New Developments in the Pharmaceutical Industry

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The pharmaceutical industry tracks discoveries and reports them in a variety of publications. For those with healthcare careers, staying on top of the latest breakthroughs and updated practices will enhance your knowledge and help you better treat your patients.

Increased Cases of Accidental Poisoning of Children

There reportedly has been a large increase in the number of kids who have suffered accidental poisoning from prescription drugs. The report from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center states that more than 70,000 emergency room visits occur because of unintentional drug overdoses to those age 18 years and younger.

Asthma Inhalers with CFCs Will No Longer Be Made Or Sold After 2011

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, users of inhalers containing chlorofluorocarbons will need to get a prescription for a new inhaler. After December 31, 2011, these types of inhalers will no longer be on the market. This ban is a result of the Montreal Protocol which restricts any substances that increase the hole in the ozone layer. The United States and other countries signed this protocol to protect the environment.

Canada Still Allowing the Sale of Bayer

The over-the-counter drug that allegedly clots the blood and was pulled from the shelves in Canada a few years ago is back. According to Health Canada, Bayer Inc. may resume sales of its drug after clinical trials failed to show the dangers of the drug.

These are just some of the new developments within the pharmaceutical industry. Staying updated and informed within this field is important to protect the patients for whom you’ll fill prescriptions.

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Safe Online Buying Tips for Medication

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Given the daily amount of junk email scams and sales pitches that we receive, it’s a wonder anyone can believe what they see online.

Sales of medication frequently attract spammers, but there are many legitimate, safe and reliable companies online. Here are some tips to stay safe when purchasing medicine on the web.

A Licensed Pharmacy

Anyone can create a website. A legitimate online pharmacy wants your business today and in the future, whether it’s to sell a viagra pill or something else. They provide complete contact information, show full licensing materials and have qualified and registered pharmacists on staff. Also, look for a pharmacy that belongs to the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. With a real online pharmacy there is a clear paper trail and the company is proud and willing to share all the information.

Legitimate Medicine

One of the most dangerous aspects of buying online is getting a counterfeit product. When medications are involved, the result can be deadly. Knock-off drugs are unregulated, lack quality control and may not be properly stored or shipped. A real online pharmacy provides genuine medications directly from the manufacturer. They are properly labeled and packaged and have all the corresponding paperwork.

Privacy and Security Policies

Ensure your online pharmacy has its security and privacy policies both clearly stated on the website. Legitimate companies don’t charge for drugs until they are shipped, and offer a clear return and refund policy. As for privacy, there are some medications that are more sensitive than others, especially those for erectile dysfunction. When you order viagra online you want to know your information is private and will remain private.

There are many legitimate places to buy drugs and medical supplies online. Do your research before you buy.

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Weight Loss Medication and Fashion

Looking fashionable can be difficult if you are overweight. This is because you have to shop at specialty stores for tailored clothing and you have fewer selections than people who are not overweight. It is possible to have a fashion sense and look good, it just takes a lot of work. The best option, though, is to treat the problem of being overweight. That way you will be able to wear smaller sizes of clothing and have more options for showing off your fashion sense.

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Being overweight can be considered a medical problem. Depending on the extent of your condition, you might qualify for certain procedures that can help reduce your weight. One of the most common treatments, however, is weight loss medication. It comes in many forms and your doctor can help you choose one for your situation. There is both over-the-counter and prescription medication for weight loss.

The problem with weight loss medication is that there are usually side-effects. You might feel nauseated or weak while using the medication. You should use the weight loss medication in conjunction with an exercise program and dieting for the best results. Weight loss medication alone is not usually enough to fix a weight issue.

Once you start to lose weight, you will love going shopping. It is a great feeling to be able to fit into clothing that used to be too small. You’ll have lots more options and have an easier time finding clothing that shows off your fashion sense.

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Venom Uses In Drugs

It sounds absurd to inject someone with deadly venom to help them with a medical condition, but this is just what doctors are doing for numerous conditions. Most people don’t hear about the use of extremely potent venoms in their medicinal drugs because if they don’t understand how the drugs work, they will see the name of a venom and refuse to take the drug.

Taken in carefully measured doses, animal venoms can be used to great benefit medicinally. For example, the popular treatment Botox is simply the brand name for the drug’s true identity: botulinum toxin, one of the most powerful neurotoxins currently in use. Botox uses the drug’s neurotoxic properties of inducing temporary muscle weakness on a very small scale to smooth out facial wrinkles and halt nonstop muscular spasms of the eyes and throat. Botox also helps inhibit sweating, and is approved for treating excessive underarm sweating.

In India, Indian cobra venom has long been used to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Venom from several dfferent kinds of scorpion is being researched for potential use in treating brain cancer and pancreatitis. Snake venom is commonly milked from snakes to use for creating antivenom to their bites, which is why if you get bitten by a snake you should catch it and bring it along to the hospital if possible.

Tarantula venom is currently awaiting FDA approval for clinical trials to help treat muscular dystrophy. The venom used in this case isn’t even strong enough to be harmful to humans — but it can still help us. DOn’t balk if you see venom listed as a drug ingredient — it’s used safely.

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How to Afford Your Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can be very expensive. Depending upon the type of medication that you are prescribed you could end up spending anywhere from $50 to $500 per prescription. Luckily, there are ways that Americans can get their prescription drugs for a discounted price. Here’s a look at some of the programs and ways it can be done.

 

Drug Assistance Programs

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Drug assistance programs are programs that are set up by the state or national government that can help low income people afford their prescriptions. Depending upon the structure of the program and the income level of the person, these programs can provide a percentage off of the prescription or give the patient the drug for free.

 

Company Drug Programs

 

Many prescription drug manufacturers will provide a drug program that can help low income or moderate income patients afford their prescriptions. These manufacturers will usually give the prescription free of charge for those that qualify. Qualifying for these programs will vary depending upon the manufacture and can range from having a specific condition to showing proof of income to the manufacturer.

 

Doctor Samples

 

Prescription drug manufacturers will often provide free drug samples to the doctors. If you are unsure about a prescription or cannot afford the cost of medication, many doctors will be willing to give you the samples that they have of the drug. This will cut back on the cost of having to purchase the drug at the store.

 

Prescription drugs can be very costly. However, by taking advantage of these programs you can treat your medical conditions without having to worry about the cost of your prescription drugs.

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Drug Recalls-FAQ

While the term ‘drug recall’ elicits fear and suspicion, it is a more common occurrence than you may be aware. Possibly the most famous drug recall in history involves the Bayer aspirin cyanide poisoning scandal in the 1980′s, which Bayer managed to survive and move past. Other drug manufacturers are constantly coming up with new drugs to fight a host of symptoms and life changing ailments. Sometimes even the best intentioned company, or even the scientist inventing a new drug, can make mistakes.

When it comes to drug recalls, those mistakes have far ranging implications. The brand can be tarnished for some time, as in the case of Johnson and Johnson, whose recent recall of millions of bottles of defective medicine might just outshine the Bayer case for lasting negative impact. A class action attorney in Los Angeles might make the pain disappear by providing compensation to those injured by poorly manufactured drugs.

As has been found in the case of Johnson and Johnson, the drug recalls keep coming because the company seems unable to change its quality control program fast enough. To be sure you’re not taking drugs to fight a malady that might do you more harm than good, be sure to check the latest drug recall lists. While most recalls aren’t due to something as serious as cyanide in the bottles, most are issued for a serious reason: the drugs in the bottle will do you more damage than good. And that’s no way to improve your health!

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Drug Warning Labels

Drug Warning Labels

Drug warning labels come in many different forms, but they are all typically bright colors and use bold text to warn you of certain things before you use the drug. Here are some common warning labels that you may find on a prescription drug bottle:

- Important! Finish all of this medication unless otherwise directed by the prescriber.
- Refrigerate, Shake Well and Discard after [Date].
- This drug is for the eye.
- This drug is for the ear.
- Obtain medical advice before taking new prescription drugs as some may affect the action of this medication.
- Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- Do not take any dairy products, antacids or iron preparations within an hour of taking this medication.
- Refrigerate and shake well.
- Some non prescription drugs may aggravate your condition. Read all labels very carefully. If a warning appears, check with your doctor.
- May cause drowsiness.
- May cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- You should avoid any prolonged or excessive exposure to the direct sunlight or artificial sunlight while you are taking this medication.
- This medication may cause discoloration of your urine or feces.
- This medication should be taken along with plenty of water.
- After [number] refills or six months from the date of issue, this prescription can only be refilled by the authority of your physician.
- Shake this medication well.
- Keep in the refrigerator and do not freeze.
- Please note the change in appearance of this particular medication. There is neither a change in formula nor potency.

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Processing of Drugs Within the Body

Processing of Drugs Within the Body

Absorption is the passage of a substance through the membrane and into the bloodstream. The primary site of the process is in the mucosa of the stomach, the mouth, the small intestine or the rectum, the blood vessels in the muscles and dermal layers or subcutaneous tissues. Some conditions may hamper the process including the incorrect administration of the drug, which will destroy the drug before it can reach the bloodstream. The wrong site of action can also cause similar absorption problems.

Distribution involves moving through the bloodstream and into the tissues and the fluids within the body. The primary site of the process is in the circulatory system, through the capillaries and also through the cell membranes as well. Some conditions may hamper the process including poor circulation which is the impaired flow of blood, which can prevent some of the drug from reaching the tissue.

Metabolism is the physical and chemical alteration that a substance is going to undergo within the body. The primary site of the process is within the liver. Some conditions may hamper the process including hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver or damage to the liver which can prevent the adequate breakdown of the drug, causing a buildup in an unmetabolized form.

Excretion involves eliminating the waste products of the drug metabolism out of the body. The primary site of process can be the kidney, the sweat glands, the lungs or the intestines. Some conditions may hamper the process including kidney failure or renal damage which can impact how drug waste products are passed, causing an accumulation of the drug within the body.

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The Effects of Drugs

The Effects of Drugs

No matter how different the sources of the drug are, there is one common characteristic for all drugs which is that they have the ability to affect the functioning of the body in some way. When they are introduced into your body, all drugs are going to cause some type of cellular change, which is known as a drug action, followed by physiological change which is known as the effects of drugs. Generally you are going to be able to categorize the effects of the drug either as being systemic or being local.

Systemic Effects: These are effects that reach widespread areas in your body. As an example, acetaminophen which is Tylenol can be given as a suppository. Although given rectally, it actually has the ability for it to be completely absorbed as well as distributed throughout the entire body, meaning that it can cause a general reduction of pain and fever throughout the body rather than targeting a single area of the body.

Local Effects: Local effects, on the other hand, are limited to whichever area of the body they are administered to. For example, dibucaine ointment, also known as Nupercainal, if you decide to apply it rectally, is going to affect the rectal mucosa where it is applied in order to reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids. It does not provide a general pain reduction effect in the way that a systemic medication would, because it only reduces pain in the specific area where you apply the ointment directly.

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Sources of Drugs

Something that you should know about drugs and medications is that they are derived from a wide variety of different sources, including plants, minerals, animals, synthetic and DNA sources.

Some drugs are derived from plants. The first example is cinchona bark, which is used to create a drug called Quinidine, which is a antiarrhthymic drug. Purple foxglove plant is used for the creation of a drug called digitalis, which is a cardio tonic drug. The opium poppy plant is used for the creation of drugs like codeine and morphine, which are analgesic and antitussive drugs.

Some drugs are derived from minerals. Magnesium, for example, is used for the creation of milk of magnesia which is a laxative and antacid. Zinc is used to create zinc ointment and oxide ointment which are used for skin protectorants and sunscreen. Gold is used for the creation of auranofin which is an anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Some drugs are derived from animals. One example is the pancreas of the cow or hog, which is used to create insulin. The stomach of the cow can be used to create pepsin. The thyroid gland of some animals can be used to create thyroid and USP hormones.

Some drugs are synthetic in nature. One example is Meperidine which is also known as Demerol and is an analgesic. Another example is Diphenoxylate, which is also known as Lomotil and is an antidiarrheal. Another example is Co-Trimoxazole, which is also known as Bactrim or Septra and is classified as being an anti-infective sulfonamide which is used to treat urinary tract infections and many other types of infections as well.

Some drugs are derived from DNA. Examples include the Hepatitis B vaccine, insulin and the growth hormone.

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