Medicrit – Medicare

Archive for April, 2010

With the profession of pharmacy constantly changing, there are so many things that health care providers have to learn and know about prescription medications. Drugs are continuously being added to or removed from the market. It’s a little bit of a challenge for some of us health care providers to stay abreast, so I know it can be quite mind boggling to the consumer! That’s why I’m here to help!

So here’s the thing, Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) is a anti-platelet medication also referred to as a blood thinner. It is typically used in people with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or those who have suffered a recent heart attack or stroke or who has established peripheral arterial disease…the build up of plaque in the pelvic area and/or the legs. The mechanism of action of Plavix is to inhibit blood clotting. The inhibition of blood clotting leads to the decreased likelihood that someone prescribed the medication will experience any additional heart attacks or strokes. Pretty significant activity right!

Recently the FDA mandated that the makers of Plavix update its package insert with some very important information….a BLACK BOX WARNING! A very significant warning might I add. The warning goes a little something like this:

WARNING: DIMINISHED EFFECTIVENESS IN POOR METABOLIZERS

The effectiveness of Plavix is dependent on its activation to an active metabolite by the cytochrome P450 system (the liver enzyme system). Plavix at recommended doses forms less of the metabolite and has a smaller effect on platelet function in patients who are CYP219 (a type of liver enzyme) poor metabolizers. What this means for you…the consumer is if you fall into the category of having liver problems or being a poor metabolizer then the drug may not be as effective in you. This means that the very thing you’re taking the drug to prevent has the potential to occur.

MY SUGGESTIONS

1. Be proactive in your medical history
2. Bring this information to the attention of your doctor
3. Ask questions
4. Find out if it affects you

The take home point is this…drugs are wonderful when they do what they are intended to do with little to no harm. However, there are always kinks to be worked out when pharmaceutical companies manufacture a drug, and this is one of them. I encourage you to do all that you can to minimize the chances of you becoming an avid prescription drug user. Understand that drugs are not benign i.e. without flaws. Anything that the body does not produce has the potential to cause harm, as does many of things that the body does produce! Adopt a healthy lifestyle! TO YOUR HEALTH!

Dr. LaKeidra S. Capers is the CEO of Destiny Fulfilled Enterprises. She is a clinical pharmacist; wellness and wealth coach that is dedicated to helping individuals understand that first wealth is health! She is passionate about teaching people what they can do to dodge the bullet of prescription medications! Dr. LaKeidra is on a laser focused mission to fulfill destinies and EMPOWER lives through health, wellness and wealth!

Steroids are best known as a muscle enhancing drug used by men in athletics and body building. Forms of steroids are prescribed by doctors to help reduce inflammation in joints and muscles and to speed healing due to ailments. As long as you are following the prescribed doses by your physician, the side effects should be minimal other than the normal weight gain or bloating. However, you should know the dangers and the potential side effects of steroid use.

* Reduce sperm count up to 90%. Cases show this decline as permanent that cannot be reversed
* Impotence
* Development of breast also known as Gynecomastia. Increased amount of estrogen in a man can cause the production of breasts
* Shrinking of the testicles
* Difficulty or pain while urinating

Women also use steroids to enhance their body and muscles. Side effects in women are:

* noticeable facial hair growth
* Deepened voice
* Breast reduction
* Irregular menstrual cycle

The side effects that are present in both men and women may include:

* Rapid weight gain
* Acne
* Blood clotting disorder
* Bloated appearance
* Premature heart attacks and or strokes
* Liver damage
* Weakened tendons
* High cholesterol level

The two most common types of steroids are HGH (Human Growth Hormone) and anabolic steroids. The difference between the two is that HGH is much easier to absorb without injecting. This is actually the reason why it has become very popular with athletes. HGH can have minor side effects, and compared to anabolic steroids, HGH may not show up in certain blood test. Unlike anabolic steroids, which can cause premature growth during adolescent periods, the HGH user usually suffers from mood swings and psychological disorders. These side effects can eventually lead to suicide attempts and depression if not monitored.

Steroids are powerful and helpful drugs that are used for cancer treatments; bronchial ailments enhanced bone lengthening for under developing children, relieving inflammation in joints, tendons and muscles and for enhancing muscle mass. Steroids under a physician’s care can be effecting medical treatment. However, you should ask your doctor for all know side effects and research the steroid that is prescribed.

If you are suffering from arthritis or muscle pain and have been prescribed steroids for the treatment, be aware of the dangers of prolonged use. Your doctor may also prescribe or suggest NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammation Drugs). The most prominent members of this group of drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen partly because they are available over-the-counter in many areas. These drugs have their own side effects for prolonged use, such as liver damage and stomach ulcers and digestive problems.

If you are looking for a safe and effective pain reliever to common arthritis joint pain or muscle pain look for topical pain relief gels that contain at least 3% menthol and therapeutic levels of the extract of the Arnica Montana flower and MSM. These products have been found to provide safe and beneficial results without any side effects from prolong use. One product that is FDA compliant and contains therapeutic levels of Arnica and Menthol is AMR-7.