Medical Technology | Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Drug Association

New Developments in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Image by e-MagineArt.com via Flickr

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.

Filed Under: Medical Technology Tagged With: Drugs, Health, Medication, Pill

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.

Filed Under: Medical Technology, Prescription drug Tagged With: Circulatory system, Cirrhosis, Drug

Understanding Schedule Numbers

Schedule 1 drugs have a high abuse potential and they are not currently approved for any medical use within the United States. Some examples of Schedule 1 substances include ecstasy, heroin, LSD and mescaline.

Schedule 2 drugs have a high abuse potential and they can lead to a severe dependence. They are available with a written prescription only, and prescriptions cannot be phoned in by a health care practitioner. There are no refills unless a new written prescription is created. Prescriptions may be faxed in but the original has to be handed in so that the patient can pick up the prescription. In an absolute emergency, the physician may phone in the prescription but a handwritten copy must be delivered to the pharmacy within a period of seven days. Examples of Schedule 2 drugs include merperidine, Oxycontin, cocaine, Ritalin, Dilaudid, Tylox, Percocet, Methadone, Codeine and Morphine.

Schedule 3 drugs can lead to a limited dependence, and only a physician can make a prescription though it can be written, phoned in or faxed. These drugs can be refilled as many as five times in a six month period. Some examples of Schedule 3 drugs include anabolic steroids, codeine, hydrocodone with aspirin and hydrocodone with Tylenol.

Schedule 4 drugs have a lower potential for abuse, and a prescription can be written out by any health care provider but it must be signed by the physician on call. The prescription can be faxed or phoned in, and it can be refilled as many as five times in a six month period. Examples of Schedule 4 drugs include Ambien, Restoril, Darvocet, Librium, Phenobarbital, Xanax, Ativan and Valium.

Schedule 5 drugs have a lower abuse potential than the other schedules. These consist primarily of preparations for cough suppressants that contain codeine as well as preparations intended for diarrhea. Examples of Schedule 5 drugs include Promethazine featuring codeine, lomotil and Cheratussin AC.

Filed Under: Medical Technology, Prescription drug Tagged With: Controlled Substances Act, Health, Substance abuse

Introduction to Drug Standards

Drug Standards

A part of the pharmaceuticals industry is what is known as drug standards, dictating the quality, the purity, the safety and the strength of prescription drugs from all categories.

Drug standards are specific rules that are set in order to assure customers that they will receive exactly what they pay for. The laws regarding drug standards dictate that every preparation called by a single drug name must be of uniform levels of purity, quality and strength. These are absolutely important considerations, because it means that the laws that exist to create drug standards are designed to ensure that you are safe and that you can rely on your prescription drugs to improve your health rather than to detract from it.

Due to drug standardization, any time you bring a prescription to a pharmacist to be filled, you are going to be assured that you will be getting the same basic drug, which will be in the same quality and the same amount no matter which pharmacy you decide to visit, or which part of the country you are buying the prescription in. According to these drug standards, drug companies cannot add any other active ingredients or vary the amounts of chemicals in any specific drug preparation. They are absolutely legally required to meet these drug standards which are federally approved requirements for the purity, strength and quality of the drug that has been specified.

Drug standard laws have evolved over time in order to provide consumers with safety when it comes to prescription drugs. There are a number of acts that have gone into effect to create these drug standards including the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in 1938 and the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. These acts have all played important roles in developing drug standards to make sure that consumers are always protected. They ensure that all prescription drugs are regulated and that they only come from regulated and FDA approved labs so that they are consistent in quality and contents and purity at all times.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Medical Technology Tagged With: Prescription drug, Pure Food and Drug Act

Facts and Fallacies About Pharmacology

Fallacy: It is a common misconception that only nurses are able to give medicines to their patients.

Fact: Many types of trained and certified practitioners of healthcare can legally give medications including physicians, physician assistants, paramedics, practical nurses, vocational nurses, registered nurse, medical office assistants, paramedics and other health specialists including respiratory therapists for example.

Fallacy: It is a common misconception that only physicians are allowed to write prescriptions.

Fact: Many health care providers are legally allowed to write prescriptions within the specific field that they work in, depending on state law which governs how prescriptions are written. Dentists, physicians assistants, physicians, nurse practitioners, veterinarians and pharmacists may all write prescriptions. For example, only veterinarians would be allowed to write an animal prescription and only a dentist would be able to write a dental prescription.

Fallacy: Prescriptions are only required for narcotic drugs.

Fact: There are specific drugs that are ruled as being illegal to purchase without the use of a prescription, and these include drugs that need to be controlled because they are addictive in nature or tend to be abused or dangerous and drugs that may cause a dangerous health threat due to side effects if they are taken improperly. Examples of drugs from the first group include depressants, psychedelics, narcotics and stimulants. Examples of drugs from the second group include tranquilizers, cardiac drugs and antibiotics.

Fallacy: All drugs that are produced in the United States have been created in a federally approved laboratory.

Fact: The truth is that there are a number of undercover and illegal laboratories that exist and continue to operate within the United States, even today, and so all drugs produced in the United States are not necessarily controlled or legal. Prescription drugs are safe, however, which is another reason for why it is important to only use medications that are prescribed to you or otherwise given to you by a trustworthy physician with the proper licensure.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Medical Technology Tagged With: Health care provider, Physician, Prescription drug

Treatment Of Stomach Disorder

The stomach is one of the important organs of the body and keeping it healthy is essential. However in this fast paced world which is ruled by competition people hardly get time to take proper care of themselves. People are always on the move and due to dearth of time are resorting to not so healthy means of foods and drinks. Junk foods and packaged foods have become the order of the day. Due to the unhealthy food habits and lifestyle, the incidences of stomach related problems are also on the rise.

Stomach disease or gastropathy as it is also referred as in increasing like never before. Stomach infections, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach ulcers, gastritis and stomach cancer are some of the stomach related problems which are faced by the people. All these problems have a negative health impact and should be treated at the earliest. Constipation, diarrhea, reflux, lactose intolerance are also some of the stomach related problems which more and more people have started facing.

The fist and the foremost change which is required to treat those problems is a change in the lifestyle and food habit of the people. Most of the stomach disorders occur due to the habit of smoking. Hence one should first quit smoking and then start the treatment process. Alcohol intake should also be limited to the minimum. If you limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking you will see a massive change in the condition of your stomach for the better. Aspirin and various other pain killers also increase the chances of stomach related problems.

Hence the intake of such medicines should also be minimized. Endoscopy and x-rays are used to detect stomach disorders. The physicians treat patients in accordance to their stomach problem. Some may barely need changes in lifestyle whereas some may need prolonged medication. Some of the stomach related disorders also require surgical methods for their treatment.

Filed Under: Health, Medical Technology Tagged With: Health, Irritable bowel syndrome, Stomach

Growth Of Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is also termed as complementary medicine. It has become quite popular amongst a large segment of people throughout the world. More and more people are increasingly taking the help of alternative medicine in order to cure various ailments. However the process of healing which alternative medicine incorporates is facing controversies in the western countries. The treatment process which is followed by alternative medicines does not fall under the realm of conventional medicine practices and its effectiveness is also under scanner.

Aromatherapy, naturotherapy, Ayurveda, yoga, homeopathy, and acupuncture are some of the alternative medicine practices which are being followed by a lot of people all across the world. Aromatherapy is the process of promoting health and well-being by inhaling the scent of essential oils from flowers, trees and herbs. It is said to have a positive impact on your body as well as your mind. Uneasiness of body and mind can be treated simultaneously with the various alternative medicine procedures.

The spiritual nature of each individual is taken into consideration for such practices. The treatment is done on an individual basis focusing on self-care and self-healing methods. Every individual has there own set of problems which are given due importance by alternative medicines while treating. As the world has started becoming competitive and fast, people are resorting to alternative medicine due to its spiritual nature.

The natural and spiritual aspect of alternative medicine has made it a big hit among a large segment of the people. There are people who have been helped immensely by it and they have been endorsing it for a long time. the spiritual nature of alternative medicines, which is absent in the conventional form has add to the attraction. The control over both body and mind is something which people are aims at and it is being provided by alternative medicine more than anything else.

Filed Under: Medical Technology Tagged With: Alternative medicine, Medicine

A Guide to Lithium Usage

Lithium, also known as Lithobid and Eskalith, affects the body’s natural flow of sodium through the muscles and nerve cells. The quantity of sodium in the body can have a direct impact on excitement and mania. Therefore, Lithium is used to treat those who suffer from manic depression. The manic symptoms typically include poor judgment, hyperactivity, a reduction in the interest of sleep, increased levels of aggression and anger and rushed speech.

Instructions for Use

As with any pharmaceutical, never use Lithium without first consulting a medical professional. If you are pregnant and take Lithium without medical permission, your unborn baby could be harmed. Therefore, make sure to find and use an effective method of birth control while you are on the drug. If you do become pregnant during your treatment immediately contact your doctor.

Symptoms of Lithium Toxicity

If you are suffering from lithium toxicity, there are telltale symptoms. For instance, if you experience diarrhea or feel nauseous while taking the drug. Other symptoms of lithium toxicity include a lack of coordination, drowsiness, blurry vision, muscle weakness and ringing of the ears. If you encounter any of these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

Warnings about Extended-Release Tablets

Pharmaceutical companies have created extended-release lithium tablets for a slower release of the drug. These tablets should never be crushed, chewed or broken for ingestion. The pill must always be swallowed whole. Also, due to the balancing of sodium the drug provides, always drink plenty of fluids after ingestion to avoid becoming dehydrated. Some patients exhibit excessive sweating accompanied by a fever. If this occurs, contact a medical professional immediately. Additionally, always take precaution and remain hydrated during hot weather or excessive exercising sessions. Finally, always follow all of your doctor’s instruction with regards to this drug so you can remain safe and gain its maximum benefit.

Filed Under: Medical Technology Tagged With: Bipolar disorder, Lithium pharmacology

Using a Discount Rx Card to Buy Medications

Medications can be expensive, depending on the kind and the use. Medications you use on a frequent basis, such as ones you take daily or weekly, can carry an expense that adds up quickly. The cost can become overwhelming. Budgeting for purchasing medications can help offset costs and make purchasing easier, but you may need more help. Using a discount Rx card for medication expenses can make it easier to obtain medicines so you’ll have your prescriptions when you need them.

Most large pharmaceutical retail stores accept discount Rx cards. They are easy to use to manage the customer’s account. The card’s account will usually track what type of medicine the patient/customer uses, the date of his last refill, and the amount of his last purchase and will also provide a summary of the activity on his account for tax purposes. The prescription card benefits both the customer and the retail pharmacy store.

Since a pharmacy drug card is usually issued by a person’s employer, getting and using one is often as simple as a request. You can find out if your company offers a discount prescription by contacting your human resource department. If you decided not to take advantage of a discount program when your benefits began, you can find out if your employer has a clause allowing you to join at any time. Many companies offer this as an option. This is a preferable choice for employees who want to gather more information before they join.

Online retail purchasing for drugs is also a common process for cardholders. Buying prescription drugs over the Internet has become a preferred way for customers who don’t have immediate access to pharmacies. It can be a good option when a pharmacy doesn’t keep a certain medication in inventory. Customers like the convenience and flexibility of ordering online, and using a prescription card is an added bonus.

Filed Under: Health, Medical Technology Tagged With: Health, Pharmacy, Prescription drug

Take Care of Your Health with a Pulse Oximeter

: Image via Wikipedia

Drugs these days have become two things to most Americans. For one, they have become a necessity. As people’s lifestyles get more sedentary and their diets get loaded with more fat and more sugar, there is an increasing need for medication. The other thing drugs have become in this country is expensive. Without proper prescription coverage, drugs have always had a really high price, but what it seems like these days with insurances and the rising cost of co-pays, plus the immense money the drug companies are charging, that it is getting incredibly expensive to be on prescription drugs.

So how do you save the most on your drugs? Make certain that the first thing you do is switch to generic medication. The less it costs your insurance company, the less it’s going to cost you. This is a cold hard fact. Generic medications can save you up to 70 percent on your drug costs. And if you are thinking that the brand name drugs work better, think again. Name brand drugs and their generic partners have the same active ingredients so there is no reason to not take them.

Another thing you can do is monitor your own health. Taking your blood pressure regularly or buying other home medical supplies like a pulse oximeter to check the amount of oxygen you are getting to your heart can both help. The fact is this: if you do not stay on top of what is happening to your body, then you are doomed to suffer with it forever.

If you need medication, then stay on it and follow all the directions as asked. If you don’t, you run the risk of needing to go on more medication. This can only lead to even more additional medication down the road. Your health can have a domino effect.

Filed Under: Health, Medical Technology Tagged With: Generic drug, Prescription drug, Pulse oximeter