days.

Most illicit drugs have short half-lives, making users more likely to become addicted. Heroin and crack cocaine, for example, can have a half-life for some of just minutes. Marijuana has the most prolonged half-life of about two weeks.

Why Understanding Half-Life is Important

If you take prescribed, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs of any kind, you must first understand what you are putting into your body. Do not take medicine just because a doctor or someone told you it would help ease symptoms you may be having. For one, most drugs create more side effects.

Ultimately, you are responsible for keeping your body safe. Doctors are rarely able to spend the quality time necessary with a patient to get to know all the factors that can influence medicine’s half-life in your system. Therefore, you must educate yourself on everything you consume.

Medication Half-life is essential when assessing the effects of drugs, like when they are working and when they are not. You may be tempted to take a double dose if you don’t think a drug is working fast enough. This could lead to overdose. Or, you may take more of an amount than prescribed to avoid breaks in the effects. Again, this could lead to overdose, as well as addiction.

If you know what to expect from medicine, you won’t feel the need to guess or make dangerous decisions when taking it.

Gathering more information on every substance you take is simpler than you may think.

Where To Learn More

Researching medicines on the internet is one of the most common ways to get more information. That is likely how you found this post. The key to successful internet education is to make sure the materials you read are from legitimate, professional resources.

The best way, however, is to ask your local pharmacist for guidance. They are the experts when it comes to all pharmaceutical drugs. The next time you visit your local pharmacy, take time to ask your pharmacist about the medication half-life of the medicines you take. Doing so could prevent adverse health events.

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Drugs

5 Benefits of Custom Prescriptions That You May Not Know

Nearly 4.2 billion prescriptions were filled in 2019, but did you know that rather than receive manufactured pharmaceutical prescriptions, you can get custom medications specialized to meet your needs?

The United States compounding pharmacy market industry is expected to reach nearly 5 billion dollars or more by 2027. This may be because people recognize the benefits of personalization, even with medications.

Rarely are there illnesses or diseases that are one-size-fits-all. So, why would anyone expect a one-size-fits-all medicine?

Further reported reasons for growth in this industry include an increasing geriatric population, convenience, and because there have been drug shortages with some medicines. Fortunately, pharmacists have recognized a need for improvement in this area and have provided custom prescriptions at their compounding pharmacy.

What Are Compounding Pharmacies?

Most pharmacies keep an inventory of common medications prescribed. The drugs arrive pre-made and pre-packaged. When you turn in your prescription, the pharmacist or technician will take the pre-made medicine and put it in a container with instructions specific to your doctor’s request.

The pharmacist may alter the medicine, but in limited ways, like cutting it in half. This type of delivery is most common.

However, across America, there are over 7500 pharmacies where the pharmacist is making medications from scratch. They follow a recipe and then alter it to meet the individualized needs of patients for whom a physician has given a prescription. Rather, these pharmacists are creating custom prescriptions.

What Are Custom Prescriptions?

Most medications you receive are made by a pharmaceutical brand name or generic name manufacturing company. Custom prescriptions are not available on a commercial basis. Only you have access to the medication made for you based on your doctor’s instructions.

Custom prescriptions can be made for almost any medical issue. The most commonly made custom medicines are for skin conditions, hormone replacement treatments, and pain management.

Pills and tablets are usually commercially made, and there is no need to compound them. However, it is more common for pharmacists to compound liquids, creams, ointments, lozenges, and suppositories.

Pharmacists must meet specific criteria to make custom prescriptions.

Who Can Make Custom Prescriptions?

Licensed and State board-certified pharmacists can compound medications. They receive guidelines and oversight by the state licensing boards. They must prove they are using safe ingredients and proper compounding methods for each medicine they create and must follow standards set forth by the United States Pharmacopeial Convention.

Benefits of Custom Prescriptions

There are many benefits of working with a pharmacist who can tailor medications to meet your needs. Below are five benefits you may not be aware of.

1. You Don’t Have To Worry About Allergies

Medications are made with the chemicals you need to heal and with ingredients that preserve the medicine and bind it or coat it. These added ingredients can present problems for people with allergies.

With custom prescriptions, your pharmacist can take your allergies into account and ensure they are not an ingredient in your medicine. They can add or remove ingredients as needed to ensure your safety.

For example, many people do not know that some medications contain gluten in the form of excipients. If you are allergic to gluten or have Celiac’s disease, this can lead to dangerous consequences. In this case, your compounding pharmacist would create a custom medication that does not contain gluten to ensure that your medication works properly while also keeping you safe.

2. Medicines Can Be Adapted to Your Preferences

Commercially made medicines usually come in standard sizes, shapes, and flavors. This means many people will be forced to use medications that are difficult to consume and taste bad. While most people find a way to take medicine no matter what, others will skip doses or stop taking them altogether.

Skipping doses or discontinuing use can result in more severe health concerns. A compounding pharmacist can help patients reach their health goals by creating medicines people do not mind taking as prescribed.

Your pharmacist can prepare medicines in many different forms, including liquids, creams, lotions, sprays, ointments, powders, and more. Likewise, they can create your medication with different flavorings, which can be beneficial for convincing children to take medication.

3. Gives You Better Access to Medicines

Commercial pharmaceutical companies seem to always be on the lookout for the newest medication to promote. In doing so, they stop promoting the older medicines that were just as effective. Many companies go further and stop making older medications.

If your doctor wants you to take one of the older, less accessible medicines, your pharmacist can customize it for you when it is not available elsewhere.

4. Your Pharmacist Knows Your Health

When a compounding pharmacist creates medicine for you from scratch, your safety is a priority. Therefore, they take the time to get to know you and your health. They check for possible drug interactions with others you may be taking, including over-the-counter drugs.

For example, if you have several medications for pain, your pharmacist can create a cream or lotion with those ingredients that make them much safer as a topical. If you were to take the medicines orally as pills, you might be taking too many medications.

You do not get this close attention at larger retail pharmacies.

5. More Accurate Dosing

Pre-packaged medications come prepared in doses that increase in specific increments. For some, none of the pre-made varieties are best.

Custom prescriptions can be made for the dose you need. Your size, weight, sex, and other factors will help to determine the correct quantity of medicine. With commercially prepared drugs, this is impossible.

Compound pharmacists can take all of these into consideration. This can help ease or eliminate potential side effects of medicines. This is especially helpful to children who have been prescribed a medication that is mainly created for adult dosing. Pharmacists can adapt the medicine for child safety.

Final Thoughts on Custom Prescriptions

Building a relationship with your pharmacist can benefit you and your entire family. At retail-only pharmacies, you are another number in the crowd. Compounding pharmacists take everything from your lifestyle to religious restrictions into consideration when creating medicines for you, your loved ones, and even your pets.

That’s right. Pharmacists can customize pet medicines to make it easier for them to stay healthy.

Depending on the medicine you need, you may even be able to save money with custom prescriptions. Additionally, other factors your pharmacist will review is your preference for a storage container and ease of access into the container.

Compounding puts you first rather than the giant pharmaceutical corporation. You deserve to be a priority when it comes to your health. Because your health issues are unique, so should be your medicine.

Reach out to your local compounding pharmacy today to see how you can customize your prescriptions.

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Drugs

What Medications Can Raise Blood Sugar Levels?

Increased blood sugar levels can be dangerous, especially for individuals who have diabetes. Managing your medication regime while being mindful of your glucose levels is extremely important, which is why you should know what medications can raise blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is the sugar found in the blood. Glucose gets into your blood by eating carbohydrates. The endocrine system and the pancreas keep blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low. Two specific hormones maintain balance, insulin, and glucagon.

Insulin sends excess sugar to the liver to be stored and used as energy in between meals. It is stored as glycogen. The hormone glucagon sends a signal to your liver to change the stored glycogen back into glucose so it can be released back into the bloodstream, providing energy for cells.

Normal blood sugar levels should stay near 100, but they will be lower for some, especially before eating anything.

At any given time, your blood sugar levels can become out of balance.

Things That Cause Blood Sugar to Rise

Many things can trigger a spike in your blood sugar. Foods high in carbohydrates, processed, and with added sugars are known culprits. Foods high in saturated fats can worsen insulin resistance.

Surprising factors contributing to a rise in blood sugar include skipping breakfast, a sedentary lifestyle, hormonal changes, and poor dental health. Stress and inflammation in the body also contribute to a spike in blood sugar by releasing the hormone cortisol, making your body sensitive to insulin.

Some reports claim sunburns and artificial sweeteners will increase blood sugar levels.

Finally, there are medications you may not be aware of that can affect blood sugar balance.

Which Medications Can Raise Blood Sugar Levels?

Both over-the-counter and prescription medicines can raise blood sugar levels and cause them to increase. Before taking any medication, it’s essential to talk to your pharmacist about side effects such as rising blood glucose.

If you currently struggle with pre-diabetes or diabetes and find it challenging to keep your blood sugar levels consistently lowered, other medicines you are taking may be the cause.

Below are some of the most common medications that can raise blood sugar levels.

1. Over-the-Counter Medicines

When you have a cold or the flu, it’s natural to take decongestants and cough syrups. However, these products contain sugar, which means these medications can raise blood sugar levels. Search for sugar-free varieties instead.

Some vitamins, like niacin, have been shown to increase glucose in the bloodstream. The same can happen with some prescriptions, like steroids.

2. Anti-inflammatory Medications

If you have arthritis, joint or muscle pain, asthma, or allergies, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or steroids. If you take steroids orally or by injection, they will enter your bloodstream and change glucose levels.

Steroids can prevent insulin from doing its job, causing insulin resistance and signaling the liver to release stored sugar back into the bloodstream. If this happens over a long period, the chances of getting Type 2 Diabetes are higher.

3. Mental Health Medications

Both antidepressants and anti-psychotic medications can interfere with how the body metabolizes insulin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can worsen glycemic control, while tricyclic antidepressants can cause hyperglycemia, another term for high blood sugar.

4. Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Medications

Statins and beta-blockers lower cholesterol and blood pressure. These medications are critical in preventing a stroke or adverse heart-related event. However, these medications can increase blood sugar levels.

Statins are used to lower LDL or bad cholesterol. Studies have shown statins are connected to higher blood sugar, and people are at risk of developing diabetes. Researchers found that statins prevent insulin from doing its job.

Doctors still recommend statins to millions of people each year, claiming their benefits from preventing a heart problem outweigh the chance of getting diabetes.

Blood pressure medicines with diuretic properties were the type tied to an increase in blood sugar levels. We know that dehydration can lead to raised blood glucose levels, so you could be negatively affected unless you are keeping up with your intake of fluids.

5. Antibiotic Medications

Certain antibiotic drugs have been studied and found to cause glucose levels to fluctuate. Examples include:

  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Levofloxacin

All are in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. Some disagree that it is the antibiotics that increase blood sugar levels, but rather the illness itself.

Because blood sugar levels are individualized, results can vary greatly. The most important thing to know about blood sugar levels is how to recognize signs that yours have spiked.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Levels

You do not have to have all the following symptoms to have an increase in glucose levels. Even one symptom can be a sign to check your levels.

If you notice your desire to drink liquids has increased or find yourself frequently urinating, check your blood sugar levels. Other signs include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

For some, unexpected weight changes, constant fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent headaches can signal a glucose problem. If you have sores that don’t heal properly, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, and skin changes such as rashes or dry patches, check your blood sugar levels for inconsistencies.

Talk To Your Pharmacist

It is a good idea to document all your symptoms and, as soon as possible, take this information with you to the pharmacy. Your pharmacist is an expert in medications, and they know which medications can raise blood sugar levels.

Ask for advice. Simple tips and tricks like changing the time of day you take your medication, taking it with or without food, and avoiding drug interactions can be given to help insulin do its job.

Your pharmacist can teach you how to check your blood sugar levels throughout the day using the most modern and effective technology.

Because continually increased blood sugar levels can be dangerous, it’s important to know when to call the doctor or go to the emergency room. Your pharmacist can also provide information on how to quickly reduce blood sugar spikes, like taking a brisk walk, drinking water, and getting adequate sleep.

Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, talk to your pharmacist today and be proactive in maintaining good health.

And if you need more information about how a compounding pharmacy can help, contact Burt’s Rx today! We offer services such as pediatric compounding, pet compounding, compounded medication for pain management, BHRT, and dental compounding.

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