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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Medicine

11 Dangerous Food and Drug Interactions to Know

It may come as a surprise that sometimes food and drug interactions can react poorly when utilized at the same time – here is what you should know.

It is a common part of life that, as we age, we tend to depend more and more on the assistance of pharmaceuticals to keep our bodies running smoothly. Unless you are fond of reading the tiny print that comes packaged with your pills, you may be unaware that some of the foods you are eating can negate – or even make dangerous – the medications you are using.

Food and Drug Interactions to Avoid

When a food reacts negatively to a medication that you are using, that is called a food and drug interaction. The following are some of the medications and supplements which come with specific food warnings. Next time you speak with your prescribing doctor, be sure to ask about any potential food interactions that may apply to your, specific, medication regimen.

1. Digoxin and Fiber

We are told that a breakfast of oatmeal is good for the heart, but this may not be the case if you are a person who is prescribed digoxin for heart regulation. Fiber interferes with the absorption levels of digoxin into the bloodstream, which means that the life-saving effect of the drug is decreased. It is generally recommended that you limit your intake of fiber while taking this medication, or that you time your fiber intake to be spaced apart from the time that you take your digoxin medication.

2. Sildenafil and Grapefruit

If you are utilizing erectile dysfunction (ED) medication, think twice before you sip that grapefruit cocktail during a romantic night out. Up to 40% of men over 40 struggle with ED, and that percentage increases with each decade of age. For many of these men, taking ED medication becomes the fix for the problem. The sildenafil in erectile dysfunction medications works by relaxing blood vessels. Eating or drinking grapefruit can contribute to an increase in the levels of these drugs in the blood stream, and can result in side effects such as headaches and dangerously low blood pressure.

3. Calcium and Antibiotics

Many of us are aware that discovery of antibiotics revolutionized our ability to treat illnesses and infection. However, there are many foods you should eat while taking antibiotics, and others that you should avoid. What many are not aware of is the fact that ingesting calcium can interfere with the ability of antibiotics to do their job, creating food and drug interactions that can lead to negative consequences. Antibiotics are absorbed into the body through the gut lining. Calcium coats the antibiotics while in the digestive tract, making it difficult for the body to absorb them. Don’t let your nightly glass of milk stand between you and your ability to recover from infection.

4. Antithyroid Drugs and Iodine

More than one out of a hundred people in this country have the problem of an overactive thyroid. For many of these folks, medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil become lifesavers. These drugs inhibit the amount of thyroxine that the thyroid produces, and prevent the body from absorbing iodine. Introducing excessive iodine into the mix through eating high-iodine foods – such as seafood –  can result in an iodine overload. Side effects of too much iodine in the body include liver problems, rashes, and hives.

5. Tyramine and MAOIs

For those suffering from depression, certain medications prescribed may require careful food planning. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) keep the body from breaking down the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals, and it does this through blocking the production of tyramine. Adding excess tyramine to the diet – such as through consuming aged cheese, preserved meats, or beer – while simultaneously taking MAOIs can result in dangerously high blood pressure levels.

6. Vitamin K and Warfarin

Vitamin K supplements are recommended for those who are in need of better blood clotting capabilities. Warfarin is a blood thinner, which is typically prescribed to those who have experienced dangerous instances of blood clotting. As apparent, these two factors are utterly at odds. People who are taking prescription blood thinners would do well to consult with a doctor about the risks of high intake of vitamin K.

7. Bananas and ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are prescribed to help with reducing blood pressure and relieve strain on the heart. ACE inhibitors also increase the levels of potassium that are in the body. The high levels of of potassium in foods such as bananas can be a dangerous addition. When combined with the already-increased levels of potassium produced by the ACE inhibitors, adding too much potassium-rich food to your diet can cause heart palpitations and irregular heartbeat.

8. Grapefruit and Statins

The delicious and nutritious grapefruit strikes again when it comes to those who rely on statins to reduce cholesterol. Like with the ED medications, grapefruit can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the effects of the statin medication. The inability to metabolize the medication means that there is a risk of too much statin building up in the blood stream, which can result in side effects that range from muscle pain to kidney failure.

9. Insulin and Alcohol

When it comes to dangerous interactions between what we are consuming and what medications we are taking, alcohol tops the list of things to be wary of. In regard to the insulin medication that those with diabetes rely upon, alcohol can interfere with its ability to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. Alcohol not only prevents the body from naturally regulating insulin, it can eventually render the insulin medication ineffective.

10. Alcohol and Stimulants

The undesirable effects of alcohol continue when it comes to taking stimulants, such as those prescribed for ADHD. Alcohol is a depressant, which means that it works to slow the body responses down. Stimulants do the opposite, and increase the body’s ability to stay on alert. Consuming a depressant and a stimulant at the same time does not mean that they cancel each other out. Instead, the body can react to the confusion by shutting down cognitive and physical functions.

11. Acetaminophen and Alcohol

Alcohol primarily impacts liver function. While the liver is busy breaking down the alcohol, it is unable to attend to the other tasks at hand. Acetaminophen does its pain relieving work after being broken down in the liver. If the liver is too busy with the alcohol to attend to the acetaminophen, dangerous levels of this over-the-counter drug can build up. The result can be fatal, such as with liver failure.

Conclusion

These food and drug interactions can lead to health problems and cause a dangerous reaction. If you have questions about potential food and drug interactions, contact your local pharmacy today!

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Medicine

The Beers List of Medications for Aging Adults: What to Know

Many aging adults have never heard of the Beers List of Medications, but this list is incredibly important in managing your health.

As we age, many of us often find ourselves grappling with chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, Diabetes, or Arthritis. The kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal tract also become less effective at filtering out toxins or substances. This includes the food you eat and the medications you take each and every day.

These natural changes alter the way our bodies absorb medications.

Bioavailability (how much of the drug your body is able to use versus how much is flushed out as waste) changes, as does the half-life (how long the drug stays in your system). What once worked flawlessly to treat your condition may actually become risky to take as you age, producing undesired side effects and dangerous complications.

The older you grow, the higher your risk of side effects.

The Beers List of Medications for Aging Adults was created to help you identify potentially dangerous medications and stay safe without jeopardizing your ability to treat conditions. Here’s what you need to know about it and how to use it to protect your health.

 

What is the Beers List of Medications?

Dr. Mark Beers and his colleagues first created what is now referred to as “The Beers List” back in 1991. Regulated by the American Geriatrics Society, the list receives regular updates every few years, with the last update formally published in 2015.

The Beers List of Medications is published as a tool for physicians. However, older adults and caregivers should be familiar with it. It is also available to the general public for anyone who wants to better understand their own pharmacological care.

The Beers List categorizes medications in three groups:

  • Medications to avoid in all older adults
  • Medications to avoid in older adults with certain medical conditions
  • Medications that should be used cautiously with any older adult

These categories may be distinct, but they are also non-rigid. In some cases, a drug may be present in more than one category (such as older adults with certain medical conditions and cautious use) or just one.

The Most Commonly Mentioned Drugs

All drugs on the list have been graded by a panel of geriatric care experts who have also consulted the American College of Physicians’ Guideline Grading System. The grading system splits the drugs into high, moderate, or low risk categories, with different guidelines for testing and trial size for them to qualify.

1. Cardiovascular Drugs

Cardiovascular drugs are the most commonly-mentioned drug on the Beers List of Medications. As per CDC statistics, approximately 61 percent to 79 percent of individuals over the age of 65 have high blood pressure. Most take medication for it, but only a small percentage actually have their blood pressure completely under control.

Because high blood pressure is a warning sign of other potential heart issues, doctors must use caution when prescribing blood pressure medications to the elderly without doing a more in-depth investigation for other conditions. Some medications, like beta blockers or diuretics, are considered better first-line drugs for treating high blood pressure, while others, like clonidine, carry higher risks.

2. NSAIDs

The second most mentioned subcategory of drugs on the Beers List of Medications is Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

These are commonly prescribed for:

  • Injury recovery
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Conditions like arthritis, but carry a significantly high risk for liver, kidney, and G.I. damage. This includes high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, and even perforations of the bowel.

In elderly patients, they may also cause dizziness and increase fall risk.

 

Over-The-Counter Drugs

It’s important to understand that the Beers List of Medications contains both over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Some of the most tried-and-true products you’ve been using most of your life may stop being safe once you reach a certain age.

Benadryl, for example, has been around for ages, yet it is on the list of drugs that no one over the age of 65 should take. This is largely because it causes sedation, clumsiness, and dizziness in some patients.

Specifically Mentioned Drugs to Avoid

There are dozens of drugs on the Beers List of Medications; but you’re probably more familiar with the drugs we’re about to cover here. From Naproxen to barbiturates like Fiorinal, here’s what to watch out for.

1. Naproxen

Individuals in high risk groups should avoid naproxen.

This is because of the potential risk for developing a GI bleed or a peptic ulcer. This is an over-the-counter pain reliever that helps with headaches, menstrual cramps, and other everyday aches and pains. Patients with arthritis and gout use this drug to control pain and swelling.

2. Diazepam

This drug should be avoided in older adults because they may be more sensitive to benzodiazepine drugs.

Risks include falls, cognitive impairment, and an increased chance of involvement in a car accident. This is a commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety medication that falls into the benzodiazepine family. It can also help to treat seizures, muscle spasms, and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

3. Estrogen

Estrogens are on the Beers List because they may rarely raise the risk for heart attacks, strokes, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer.

Estrogen is part of a group of steroidal hormones that promotes the characteristics of female development; it also maintains them throughout life.

Older adults typically take estrogen supplements during and after menopause and/or to treat gender dysphoria, although the latter is much more common. These drugs may be available with or without additional progestins.

4. Testosterone

Men over the age of 65 should avoid testosterone supplements.

This is because they may have an excessive impact on the heart. Men who have had prostate cancer should be especially careful to avoid them, as testosterone feeds these cancers.

Testosterone is the hormone responsible for male characteristics; it declines as you age.

5. Antihistamines

You should avoid antihistamines altogether if you’re over 65 (including Benadryl).

Several drugs fall into this class, including brompheniramine, clemastine, doxylamine, meclizine, and triprolidine. The problem with these drugs is that they may increase your risk for confusion, dizziness, falls, and even delusions. This is especially true if you have early-onset Dementia.

While diphenhydramine is also on the list, it is a fairly safe option for severe allergic reactions.

6. Barbiturates

Barbiturates such as amobarbital, butalbital, and phenobarbital should be completely avoided.

Changing body composition makes seniors especially susceptible to dependence, but this is really only the beginning.

Barbiturate drugs are also intensely sedating. This can cause older adults to fall or even fall asleep while engaging in dangerous behavior (such as driving or using the kitchen stove). It is also extremely easy to overdose on this category of drugs, even if the dosage is low.

 

Conclusion

Feeling confused about what you can and can’t take? The Beers List of Medications can help you identify your risk factors and figure out which drugs you should be cautious about taking.

However, it’s important to note that your doctor is always your best line of defense.

If they suggest a drug, it’s because they judge the benefits to outweigh the risks – regardless of your age! Your pharmacist is your closest ally in wellness, especially when it comes to the medications you take each and every day.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to them and ask them to cross-check all of your medications each time you change or add a drug (including OTCs). It’s always better to be safe than sorry; your health is worth it.

 

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Medicine

How To Refill a Prescription Without Going to the Pharmacy

For some people, medication is not just a luxury, it’s an essential part of daily life; but how do you refill a prescription without going to the pharmacy? 

COVID-19 is changing our world. What many of us took for granted, such as the simple ability to leave home to shop, is now a much more serious undertaking with a significant amount of risk attached to it. Some areas, including parts of California, have even enacted curfews and lockdowns in an effort to keep people safe.

While these measures are difficult to deal with, they are necessary. Limiting personal contacts is one of the best ways to reduce transmission. This, in turn, reduces fatalities and prevents hospitals from becoming overwhelmed.

But what do you do if you need essentials, such as medications? As a responsible citizen, you want to do everything you can to stay healthy. This includes avoiding personal contact with others whenever you can. But you can’t exactly stop taking your medications, either – that’s risky in its own way.

3 Ways to Refill a Prescription Without Going to the Pharmacy

The good news is that pharmacies are still open and filling prescriptions for clients just as they always were. But that doesn’t mean you have to go in to refill a prescription or even pick up essential medical supplies. Most pharmacies are now offering alternatives to help you access what you need without arriving in person.

Here’s what we recommend.

1. Ask About Curbside Pickup

Many pharmacies are now offering curbside pickup for prescriptions and/or contactless exchange options. You’ll still head over to your local pharmacy as you normally would. But instead of getting out of your vehicle and entering the store, a pharmacy team member will bring them out to you or even place them in your trunk for you instead. This lowers the risk of transmission significantly.

In most cases, you will need to call ahead for contactless pickup options – and you may need to pay for your medications before you arrive. Most pharmacies will have the ability to accept Visa, Mastercard, or Visa/MC Debit over the phone.

Note that you can also request curbside pickup for many non-prescription medications and/or personal care products. This includes:

Don’t be afraid to ask about contactless pickup for these, too.

2. Try Delivery Instead

Depending on the services your pharmacy offers, you may be able to have your prescriptions delivered right to your door. This completely eliminates the need to leave your house for any reason and makes accessing your medicine easy.

Just as with contactless prescription refill and pickup, accessing delivery is as simple as calling ahead to let the pharmacy know what you need. You can refill a prescription, or request medical supplies, and sometimes, even basic food items or non-essential personal care supplies (including toilet paper). Payment is made over the telephone with a pharmacy team member, who then schedules your delivery on the spot.

In most cases, prescription delivery is free. Plus, deliveries are often the same day or scheduled for the next day instead. This makes it fast and easy to access what you need without needing to put yourself at risk.

3. Order Your RX Via Mail

Some pharmacies are now implementing mail order medication services. This service is virtually identical to delivery, but may be accessible via an online order through a secure website instead. You simply choose the medication you want to fill, enter your personal information, and choose how you want to pay. It’s really no different than shopping on Amazon or Walmart.com as long as you order from a registered pharmacy (preferably your usual provider).

You can order both new and old prescription fills via the mail. If the script is new, the pharmacy will have you fax, email, or scan a copy of your prescription to them so they can verify it with your doctor. You may also have your doctor fax in a prescription on your behalf. Once the pharmacy confirms it, they’ll fill your order and send it through the mail as quickly as they can.

Some mail order pharmacies even allow you to schedule regular deliveries for daily medications. You’ll add payment information in advance and then indicate when you need a refill. The pharmacy ensures it arrives by the time you need it every single time. This helps prevent forgotten refills and thus, missing one or more doses.

Tips for Picking Up Prescriptions If You Do Need to Go

There are exceptions to the options suggested on this list. Some people may just feel more comfortable going to the pharmacy, while others take controlled medications that cannot be mailed or delivered due to local laws.

If you have to refill a prescription and go into the pharmacy to pick it up, know that your pharmacy care team is more than happy to provide you with service – even during COVID-19. Most are already taking extra steps and special measures to ensure the safety of both clients and workers and to reduce the risk of transmission inside the store.

Here’s what you can do to stay safe, and help keep your pharmacy care team safe, when you come.

  • Wear a mask – If you have COVID-19 symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or a fever, wearing a mask will help protect others around you from getting sick. There’s also some evidence that masks might at least lower your risk for breathing in droplets when others sneeze or cough around you. Most research shows that N95 masks are the most effective in this regard. In addition, some places require you to wear a mask before entering stores, so it’s best to have one.
  • Wash your hands – Do this before you leave home and after you return from your trip to the pharmacy. This is the best way to prevent COVID-19! You can also use a high-alcohol-content hand sanitizer before leaving your vehicle and after touching surfaces known to host germs (such as door handles).
  • Call ahead – By letting the pharmacy care team know you’re coming, you give them a chance to get everything you need ready when you arrive. This limits the amount of time you need to spend in the store, thus lowering the risk of transmission for everyone involved.
  • Fill all medications at once – Try your best to schedule your refills for the same time rather than ordering prescriptions one by one. This helps to reduce the amount of times you have to leave your home while also making it easier for the pharmacy care team to ensure you have everything you need. If your refill schedule is currently staggered, you may be able to get a partial or prorated fill to help ensure the next refills all fall on the same day.
  • Don’t wait until the last minute – It’s smarter to schedule a refill at least a day or two in advance than to leave refills to the last second. This is especially true in a pandemic when COVID-19 could cause medication shortages, or more rarely, temporary pharmacy closures. Plan ahead for success.
  • Come early – If your doctor prescribes you six months worth of medication, have the whole six months filled at once instead of a month at a time. While the initial cost will be higher, it will also prevent you from needing to come back into the pharmacy multiple times. Note that this may not be an option for narcotics and other scheduled prescription medications.

Final Thought

Taking care of your health is more important than ever – that includes taking all prescription medications as prescribed as per your doctor’s orders.

If you’re worried about coming into the pharmacy, or aren’t sure which arrangements to make, please know that your pharmacy care team is happy to help you find solutions. All you have to do is pick up the telephone and make that call.

Common Questions for Burt’s Pharmacy

Does Burt’s Pharmacy Offer Delivery?

Yes, we offer free delivery for prescriptions, over the counter medication, and medical equipment at no cost

Is Burt’s Still Open?

Yes, all locations are currently still open for your health needs.

Can I Transfer my Prescriptions?

Absolutely, you can always transfer your prescriptions to Burt’s Pharmacy. You can do so here.

 

 

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Medicine

Why You Need Prescription Delivery

During this time of crisis, it’s incredibly important to do everything you can to stay safe. If you’re in need of essential prescriptions, your pharmacy may offer prescription delivery straight to your home.

To say that Americans are facing trying times right now is an understatement. The COVID–19 pandemic has left many people worried, anxious, and afraid, both for their own health and safety and their ability to access  necessities. This is especially true for people who take prescribed medications that must be refilled on a regular basis.

Some patients worry about having prescriptions refilled in the first place. Others might worry about the risk of transmission associated with leaving the house to pick up a prescription instead. Prescription delivery makes this process easier while also carrying these important benefits.

1. Lower Your COVID-19 Risk

Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) currently recommend that people stay home and self-isolate. There’s a good reason for this: COVID-19 needs contact in order to spread.

But contact doesn’t necessarily have to be direct; it can be indirect, too. This includes touching a surface (e.g., a doorknob) previously touched by someone infected with the virus. This is referred to as “community spread.”

Of course, disinfection does help – but you can only control your own environment and your person. And there’s evidence to show that coronavirus germs might live on surfaces for far longer than first expected.

Ultimately, the fewer direct or indirect connections you make, the lower the risk you will encounter COVID-19. This is why health professionals recommend limiting your risk by staying indoors, avoiding other people (social distancing) and wearing gloves or masks in the first place.

Having your medications delivered eliminates a significant number of contact points, right from the pharmacy door all the way to sick people you might meet along the way. You need only encounter another person when you accept your prescription from the delivery driver – and most take advanced precautions to keep you safe.

2. Greater Convenience

You live a busy life – or maybe you’re just busy healing at home. Prescription delivery is effective, efficient, and incredibly convenient. Instead of having to find the time to run out for your medications, you can simply telephone the pharmacy and ask them to deliver to your door instead.

Working? That’s okay – most pharmacies can deliver to your office or place of business, instead. This might be especially beneficial to you if you are an essential worker who simply cannot be at home for delivery times right now.

Some pharmacies offer extended delivery options; this can be even more convenient. Ask about including add on over-the-counter drugs or medical supplies, such as Aspirin, Tylenol, or wound care supplies. You may be able to have these delivered alongside your usual prescription medications.

3. Easier to Rest and Heal

Are you already sick with something other than coronavirus? Perhaps you struggle with a chronic condition or are recovering from surgery. Prescription delivery lets you stay at home and rest, rather than struggling to find a way to get to the pharmacy just to pick them up. It also limits:

  • Stress
  • Exposure to other illnesses (like cold or flu)
  • Even helps prevent the risk of infections other than COVID-19

The reality is that when we’re sick or recovering, the best thing we can do is remain at home and rest. That’s true both in the middle of a global pandemic and on a very normal, average day!

4. Schedule Prescription Delivery

Do you often find yourself forgetting to refill or pick up medications? You might be surprised to learn how very normal this is! In fact, it’s one of the most common reasons for medication noncompliance (patients neglecting to take their medication as prescribed) in America today.

Usually, people don’t mean to forget about refills – it’s an unintentional result of having an incredibly busy life. But that doesn’t help much when a patient goes to take their nightly medication and realizes they don’t have any left. When this happens, the individual may have to wait days or even skip doses – especially in a pandemic.

Your pharmacy can fix this for you by scheduling medication deliveries when they’re needed most. If you have a weekly, monthly, or even quarterly refill on file, they can be delivered either on or just before the due date. Your prescriptions show up right when you need them and you’re never at risk of going without.

5. Refill Over the Phone

Hate waiting at the pharmacy when they’re busy? You’ll love prescription delivery! In most cases, all you have to do is call the pharmacy by phone and ask them to fill your prescription again. New initiatives may even allow your pharmacy to provide you with temporary renewals if you don’t have anything on file.

If you’re worried about filling prescriptions over the phone – maybe you feel as if they won’t get enough attention or can’t ask questions – rest assured this simply isn’t the case. You’re still welcomed and encouraged to speak with the pharmacist about any aspect of your treatment, either when you order a refill or at any point in the future.

However, there is one exception we must note. If you’re about to start taking a new medication with a specific delivery format (e.g., insulin), you might need to drop by for the first fill. This just allows the pharmacist to teach you how to use your medication safely and reliably – but you can still schedule delivery afterward.

6. Safer Medication Transport

We’ve all picked something up from a store only to toss it in the dash or backseat on the way home. This can happen with medications, too, and when it does, the repercussions can be very serious. For example:

  • Injectable insulin must be kept refrigerated; if it becomes too warm, the drug itself degrades and loses effect.
  • Nitroglycerin, which is often prescribed for blood pressure issues and angina, can explode if left in a vehicle dash or anytime it becomes too hot.
  • Even oxygen supplies – e.g., tanks and lines – are risky to forget in the car because they can explode.

There is even a risk of having your medications stolen if you leave them in the dash and someone breaks into your car. In some cases, such as with regard to narcotic prescriptions like opiates, getting a refill after this happens can be very challenging.

Conclusion

Prescription delivery eliminates the risk of forgetting your medications, full stop. They’re delivered to your door directly into your hands. Plus, the vehicle driven is a trained professional who understands safe transport. The risk of degradation, theft, loss, or even dangerous hazards such as fire is greatly reduced.

 

Read More: 

7 Benefits of Having your Prescriptions Delivered
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Medicine

Puppy Principles: Everything to Know About Dog Pain Medication

There are many types of dog pain medication, but knowing when to use them, and which ones are safe is imperative. This guide explores the different medications for dogs, and what you should know about them.

When your dog is in pain, the inner caretaker in you wants to do everything you can to help her find relief as quickly as possible. In fact, you might even consider giving your dog the same medications you take for a headache.

Unfortunately, this can be incredibly dangerous if you aren’t aware of the associated risks. The truth is that, while there are safe dog pain medications available, few of them are found at home in the medicine cabinet.

The best way to address your dog’s pain is to schedule an appointment with your vet to seek a diagnosis. But getting to know dog pain medication, how it works, and what you can safely give from home also helps.

 

The Risk Of Giving Human Medicines

It’s late and your senior dog is limping and whimpering in pain. You know it’s because of her arthritis; unfortunately, you can’t get to the vet until morning. Is it safe to give her aspirin, Tylenol, Aleve, or Motrin from your medicine cabinet?

What about that Tramadol you were prescribed for a broken ankle last year?

While the answer to this question does depend on which med you’re considering, the only real safe answer is “absolutely not”. That’s because there’s an awful lot of variables involved – some of which could put your dog’s life at risk.

1. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Dogs can sometimes have Tylenol safely, but only if the dose remains under 15 mg/kg. Higher doses:

  • Kill liver cells
  • Interfere with hemoglobin production
  • Cause toxins to build up in the blood

Some dogs, particularly seniors and the chronically ill, may experience negative effects even at lower doses. Thus, dog owners should avoid Tylenol unless specifically recommended by your vet.

2. NSAIDs

Aleve, Motrin, and other NSAIDs are really no safer, either. All carry an extremely high risk for:

  • Gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Liver damage
  • Kidney damage
  • Organ failure
  • Potential death
  • They can also cause nausea and diarrhea, which can cause your dog to become dehydrated (not to mention being pretty unpleasant in general).

Other NSAIDs, including prescriptions like Indocin and ketoprofen, might seem safer since they are prescribed. However, the risk for side effects is actually higher, mostly because prescriptions are so much stronger. It’s just not worth the risk.

3. Human Narcotic Painkillers

Human-oriented prescription painkillers, such as Tramadol, Percocet, and morphine aren’t safe for your dog, either.

While some of these are also prescribed for pets, the associated dose is much, much lower – and the risk for side effects (such as respiratory depression) is far higher. It is possible to inadvertently overdose your pet if you miscalculate or give the wrong drug.

4. Aspirin

Aspirin, given in doses less than 10-40mg/kg, can be an effective method for ameliorating pain from injuries, arthritis, and mild inflammation.

As an NSAID, however, Aspirin still carries an increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, blood clotting issues, and stroke. For this reason, it should only be used for temporary relief; there are far better options available.

Common Dog Pain Medication Prescriptions

Prescription medications specifically designed for dogs are far safer for your canine friend. They are also generally more effective, too.

But which is right for your dog? Ultimately, your vet will recommend a medication based on your dog’s condition and individual needs. We’ll help you get to know the three most common options in the next few sections.

1. Metacam and other NSAIDs

Generic Name(s): carprofen, deracoxib, firocoxib, meloxicam

Class: NSAID

Dosing Recommendations: Exact dosing depends on the drug. Metacam, the most common, is often prescribed with a higher initial starting dose and then reduced to a once-daily oral pill or liquid. Others may be given just once a day from day one.

How They Work: NSAIDs block an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) in your dog’s body. This, in turn, lowers the level of prostaglandins, which signal the body to respond to injury or illness with fever, swelling, inflammation, and pain.

When To Use Them: Prescription NSAIDs are especially useful for musculoskeletal pain (e.g., canine arthritis). However, they are also really effective for post-spay or neuter pain, broken limbs, bee stings, and other forms of pain, too. They should never be prescribed alongside steroid drugs due to an increased risk for side effects.

2. Prednisone and Other Steroids

Generic name(s): prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone

Class: Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (steroids)

Dosing Recommendations: Depends on the drug in question. Generally, veterinarians prescribe the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible period of time due to risks associated with long-term use. May be given as a single dose by injection or via oral pills taken multiple times per day. If taken for long periods of time, dose should be reduced slowly over several weeks or days.

How They Work: Steroids mimic naturally-occurring hormones that trigger the immune system to produce inflammation, nerve sensitivity, and swelling. This can reduce symptoms and make your dog more comfortable temporarily.

When To Use Them: This class of dog pain medication is especially useful for pain associated with auto-immune disorders (e.g., Lupus). However, it may also be used after surgery and/or to treat painful dental conditions, serious injuries, and spinal degeneration.

3. Opioid Pain Relievers

Generic name(s): tramadol, morphine, buprenorphine

Class: Narcotics

Dosing Recommendations: Again, here, the dose highly depends on the medication and what your vet is trying to treat. The general rule of thumb is to prescribe the lowest possible dose to achieve relief; this prevents over-sedation. Seniors and those with liver or kidney dysfunction may require an even lower dose.

How They Work: Opiates bind to pain receptors found throughout your dog’s brain and body; this desensitizes nerve endings to reduce the sensation of pain itself. They also produce mild sedation, which may be desirable if your dog is injured, needs to remain quiet and still, or is experiencing anxiety as a result of their pain.

When To Use Them: Most vets only prescribe narcotic painkillers for severe pain that isn’t easily ameliorated by other medications. This is because the class carries an increased risk for certain side effects, including dependency, constipation, intestinal blockage, and respiratory depression. They are commonly prescribed for bladder blockages, severe dental pain, and post-surgical pain control

Compounded Dog Pain Medication

Another option for pain medication for your furry pet is to use compounded pet medications. These are even more beneficial if your dog suffers from multiple ailments or pain.

Compounded medicine eliminates many risks associated with pain medication for pets. It can:

  • Reformulate pills into liquids
  • Create topical steroids for skin conditions
  • Alter the dose of the medication to fit your dogs size
  • Eliminate potential allergens in the medicine, and more

Your pet is your family, and if they are in pain, you suffer as well. If you still have questions about dog pain medication or compounding, contact your local Burt’s Pharmacy today.

 

Read More:

Understanding The Compounding Process For Dog Pharmaceuticals
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Medicine

What to Know About Epilepsy Treatment and Symptoms This Epilepsy Awareness Month

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and with epilepsy affecting nearly 1.2 percent of the population at some point, it’s important to understand the potential causes, symptoms, and epilepsy treatment options.

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world. Most people are diagnosed before the age of 20, but around 30 percent will be diagnosed after age 50. Nearly all who are diagnosed retain the condition for life.

Witnessing an epileptic seizure can be very disconcerting and even a little frightening. Unfortunately, this has led to a significant amount of stigma, including the idea that patients with epilepsy are delicate or should somehow be avoided.

The truth is that epilepsy is neither contagious nor dangerous to anyone but the patient themselves. Even though watching someone have a seizure can be scary, what the patient needs most is patience and understanding.

In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month, we want to help you get to know this complex yet common condition. Whether you have epilepsy yourself, or you just know someone who does, a little education can always help.

 

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is an umbrella term referring to a small number of central nervous system disorders that temporarily interfere with normal brain functioning. This leads to:

  • Seizures
  • Convulsions
  • Many other serious symptoms

In a normal, healthy brain, rhythmic electric pulses facilitate communication between neuron bundles, which send messages back and forth to control your body. In epilepsy, these signals misfire, stopping the flow of information. Neurons stop sending information or send confused messages, leading to significantly abnormal brain activity in whichever area of the brain the seizure occurs.

Think of your brain like a highway with stop lights and intersections; you and your vehicle are the messages between neurons. Lights and signs tell you where to drive and which paths to follow to get where you want to go. Without them, you might drive down the wrong path or even get into an accident with another vehicle. That’s exactly what happens during an epileptic seizure.

 

4 Types of Epilepsy

There are four distinct types of epilepsy recognized in America by experts. Each addresses a slightly different set of symptoms and/or refers to seizures that occur within a specific area, or areas, of the brain.

1. Generalized epilepsy:

Involves faulty electrical signals affecting both sides of the brain.

  • Patients often suffer from “generalized motor seizures” (sometimes referred to as “grand mal seizures”) with extreme jerking and uncontrollable movements.
  • They may also lose awareness or consciousness.

2. Focal epilepsy:

Involves seizures that originate on only one side of the brain (sometimes referred to as “partial seizures”).

  • Patients may or may not lose awareness, and uncontrollable movements tend to be present, yet much less pronounced.
  • A small number of focal epilepsy patients experience no uncontrollable movements or loss of consciousness at all. Instead, seizures manifest as sudden and intense changes in the way they think or feel; this is a focal non-motor seizure.

3. Generalized and focal epilepsy:

This type of epilepsy occurs when someone has a mixture of seizures from both sides and only one side of the brain.

  • Seizures may occur together at the same time or completely independently of one another. This type of epilepsy can be one of the most severe.

4. Unknown if generalized or focal epilepsy:

This label simply signifies that doctors aren’t yet sure exactly what type of epilepsy someone has.

  • This may be due to the fact that test results have been inconclusive.
  • Or, it may be a result of the fact that no one has witnessed the seizures except the patient, limiting the amount of knowledge available about the presentation.
  • A small number of patients keep this diagnosis for life because their seizures present in a way that doesn’t easily fit other categories.

Other Common Symptoms

The symptoms of epilepsy can be a product of many different variables, as mentioned above. There are even subtle differences patient-to-patient; for example, one person might hallucinate, while another smells burning toast just before a seizure comes on. Another still might suddenly feel intense panic or fear, yet remain entirely aware and present in the moment.

Researchers know these differences are probably related to individual differences in brain structure. However, we don’t yet know enough about the brain and how it works to be able to definitively predict every subtle symptom.

Still, the vast majority of patients do experience one or more of the following “core symptoms” on a semi-regular or regular basis:

  • Confusion and/or disorientation
  • Severe, uncontrollable muscle spasms
  • Uncontrollable movements (twitching, convulsions)
  • Loss of consciousness or awareness
  • Fear, anxiety, or panic attacks before a seizure
  • Strange, unexplainable symptoms (seeing flashing lights)

We also mentioned further up that the location of the seizure can have a significant impact on how a patient experiences it.

  1. Misfires located in the dominant temporal lobe, for example, are often associated with vocal symptoms (like shouting) because this area of the brain is responsible for handling speech.
  2. Seizures that occur within the occipital lobe, on the other hand, typically manifest with symptoms related to sight instead. This is one reason why identifying the right symptoms is an important facet of making the correct diagnosis.

 

Are Seizures Always Caused By Epilepsy?

Not at all. In fact, the second most common cause of seizures is high fever (called febrile seizures), especially in children under the age of two. “High” can be somewhat relative; one child may experience febrile seizures with a temperature of just 102 F, while another may not seize until their fever reaches 105 F. However, risk increases exponentially for every degree above 101 F.

Certain drugs may also trigger seizures in a small number of patients, including:

  • Tramadol
  • Tapentadol
  • Reserpine
  • Theophylline
  • Bupropion
  • Cocaine
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Alcohol

In some cases, it is the drug itself that makes having a seizure more likely (known as “lowering the seizure threshold”). In others, withdrawing from the drug leads to an imbalance of certain brain chemicals that triggers an “electrical storm” in the brain.

Other health issues may also trigger seizures, such as:

In almost all cases, treating the originating illness resolves seizure activity completely. This isn’t the case in epilepsy because the problem originates within the brain itself.

Why is it important to make this distinction? While epilepsy can certainly cause seizures, not every seizure is because of epilepsy. Outside forces must be ruled out in order to make an exact diagnosis, and more importantly, find the right treatment.

If someone is diagnosed with epilepsy, it can be treated. We’ll tell you a bit about those epilepsy treatment options next.

Epilepsy Treatment Options

Epilepsy treatment depends on the patient, the type of seizure experienced, and even the patient’s age.

  • Patients who have grand mal seizures, for example, often require aggressive drug therapy or even surgery to bring them under control.
  • People who experience partial seizures with minor uncontrollable moments may need nothing more than simple monitoring unless their condition declines.

In most cases, doctors who make a positive diagnosis of epilepsy will at least initiate some kind of epilepsy treatment drug.

  • Maintenance medications, like Tegretol, Dilantin, Trileptal, and Zarontin are most effective when taken every single day.
  • Short-acting sedatives and anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) like Ativan, Klonopin, and phenobarbital are mostly beneficial in halting seizures in progress instead.

Surgery is generally a last-line epilepsy treatment option. It involves removing a small piece of the skull over the area of the brain responsible for the seizure itself. Surgeons then identify and remove the smallest amount of tissue possible to prevent seizures from happening in the future. Results are not guaranteed; and there are significant risks. Still, it is an effective option for many when nothing else works.

 

Conclusion: Answers to Common Questions

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy includes a number of central nervous disorders that temporarily interfere with brain functions that lead to convulsions, seizures, and other symptoms.

What are the Different Types of Epilepsy?

There are four types: generalized epilepsy, focal epilepsy, generalized and focal epilepsy, and unknown if generalized or focal epilepsy. All have different causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Are All Seizures from Epilepsy?

No, there are many other reasons for seizures, including febrile seizures, certain drugs, strokes and other health problems, and more.

How Can You Treat Epilepsy?

Depending on the type of epilepsy, there will be different treatment options which may include maintenance medications, short-acting sedatives, and potentially surgery.

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Medicine

8 Medication Management Tips for Taking Multiple Medicines

Medication can be life-changing or even life-saving. But being on multiple drugs at the same time isn’t without risk, making these medication management tips very important.

Some formulas can cause dangerous interactions or harmful side effects, especially when combined. Others become more or less effective when taken the wrong way, combined with certain foods, or stored incorrectly in between doses.

Keeping track of all of these side effects and potential problems isn’t always easy. In fact, the more medications you take, the more likely you are to experience contraindications (negative interactions) or side effects, but that doesn’t mean you should just stop taking medicine, either.

This practice can be just as harmful.

 

Important Medication Management Tips

The real solution to this?

Use smart medication management to become more aware of:

  • What you’re taking
  • How you should take it
  • How to avoid problems

We’ve included a few tips to get you started in today’s post; they just might save your life.

 

1. Stick With One Pharmacy

Many patients have busy lives. When they need a prescription filled, they head to whichever pharmacy is closest – but this is rarely wise.

It’s safer to maintain a relationship with a single pharmacy because they can get to know you, help you monitor your health, and maintain a full ongoing record of your medication. This allows the pharmacist to see your history at a glance so they can anticipate problems even before they occur.

 

2. Be Aware of Common Food Interactions

What do dairy, grapefruit juice, and sardines have in common? All three are common household foods…and all three have the potential to negatively interact with certain medications. Some of these interactions can even be dangerous.

  • Dairy can render certain antibiotics ineffective
  • Grapefruit juice changes how the body processes certain drugs
  • Sardines, on the other hand, are loaded with iodine, which may interfere with thyroid drugs

Always ask your pharmacist what foods you should avoid when you start a new drug.

 

3. Tell Your Pharmacist About OTC Drugs

Drugs like Aleve, Tylenol, and Motrin have become so common in America that many people take them almost without thinking. But it’s important to remember that OTC drugs are, in fact, still drugs; they, too, must follow responsible medication management.

  • Taking Tylenol in combination with certain prescription painkillers, for example, could cause you to inadvertently overdose on acetaminophen because both drugs contain the same substance
  • Taking Motrin at the same time as blood thinners like Warfarin could even put you at risk for a gastrointestinal bleed.

Tell your pharmacist if you start taking any OTC drugs – or better yet, ask them if they’re okay to take first. In most cases, the answer will still be yes.

4. Always Read Product Labels and Instructions

Every drug you purchase, be it OTC or prescription, comes with a sheet of instructions and/or an instructional label.

Always read these instructions in full before you begin taking your medication. Often, potential interactions and problems will be outlined, here – but you’ll also learn how to take the drug safely and effectively, too.

 

5. Ask Questions

Have a question about your medication? It’s okay to search for experiences or information online – sites such as the CDC website all contain reliable info on common medicines and health conditions. This can be an excellent resource if you want to get to know your own health.

Still, it’s important to be aware that not everything you read online can be trusted. Even on trustworthy sites, there’s no guarantee that what you find will be accurate to your unique situation.

The safer option is to ask your pharmacist; he or she can review your file and give you an answer that considers your full health picture. You can always trust your pharmacy to have your best interests in mind!

 

6. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol is a contentious substance where medications are concerned. While it doesn’t always negatively interact with every medicine, it is inherently hard for the liver to process, as are many medications. Drinking while taking multiple medications essentially forces your liver into overdrive, which can eventually lead to low-grade damage, permanent scarring, or even liver failure.

Taking Tylenol – a common hangover cure, ironically enough – in combination with alcohol is especially problematic. In fact, new evidence shows it may take only 2,000 mg of Tylenol to cause near-fatal overdose in people who ingest three or more drinks per day. That’s only four extra-strength pills per day.

Then, there’s also the risk for sedation. If you mix any drug that causes you to feel sleepy with alcohol, you will likely feel more sleepy. In the case of opiates, it might even suppress your breathing to dangerous levels.

 

7. Don’t Exchange Medications

We know medications can be hard to afford, as can accessing healthcare. This is what often leads people to give others their medication or take someone else’s medication in the first place.

But this can be incredibly dangerous as:

  • You don’t know if that’s really the right drug or dose
  • It’s impossible to be aware of any potential interactions or contraindications that might occur

You could seriously harm yourself or the other person – and that’s just not worth the few dollars you’ll save.

8. Keep a Medication Management Diary

Being aware of what you take, when you take it, and what kind of side effects occur might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re on five or more drugs. Keeping a medication management diary can help.

Whether you use a notebook or one of the many fancy smartphone apps available now, it’s a great way to stay in tune with your treatment.

Make a note in your diary whenever you are prescribed a medicine. Each day, enter a small note when you take your medication. Record the time and how you were feeling.

If any odd symptoms crop up, write these down too. They may include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

This can help you identify potential problems or triggers, such as nausea after your morning blood pressure medication, while also ensuring you are always aware of the drugs you take, when you take them, and how they help.

Keeping a medication diary on your person might even save your life someday, especially if you take life-saving medication like warfarin or insulin. Emergency responders often look for this info if they are called to help someone who is unconscious or otherwise unable to respond.

 

Conclusion

Practicing safe medication management is not only helpful, but it can be life-saving as well.

Talking to your pharmacist can give you the best insight into your individualized medication plan, as well as ways to stay healthy and safe.

 

 

Read More:

Active vs Inactive Ingredients in Medication (and What That Means for You)
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Medicine

CBD For Headaches and Other Common Ailments: Does it Help?

No matter where you live in America, you’ve undoubtedly heard or read about this new treatment for pain treatment at least once. Does CBD for headaches, insomnia and other ailments help to reduce your symptoms?

We’re talking about cannabidiol, or “CBD” for short.

When you first read about cannabidiol, you might start to feel like it’s a bit of a dream come true. After all, creators market it as an effective treatment for everything from headaches and migraines to IBS, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.

But what do we really know about using CBD oil as a treatment for common health problems? Does it work, and if it does, how is it used?

 

The Basics: What is it?

CBD is an oily substance sourced and extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant. The extraction process separates it from other chemicals and materials found within the leaves, stems, and buds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and plant-based terpenes.

It is then manufactured into one of several formats:

  • A simple tincture
  • An oil
  • Baked goods
  • Even ready-to-use capsules

 

The Theory Behind Cannabidiol

The theory behind CBD is that if you use it on a regular basis, it reduces inflammation and curbs pain. We don’t yet have a clear scientific answer why this type of response happens. However, it probably has something to do with the fact that the human body has an endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid receptors within the brain.

Unlike cannabis oil, CBD won’t get you high; it isn’t psychoactive. That makes it a potentially suitable choice for older patients, children, and people who need relief without the heavy sedation of narcotics. There are virtually no side effects outside of true allergies and you don’t need to worry about tolerance, either.

Still, the fact that science still doesn’t know exactly how, or even if, it really works means you should approach using it with caution. Fortunately, it appears the associated risks (e.g., side effects) are virtually non-existent outside of actual allergies and rare special health considerations.

 

What Can CBD Treat?

People make many claims about what CBD can and cannot treat. Often, these reports are based on personal experience or anecdotes that don’t have a significant amount of scientific research behind them. Still, the fact that millions of patients claim that the relatively innocent and side-effect-free substance helps them makes it difficult to deny the potential for benefits.

Before the marijuana legalization movement really ramped up in the mid-2000s, research into cannabis extracts (including cannabidiol) was scant. Science is only just now catching up by holding large-scale studies of hundreds or thousands of patients at the same time. The good news is that the evidence we do have shows very strong evidence for using CBD to treat specific health concerns.

We’ll talk a bit more about those next.

 

CBD for Headaches and Migraines

There is very little evidence available to support using CBD as a quick-fix headache cure. However, a great many patients claim to have experienced a reduction in their headaches after taking just a single capsule. Others report having fewer headaches over time if they take it on a regular basis. These are anecdotal reports, and thus, may or may not be fully reliable until officially proven.

The jury is still out on migraines, too, as there just isn’t enough research available yet to support a CBD-only solution. This 2016 study did show positive results for full-spectrum cannabis products containing both THC and CBD. Unfortunately, it isn’t clear whether the THC or CBD provides most (or even all) of the benefit here.

 

CBD for Epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut’s Syndrome, and Dravet’s Disease

Current science shows strong support for using cannabidiol to treat certain seizure disorders, such as:

Many patients see a full reduction or even elimination of symptoms after they begin using a CBD-based product. Results are especially promising in patients under 18.

Why is this so remarkable? The earmark of diseases like Dravet’s is that they are by their very nature resistant to most drug treatments, including anti-epileptics and benzodiazepines. Even when drugs are effective, they frequently begin to lose efficacy over time.

Positive study results in seizure patients have also led to the creation of new drugs and medications directly derived from CBD. This includes:

  • Epideolex, a new treatment for Dravet’s Disease
  • Charlotte’s Web, a low-THC, high-CBD strain of cannabis originally developed in 2011

 

 

CBD for Insomnia and Mental Illnesses

Studies do show that cannabidiol might help insomnia and anxiety patients calm down, relax, and get a more restful sleep. While the studies themselves have largely been small in nature, nearly all participants across the studies we reviewed reported:

  • Falling asleep earlier
  • Staying asleep longer
  • Feeling more rested

One research project from a Fellow of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (FAACAP) showed a correlation between taking CBD and a reduction in PTSD symptom severity. 91 percent of all participants self-reported a 15 to 20 percent decrease in symptoms. Unfortunately, the sample size here was also quite small (only 11 people).

Several studies also support cannabis as a treatment for depression. This may be especially important for patients with chronic pain, who are nearly three times as likely to become depressed or suicidal.  Most studies looked at full-spectrum cannabis, making it difficult to tell if benefits came from THC or CBD (or even possibly both at the same time).

 

CBD for Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

CBD might help patients with arthritis and joint inflammation. This study from the European Journal of Pain concluded that applying topical CBD to painful joints had “therapeutic benefit” for patients (including a reduction in pain).

Another study in the journal Pain looked at whether cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of  osteoarthritis, such as neuropathy and chronic pain. Results showed it not only made patients feel more comfortable, but also distinctly reduced inflammation in and around the joint. This, in turn, slowed damage and kept joints healthier longer.

 

CBD for Crohn’s Disease, IBS, and Other Gastrointestinal Illnesses

Sadly, we don’t yet have strong evidence for CBD as a treatment for Crohn’s, IBS, and other gastrointestinal illnesses. However, there is some limited research that shows promising results for patients who use full-spectrum cannabis.

One randomised, placebo-controlled study led by Dr. Timna Naftali (Israel) tested the benefits of cannabis for patients with Crohn’s Disease specifically. It found that around 65 percent of the 46 participants involved achieved nearly or completely full remission in as little as eight weeks.

Dr. Naftali’s study was really the first of its kind, but it surely won’t be the last. There are already several other projects in the works to see if the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD might produce similar results for patients with other gastrointestinal conditions.

In the meantime, cannabidiol is safe enough that most patients can try it safely without needing to worry about hidden dangers. This is a distinct risk with more traditional drugs, such as biologics and narcotics.

 

 

Common Questions – Answered

What is CBD?

CBD (cannabidiol) is an oily substance sourced and extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant. The extraction process separates it from other chemicals and materials and can be made into tinctures, oils, baked goods, and capsules.

Can CBD Help Treat Anything?

People make many claims about what CBD can and cannot treat. Often, these reports are based on personal experience but new studies show evidence that cannabidiol can help with some symptoms.

Does Cannabidiol Contain THC?

Unlike cannabis oil, CBD won’t get you high; it isn’t psychoactive.

 

Conclusion

As for whether or not CBD is effective in other conditions? We don’t yet know for sure, but it’s safe enough that most patients can use it as an adjunct to other more proven treatments without harm.

If you’re considering trying cannabidiol, or a full-spectrum cannabis product, ask your pharmacist for more information.

 

Read More:

The Rise of CBD Oil: An Interview with Will Kleidon from Ojai Energetics
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Medicine

Vaccinations for Travel: You Need to Get Them, Here’s Why

Ah, summer. The perfect time to travel with loved ones, friends, and family. But before you go on your trips, you need to get the necessary vaccinations for travel.

It’s a beautiful time to hang around California’s beaches and catch a few rays, but it’s also a terrific time to get out there and explore the world. From the jungles of Madagascar to the Roman colosseum and even the White Cliffs of Dover in England, warmer weather brings endless opportunities for exploration.

The problem, unfortunately, is that all of that exploration can expose you to some seriously undesirable illnesses.

  • Diseases like hepatitis A and B, Zika virus, and even measles aren’t all that common here, but your risk of contracting them rises when you travel to certain areas of the world.
  • Even polio, which has essentially been eradicated in the western world, remains a clear and present danger in places like Papua New Guinea.

While you can’t protect against every disease when you travel, getting the necessary vaccinations for travel is the most effective way to protect yourself during worldwide adventures.

We’ll tell you why you should consider vaccinations before you go and which vaccines you might need in this helpful summertime guide.

 

What Is the Importance of Vaccines?

First, let’s talk a little bit about why vaccines are so important, and why you need them in the first place. It’s accurate, but incredibly oversimplified, to say “because they help prevent you from becoming sick.”

Vaccines are formulated using substances and medicines that trigger your immune system to produce antibodies against certain diseases. Sometimes, the vaccine itself contains the antibodies, allowing you to develop immunity directly.

This is one of the safest, most reliable ways to inoculate a person against communicable diseases.

In other cases, the substance is a deactivated or inert version of the germ or virus that causes the disease of concern in the first place. This deactivated version won’t make you sick with the symptoms of the associated disease, but your body does still detect it and trigger your immune system in the same way.

Vaccines in Real Life

Need an example? Think about the measles vaccine. It contains a modified, deactivated version of the Rubeola virus.

This weakened virus isn’t strong enough to make you sick, but your body still detects it as measles, producing the same level of antibodies as if you were sick. You develop immunity without having to suffer.

That’s one of the miracles of modern science!

 

Okay, But Why Do I Need Vaccinations for Travel?

This is a great question.

Visiting another country may put you at risk for diseases you either haven’t yet encountered, don’t have the right antibodies for, or just plain can’t fight off. However, vaccinations required for travel can reduce this.

Disease presence often differs by country, city, and even, in some cases, continent. Even social practices around hygiene, food safety, and illness etiquette can change your risk of getting sick.

  • Think about the aforementioned example of Papua New Guinea; there, polio is still a significant risk to unvaccinated persons. While you’re less likely to encounter polio here in the United States, you’re significantly more likely to contract it if you visit this tiny tropical country – especially if you are unvaccinated.
  • Another great example is high rates of Hepatitis A and B in some southern or tropical countries where travel vaccinations aren’t standard or recommended.

These two diseases spread by unsafe food and drink handling practices; someone who is infected need only touch the food you eat or the ice cubes in your drink to put you at risk.

In some cases, the infected person may not even be aware they’re infected because of poor access to health care (often the case in third world countries). Since there’s no way to tell who’s sick at a glance, these required vaccinations for travel are much safer.

 

When Should I Get Vaccinated for Travel?

Because vaccines take time to produce immunity, you shouldn’t leave pre-travel vaccinations to the last minute.

For the best chance of protection, it’s ideal to see your doctor or pharmacist about vaccinations at least four to six weeks prior to your trip.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get vaccinations for travel if you don’t have four to six weeks to wait before you leave.

Getting your vaccinations now will still afford you a small amount of protection because your body starts to build immunity the moment you receive a vaccine.

As the number of antibodies present rises over time so does your level of protection – even during your trip.

 

Which Vaccines Do I Need?

Travel vaccines fall into two different categories: routine vaccinations you should have anyway as an American citizen, and vaccinations which attempt to address risks specific to your unique destination.

Other factors, such as pre-existing conditions and/or type of travel (sea or air), may mean you need additional vaccines  to ensure your safety.

Speak with your pharmacist for an individualized recommendation.

The CDC recommends a universal set of “standard travel vaccinations” for all Americans traveling outside of the country, regardless of destination.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A – Given in two doses at six-month intervals. Receiving only the first dose will give some immunity, but there isn’t full coverage until after the final booster shot.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B – Given in three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months. As with Hepatitis A, receiving only the first dose will afford some protection, while following the full vaccination schedule ensures immunity.

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid Fever – Available in an oral or injectable formula. The oral formula requires four individual doses spaced at two-day intervals; treatment must complete at least 10 days prior to travel.

The injectable vaccine comes in a single dose at least two weeks prior to travel.

Traveler’s Diarrhea

Traveler’s Diarrhea – Administered in an oral formula taken by mouth in either two doses (for adults) or three doses (for children over the age of two).

This vaccine provides approximately three months of protection. If you intend to travel for longer than this time frame, you may require a booster dose.

Cholera

Cholera – Given in two doses (for adults and children over the age of six) or three doses (for children under six).

Coverage for adults and older children lasts approximately two years. Children under six may need additional boosters at the six-month mark.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese Encephalitis – Administered in two individual doses at 0 and 28 days. Last-minute travelers can request an accelerated dosing schedule, but full vaccination should be completed at least one week prior to travel.

Meningitis

Meningitis – Given in a single inoculation at least 10 days prior to travel, especially to high-risk countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and/or the Middle East.

Some Americans may already be vaccinated, while others may only need a booster shot prior to travel.

Rabies

Rabies – Given in three individual doses at 0, 7, and 21 days. An accelerated dosing schedule may be available.

Highly recommended for anyone who plans to be in close contact with animals (safari, animal care volunteers).

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever – Given in a single dose at least 10 days prior to travel, especially to Africa and South America.

Certain countries may require proof or receipts of getting your vaccinations.

Malaria

Malaria – Dose depends on the patient, the level of risk, and drug resistance at the patient’s destination.

Anti-malarias are generally given as a series of prophylactic oral medications taken the entire time the patient is traveling. Protection lasts as long as you continue to take the drug.

 

Conclusion

Have questions about recommended vaccinations for travel? Call your local pharmacy for a free consultation. Getting vaccinated is quick, easy, and safe!

 

 

Categories
Medicine

Arthritis Treatment for Dogs and Cats: What to Know

As summer approaches, you might find that your pets suffering from arthritis are having a hard time. Luckily, there are different types of arthritis treatment for dogs and cats to make summer more comfortable.

Hooray! Summer is almost here (or firmly here, depending on which part of the United States you live in). It’s time for lounging around outdoors, family barbecues, long hikes in state parks, and plenty of camping.

Most of us look forward to adventuring out in the warmer months, and we’re all too happy to take our furry friends with us. Even if we don’t venture far, it’s still a joy to sunbathe with them by our side.

But there’s a catch: Arthritis.

Dogs, cats, and other animals who are older and suffering from arthritis can find hot weather a real drag. They may be unable to keep up due to mobility challenges or just plain sore after long walks, but either way, you know something is off.

It isn’t that your dog (or cat…or bird, whatever you prefer) doesn’t want to spend the time adventuring with you. They just need a little help to do it comfortably and safely, and certain arthritis treatment for dogs, cats, and other pets do exactly that.

 

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

Not sure if your pet is suffering from Arthritis? You should always start with a visit to the vet. Your local animal hospital can run x-rays and examine your pup to determine whether or not their joins are experiencing:

  • Degeneration
  • Pinched nerves
  • Inflammation
  • Swelling
  • Pain

Dogs, and even more often, cats, all have a tendency to hide their symptoms when feeling pain. Doing so is instinctual; in the wild, showing signs of weakness can be downright dangerous or even lead to being ostracized from the “pack.”

This is why you should never assume your dog is okay just because he seems relatively okay later in life.

That said, there are a few “telltale signs” that might reveal a potential problem. Monitor your pet for:

  • Limping
  • Weakness in any limb
  • Reactivity on touch (such as snapping when you pet a certain area of the spine)

Suddenly refusing to go for a walk, eat, or go potty can also be a sign of health issues, although they aren’t always tied to arthritis specifically.

Dogs who are struggling with arthritis also often refuse to climb stairs. They may seem to sleep a lot, constantly shift around in their sleep, or even cry when they lay in certain positions.

A sudden resurgence of potty problems and/or bad behaviors may also be her way of telling you “ouch! I’m too sore.”

 

 

Differences in Symptoms for Cats

Cats have many delicate bones in their body, especially along the spine. While this is exactly what allows them to do those long, lazy stretches, having so many surfaces padded with collagen and cartilage raises their risk for osteoarthritis.

Cats who are suffering from arthritis don’t always show clear symptoms; in fact, they may start hiding or retreating away from people instead. As with dogs, this is instinctual; in the wild, a weak cat becomes easy prey.

Watch your cat carefully for other unusual signs of a problem:

  • Inappropriate peeing
  • “Caving in” around the hips or spine (a sign of muscle wasting)
  • Limping
  • Excessive grooming
  • Refusing to jump up onto cozy spots like they once did

The symptoms may be subtle, but they are almost always there.

 

Arthritis Treatment for Dogs

Let’s say you know your pet has arthritis. You’ve been to the vet – good job on making a start! The good news is that you have many options for relieving pain and improving quality of life for your pet.

You might be surprised to hear this, but in the case of dogs, vets often prescribe some of the the same medications given to humans – like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Arthritis Medication

Drugs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam are often used as arthritis treatment for dogs by reducing inflammation and swelling, which has a protective effect on the affected joint. Many dogs do very well on just one or two daily doses.

For advanced cases, and when injuries produce acute pain, steroid drugs like dexamethasone and Prednisone are common.

These drugs work in similar ways to NSAID drugs, but carry a lower risk for gastrointestinal upset. They also produce relief much, much faster, but should only be used short-term.

Other drugs, like Adequan (which is a chondroprotective) and glucosamine prevent further damage and heal pre-existing damage. Results may be mixed; these drugs are often far more useful preventatively than reactively.

However, arthritis treatment for dogs can be difficult. Just like humans, every dog is different and may require specialized compounded pet medicine from your pharmacy.

Natural Remedies

There is also some evidence that natural treatment for arthritis in dogs is available as well. Food supplements like omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve symptoms of arthritis.

Researchers don’t yet fully understand exactly why or how they work, but it is generally believed that a deficiency of omega-3 leads to poor circulation and/or a lower production of lubrication in and around the joints.

This, in turn, leads to inflammation and degeneration, as the joint no longer retains and effective cushion.

 

 

Treating Arthritis in Cats

Admittedly, treating arthritis in cats can be much more difficult than treating the condition in dogs.

Cats are highly specialized with unique body chemistries; nearly all human medications are at least subtly toxic to them.

Furthermore, the doses needed to treat cats is generally very, very small – meaning it’s possible to overdose them.

Add to this the fact that feline liver and kidney systems frequently struggle to process most pet medications and you have a really uncomfortable situation for you and your cat.

Medications

Still, there are some “front-line” medications vets often try. Meloxicam can be given to otherwise healthy cats for extremely short-term dosing (a bad day, for example), but should not be given consistently as it can damage the kidneys.

Some vets turn to the narcotic buprenorphine when cats are experiencing low quality of life due to arthritis. While this is a narcotic drug, most cats tolerate it relatively well, even if given for months at a time.

The goal should always be to find a longer-term solution that allows them to come off of the narcotic eventually.

Steroids can be used in cats, too, especially after injuries or in acute pain flares. They should be given sparingly and never in combination with NSAIDs if they are given at all. Cats in palliative care may be permitted to stay on steroids for life.

However, care must be taken with cats in end-stage renal or liver failure.

Gabapentin, a nerve drug often used to treat seizures and fibromyalgia in humans, can also help cats who suffer from compressed nerves or neuropathic pain due to arthritis. Cats should be given the lowest possible dose to achieve results or else sedation can occur (which is admittedly sometimes preferred in end-of-life care).

 

 

What to NOT Do for Arthritis in Pets

Last but not least, here’s what you should never do under any circumstance: Do not assume arthritis treatment for dogs and cats includes OTC human medication.

Never give your pet an OTC medication without a vet or pharmacist’s go-ahead. The same is true for self-diagnosing and ordering medications online.

Just because some human medications are safe to use doesn’t mean others are, too.

Instead, speak with your local compounding pharmacy. Because they have the ability to create medications from scratch, they can custom-tailor your pet’s medication to best suit their needs with fewer side effects along the way.

Your pet is worth it!

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