Category: Medicine

These posts provide information about different types of medicine. However, we highly suggest you contact your doctor before deciding to take medicine.

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Compounding Medicine

Solutions to Treat an Allergic Reaction to Medication

If you have ever experienced a drug allergy, I am sure you are fully aware that it is ‘no joke.’ For those of you who haven’t experienced it ever, let me describe it to you briefly and how opting for compounding medication can help prevent a future allergic reaction to medication.

What is a Drug Allergy?

It essentially is an allergic reaction to medication or a ‘particular’ medication. This happens because your immune system starts reacting to the drug. Common symptoms of drug allergy include fever, rash, and difficulty in breathing. You will be surprised to know that only 10 percent of negative drug reactions are caused by a true drug allergy. Any other allergic reaction to medications are merely a side effect of the drug. It is important to differentiate the two in order to take the right action.

Why Does an Allergic Reaction to Medication Occur in the First Place?

Let’s see why some people get an allergic reaction to certain medications. Your immune system is responsible for protecting you against certain diseases and is designed to fight foreign invaders like parasites, bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Sometimes, your immune system can mistake a drug from these harmful invaders and starts making antibodies that attack the drug. It leads to increased inflammation which can result in rash, difficulty breathing, and fever. Sometimes, this can happen the very first time you take a particular drug, and other times, it occurs several times without any problem.

Are Drug Allergies Dangerous?

Well, drug allergies aren’t always dangerous. Sometimes, the symptoms of a drug allergy are so mild that they go unnoticed. Other times, it isn’t anything more than a slight rash. However, there are times when a drug allergy can be life-threatening and could lead to anaphylaxis which is a life-threatening whole-body reaction to the drug occurs within 12 hours of taking the medicine.

Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, swelling, and unconsciousness. It is fatal, so if you or someone near you experiences it, call 911 right away or visit the nearest emergency room.

Allergic-Like Reactions

Certain drugs don’t cause anaphylaxis but can create a similar reaction. It is common with the following drugs: morphine, aspirin, chemotherapy drugs, and certain dyes used in X-rays. This reaction doesn’t involve your immune system and doesn’t qualify as a true allergy, either. The symptoms and treatments can be very similar to a true drug reaction, though.

Drugs Which Commonly Lead to Drug Allergies

Different drugs will have different impacts on different people. With that being said, an allergic reaction to medication is more prone to certain drugs than others. These include but aren’t limited to antibiotics, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, anticonvulsants, drugs used in monoclonal antibody therapy, and chemotherapy drugs.

Differences Between Side Effects and an Allergic Reaction to Medication

An allergic reaction t affect certain people that involve the immune system and results in negative side effects. It is important to know that a side effect can also occur in any person taking a drug, but it is different from having an allergic reaction as an immune system response.

For instance, aspirin is used to treat pain but can lead to an upset stomach. The helpful side effects include minimizing the risks of a heart attack and stroke. Tylenol is used to treat pain and can lead to liver damage. Nitroglycerin is used to widen blood vessels and boost blood flow, which improves mental functioning as a side effect.

Possible Treatment of Drug Allergies

The management of drug allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. If the drug causes a severe reaction, it needs to be avoided entirely. Your doctor will most likely offer a replacement for the drug that doesn’t cause a reaction. If the reaction is mild, the doctor will still prescribe it for you while prescribing another drug to control your reaction to the medication. The goal of these medications is to block the immune response and minimize symptoms. Some of the possible options include:

Antihistamines

Your body starts to make histamine in response to a substance it assumes to be harmful. The release of histamine triggers allergic symptoms like itching, irritation, and swelling. The antihistamine blocks the production of histamine and helps to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction: pills, eye drops, creams, and nasal sprays.

Corticosteroids

An allergic reaction to medication can result in swelling of the airways and serious symptoms. Corticosteroids help to minimize inflammation which leads to plenty of problems. They come in various forms, such as pills, nasal sprays, eye drops, powders, liquids, and creams.

Bronchodilators

If a drug allergy results in wheezing and/or coughing, the doctor recommends a bronchodilator. It helps to open up the airways, which makes breathing easier. Bronchodilators come in both liquid and powder forms which makes them the ideal option for inhalation purposes.

Long-Term Outlook for Allergic Reactions to Medication

Surprise! Surprise! Your immune system doesn’t stay the same for your entire lifetime. Sometimes, your allergy weakens, goes away, or becomes worse with time. It is crucial to follow the instructions of your doctor in this regard. If your doctor asks you to avoid a particular drug, do so.

There are times when your doctor will be able to spot the allergen in a particular drug and eliminate it with the help of compounding. That calls for the expertise and experience of a compounding pharmacist. A compounding pharmacist will work with your healthcare provider to ensure the drug doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Please note that it isn’t possible in all cases, and you might need to avoid the drug altogether.

Always listen to your doctor’s instructions in this regard. And if they tell you to avoid the drug or give any other instructions, stick with those. We hope you found this article informative and helpful! If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments section below, and we will get back to you shortly.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for informational purposes only and isn’t meant to be used as a source of medical advice. Always reach out to your healthcare provider in case you think you’re experiencing an allergic reaction to medication and listen to your doctor’s instructions.

Categories
Compounding Medicine

Why Does Medicine Taste Bad? Here’s How Compounding Can Help!

Nobody likes to consume a bitter-tasting medicine, especially children. There is a reason for it. Children’s tastebuds are more sensitive to bitter tastes, which makes swallowing a tablet much more difficult. The problem occurs when a kid dealing with a life-threatening illness simply refuses to take the medicine essential to save their life. So, why does medicine taste bad for children? And is there a remedy?

Luckily, there is a solution, and a compounding pharmacist can alter the taste of the medicine to make it taste better and save a patient’s life.

Contribution of Dr. Jeremy Bartlett

A few years ago, a group of pediatric cancer patients refused to take a drug that was tested in the form of an oral solution. The patients said that the medicine tasted spicy, almost like tabasco. The problem was that these patients were critically ill, and the potential drug was the only thing that could help keep them alive.

The situation was presented as a challenge to Dr. Jeremy Bartlett, who is an associate research fellow with Pfizer Drug Product Design in Groton, Connecticut. As per Dr. Bartlett, “This drives me with a passion. We have potential medicines, but need to mask their taste profiles so that pediatric patients may be more willing to take them.”

For the past four years, it has led to a Pfizer initiative working with a broad multidisciplinary team to create better-tasting medicine for kids. Around 90 percent of pediatricians report that the taste of the drug is the biggest barrier to completing children’s treatment. That is a critical situation that needs to be tackled. Luckily, compounding pharmacists have played a part in making medicines taste better and competing for children’s treatments.

Molecules to Medicines

Researchers spend years discovering all different kinds of molecules that can treat and cure illnesses. But very little time in determining how these molecules will be delivered to the patient in the form of a potential medicine. That is where drug product design comes into play. It covered everything from formulating controlled resealed tablets and oral solutions to transdermal patches. Dr. Bartlett specializes in ensuring that a drug is safe and effective to be delivered to patients.

When it comes to creating medicines for kids, it isn’t as simple as taking an adult medicine and adding berry flavor to it. It isn’t a vice to treat kids as older adults when it comes to medicine. They have very different metabolisms, stomach sizes, transit times of medicines, and responses. All these elements come into play when designing perfect medicines for kids.

The Balance of Flavor

The drug product designers are working tirelessly to formulate the right balance of flavor, which brings us back to our original question: why does medicine taste bad for kids?

Why Does Medicine Taste Bad for Kids?

Believe it or not, children are more sensitive to flavors than adults. Moreover, 10 percent of the children have elevated taste receptors that could make a particular drug acceptable to the majority but not to those 10 percent of children. Formulating drugs for global consumers come with its own set of challenges. For instance, a banana-flavored medicine might be popular for kids in the US but not in Asia.

For the past years, Bartlett and the team have been working tirelessly to resolve the issue of pediatric drugs. According to them, the best flavor is no flavor, just like water. Making medicine taste like water would be the ultimate solution, but it will take a long time for the solution to come into practice. As per Bartlett:

“If we don’t have to worry about a child swallowing a medicine – if we can remove that battle for parents – and make taking medicines like drinking a glass of water, that would be a huge step forward.”

Poor Taste and Irritation – Elimination

Dr. Bartlett and his colleagues are working on a new innovation in drug product design. The new taste-neutral drugs are tiny spheres that are used as oral multiparticulates. Each sphere is covered with a tasteless barrier membrane that prevents the release of drugs into the mouth. It prevents the drug from interacting with taste receptors in children, which eliminates the problem of poor taste and irritation in kids.

One dose of this type of drug might contain thousands of od multiparticulates that will be packed in a sprinkled capsule, sachet, or stick pack. These multiparticulates won’t feel gritty or unpleasant and will travel smoothly through the mouth, resulting in a pleasant experience. While this seems like a lot of effort, Dr. Bartlett and the team have formulated a new pediatric drug which is still in the clinical testing phase. He said, “It’s a long process that takes time and resources, but our whole team is focused on getting medicines to the kids who need them,… A potentially significant improvement over where we were, and so far no complaints.”

As we know that creating a new type of drug is more than coating a pill with sugar, especially if you are dealing with a super picky eater or taster.

What is the Solution to a Massive Revolution?

Until neutral-tasting drugs come into the market and are widely available, we all need an alternative to bitter-tasting drugs. Compounding pharmacists can help you out immensely in this regard. They cannot only change the formulation to suit your kid but also add flavoring to the medicine, which makes the process of medicine administration much easier. Compounding pharmacists work with the pediatrician to ensure your child is getting the right dosage.

We hope you found this post informative and helpful! If you have any questions, leave them down in the comments section below or visit Burt’s RX online, and we will get back to you shortly.

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Medicine

Nausea Medicine for Pregnancy: A Compounding Pharmacist to the Rescue?

Can a compounding pharmacist help with nausea medicine for pregnancy? Read below.

Pregnancy is surely an exciting time but the symptoms don’t make it a very smooth journey. Your body is undergoing a lot of changes and stresses. It sometimes welcomes a bunch of unwanted symptoms. One of the most awful symptoms of the first trimester is nausea and vomiting. While there are many prescriptions for nausea and vomiting, they aren’t all suitable for pregnant women.

Moreover, not all medications suit all women. That is where compounding medication comes to the rescue.

Who is a Compounding Pharmacist?

A compounding pharmacist is very different from a traditional pharmacist. A compounding pharmacist is geared towards solving your healthcare problems and works closely with you and your doctor to devise a suitable option for you that is deemed safe. A compounding medication gives you a quick relief by converting the conventional pills into various forms which makes it easier for ingestion and prevents side effects. By customizing a patient’s medication, the compounding pharmacist is able to solve the most complex problems for you.

Management of Nausea in Pregnancy

Research suggests that a pre-emptive treatment in early pregnancy helps minimize the severity of symptoms and has a great impact on a pregnant woman’s health and overall quality of life. Studies show that most women don’t receive appropriate information about lifestyle changes and drug treatments.

When the symptoms continue to persist despite making lifestyle, dietary and non-pharmacological interventions, finding medication is required. Do not take any medications without consulting your doctor and stay away from OTC drugs.

Types of Nausea Medicine for Pregnancy

Following are some of the most commonly used drug treatments during pregnancy:

Pyridoxine

Pyridoxine is considered to be the first-line therapy and can be used with antiemetics.

Doxylamine with Pyridoxine

A tablet combining doxylamine 10 mg and pyridoxine 10 mg is available for the treatment of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Research shows that it is generally effective and well-tolerated by most pregnant women. You can purchase these medicines separately as well after consulting your healthcare professional.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a pregnancy category C drug.  It is not recommended to take it in high doses during late pregnancy. If used without proper care, the phenothiazines can cause prolonged neurological disturbances in the unborn child. In early pregnancy, it is considered to be fairly safe though.

Metoclopramide

Metoclopramide is a pregnancy category A drug and is commonly prescribed antiemetic in pregnancy. It is quite reassuring in terms of safety but does not have an indication in terms of the drug’s efficacy. In fact, a lot of pregnant women say that it is completely ineffective when it comes to controlling their nausea.

Ondansetron

Although ondansetron has limited safety data in pregnancy, it is often prescribed for women with hyperemesis gravidarum. You shouldn’t consider it as a first-line therapy in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mirtazapine

Mirtazapine is essentially an antidepressant that blocks 5-HT3 receptors but is also used as an alternative drug when antiemetics fails to treat hyperemesis. It generally works well in women who fail to respond to other anti-nausea medications.

Corticosteroids

The use of corticosteroids must be limited in pregnant women dealing with intractable nausea and vomiting. It is advised to have a regular medical follow-up as steroids are not meant to be taken for extended durations during pregnancy.

None of these medications are as effective and safe for pregnant women as compounding meds.

How a Compounding Pharmacist Eases Your Pregnancy Woes?

Nausea and vomiting are hands down one of the major problems of pregnancy. For most women, the symptoms only last for the first three months. However, for some, it can even linger on to the second and third trimesters.

Unfortunately, traditional anti-nausea medicines fail to help most pregnant women and call for compounding pharmacies. A compounding pharmacist takes your individual needs into account and creates a formula that works well for you. Most women are unable to swallow pills and capsules due to extreme nausea. Sometimes, the compounding pharmacists convert the meds into a liquid or a lollipop for easier administration. A customized medication will ensure that it is safe and effective for you.

Other Benefits of a Compounding Pharmacist for Pregnant Women

The benefits of compounding are not limited to nausea medicine for pregnancy. It can also offer you relief in other cases:

Hemorrhoid Relief

Another major concern in the second and third trimesters is hemorrhoids. While it won’t seem like much of a nuisance under normal circumstances, it can add to the discomfort of pregnancy and make you feel very uncomfortable. Talking to your compounding pharmacist can be of huge help in this regard. A pharmacist will take your medical history into account, review your symptoms, current medications and create a customized cream/gel that brings you relief, minus the side effects.

Stretch Marks

One of the biggest physical concerns women have while being pregnant is stretch marks. With the changing body, stretch marks can take a toll on your confidence levels. Unfortunately, traditional creams available in the market won’t be of much help. A compounding pharmacist can take a prescription from your doctor and combine it with skin-soothing ingredients to make these products completely safe for you and your child. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to treating stretch marks.

Help with Lactation

Breastfeeding isn’t as easy as most people show it on social media platforms. It is more than popping a nipple in your child’s mouth. The first thing you can do is to prepare your nipples for the job ahead if you don’t want to end up with cracked nipples and painful feeding experience. Avoid using over-the-counter nipple creams and opt for a customized cream created by a compounding pharmacist.

In Conclusion

It is important to be very cautious of your medications while pregnant. Avoid purchasing over-the-counter medications and always consult your doctor prior to selecting the medication. We hope you found this article helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them down in the comments section below.

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Medicine

What’s the Best Allergy Medicine for Kids?

Spring season is here, which means allergy season as well. Here’s what to know about the best allergy medicine for kids.

It is awful to see your children struggling with allergies. While you can’t cure these allergies completely, there are ways and medications to control the symptoms and make your child feel better. Kids are affected by all sorts of allergies; pollen, dust bed mites, food, you name it. There are multiple kinds of medication available to treat allergies in kids.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best allergy medicine for kids. Without further ado, let’s get started.

Antihistamines

Without a doubt, Antihistamines are the longest-established allergy medications. They dampen the allergic reaction by suppressing the effects of histamine in tissues.

For mild symptoms, doctors generally recommend over-the-counter versions. Children who are unable to swallow the tablets can opt for syrups, chewable tablets, and melt-away forms of Antihistamine. They are great for controlling the itchiness that accompanies hay fever, hives, and eczema. Sometimes, doctors will recommend nasal sprays to ease congestion and breathing.

Antihistamines can sometimes cause mild drowsiness after the first dose. This is something to keep in mind.

Decongestants

If your child suffers from hay fever, antihistamines can stop the runny nose, sneezing, and itching but they won’t have any significant impact on nasal congestion and stuffiness. Decongestants are given along with an antihistamine to cover a range of symptoms.

Decongestants are typically taken orally and can cause stimulation in children. Children might show one of the following symptoms post taking a decongestant; being hyper, feeling anxious, having trouble sleeping, and/or a racing heartbeat. Due to these side effects, doctors won’t recommend using decongestants for long-term usage.

The treatment can be given topically with the help of nasal sprays or drops. Be very careful with the use of these medications and avoid using them on a long-term basis as it can lead to a rebound effect.

Cromolyn

Cromolyn sodium is typically recommended to treat nasal allergy symptoms. It can either be used every day to prevent chronic problems or for a limited duration to counter the symptoms of allergy. The medication is easily available in the form of a nasal spray and you can get your hands on it without a prescription. Your child can use it 3 or 4 times a day. Nasal cromolyn has negligible side effects but its potency is not high. As it requires frequent administration, children might struggle with consistency.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids aka steroids or cortisones are a very effective treatment for allergies and are effective for a wide variety of symptoms. They primarily come as skin medications; creams and ointments. They also come in the form of nasal sprays, asthma inhalers, pills, and liquids.

The topical creams are mainly used for children struggling with eczema.  Based on the severity of the rash, it can be applied once or twice a day. Nasal sprays have a compound derived from cortisone and work amazingly well for patients with nasal allergy problems. Typically, once-daily dosing is enough to treat the symptoms. Best results can be seen if it is used on a regular basis. No problems are seen in patients who use the medication on a long-term basis.

Allergy Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, allergy shots, are sometimes recommended to minimize your child’s sensitivity to airborne allergens. This form of treatment involves giving a child, the material he/she is allergic to with the help of an injection. The goal is to alter the immune system, making him/her less allergic to that particular material.

It is important to note that not every problem can be treated with allergy shots. However, the treatment of respiratory allergies to dust mites, pollen, molds is usually very successful. At present, sublingual immunotherapy is available to treat allergies for grass pollen and ragweed pollen. It is important to note that these treatments are given a few months before the season. Immunotherapy can also work wonders for cat and dog allergies in some patients.

Another thing to note is that immunotherapy takes some time to work and demands commitment and patience. The treatment is given by injecting stronger doses of allergen extract once or twice a week at first, and then gradually for longer intervals. You will be able to see the maximum effect in about 6 to 12 months.

Your child will start to feel better within a few months of getting immunotherapy. The injections might continue for three to five years before your doctor starts to make a decision on whether to continue with the treatment or not. For most children, this is highly effective and symptoms do not return even when the treatment is stopped.

Compounding Medication

When it comes to treating allergies in kids, compounding is hands down one of the best choices. Children and medicine don’t typically go hand in hand especially when there are multiple medications involved. A compounding pharmacist will alter the taste of medications to make them taste better, provide individualized strengths and dosage forms and make the process of medication administration less stressful for both you and your child.

  • Flavoured Medicine

Most medications can be transformed in order to make them more appealing. From ugly, awful tasting things to colorful flavored ones, you can surely encourage your child to take the meds without altering the effectiveness of the medication.

  • Unique Dosage Forms

A lot of children find it difficult to swallow the capsules and tablets especially when they have to take more than one medication throughout the day. To solve this problem, your doctor and compounding pharmacist can prepare alternate dosage forms that make the entire medication administration process easier. A compounding pharmacist can turn the pills into various forms such as oral liquids, lollipops, topical gels, and effervescent drinks.

  • Strength and Ingredient Variations

Every kid is unique and has different needs. Some kids have varying drug intolerances and have unique requirements. A compounding pharmacist can make your drug sugar-free, gluten-free, casein-free, soy-free, or dye-free and make it suitable for your child’s unique needs.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article informative and learned more about the possible options for treating allergies in children. Please do not substitute the information present in this article for the doctor’s advice. This article is meant to be used for information/learning purposes only.

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Medicine

Taking Multiple Medications? How Compounding Improves Your Routine

How do you deal with a solid routine when it comes to taking multiple medications? Read further for the details.

A lot of chronic conditions require patients to take multiple medications for proper management. It is especially true for those struggling with diabetes and heart disease. Stats show that half of Americans take a minimum of two prescription drugs in addition to different vitamins. In most cases, multiple medications are required to treat single or multiple conditions. It can be quite challenging and difficult to remember.

If you are also taking multiple medications, compounding will be very helpful for you.

The Risk of Multiple Medications

While multiple medications are necessary to treat medical conditions, it comes with certain drawbacks. Firstly, it is very difficult to remember taking multiple drugs during the day. Forgetting to take the meds or taking the wrong dosage can lead to long-term health conditions and ineffective treatments. There is always a risk of unwanted drug interactions and side effects.

Compounding Comes to the Rescue 

This problem can be solved if your health care provider finds a way to consolidate medication. Imagine how much relief it would give you to replace several medications with one or two pills. This can be achieved with the help of compounding and can have fantastic benefits for you. Compounding combines multiple drugs into one dosage of choice. Essentially, each medication becomes an ingredient, and compounding pharmacists turn it into a pill.

Compounding Can Improve Your Health 

Compounding enables you to take one pill instead of multiple ones. It helps patients stick to their daily medication and the chances of forgetfulness are greatly minimized. With consistency, patients are able to take full benefits of taking the drug which translates into healthier, happier patients.

Removing Pesky Side Effects

Sticking to the daily routine of multiple meds could be derailed due to the multiple side effects. A lot of patients have undesirable side effects and refuse to take certain medications on the days they are not feeling great. If your pharmacist is aware of the problem, he can work together with your health care provider and eliminate the side-effect causing ingredients from the formula or offer a replacement. Any allergy-causing ingredients can also be eliminated and improve the convenience of patients sticking to the therapy.

Altered Form for Of Medication 

Another benefit of compounding pharmacy is its ability to alter the drug form. For instance, it can turn a pill into a syrup and wise versa. It can be extremely helpful for people who have trouble swallowing or taking the drug orally. In certain cases, a compounding pharmacist can also turn certain oral drugs into topical medications. The goal is to integrate the medication into your daily routine and not the other way around.

Bringing It All Together 

When it comes to prescription medications and supplements, the efficacy is highly dependent on consistency. Taking multiple drugs on a daily basis is inconvenient, to say the least. Moreover, polypharmacy can sometimes be quite dangerous. Compounding ensures that patients are receiving all the essential medications in a single dose.

This simple change improves efficacy and effectiveness. However, it is very important to take your doctor on board and then process their advice to achieve the best possible outcome.

Enhance Your Medication Management

With the busy lifestyles and age, we can tend to forget to take medications which is never a good idea. This is especially the case with older adults and young children. Compounding can make medication management easier for you but converting multiple medications into a single pill, syrup, topical medication, and injectables.

Put Your Time to Better Use 

I know you have faced this at least once in your lifetime. If you have to purchase multiple medications, chances are one pharmacy will not have all of these meds in place. In most cases, you will need to visit a couple of pharmacies to get all your prescriptions. By opting for a compounding pharmacy instead of a regular one, you can actually put your time to better use instead of hopping from one pharmacy to another.

Add Flavor to Your Meds 

If you are taking care of a child who has to take multiple meds, you can understand how hard it is to make them consume the medication. No one can force a child to eat something bitter. It is sometimes the case with older adults as well. A compounding pharmacist can alter the flavor and smell of your meds to make them easier to consume. It can be a life savior if you have fussy kids and promote better consumption.

Customized Dosages 

If you are someone who requires special attention and in-depth care, a standard pharmacy selling commercial drugs is not the most suitable option for you. This is especially true if you demand different doses. If you opt for the lowest/highest dosage available, it might not work well for you.

A compounding pharmacist can custom-develop quantities that are made for you. You don’t have to settle for anything less, at least not in terms of your medication. Moreover, it meets your exact needs which can make a huge difference to your treatment. The right medication for sensitive patients can help avoid adverse side effects and improve your medical conditions.

Final Takeaway 

At Burt’s Good Neighbor Pharmacy, we are highly committed to helping you achieve your health care goals. Whether it is treating everyday conditions to achieving personal wellness, our pharmacy care team members can find solutions that fit you like a glove and improve your quality of life. With over 40 years of experience as your local pharmacy serving the community, we know what would work best for you.

Compounding can come in handy when you are taking any kind of medication for managing single or multiple conditions. This is especially true if you are taking a lot of medicines on a daily basis. It is time to take your healthcare provider on board and explore compounding medication. If you have any further questions regarding the benefits of compounding, feel free to reach out to us and we would love to help you out.

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Medicine

What Happens If You Take Expired Medication?

What happens if you take expired medication? Learn more about this topic below.

Do you know that over 130 million Americans use at least one prescription drug? We all have medication lying around the house that is unused, well past its expiration date. Not sure particularly why but using expired medication has always been a topic of debate. Many people wonder; does expiration date mean anything? Should people throw away the meds that are past their expiration date or is it safe to use them?

The main reason behind this debate is the cost of medication which can truly add up over time. In this article, we are going to dive deep into the subject and see what happens if you take expired medication. Without further ado, let’s get going:

First, Does Medicine Expire?

Similar to food, medication needs to have an expiration date on the packaging by the law. However, the expiration date doesn’t necessarily translate into your medication getting expired. With that being said, there are exceptions as certain medications change in storage which impacts the efficacy. While there are certain medications that are completely safe to use a few months past the expiration date, it is not recommended due to temperature and storage conditions.

Discarding Prescriptions

Pharmacists do not recommend using a certain medication past the expiration date. Using unused and expired drugs can lead to misuse and abuse. With 18 million cases, the practice is growing at a rapid rate. Make sure to read the label as the provider utilizes specific disposal instructions.

Moreover, the best way to safely dispose of expired and unused medication is via a local drug take-back site. If you don’t have one near you, make sure to flush the medication at the garbage disposal. Another great option is to mix it with dirt/coffee grounds and toss the pills in the garbage. You can protect others from disposing of all the pain-relieving medications.

Storing Medication

The correct storage of medicine is very important in extending the drug’s potency. Make sure to store it in a cool and dry place. Medicine chest and kitchen cabinets are the right options. Do not keep them in damp and moist spaces. Protect the medication from direct heat and sunlight. In some cases, you will be required to store the medication in a refrigerator (if that’s the case, you will be informed). More importantly, keep the medication out of the children’s reach.

Toss the Expired Medication When You Are in Doubt

There is an expiration date on your medication for a reason. There are many cases when expired medication can be unsafe or not effective. It can pose a serious threat to your health. Health is very important to be neglected. It is always advised to purchase fresh medication if your previous ones have expired. Follow all the disposal instructions, given by the recommendations of the pharmacist in the name of health and safety.

Safety Issues of Expired Drugs

Over time, the chemical and physical elements of medication can change drastically. It can lead to plenty of safety issues. Look out for physical signs of change such as discoloration, and changed smell. Using an expired medication can lead to many health hazards.

Some of them are listed below:

Abuse

In the United States, prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high. Keeping unused/expired medications such as Xanax can lead to drug abuse. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns against abused prescription drugs. They can lead to accidental overdoses and addiction.

In addition to this, there is always an increased likelihood of children or pets taking the drugs down, leading to serious health problems and even death.

Taking Expired Anti-Anxiety Pills

One of the most commonly used expired drugs is Xanax. This is an anti-anxiety medication that people sell or give to their family members or friends. If the medication is expired, it can lead to a variety of problems. Moreover, taking Xanax without a prescription is counted as drug abuse. It is not a risk worth taking.

Stomach Damage

There are times when taking expired medication can severely damage your digestion and stomach. It can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. Moreover, it can cause severe stomach damage in case of children and older adults.

Reduced Efficacy

Efficacy is an important factor to consider when taking medication because it essentially affects the ability of the drug to produce the desired effect. Expired Medication fails to treat all the minor and major conditions; ranging from headache, common cold to diabetes, heart disease, and blood pressure. As a result, you might end up in the hospital especially if you are dealing with chronic illnesses.

Summing Up

Ultimately, taking expired pills in any way shape or form is a risky business. On one hand, it can pose a serious threat to your health. It can also lead to drug abuse especially in the case of medications related to mental health. Hence, it is very important to dispose of the medication right away. Not only, you are protecting yourself from the damage, you are also helping prevent potential abuse of the drug by other people around you.

If you or anyone around you has accidentally taken an expired medication, it is advised to immediately connect with your nearest healthcare provider to prevent any serious problems.

If you still have any questions about medication use or would like to know more about compounding, feel free to reach out to our team. We would be more than happy to help you out.

Medical Disclaimer

Burts Rx aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with any physical or mental conditions. We believe that every patient has unique needs and that is where compounding comes in. We have licensed compounding pharmacists on board that work together with your doctor to devise a perfect solution for you.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, and diagnosis. Do not use it in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers.

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Medicine

Everything to Know About Cold and Flu Medicine for Kids

What is there to know about cold and flu medicine for kids? All the tips and information can help. Read further on now.

With the temperature turning colder, nearly all of us come under the effects of the weather. Children are more prone to getting cold, flu, and stuffy nose. It is very difficult to see your child dealing with a cough or stuffy nose. Children under the age of 5 are at a higher risk of getting affected during the chilly months.

As cold and flu are viral infections, antibiotics generally don’t help. There are certain steps you can take to improve the immune system of your children and educate yourself about the medication so that they heal at a faster pace.

Steps to Ensure Healing

Here are a few steps that you can take to help your child heal quickly:

Offer Fluids

The first thing you have to do to minimize the symptoms of cold and flu is to keep them hydrated. Fevers often result in dehydration which is never a great thing. It is common for your children to not feel thirsty while being sick. Hence, it is important that you encourage them to drink fluids. Some of the signs of dehydration are dry lips, soft sunken spots on the skin, less frequent urination, and decreased activity. Milk, natural juices, soups, and water are all great sources of hydration. After consulting with your doctor, you can also give them an oral rehydrating solution.

Help Them Breath with Ease

Your first thought would be to get a nasal spray. However, the over the counter medical nasal sprays are not recommended for young children. There are other things you can do to help clear out the stuffy nose of your child and help them breathe.

Keep a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room. It helps to break up the mucus. Make sure to clean the humidifier between each use. Saline nasal sprays and drops also work really well for young children.

Aid the Cough

If your child is over a year old, give them about 2 to 5 milliliters of honey a few times a day. It helps ease the cough of younger children. Give them warm water instead of room temperature water. A combination of ginger tea and honey also soothes the throat.

Promote Rest

Your children need rest to recover. Make sure they are dressed comfortably. Avoid using heavy blankets or layering as it can make them feel hotter. A warm water bath can help them wind down and sleep comfortably.

Cold and Flu Medicine for Kids

First things first, do not give your child any medication without consulting with a doctor first. It is important to educate yourself about the medications though.

Cold and flu are caused by a virus so antibiotics do not work against them. Most doctors will prescribe antiviral medications to help your child feel better. Please note that it will take 1 to 2 days for your child to start feeling better. Let’s discuss some of the most commonly used medications:

  • Relenza (Zanamivir) – It is a Diskhaler that is suitable for children over 7 years of age. Relenza works really well for influenza type A and B and is administered by inhalation.
  • Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is suitable for children who are 2 weeks older or above. It is available in the form of capsule and oral suspension and works for both Influenza type A and B.
  • Symmetrel aka Amantadine is an older medication used to treat Influenza type A. It is also effective for the prevention of flu in children older than 1 year.
  • Flumadine (Rimantadine) – It works wonders for the prevention of Type A Influenza and is used for children below 10 years of age.

Note: All these medications listed here are for educational purposes. Please do not give any medication to your child without consulting with your doctor.

Importance of Compounding Medication for Children

Medications and children don’t mix well. It can be quite challenging to give medication to your children especially when they are 2 years older or above. Even then, some kids find it extremely difficult to swallow pills. The limited options in medications make the process even more challenging. That is where pediatric compounding comes to the rescue. Pediatric compounding overcomes the challenges and tailor creates medicines for children.

Why Is It Useful?

Most children’s medication comes in chewable and liquid formulations. However, it doesn’t mean that they taste great. The taste alone makes the child repellent to taking the medicine. Crushing and swallowing the pills might not be a great option as some pills are meant to be swallowed. Compounding medication comes to the rescue and creates medications that are more suitable for children and are aligned with the medical needs. Some of the alterations are:

  • Creating flavored medications
  • Liquid sweet medication
  • Topical creams, lotion, gels, and foams
  • Medicines that resemble lollipops
  • Dissolvable troches
  • Popsicles
  • Suppositories

Other Uses of Pediatric Compounding for Children

The benefits of Pediatric Compounding are not limited to the dosage form. It enables your pharmacist and pediatrician to work together and create a medicine that is tailored perfectly to the individual needs of your child. With compounding, multiple ingredients are combined to overcome barriers that come with the normal pediatric medications that are listed below:

Allergies or Sensitivities

Certain medications contain sugar, soy, gluten, and dyes. These medicines are not suitable for people who are allergic to them. Compounding medication creates medicine, minus the ingredients that can cause allergies.

Unpalatable Medications

Compounding medicine can add color and flavor to the medicine which makes it more appealing to children in terms of looks and taste.

Pediatric Dosing

Certain medications only come on adult dosing but compounding pharmacists can make it more useful for children and reduce the side effects.

Final Takeaway

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. It is important to protect yourself and your children against changing weather. Keep them warm, teach them to wash their hands often, and avoid cold food items such as ice cream and colas during winter months.

Last but not the least, always consult a doctor prior to using any medication.

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Medicine

Stelara vs Humira: Which is Right for You?

What’s the difference between Stelara vs Humira? There are factors to consider to help you decide which is best for you. Read on.

Stelara and Humira are biological medicines used to treat immune system conditions. Both these medicines work great and have their own benefits and risks. Biological Medicines are essentially a class of drugs that are made up of naturally occurring molecules including sugars, proteins, and in certain cases living cells/tissues.

Both Stelara and Humira treat autoimmune diseases including Crohn’s and psoriatic arthritis. A lot of patients are confused about which one of these two meds will work for them. While your doctor can certainly make a better choice, it doesn’t hurt to be well informed.

In this article, we will discuss the details, benefits, and side effects of both so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

Humira – A Brief Introduction

Humira is a brand name for adalimumab. This medicine is used to treat a number of long-term illnesses that can negatively impact your immune system. It works greats for psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and issues with the digestive system. This is administered to the body with the help of an injection pen.

Individuals struggling with these conditions typically have higher protein levels that are termed as tumor necrosis factor-alpha that leads to body inflammation. Humira essentially works by attaching itself to the proteins and hinder their working. It dramatically reduces inflammation and the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Stelara – A Brief Introduction

Stelara is a brand name for ustekinumab. It is used to treat autoimmune conditions. This medication essentially targets two proteins; interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23) in your body. Excessive production of IL-12 and IL-23 results in excessive inflammation in the human body.

Stelara blocks the activity of these proteins and makes your body healthy.

Stelara vs Humira: The Difference

We have established that both Stelara and Humira work by targeting the proteins and impacting the immune system. However, both are very different in terms of impact, risks, side effects, and more. Let’s dive deeper and look at some of the major differences:

How Stelara and Humira Work?

Both Stelara and Humira work by dampening the activity of your immune system to reduce inflammation. Both the medicines are prescribed by doctors for long-term use.

Crohn’s Disease

Studies show that 6 out of 10 people respond really well to Humira for Crohn’s disease. After continuing the use for a year or more, 1 out of 3 people reported no flare-ups associated with the medicine.

On the other hand, Stelara benefits nearly fifty percent of the people struggling with Crohn’s disease. Once patients start using Stelara, some of them completely stopped the use of steroids to control their symptoms.

Psoriatic Arthritis

As per the clinical trials, about 57 percent of the people on Humira (for six months) showed improvement in their symptoms by 20 percent.

In the case of Psoriatic arthritis, the results were very similar for patients who used Stelara. About 50% of the people showed 20% improvement after using the medication for six months.

Side Effects of Humira and Stelara

The side effects can vary from patient to patient. Some people experience nearly all of the side effects while others don’t experience any. Let’s discuss the most common ones.

Side Effects of Humira

Following are some of the most common side effects of using Humira:

  • Headaches are fairly common.
  • Skin reactions that include swelling, itching, and sometimes pain.
  • Cold, sinus infections, and pneumonia.
  • Pain in the stomach.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Skin rash.
  • Musculoskeletal pain.
  • Mood swings.
  • Dehydration.
  • Depression and trouble sleeping.

Side Effects of Stelara

Following are some of the most common side effects of Stelara:

  • Respiratory infections.
  • Vomiting.
  • Headaches.
  • Yeast infections, mainly vaginal infections.
  • Fatigue and tiredness.
  • Urinary Tract Infections.
  • Itching Sensation around the treatment site.
  • Shortness of breath (rare symptom. If occurs, see the doctor right away).
  • Lung inflammation (rare symptom. If occurs, see the doctor right away).
  • Allergic reactions; feeling faint, swelling, hives, and chest tightness.
  • Skin reactions such as redness, itching, and slight swelling.

Risks Associated with Stelara and Humira

Both these medications block the activity of the immune system. This is how they work but it can be risky as it can reduce the natural bodily defenses. It increases the risk of getting a serious infection such as TB or pneumonia. This is the reason health care professionals closely monitor their patients who are taking these medications. Proper monitoring can help with the detection of signs of infections.

Patients who are taking Stelara or Humira are advised to avoid live vaccines.

How to Take Stelara and Humira the Right Way?

Doctors advise patients to take these medications over an extended time frame to see a considerable improvement in their condition. These medications are administered by injections as they cannot be taken orally. Both these meds do not survive in the gut.

In most cases, patients are given an injection pen so they can inject themselves easily. The dose varies from person to person depending on the severity of their condition.

Are There Any Alternatives to These Medications?

Both Humira/Stelara treat mild to moderate symptoms of autoimmune diseases. There are other alternatives to these medications such as steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors prescribe Humira/Stelara only when all other treatments fail to work.

Only a doctor can decide which treatment will work best for you.

Takeaway

Both Humira and Stelara are biological medications used to treat autoimmune diseases. They work by dampening the activity of the immune system and reduce inflammation if used on a long-term basis. All these medications are given to patients under proper monitoring to ensure there are no serious side effects.

These biologics can trigger infections such as TB and pneumonia. The healthcare team monitors the side effects to ensure your health isn’t compromised.

Both medications work well for patients. It is important to take your healthcare provider’s opinion in this regard. Your doctor knows what is best for you and will prescribe you one or the other based on your health condition.

Trust your doctor completely in this regard and make sure you follow all the instructions given by the professionals religiously.

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Medical Tips Medicine

Medication Safety Tips to Know

Medication safety is incredibly important and at times, we may forget how careful we should be. Here are helpful tips to always keep in mind.

With the availability of over-the-counter medications, the urge to self-medicate has increased over the years. The right medication, in the right quantity for specified intervals, can work wonders to improve your health when prescribed by the doctor. However, if you have a habit of taking over-the-counter medication as you see fit, it can be harmful to you.

Medications do have certain side effects, and it is important to be fully aware of them. Medications are there to improve your health, not work the other way around.

In this article, we will discuss all the relevant medication safety tips. Without further ado, let’s get going:

Importance of Knowing Your Medication

  • Always be aware of the name of your medicine. We are talking about the formula name, not the brand name here.
  • Learn about the right dose of medication from your doctor and never alter it yourself.
  • It is important to learn about what does a particular medicine treats and what is it for.
  • Learn how to read labels and the right way to take a particular medicine. For instance, there are certain medications that can only be taken on an empty stomach while others must be taken after a meal.
  • Learn about the side effects of medications.
  • If you are taking any non-prescription medicines, make sure to inform your doctor about them. Sometimes certain medications don’t mix well.
  • Certain drugs do not bode well with alcohol, pain killers, and supplements. It is important to discuss this aspect with a doctor before starting a new pill.
  • Be aware of what measures you need to take in case you forget to take a dose. These things often happen due to our busy lifestyles, and it is crucial to be aware of the proper protocol.
  • If you have allergies, make sure that the new drug won’t cause or trigger any allergies.

Take Your Medicine in the Right Way

  • The correct dose is of utmost importance. If you consume a liquid or powder medicine, always use a measuring tool to ensure the correct dosage.
  • Do not split capsules or tablets unless it is instructed by your doctor.
  • The timing of medication matters a lot. Stick to the time doctor has suggested. It is good to place a reminder on your phone.
  • If there are certain medications that you have to take for longer durations, renew them time to avoid running out.

Importance of Medication Safety

  • Keep your medication away from heat and avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
  • If you have pets and kids at home, you have to be extra careful. Keep the medications in a place that is out of reach of your children and pets.
  • Avoid storing medications in the same cabinet as household cleaning supplies.
  • Do not take the medications out of their original bottles. Most people use pill cases, but it is not recommended.
  • Store your medication in a dry space.

Medication Safety While Being in the Hospital

  • It is crucial to identify yourself to the nursing staff clearly before taking the medication from them.
  • It is essential to let your health care providers know about the medications you are consuming.
  • Let the staff know about any possible allergies you have or if certain medication triggers a side effect.
  • Ask the staff to inform you about the medications you need to take once you leave the hospital.
  • If certain drugs are causing any side effects, it is important to inform the hospital staff and doctors about these effects, taking certain measures accordingly.

General Tips

  • Let your pharmacist and doctor know if you do not prefer a particular medicine (whatever the reason may be; side effects, price point, or availability problems).
  • Always know the generic brand name of a particular medicine.
  • Purchase the same medication you are prescribed from the pharmacy and never go for an alternative without discussing it with your health care provider.
  • Listen to your body and be aware of all the medicine allergies.
  • Report the side effects (if any) to your healthcare provider immediately.
  • Have a thorough discussion with your doctor/pharmacist about lowering the dose to prevent kidney, liver, or age-related issues.

Kids and Medication Safety

  • Make a point to your children that medication will always be given by you or any other adult at home. They shouldn’t be allowed to take medicine by themselves, and it is not safe and not recommended.
  • Some caregivers and parents make the mistake of referring to medication as candy or a treat. You shouldn’t do it as children can feel fascinated and try it on their own.
  • Keep the medications out of your children’s reach, preferably in a lock, so they cannot access them under any circumstances.
  • Follow the dosage instruction thoroughly and never alter the dose.
  • Teach your children about the importance of taking medication responsibly. Educate them and help them understand how it will benefit their health.
  • Take help from some animated educational videos that teach children about the right way to take medicine and its importance.

What to Do in Case of an Emergency?

Despite taking all the precautions, accidents can happen. Certain medications can have severe side effects. You must have the emergency contact number of the nearest medical facility with you at all times. Call them immediately and get the help you need. Such situations call for expert help. Do not try to manage on your own.

Final Thoughts

Medicines are one of the best inventions that have come out of science. We now have a cure for many diseases, live longer and healthier lives. With that being said, there is a downfall of it all.

When taken correctly, it is a huge blessing. When taken irresponsibly, it can lead to a ton of harmful consequences.

Always listen to your pharmacist and doctor when it comes to dosage, medicine type, and precautions. We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions, concerns, or queries, let us know, and we will get back to you shortly.

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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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