Safe Online Buying Tips for Medication

Pharmacy Rx symbol

Image via Wikipedia

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.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

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

Novamoxin Prescription Drug - Amoxicillin Trih...

Image via Wikipedia

 

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.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

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.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

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.

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

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.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

Identifying Names of Drugs

Identifying Names of Drugs

It is pretty easy for drug names to appear complicated in nature, typically because a single type of drug can have several different names attached to it at the same time. There are four different specific names that are capable of applying to a single approved prescription drug. Most of these names are important for the health care provider to know, but some are less important to know, while still being involved in the basics of pharmacology.

The first is the generic name. This is the common name or the general name, and it is a name that is assigned to the drug by the USAN Council, or the United States Adopted Name Council. The generic name is differentiated from the trade name by having an initial lowercase letter, the generic name is never capitalized.

The second is the trade name. This is the name by which the pharmaceutical company is going to identify the product. The trade name is a copyrighted name and it is going to be exclusively used by that specific company. The trade name is going to be distinguished from the generic name by the fact that the initial letter is capitalized. The trade name is often shown on the labels and the references using a registered trademark symbol.

The third is the chemical name. This involves the exact molecular formula for the drug, and it is a typically long and a very complicated name in terms of pronunciation and it is general of very little concern to a health care practitioner.

The fourth is the official name. This is the name of the drug as it is going to appear in the official reference, which is the USP/NF. In most circumstances, the official name is the same name as the generic name.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Prescription drug Tagged With:

Drug Classifications in Pharmacology

Drug Classifications in Pharmacology

Drug classifications describe the broad subcategories that you can categorize different drugs under. Drugs can be classified in several different types of ways, but grouping them based on their therapeutic use is the most common and therefore the most helpful. This allows health care professionals to choose a prescription drug based on how it is used. For example, once a physician knows the diagnosis is anxiety, he or she can prescribe any number of anxiety drugs, which include both valium and xanax.

The drug classification is analgesics. The therapeutic use includes relieving pain without any loss of consciousness. Some examples of drugs in this classification include ibuprofen, Tylenol and aspirin.

The drug classification is antacids. The therapeutic use includes neutralizing stomach acid. Some examples of drugs in this classification include milk of magnesia and Mylanta.

The drug classification is anticoagulants. The therapeutic use includes preventing blood clotting or delaying blood clotting. Some examples of drugs in this classification include Coumadin and heparin.

The drug classification is anti anxiety drugs. The therapeutic use includes reducing anxiety. Some examples of drugs in this classification include xanax and valium.

The drug classification is antitussive drugs. The therapeutic use includes preventing or relieving a cough. One example of a drug in this classification is codeine.

The drug classification is diuretic medications. The therapeutic use includes increasing the output of urine. One example of a drug in this classification is lasix.

The drug classification is hypoglycemic drugs. The therapeutic use includes reducing blood glucose or blood sugar levels in the body. One example of a drug in this classification is insulin.

These are just some of the drug classifications available for physicians to choose from depending on their need. There are generally many others available depending on what the diagnosis is.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

Understanding Schedule Numbers

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: , ,

Reading Drug Labels

Reading Drug Labels

There are certain pieces of information that you are always going to find on medicine bottle labels. On the front of the label you are going to find an expiration date, a product name, statement of identity, the product dose and a net quantity of contents followed by the name and the address of the company that manufactured the product.

The back of the label contains significantly more information. You will find the active ingredients in list form, indications for use, the warning statements and cautionary statements, directions for use and dosage instructions and information about tamper resistant features and other vital information for use. Consumer medication labels are designed to contain all of the valuable information that you need in order to use the medication safely and effectively. It is vitally essential that you read the entire drug label before you begin to take the medication. If you are unsure about anything when reading the label, phone your pharmacist or your physician immediately to receive guidance and advice.

Drug facts labels can say a lot of different things depending on what the medication is and what purpose it is indicated for. Make sure that you are always using your medications as they were designed to be used as well as based on how your physician told you to take the medication. It is completely normal to have questions, so do not be afraid to read out to your physician if you feel uncomfortable about what you are reading, or if you are unsure of whether or not you are taking the medication in the way that you were directed to do so. The best way to ensure that you use your prescription medication properly is to follow all physician directions and have any questions answered prior to use. A little planning and forethought can go a long way in ensuring that you use your medications in a safe and effective manner at all times.

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,

Contact Your Doctor About Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Drugs

Viagra is a great drug that has helped many men live healthy and fulfilling sexual lives, giving them the extra push they need to stay on top of their game. But like many other drugs, is also has side effects. This is one of the reasons you need a doctor’s prescription to buy it.

One of the most well-known side effects of Viagra is an erection that last too long. As most men know, maintaining a constant erection for an hour or more can become very painful. An erection is achieved when blood rushes into the penis and dilates the blood vessels and capillaries, similar to a balloon being blown up. The pressure on the vessel walls is not painful over short periods of time. But as you can imagine, that pressure can become painful if sustained for longer.If you have an erection that is lasting longer than it should and is becoming painful, it is important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional can help reduce the swelling pressure in your penis and relieve the pain.

Other reported side effects of this drug are headaches and a reduction in the ability to distinguish between the colors blue and green. If you become aware of either of these symptoms, you should stop taking the drug and talk to your doctor. Nevertheless, most men never experience any of these symptoms and enjoy the boost that this great drug gives them.

On the other hand, some erectile dysfunction medications have been known to increase the risk of heart attack, so it is important to talk with your doctor before taking any. He’ll review your history and make sure you are healthy and that you are good candidate before he gives you a prescription.Once you’ve talked with your doctor and received a prescription, you can buy Viagra cheaply and easily online

Filed Under: Drugs & Medication, Prescription drug Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts