Tag: awareness

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Drugs Medical Tips

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

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

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

What is an Adverse Drug Reaction?

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

How to Figure Out If I have an Adverse Reaction?

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

Symptoms of an Adverse Drug Reaction

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

Mild Symptoms

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

Severe Symptoms

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

Anaphylaxis Symptoms

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

Adverse Drug Reaction Diagnoses

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

Patch Test

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

Skin Prick

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

Intradermal Test

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

Drug Provocation Test

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

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

Adverse Drug Reaction Treatment

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

Some common treatment options are:

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

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

Preventing Adverse Drug Reaction

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

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

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

Seek Immediate Help

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

Final Takeaway

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

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

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Health

National Pharmacy Buyer Day 2021 – The Value of This Recognition

What is National Pharmacy Buyer Day? It’s a day to recognize those who handle medications and pharmacy needs – a crucial responsibility. Read on.

National Pharmacy Buyer Day is held on the Friday in the last full week of October. This year it will be celebrated on October 29, 2021, to honor people who have been managing changing inventory of pharmacies for years across the U.S. We all like our pharmacy shelves to be stocked with the right drugs at all times. Hence, it is important to celebrate National Pharmacy Buyer Day to acknowledge the people who work tirelessly to do so.

History of National Pharmacy Buyer Day

Let’s dial backward and look into the history of National Pharmacy Buyer Day. Pharmacies have been around ever since humans start using medications. The first pharmaceutical science evidence dates back to 2100 B.C. When it comes to a recorded compilation, an ancient Indian Ayurvedic test from the 6th century B.C. takes the credit. Various Chinese, Egyptian, and Greek versions of pharmacies have been recorded. In the ancient Middle East, the study of botany and chemistry grew at a swift pace that led to medieval Islamic medicine that led to pharmacology. Many physicians, alchemists, and others have spent their time and energy in what we know as the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmacies began to emerge as tiny shops across England by the 12th century. Believe it or not, some of those pharmacies are still operational today. During this period, pharmacies and medicines were cleaved into two practices; Emperor of Germany and King of Sicily, Frederick II. As the pharmacy practice evolved with the industrial revolution, it became a mass-produced industry that gave rise to pre-packaged medication. The technology created in the 16th century paved the way for the biggest era; the 20th century.

Pharmacy buyers today are a specialized subset of medical professionals that perform the complex dual-toned role for the medical community. They stock the shelves with the drugs, manage costs for pharmacies and larger clinics as well as check expiration dates. Their role comes with a huge responsibility and requires extensive knowledge of medicine and accounts management.

Owing to this responsibility, the former pharmacy buyer Beth Meese came up with the idea of celebrating these amazing fellow pharmacy buyers that deserved all the recognition and respect in the world. Beth initially worked at the Provena United Samaritan Medical Center in Danville, Illinois, as a Pharmacy Purchasing Agent.

Today, she works as the Service Excellence Liaison at the same hospital. She got this idea of dedicating a day to the celebration of pharmacy buyers in the year 2005. Two years later, the National Pharmacy Purchasing Association (NPPA) took her suggestion and made it into an entire movement. Since then, it has been celebrated as a national day in the U.S.

How Should I Celebrate the National Pharmacy Buyer Day?

Wondering how you can appreciate pharmacy buyers and recognize them? Follow these simple steps:

Petition to Recognize National Pharmacy Buyer Day

It is important to make it official. Get your hands on a copy of the NPPA’s Pharmacy Buyer Day Proclamation form, and send it to your mayor to recognize this day officially.  This is not it. Follow up on your petition as often as you can.

Educate Yourself and Attend Workshops

You cannot celebrate a day without learning about it. Check-in with your local pharmacies or visit official websites of pharmacies and see if there is a workshop nearby that is done to raise awareness.

Attend a Career Fair

If you are interested in becoming a pharmacy buyer, it is best to walk into a career fair to educate yourself about the process. It is important to be aware of the career path as well as the job prospects in your own city. You can always take help from a career adviser or someone from the industry to guide you through the process.

Five Fun and Important Facts about Pharmacy

Here are the top fun facts about pharmacy:

Agatha Christie Used Pharmacy Experience to Write Mysteries

Agatha Christie was not only a pharmacy physician but also an English writer. She volunteered as a nurse during the World Wars and combined the two experiences to write her famous mysteries.

A Pharmacist invented Coca-Cola

Yes, you heard me correct. We all drink Coca-Cola or at least know about it. Initially, it was created as a treatment for most ailments (kind of ironic) but was later sold as a fountain drink.

Pharmacists Invented a Lot of Things (Iconic Things)

Charles Alderton created a syrup that smelled like a drugstore and ended up Dr. Pepper. Similarly, Pepsi was also created by a pharmacist who wished to replicate the success of Coca-Cola.

Medicine Can Get Expensive

Myalept is a drug that costs $71,306 for treating a rare disease called ‘generalized lipodystrophy,’ One single vial of the drug costs $5,000.

A Bit about Pharmacy License

Initially, it wasn’t necessary for pharmacists to get a license. This was changed later when Louisiana became the first U.S. state that required it.

Importance of National Pharmacy Buyer Day Is Important

Learning about Profession

It is important to celebrate this day to raise awareness about the profession. The right knowledge makes people feel grateful for when they get the right medication at the right time.

Give Recognition to Pharmacy Buyers

Pharmacy buyers are truly the hidden heroes of the medical profession. A day dedicated to them ensures that their contributions are not overlooked.

Pharmacy Buyers are Incredibly Important to Our Health

Pharmacies serve as the first healthcare provider for a lot of us. The buyers stock up the pharmacies, which allows us to get the medications timely. If the medications are not in stock, it affects us badly.

Final Takeaway

We hope that you learned about National Pharmacy Buyer day and the importance of celebrating it. We tried to include some interesting facts to keep you all entertained. It is very important to celebrate those people who work tirelessly in the health industry to ensure we get the medications when we need them.

If it wasn’t for these heroes, our health would be at stake.  So, appreciate the pharmacy buyers around you!

CONTACT US TODAY!

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Health

What Are the Most Effective Muscle Recovery Supplements?

A good workout isn’t complete until you care for your body afterward. Learn about these effective muscle recovery supplements.

If you have just started your fitness journey or working towards a very specific goal, it is important to understand that muscle recovery is critical. You need to ensure that your muscles are healing properly from workouts. This is what gives them strength. Working out day after day will have an opposite effect on strength and can lead to overtraining syndrome.

The first thing you need to do is avoid working out the same muscle groups consecutively and give at least a day’s break in between. For instance, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays can be leg days. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays could be reserved for upper body and core strengthening exercises. And, everyone needs a Sunday off.

The next thing you have to do is to consume a healthy, nutrient-rich diet and high-quality muscle recovery supplements. These supplements allow your muscles to heal effectively and enable you to get the most out of your workouts.

Without further ado, let’s look at the best muscle recovery supplements:

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

They are undoubtedly one of the most popular workout supplements. Trainers recommend it to their clients all the time. The reason behind this is that these supplements contain a trio of key amino acids; isoleucine, leucine, and valine. These amino acids are naturally produced by the human body but some of them are lost during exercise. Hence, popping one tablet right before/after working out will help you significantly with muscle recovery.

Proteins

While protein isn’t the first thing that comes to your mind with the word supplement, it is one of the essential macronutrients for building muscles over time. Most people like to consume protein just before working out. While there is nothing wrong with it, experts suggest taking a protein supplement right after you are done with the workout. It helps people keep fuller for longer and minimize cortisol levels. It is advised to consume at least 15 to 20g of proteins immediately after exercise. Whey protein, vegan protein, and paleo protein are the most popular options out there.

Creatine

If you are a gym buddy, you might be familiar with creatine as it helps you to maintain energy during workouts. This is a naturally occurring substance that helps your muscles to power through but producing ATP/energy. What you probably don’t know is that it helps with the post-workout recovery. It helps boost the recovery at cellular levels and also improves strength output.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Aches and pains are a normal part of a new workout routine. Omega 3 fatty acids help minimize inflammation and improve overall heart health. It helps with muscle soreness and bone repair. Moreover, workout-related injuries will be greatly reduced by consuming the supplement regularly. Omega 3s support the flow of blood and oxygen to the muscles that improve the range of motion. Omega 3 Fatty Acids also reduces joint soreness.

Fish Oils

Fish oils contain very powerful anti-inflammatory compounds such as EPA. They are proven to reduce joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness. They are known to speed up recovery, help with muscle soreness and minimize pain. It also helps with distinct muscle pain and stiffness that typically arise 48 hours after working out and are referred to as DOMS. Taking these supplements, combined with loads of water and an adequate rest period will help you heal and recover faster after a workout.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These two are natural compounds, typically found in cartilage. It helps you avoid any injuries related to work out and kick starts the post-exercise muscle recovery. You cannot consume enough glucosamine or chondroitin from your regular diet. That is why trainers recommend Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements.

Electrolytes

Electrolytes refer to minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These electrolytes are lost through sweat during workout sessions. The depleting electrolyte levels lead to muscle cramping and make you feel wobbly. Hence, it is advised to use electrolytes either before or after the supplements to get the best results.

Magnesium

If you find it difficult to sleep through the night of the intense workout, magnesium is your best friend. It helps speed up muscle recovery, improve muscle function, maintain electrolyte balance, minimize fatigue and help you sleep. Without enough magnesium, you are bound to get muscle cramps and spasms. Magnesium can also be added to your baths. The combination of warm water combined with magnesium will allow your muscles to relax and minimize soreness.

Cherry Juice Concentrate

This supplement has gained a lot of popularity in recent times. A study was carried out in the year 2010 which stated the runners who were given cherry juice concentrate for five days prior to the marathon, the day of the marathon, and the day after had significantly less damaged muscles. They had lower inflammation and regained their strength quickly as compared to those who didn’t consume the concentrate. It is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Moreover, the cherries also contain melatonin that improves the quality of sleep and helps people heal faster.

Choosing the Right Supplement

Not all supplements are created equal!

Now, that you are well aware of the supplements that will help you recover faster after a workout, you should learn the importance of choosing the right kind. The healthy industry is flooded with all different kinds of brand names. Make sure you are choosing the one that is clean and not full of preservatives. You can always ask a health coach or a nutritionist to recommend you. Pharmacists can also help you find the right supplements for your particular needs.

Final Takeaway

It is crucial to prioritize your recovery if you wish to get the most out of your workouts. Getting fit is more than selecting the right exercise and diet. Warming up the muscles prior to working out and stretching the muscles post work out is critical for recovery. Incorporating a good supplement into your diet also helps immensely.

Best of luck with your fitness journey!

CONTACT US TODAY!

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Health

PTSD Awareness Month: How Your Pharmacist Can Help

As June is PTSD Awareness Month, we will explore exactly what this condition is, the symptoms, treatment options, and how your pharmacist can help.

Around 1 in 5 American adults struggle with mental health disorders in any given year. That’s nearly 43.8 million people, or just under 20 percent of the entire population of the continental USA and all of its outlying territories. Of those numbers, approximately 8 million will grapple with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a devastating disorder caused by trauma experienced in either childhood or adulthood.

Your pharmacy has an important role to play in helping you diagnose, treat, and manage the symptoms of PTSD.

In this post, we’ll explain what PTSD really is, what you need to know to determine whether you may be suffering from PTSD, and how to seek treatment if you need help.

PTSD Awareness Month: The Basics

The first step to PTSD awareness is understanding what it is.

It is, in many ways, an amped-up version of the brain’s natural self-protective instinctual measures. After a traumatic event, the brain kicks into overdrive to prevent further trauma by making you nervous, jumpy, or filled with memories of the event. For most patients, these feelings slowly fade over time.

For a small number of patients, those feelings and experiences never seem to fade. Instead, they hang on for months or years, often causing extreme mood swings, depression, long-term anxiety, and in rare cases, even psychosis.

These symptoms begin to intrude on the patient’s life, interfering with their ability to work, form relationships, or in some cases, even properly care for themselves.

This condition is called Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder because it represents a disordered response to the trauma.

Instead of healing and recovering, you become locked into a self-protective loop that does more harm than good.

PTSD Symptoms

One of the most important aspects of PTSD awareness month is understanding the symptoms.

Symptoms can be extensive, touching every part of your day to day life and significantly impacting your ability to function. Harvard’s HelpGuide lists the symptoms of PTSD as:

  • Being unable to sleep or sleeping too much
  • Night terrors that wake you from your sleep
  • Unpleasant or upsetting memories of the trauma
  • Intense negative feelings surrounding the event
  • Persistent flashbacks and nightmares of the event
  • A feeling of numbness, detachment, or inability to feel
  • Feeling as if you will pass away young or die traumatically
  • Lost memories, including an inability to remember the trauma
  • Feeling suicidal, desperate despair, or as if you can’t go on
  • Having auditory or visual hallucinations of the traumatic event
  • Feeling guilty, ashamed, or blaming yourself for the traumatic event
  • Undesired physical reactions, like rapid heartbeat, nausea, or spasms
  • An overwhelming desire to avoid talking about or revisiting the trauma
  • Experiencing persistent clinical depression and/or anxiety
  • Feeling the need to abuse substances to rid yourself of negative feelings
  • Aggression, intense anger, or even violent behavior you can’t control
  • Feeling as if you’re constantly on high alert (known as hypervigilance)
  • Feeling isolated, alienated, alone, or “cut off” from the normal world
  • Startling easy or jumpiness to everyday stimuli (being tapped on the shoulder)
  • Feeling unable to trust anyone, or feeling as if people you love will betray you

This list of symptoms is far from exhaustive; every patient is unique.

You shouldn’t assume you aren’t suffering from PTSD if your symptoms aren’t present on this list.

Instead, to enhance PTSD awareness of these symptoms, you should speak with your pharmacist or physician to see whether treatment is right for you.

Combat PTSD Differences

Some people believe that PTSD is a combat disease; that only soldiers suffer from it after returning from war zones. This isn’t true; in fact, PTSD can affect any patient who goes through a traumatic scenario, including violent crimes, abuse, or even car accidents and near-death illnesses.

Combat PTSD is merely one experience of the disorder; there are many other valid forms.

That said, there are a few differences between the type of PTSD experienced by combat veterans and people who have experienced abuse, violent crimes, natural disasters and non-combat events.

Primarily, differences exist within treatment options; combat veterans may need highly specialized, specific care measures that everyday therapists or psychiatrists don’t provide.

What is most important in this conversation of PTSD awareness is knowing that Combat PTSD, C-PTSD and PTSD patients have effective options for treatment available to them.

Therapy, medications, and simple lifestyle adjustments can help you get your life back and thrive.

You do not have to suffer alone; take the first step and reach out.

Is PTSD Always Severe?

Not necessarily.

In fact, every patient’s experience of PTSD is slightly different.

Some patients may find themselves totally incapacitated and unable to care for themselves. Others experience only mild symptoms, such as jumping or startling at common triggers. It is extremely important for patients, practitioners, and pharmacists to recognize that there is no one “right way” to experience PTSD.

A small number of patients – often those who experience repeated or long-term trauma, such as childhood abuse or combat – may experience a worsening of symptoms. This is called Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), and can be much more severe than standard PTSD.

Untreated C-PTSD can lead to lifelong struggle, and sometimes, suicide. It is important to know that effective treatments can help you to overcome these feelings and experiences.

If you believe you are suffering from PTSD or C-PTSD, please speak with us at the pharmacy – there’s so much we can do to help you with PTSD awareness and treatment.

How Pharmacists Can Help With PTSD Awareness Month & Treatment

Pharmacists play an important role in treating and healing from nearly all mental health conditions and struggles.

In fact, we are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms they can no longer tolerate, especially if they’re subtle (e.g., insomnia, anxiety attacks, nausea).

This PTSD Awareness Month, we want you to understand how your pharmacist can help. Your pharmacist’s main role in identifying or treating your PTSD is helping you better understand your symptoms.

For example, if you aren’t sure whether you have PTSD, but you have symptoms that fall under the list in section two, we can ask questions to help you narrow down whether you may be suffering from PTSD or another illness.

Your pharmacist can also help you with simple lifestyle changes, medication reviews, medication adjustments, and non-prescription options for relieving symptoms.

This includes adjusting medication to make it easier to take through compounding, changing your prescription to make it more suitable for you, or recommending vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements that won’t contraindicate with your current medications or cause you harm.

We also play an important role in education – including helping you understand PTSD disorders and how they can affect your life.

Often, your pharmacist can suggest non-medication measures, like relaxation strategies, emotional journaling, and lifestyle tweaks, to help you sleep better, feel calmer, and control your triggers.

How to Get Help

The biggest takeaway of PTSD Awareness Month is this: you are not alone.

If you believe you may be suffering from PTSD, we want you to know that help is available.

You do not (and should not) suffer from your symptoms alone. In this section, we’ll outline a few ways to get help.

First, if you are feeling desperate or suicidal, or if you believe you may be a danger to yourself or others around you, please head to your local emergency room or urgent care center. Feeling suicidal is a medical emergency, and even though you may not feel like it’s true right now, you deserve care and proper treatment.

You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Sometimes, what we need most is a kind ear to listen to us. Crisis line workers are trained to listen to you without judging your situation, and may be able to suggest resources.

We also encourage all patients to call or visit the pharmacy for guidance on PTSD awareness, how to treat your symptoms, and even whether or not (or when) you should see the doctor.

Conclusion on PTSD Awareness Month

Pharmacists work with PTSD patients every single day. We focus on helping them to move forward, heal, and make the best possible care decisions they can.

In honor of PTSD Awareness Month, we want to extend that support to you, too.

 

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Health

Lupus Awareness Month

According to the Lupus Foundation of America, roughly 1.5 million Americans, and at least 5 million people worldwide suffer from Lupus. This Lupus Awareness Month, we strive to demystify this disease.

Lupus, a systemic autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects women, can be devastating for sufferers. It has the potential to affect virtually every organ, tissue, and system found within the human body – including the heart, lungs, circulatory system, and brain.

Yet, every patient experiences Lupus in their own unique way. Some experience only mild side effects, while others are significantly disabled by their illness for life. This is complicated by the fact that, while science does understand what Lupus is and how it affects the body, we still don’t exactly know how to cure it.

May is Lupus Awareness Month. As the spring unfolds and life begins to return to the Earth, it is once again time to reaffirm how important Lupus awareness and advocacy really is. That’s why we created this helpful educational guide.

What Exactly Is Lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder… but what exactly does that mean? Let’s break the definition down into simpler terms.

First, an autoimmune disorder is any illness that occurs as a result of the body’s self-protective measures becoming confused or going into overdrive. Instead of fighting off real intruders, such as viruses and bad bacteria, the immune system begins to attack the body directly instead. This can damage or even kill cells and interfere with virtually every part of the body, depending on the disease diagnosed.

Sometimes, the issue isn’t that the body mistakenly identifies the wrong target, but that it jumps into action too quickly instead. For example, the immune system is responsible for clearing out old, dead cells. In the presence of some disorders, it can activate too soon, killing off cells that aren’t yet at the end of their life cycle.

In Lupus, both immune hyperactivity and “friendly fire” cause the immune system to identify normal tissues as a threat. It launches an immediate inflammatory response designed to kill off intruders – but the real result is cellular damage, scarring, and permanent loss of function over time instead.

How Common is Lupus?

More common than you might think. In fact, over 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with Lupus at any given time. The overwhelming majority (over 90%) of these patients are female; men account for only 10% of all diagnoses.

Research also shows that certain populations are more likely to be affected than others. This includes people of African, Asian, and Native American descent. Having an immediate family member who has been diagnosed also increases your level of risk for Lupus – but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get it, either.

Most people who are diagnosed with Lupus begin experiencing symptoms shortly after childhood in the early teen years. However, some may not have any symptoms at all until they are in their mid-20s. It is very rare to be diagnosed with Lupus earlier than age 14 or after age 30 (unless the disease was missed).

Recognizing Lupus Symptoms

It is important to note that every patient experiences Lupus individually. Symptoms mostly depend on which body systems are affected, so patients could experience one, all, or even none of the items on this list.

That being said, most patients report:

  • Achy “arthritis-like” pain
  • Joint redness and inflammation
  • Frequent fevers over 100 F
  • Swelling around the joints
  • Extreme exhaustion/fatigue
  • Poor circulation in the legs
  • Swollen ankles and/or fingers
  • Pain in and around the lungs
  • Hair loss (may be sudden or transient)
  • Mouth ulcers and/or sores
  • Seizures (especially if Lupus affects the brain)

Skin rashes are also common – especially a butterfly-shaped red rash that settles in across the nose and cheeks. In fact, this happens so frequently that it is often the first symptom to diagnose the disease before other issues occur.

Other signs of general illness may occur, including nausea, headaches, overall sense of malaise, and difficulty maintaining energy over time. It’s also common for people with Lupus to eventually be diagnosed with other diseases that stem from chronic damage to various organs. While separate, these still connect to Lupus.

I Think I Have Lupus. What Should I Do?

First, take a deep breath. The fact that Lupus causes such a constellation of symptoms means that it’s very possible you may have something far less serious going on. This is true even if you have multiple symptoms on the above list.

Take the first step to finding out for sure by reaching out to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. He or she will most likely ask you about your symptoms and order simple tests to rule out other illnesses. This is an important step in ensuring Lupus really is the correct diagnosis, especially for varied symptoms.

If you are diagnosed with this disorder, take heart. New treatments can help you overcome the disorder and get your life back. Some patients even successfully enter full-time remission without any additional damage with medications.

How is Lupus Treated?

Lupus treatment has two distinct features. The first goal is to reduce the immune response itself to slow damage and protect tissues. The second goal is to reduce inflammation, which is a side effect of the disordered immune system’s overactivity. For this reason, most treatment plans seek to address both elements at once.

Medications used to treat Lupus might include:

  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, Celebrex, or ketorolac. These medications not only reduce localized inflammatory response, but may also provide effective pain relief.
  • Steroids such as cortisone and dexamethasone may be used topically or orally to help reduce symptoms. They work by temporarily reducing immune response, either on a localized or systemic basis. Because of the risk for side effects they are often a last resort.
  • Anti-Malarial Drugs such as Plaquenil might help some patients experience fewer symptoms long-term. However, they take time to work, and most patients don’t see results for at least several months. Once AMDs reduce symptoms, they often hold them at bay for years or even for life.
  • True Immunosuppressives, including Methotrexate, specifically target and suppress the immune system as a whole. This can be useful in preventing the body from attacking its own tissues. However, like steroids, they do come with side effects and certain risks.

There is also evidence that patients with Lupus might benefit from supplements that boost energy or help the brain work more effectively. This includes the hormone DHEA. Your pharmacist can tell you more about this substance.

Increasing Lupus Awareness

Lupus may seem like a scary and exotic disease, but the fact that it is so common and so treatable means that patients have more hope than ever before to get (and stay) well. If you want more help learning about Lupus, don’t be afraid to reach out to your pharmacist for help. And if you just want to show your support, spread the word and wear a purple ribbon this Lupus Awareness Month.

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Health

The 5 Best Supplements for Diabetes

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. In honor of this important event, we want to share some of the latest research findings with you about the best supplements for diabetes.

If you or someone you love has diabetes, you are probably already aware of the fact that managing the condition well is extremely important. High blood sugar can result in ketoacidosis, a potentially harmful or even fatal condition in which ketones build up in the blood. But low blood sugar, which causes hypoglycemia, can be just as dangerous.

The good news is that medications like Metformin and Insulin can help diabetes patients overcome their condition and remain healthy for life. But lifestyle changes and eating a healthy diet can help, too.

Now, researchers have discovered promising information about another potential treatment avenue: nutritional herbs and supplements for diabetes. Get to know which ones help, and how they benefit patients, in this list.

1. Cinnamon

There’s nothing like a little pinch of cinnamon on top of a hot apple cider or even a freshly baked sweet potato pie. But now, it turns out that same delightful spice might also be able to help you control your blood sugar, too.

Studies show that taking regular doses of whole cinnamon powder not only directly lowers blood sugar, but also empowers your body to better maintain control of it over time. It works by making your cells more sensitive to insulin, which allows your body to better utilize it in keeping blood sugar levels down.

Results have been the most promising for prediabetic patients and those who had been diagnosed with Type II diabetes.

In fact, participants in this study saw an 11 to 14 percent drop in blood sugar values over just a couple of months!

But you’ll have to do more than just add a dash of spice to your coffee to make this potential benefit work. The most common studies gave patients at least 120 mg to 500 mg capsules of cinnamon extract with breakfast and dinner.

Tip: Have Type I diabetes? Ask your pharmacist if it’s  safe to integrate these supplements for diabetes and ask if it works with your protocol, as taking too much cinnamon may drop sugar levels too low.

2. Probiotics

There is also mounting evidence that gut bacteria might play a role in the development of Type II diabetes.

The human digestive system relies on a healthy balance between good and bad bacteria in order for optimal functioning. If healthy bacteria are not present, or are somehow chronically damaged (e.g., long-term antibiotic therapy), it allows bad bacteria to multiply at exponential rates.

At best, this results in:

  • Flatulence
  • Stomach pain
  • Gas
  • Poor digestion

At worst, it could also lead to poor insulin production and a lowered ability to digest carbs. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise steadily overtime.

In this study, researchers supplemented Type II diabetes patients with probiotics for two or more months. They found that nearly all patients saw an approximate 16-mg/dl decrease in blood sugar. AIC levels also dropped, proving that probiotics provide the most benefit when taken regularly over time.

So how can you work them in? Add sugar-free yogurts and kefir to your diet. Or, if you can’t have dairy, try a dairy-free fermented probiotic supplement instead. Formulas containing multiple species of bacteria, including  L. acidophilus, B. bifidum and L. rhamnosus, seem to work best.

Tip: Are you immunocompromised or currently undergoing chemotherapy? Ask your doctor before you add a probiotic, as you may not be able to take them safely.

3. Vitamin D

The idea that Vitamin D can benefit patients with diabetes isn’t new. In fact, researchers have been aware of the critical role it may play in many chronic illnesses for some time. But it has only been within the last five years that we are finally beginning to understand just how important it might be for patients with diabetes.

In this study, almost 75 percent of patients with Type II diabetes were identified as deficient in the “sunshine vitamin.” Other studies, including this one, have confirmed this link and specifically identify Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor for blood sugar problems later in life.

The most promising trial had patients take 4,500-IUs of a high-quality Vitamin D supplement daily for several months.

Fasting blood sugar levels and AIC levels both improved at numbers far too significant to ignore.

So where does this connection come from? In animal studies, Vitamin D stimulates pancreatic cells to produce more insulin. This makes it easier for the pancreas to mount a faster, more effective response to rising blood sugar levels.

The easiest way to add Vitamin D to your diet is to eat more vitamin-rich foods; however, it’s safer and more reliable to take them as supplements for diabetes. Ask your pharmacist to help you identify the best dose and option for you.

Tip: The human body naturally produces Vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. Getting out for a short walk or even spending five to 10 minutes in the sun (no more unless you wear sunscreen) may help.

4. Chromium

The name “chromium” might sound like “chrome,” but that doesn’t mean it’s made of the same metal used in vehicle rims or refrigerators and stoves. Instead, like iron, it’s a trace mineral that plays a critical role in nutrition and health.

For diabetes patients, chromium seems to make cells more sensitive to insulin while also providing direct support to pancreatic cells. As this study shows, there is also evidence that being deficient in chromium may inhibit your ability to digest carbs and clear simple sugars from the body.

So, can taking supplements for diabetes really help? Absolutely.

All of these papers concluded that patients who took chromium on a schedule enjoyed much lower fasting blood sugar and AIC levels.

This means that taking chromium not only immediately reduced blood sugar, but also helped keep it low over time.

As for how much patients used, each study took its own individual approach. Most, however, gave patients between 250mcg and 1000mcg per day, usually in the highly-absorbable form chromium picolinate. If you’re interested in trying this for yourself, your pharmacist can help set you up.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid, also known as ALA, is highly similar to other essential fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3. This powerful antioxidant is normally produced in the liver (at least in healthy patients), but it is also found in spinach, certain types of fish, beef steaks, and broccoli.

ALA plays a few different roles in health that are key to patients with diabetes. First, it can sensitize cells to insulin, helping to keep blood sugar levels from spiraling out of control. It also has a protective effect; taken regularly, it may help to prevent or even reverse oxidative damage from chronic diabetes.

In this study, patients who supplemented with between 300 and 1,200 mg of ALA each day saw significant improvements in fasting blood sugar and AIC.

Higher doses produced better results, and patients also noticed that their results improved more the longer they continued treatment.

The easiest way to take ALA is by taking a supplement with each meal. Most studies support a dose of around 600 mg to 1,200 mg, but this should be divided over the course of 24 hours rather than taken all at once.

Tip: Are you deficient in vitamin B1? Struggling with a thyroid condition? Ask your pharmacist if ALA is safe for you first, as these conditions might make these conditions worse.

Which Are the Best Supplements for Diabetes?

Supplements for diabetes can help to improve blood sugar and AIC and should be considered if you or a loved one has diabetes.

The best types of supplements for you will depend on your history and test results. If you think any of these are a good option for you, contact your doctor today.

Categories
Health

PCOS and Diabetes: What You Should Know This Awareness Month

The human body makes connections, and sometimes conditions can increase the likelihood of experiencing other conditions or health problems. Is there a connection between PCOS and diabetes?

September is PCOS Awareness Month. We’re doing our part to help spread the word by starting the conversation about the connection between PCOS and diabetes. You might be surprised by some of the information you read here – but it’s all based on fact and science. We hope you’ll pass this along to others who may be affected.

 

What is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone-driven condition that affects the ovaries and reproductive system. The most defining symptom is the development of multiple small, medium, or large fluid-filled follicles (often referred to as cysts) on one or both of the ovaries. However, simply having cysts on your ovaries isn’t enough.

Simply having cysts on your ovaries does not necessarily mean you have  PCOS; cysts can be normal when they don’t cause any symptoms. For a diagnosis, you also need to struggle with other associated and systemic symptoms:

  • Excessive production of androgens (male hormones)
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Irregular periods and/or spotting
  • Excess hair growth (e.g., hair growth on the face)
  • Acne and/or other skin struggles

Severe PCOS can also interfere with endocrine and metabolic function, including the ability to control or manage blood sugar levels. In fact, many women who suffer from PCOS also go on to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Unfortunately, researchers don’t yet know exactly why this happens; research is ongoing. Stil, the correlation is clear: people who are diagnosed with PCOS may be at risk for diabetes, too.

 

The PCOS – Diabetes Connection

Here’s what science knows about PCOS and diabetes (so far).

In PCOS, ovarian cysts cause widespread disruption of the endocrine system (hormones and metabolic function). This occurs because the body begins to produce far too many male hormones. High levels of androgens cause insulin receptors in the body to become resistant to insulin generated by the pancreas.

The pancreas, for its part, detects that resistance and kicks the body into overdrive, producing even more insulin to try and “catch up.” This results in hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which manifests as shakiness, dizziness, weakness, and often, extreme fatigue.

But how is it that low blood sugar leads to the high sugar levels associated with Type 2 diabetes? Essentially, pancreatic insulin-producing cells become exhausted over time. This results in a low output of insulin, which causes blood sugar levels to rebound and become too high. The patient is eventually diagnosed with diabetes.

 

Does Everyone With PCOS Develop Insulin Resistance or Diabetes?

No. However, the CDC reports that over half of all women diagnosed with the syndrome will go on to be diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 40. This effectively means your risk sits at about 50 percent after initial diagnosis. Being excessively overweight, having a family tie to diabetes, and not getting enough exercise or sleep may increase this risk even further.

 

What Causes PCOS?

An exact cause for this syndrome has yet to be identified. However, most studies do show evidence of a genetic link. If someone else in your immediate family is diagnosed with PCOS (particularly your parents or grandparents, you are more likely to be diagnosed with it, too. This is also the case for Type I and Type II diabetes, which makes the likelihood of a genetic influence extremely high.

Still, simply being related to someone with PCOS, PCOS-connected Type II diabetes, or Type I diabetes isn’t a guarantee you’ll suffer from it, too. Environmental influences, such as healthy diet, exercise, and early intervention, can make a big difference in diagnosis rates and, should you be diagnosed, prognosis.

 

How is PCOS Diagnosed?

The standard procedure for diagnosing PCOS is for the patient to have a thorough examination, including a PAP test. If you have cysts on your ovaries, your doctor may be able to detect them by palpitating your abdomen – this is often the first indication of a problem. However, failing to detect any masses is not sufficient to rule it out.

To confirm or rule out PCOS where the syndrome is suspected, doctors will often use a combination of bloodwork (to detect hormone problems) and ultrasound (to identify whether 12 or more cysts exist on the ovaries). Your doctor will also likely take the opportunity to measure your blood sugar and AIC levels to rule out either type of diabetes, since a dual diagnosis is so common.

The good news is that if you are diagnosed with PCOS, treatment options are available.

 

Treating PCOS and PCOS-Related Diabetes

While a considerable amount of trial and error is needed to find the right fix for the individual patient, some people see a complete reversal of symptoms just by taking birth control or anti-androgens. Lifestyle changes (e.g., losing weight and cutting back on excess sugar) can also help you feel better and regain control.

In moderate to severe PCOS where cysts become excessively large, surgery may be recommended to remove them – especially if they cause problems. However, this is generally reserved for situations where cysts cause extreme pain or where there is a risk for more serious complications, such as endometrial cancer.

Other drugs, including Clomiphene (Clomid) (an anti-estrogen), Letrozole (Femara) (an anti-cancer drug), and Gonadotropins (antiandrogens) may help alleviate fertility issues. However, they should only be used if you are monitored by a physician.

Medication can also help you gain control over PCOS-related diabetes, especially if you struggle with insulin resistance or high blood sugar levels. Injectable insulin is an option, but is rarely needed; instead, oral pills, such as Metformin, are preferred (and often better tolerated, too). The goal is to restore normal function and prevent both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia at the same time.

 

Hope for Patients With PCOS

If you are diagnosed with PCOS with or without diabetes, take heart. While this can be a troublesome condition with difficult symptoms, new treatment options also give you a better chance at living a comfortable, healthy life than ever before. If you have questions about this or any other reproductive health concern, ask your pharmacist.

Categories
Skin Care

7 Simple Ways to Calm Pediatric Psoriasis

August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, and we want to do our part in helping people raise awareness of this complex, immune-mediated disorder by exploring ways to calm and treat pediatric psoriasis.

Some people first develop signs of psoriasis in infancy shortly after birth, while others don’t experience symptoms until well into adulthood. This year, we’re focusing on pediatric psoriasis and to help parents help their kids feel more comfortable and confident – even during the very worst flares.

 

What is Psoriasis?

First, let’s talk about what psoriasis is – and what it isn’t.

At its most basic definition, psoriasis is a skin condition that causes skin cells to regenerate at a faster rate. While this might sound ideal, the old, dead skin cells pile up, creating silvery scales and plaques. This leads to itching, inflammation, cracks in the skin, and rarely, even secondary infection or systemic inflammation and illness.

Psoriasis falls into a few different categories depending on how the disease manifests:

1. Plaque Psoriasis

This is the most common form of psoriasis, especially in children. It produces the classic plaques and silvery scales most people associate with the disease. Flares may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or they may be severe, covering most of the body.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis (sometimes referred to as eruptive psoriasis) is another manifestation of the disease. It produces small lesions that generally remain on the trunk and upper torso. However, they may manifest on the legs and arms, too. It is far more common in teens than other forms.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis (sometimes referred to as intertriginous psoriasis) is similar to plaque psoriasis. However, it only manifests in skin folds and darker, damp areas of the body, such as the groin, armpit or under the breasts. Lesions can be bright red, very painful, and very inflamed.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is rare and often mistaken for other conditions, such as acne. It manifests as tiny, whitehead-like, pus-filled bumps that burst under pressure, releasing white blood cells and lymph fluid. These bumps generally appear on the hands, feet, and arms rather than the face, torso, or trunk.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

The erythrodermic version of psoriasis is fairly rare; however, it is also much more dangerous. During flares, patients may develop large, peeling rashes across nearly all of the body. Because so much of the surface of the skin is affected, it can be intensely painful and itchy. Infection risk is also very high, which is why patients are sometimes hospitalized temporarily during especially bad flares.

6. Psoriatic Arthritis

Although researchers don’t yet fully understand why this happens, psoriasis does sometimes seem to affect other areas of the body rather than just the skin. Up to 30 percent of all patients diagnosed with at least one other type of psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis. Joints (especially around the spine, neck, knees, and hips) become red and inflamed, which leads to swelling and joint destruction over time.

Most patients who suffer from psoriasis experience only very mild symptoms; in fact, many children never even realize they’ve had a flare at all! For those who do suffer from pediatric psoriasis with one or more of the symptoms on this list, the right treatment can make a world of difference. Early treatment can help slow progression.

We’ll tell you about a few of the best options for pediatric patients in the next few sections.

 

 

How to Calm Pediatric Psoriasis

If you believe your child is suffering from psoriasis, the first step is to seek a diagnosis. It’s important to be certain because the symptoms associated with pediatric psoriasis can, and often do, overlap with symptoms from eczema, allergic dermatitis, and a few other milder conditions.

Once you have a diagnosis, you have a broad range of treatment options available to help your child recover.

 

2. Home Remedies

Because some of the available treatments for pediatric psoriasis come with the potential for side effects, you may wish to try home remedies first. This is an appropriate response only when symptoms are mild and tolerable. Always check that there are no signs of worsening over a short period of time.

Try:

  • Oatmeal baths: to help soothe inflamed skin and restore natural moisture balance. Just add a cup or two of colloidal oatmeal (available at most pharmacies) to a warm tub full of water. Allow it to disperse and bathe your child as normal. Colloidal oatmeal works because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds. This is also a great option for other skin conditions, such as sunburn or dermatitis, too!
  • Aloe vera: may help to soothe itching and moisturize the skin, preventing cracks, in very mild cases. However, it should be tested with care in very young children as the risk for allergies is always present. If your child tolerates it, this can be a great option for maintenance even in the presence of other treatments containing medication.
  • Epsom salts: in the bath may help to draw out inflammation and reduce redness. However, they should be avoided in children under the age of six due to the risk that swallowed bath water may induce mild diarrhea. You can also soak a washcloth in warm water saturated with epsom salts and gently compress it over a small area of the skin.
  • Apple cider vinegar: does seem to relieve symptoms and redness in some people, especially for plaque psoriasis. However, there is a small risk that it may cause stinging or burning when used topically. Test it on your child if you want to explore this option, and stop immediately if they experience irritation.

Other options sometimes suggested for adults, such as tea tree oil or coal tar soap, should be used with extreme caution in pediatric psoriasis patients. Many of these substances are too harsh for a child’s sensitive skin, leading to further issues or pain.

 

2. Medicated and Advanced Treatments

If home remedies don’t work, or symptoms are too severe, you have the option to try more advanced therapies – including medication. These treatments can be categorized into three specific subsections:

  • UVA/UVB light therapy
  • Topical creams and salves
  • Oral or injected medications

As a general rule of thumb, oral and injected medications typically consist of biologics or steroids. They are typically given only as a last resort for severe cases. For the purposes of this article, we won’t discuss these in-depth; instead, we’ll focus more on light therapy and topical medications.

Light Therapy

Light therapy may help children who are experiencing mild to moderate psoriasis. It works by stimulating Vitamin D production in the body which slows cellular turnover rates. Your doctor may suggest brief exposure to the sun, or they may suggest using a light wand over specific areas of the body, such as the scalp or hands.

This option should be used with caution, as too much exposure can actually worsen psoriasis over time.

Topical Therapy

Topical therapies for psoriasis include salicylic acid, coal tar, vitamin D analogues that slow cellular turnover, salves that moisturize and soothe the skin, and topical steroids. All of these options are useful for different manifestations of the disease. For example, salicylic acid works well for scalp psoriasis, but isn’t necessarily the best option for psoriasis plaques on the face.

While topicals are considered “first line,” they can be messy, difficult to apply, and hard to “get right.” Children also often need reduced doses (especially for topical steroids) to reduce the risk of side effects, and convincing a four year old to let you apply multiple topicals every single day can become a significant source of stress for everyone involved.

Pediatric compounding pharmacies can help you customize your child’s medication, either by combining medications or removing certain ingredients, to better target your child’s symptoms while also lowering the risk for side effects. If you must use medicated topicals, this is by far the best way to do so.

 

Conclusion

As a parent, you have a major role to play in your child’s attitude towards psoriasis, especially when it comes to confidence and feeling secure. Do your best to avoid negative reactions and treat the disorder as no different than a scratch or cut – it needs attention and care, but isn’t “gross” or “yucky!”

If you still have questions about pediatric psoriasis, contact your local pharmacy today!

 

Categories
Health

Allergy Awareness: Are There Food Allergens in Medicine?

May 12-18 is Food Allergy Awareness Week. This important event gives us the perfect opportunity to talk about a matter of extreme importance: food allergens in medications and how pharmacies can help sensitive patients avoid them.

Food allergies are no joke. Depending on the severity of the allergy and the patient, they can cause everything from itchy eyes to anaphylactic shock.

That’s why it’s so important that pharmacies play an active role in helping patients with allergies avoid triggers – even within prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

First, we’ll explain the basics of food allergies, including what causes them and why most medications contain food-based fillers. Then, we’ll share how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work together to keep you healthy, well, and safe.

Here’s to your health!

 

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immunological reaction to the presence of a certain food-based item or product (for example, nuts or strawberries). Although researchers aren’t yet sure why it happens, the human body sometimes confuses food molecules as some kind of pathogenic threat.

The immune system acknowledges the threat by generating disease-fighting antibodies that trigger a massive release of histamine.

Histamine is a self-protective chemical that widens blood vessels to improve blood flow. It also encourages smooth muscle groups to contract.

Together, both of these reactions make up the basis for inflammation – swelling, redness, and increased circulation.

While few people enjoy experiencing inflammation after an injury, it is an important part of overall wellness. Improving circulation and blood flow makes it easier for the body’s natural immune system to fight off threats and/or heal damaged tissue.

In allergy patients, the immune system is hypersensitized and overactive.

It responds to food items as if they were threats, launching an all-out assault in an effort to purge them from the body.

The symptoms associated cause the allergic reaction.

 

Are Food Allergies Dangerous?

Allergies occur on a spectrum, so every patient’s reaction is unique. Some patients experience only minimal itching, while others struggle with itchy welts (called hives) for days after eating trigger foods.

In rare cases, allergies can be so severe that they cause anaphylactic shock. In anaphylaxis, even the normal histamine release spirals out of control; the body releases a waterfall of chemicals only seconds after ingesting a specific food. These chemicals cause:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Extreme swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Sometimes, even complete respiratory failure or death

Around 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Some of these people are born with a specific allergy, and experience reactions from day one. Others suddenly develop allergies later in life.

Scientists aren’t yet sure exactly why some people seem to be more likely to develop allergies than others. However, general consensus among the medical community favors the influence of genetics and environmental factors.

 

 

Are There Food Allergens In Medication?

We mentioned earlier that most medications contain food-based additives that preserve, stabilize, or bind drug ingredients together. They may also help to flavor certain formulations to make them easier to take.

According to Medical News Today, 93 percent of all medications on the commercial market contain at least one type of food-based additive.

A significant portion are, in fact, sourced from foods, while others are sourced from certain chemicals. Even synthetic chemical additives may be sourced from base food allergens!

For example:

  • Wheat and corn starch: These are frequently in caplets, tablets, and capsules. Both give the tablet bulk and help drug ingredients retain their shape over time.
  • Sucrose: (A type of sugar) is added to most oral liquid medications (such as children’s antibiotics). It reduces the bitterness associated with many drugs.
  • Egg protein: Also called ovalbumin, may be found in the MMR, Rabies, and Influenza IIV It serves as a stabilizer and preservative.
  • Gelatin: Is present in nearly all capsules. It may also be in suppositories, oral films, chewing gum, oral gels, and some vaccines. Generally, it serves as a filler, a binding agent, or a stabilizer.
  • Peanut oil: Is a common ingredient in valproic acid and progesterone. It is also sometimes in topical creams and ointments. In both cases, it serves as a filler and/or alters the consistency of the product, boosting absorption.

There are thousands of different food-based additives used in pharmacology, including colorants, flavorings, bulk-forming fillers, and more.

Each serves a slightly different purpose, but all are included because they offer something beneficial to the manufacturer or patient using the drug.

 

Should Allergy Patients Avoid All Medications?

Not necessarily. In fact, very few patients react to food-based additives even if they have a specific allergy to an ingredient within the formula; the amount of additive included is usually very small.

Still, particularly sensitive patients may react to even the slightest presence of food allergens. Furthermore, the risk for a reaction to worsen suddenly does exist.

It pays to be cautious and avoid medicines containing triggers when you can.

Often, avoiding food allergens in medications is easy; substitutions are available.

Changing the medication or opting for a special custom formula can help you gain all of the benefits of using medicine without putting yourself at risk.

 

 

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your pharmacist is your first line of defense between you and any potential allergy triggers within medications.

If you become aware that you have a food-based allergy, or if you experience an allergic reaction after ingesting certain foods, tell your pharmacy so they can record the information on your patient profile.

Your local pharmacy can help you manage food allergies and avoid food allergens in medications in a variety of ways.

Pharmacists can:

  • Provide on-the-spot advice: for avoiding food-based allergies you may encounter at work, at home, or out in the world. This includes identifying surprising sources of allergens you might not be aware of.
  • Educate you on how to respond: if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction, including when to take over-the-counter medicine and when to see a physician.
  • Teach you how to use allergy medications: in a medical emergency, including over-the-counter allergy drugs and Epipens for anaphylaxis.
  • Record your food-based allergies: on your patient profile to ensure that any new prescription interactions don’t put you at risk.
  • Review your medications: to ensure you aren’t inadvertently taking a medication containing food allergens.
  • Help you find substitutions: when you are prescribed a drug that contains food allergens. Alternatives are almost always available.
  • Compound medications from scratch: using only ingredients known to be safe for you to take (only available at compounding pharmacies). This is an excellent option for patients with multiple food allergies.

 

Conclusion

If you struggle with food allergies, don’t be afraid to reach out to your pharmacist when you need help.

Whether it’s compounding a medication to avoid side effects from an allergy reaction or just having someone to listen when you’re struggling with symptoms, your pharmacist is a valuable part of your care team.

Categories
Medicine

Immunization Awareness Month: Vaccines By Age

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and that means it’s time for us to do our part to spread awareness and information.

Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools in the world in the fight against preventable diseases, like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, meningitis, and even Influenza.

Following the recommended vaccination schedule in childhood, teenagerhood, and adulthood is one of the best ways to ensure that you stay well and healthy for life.

 

National Immunization Awareness Month

This National Vaccine Awareness Month, our goal is to spread awareness of vaccines. We want to answer some of the most common questions surrounding them.

One of the most common questions we field in the pharmacy, especially around vaccine safety is how age factors into a patient’s vaccine schedule.

This includes when, how, and how often patients should be inoculated.

Your health status, life stage, and even lifestyle all play a role in the answer to this complicated question.

To help you better understand vaccination and whether this treatment is right for your family – or at what age to vaccinate – continue reading.

This short guide contains helpful information clarifying vaccine myths and misunderstandings, including the role age plays in inoculation, to help you make the right choice.

 

Vaccine Myths

A small number of Americans still turn away from vaccination altogether as a result of misconceptions surrounding safety and pharmacology.

They may think that vaccination is unsafe, that it doesn’t work, or that too many injections in a short period of time can overwhelm the body.

Or, they may feel that very young children aren’t yet able to process vaccines, and thus, injections may make them sick.

These “anti-vax” views mostly come from misapplied scientific theories rather than whole truths. They are sourced from non-professionals, come from non-credible websites, or are shared via old wives’ tales from parent-to-parent.

Anti-vaccination views may also occur as a result of misinterpreted and misapplied scientific data, especially in self-directed online research.

Patients assume that what they are reading is not only true but also reliable. Without having a medical or pharmacological degree, interpreting scientific data can be extremely confusing.

This Immunization Awareness Month, take the time to debunk these vaccination myths.

There is no shame in admitting you don’t understand vaccines or in asking for more information about vaccine safety.

Your pharmacy can address these questions for you and help to break down complex data to explain it in a way that’s easier to understand, including research, studies, and risks. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

 

The Truth About Vaccines

This National Immunization Awareness Month, we want to teach you about vaccines.

The truth is this: nearly all of the research available to us right now shows that vaccines are an overwhelmingly safe, low-risk option for fighting preventable communicable diseases like measles, chicken pox, and smallpox.

Inoculation is a significant reason why many of these older, more devastating diseases have largely disappeared.

But are complications even possible? Unfortunately, yes – but they’re extremely rare and almost never occur.

All medications, including vaccines, carry certain risks, contraindications, and complications.

This is a “risk profile”.  It helps your medical providers decide whether the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks in your individual health scenario.

When complications do occur, they are almost never a result of “vaccine injuries,” a non-specific, rarely clear term.

Instead, they mostly occur as a result of undiscovered allergies or very specific and uncommon diseases, like Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) or Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID).

Your doctor and pharmacy can help you determine whether or not you are truly precluded from vaccination by reviewing your health picture for a more specific answer.

Next, we’ll address vaccine concerns relating to age. This includes when to vaccinate your child and how vaccines work in adulthood.

 

 

Age and Vaccines

Does age play a role in safe inoculation? Absolutely!

In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and national organizations like the Mayo Clinic both have recommendations for when, and how often, children, teens, and adults should receive vaccinations.

This is a “vaccine schedule.”

Initial vaccines for children are recommended even before your child is born, during the prenatal period.

The CDC recommends that pregnant mothers receive at least one Influenza and Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine before birth.

After baby comes into the world, he or she will have a series of three initial shots to protect against Hepatitis B. virus.

These shots are critical for infants because they effectively prevent potentially fatal liver disease.

From then on, your infant will follow a CDC-recommended vaccine schedule.

 

The Vaccine Schedule Through Adulthood

At around two months of age, the CDC, who created the National Immunization Awareness Month, recommends a long-term vaccination schedule to begin.

This schedule covers infanthood to adulthood.

  • Two Months –Hepatitis B (2nd dose), Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Polio (IPV), Pneumococcal (PCV), and Rotavirus (RV).
  • 4 Months – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Polio (IPV), Pneumococcal (PCV), Rotavirus (RV), and Hepatitis B (HepB).
  • 6 Months – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Polio (IPV), Pneumococcal (PCV), Rotavirus (RV), and Influenza (flu).
  • 7 to 11 Months – No vaccines. This period may also be to “catch up” on vaccines to cover any a child still needs.
  • 12 to 23 Months – Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib), Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), Polio (IPV), Pneumococcal (PCV), Hepatitis A (HepA), Hepatitis B (HepB).
  • 2 to 3 Years – No vaccines. This period may also be to “catch up” vaccines to cover any prior missed doses.
  • 4 to 6 Years – Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Polio (IPV), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Chickenpox (Varicella), and Influenza (flu).
  • 7 to 10 Years – No specific vaccines. This period may also be for “catch up” vaccines to cover any doses. The CDC also encourages parents to consider giving the optional HPV Vaccine by age 9.
  • 11 to 12 Years – HPV vaccine (if not yet given), Meningococcal Conjugate, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), Influenza.
  • 13 to 18 Years – Meningococcal Conjugate booster, Serogroup B, Meningococcal Vaccine, Influenza. If traveling, additional vaccines may be necessary at this time.

 

 

 

Vaccines in Adulthood

What about vaccines for adults? The CDC has recommendations for vaccines in adulthood, too.

The most common recommended inoculations are Influenza (flu) vaccine every year as well as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP) at regular and specific intervals.

When and how often you need these boosters depends on when you last received your initial vaccines.

Your doctor may also recommend other optional vaccines, especially if your lifestyle or your health scenario raises unique risks.

For example, additional vaccines are often necessary for people who travel internationally often, especially to high-risk countries.

Healthcare workers who are regularly exposed to sick patients also need regular vaccines.

There is no ceiling age for receiving vaccines; in fact, being vaccinated yearly for diseases like chickenpox, pneumoniae, and Influenza is especially important for older adults.

These diseases often have a more serious impact on patients over 50, carrying a higher risk for fatalities and complications.

If you have a legitimate reason to avoid vaccination, such as a contraindicated condition, you should know that vaccines still help to keep you safe.

When the vast majority of a population is vaccinated, diseases spread much more slowly, lessening the chance of exposure for non-vaccinated patients. This “herd immunity” is a critical factor in preventing epidemics and pandemic breakouts.

 

Conclusion

Understanding vaccines and the best vaccine schedule to keep you and your family safe is incredibly important.

This National Immunization Awareness Month, Burt’s Pharmacy is committed to helping you with all your vaccination needs.

Do you still have questions? Do not hesitate to call us for more information!

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