Pharmacy Facts Seasonal Allergies Buds are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the grass is growing. Thousands of Canadians have already begun to feel the effects of seasonal allergies. Typical symptoms include itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, a stuffy nose and difficulty breathing. Over-the-counter antihistamines are commonly used to help alleviate the symptoms. Unlike traditional antihistamines, many of the newer agents don’t cause drowsiness and need only be taken once daily. Antihistamines are best taken before the symptoms start and should be continued throughout the allergy season. Try to avoid the allergens as much as possible by keeping windows and doors shut, especially first thing in the morning and during hot, dry, windy periods. Nasal irrigation with a saline product may also be helpful. Ask your pharmacist for the best product for your symptoms.
Spring Cleaning your medicine cabinet Warm spring air is a signal for many to do some spring cleaning. A medicine cabinet clean-out should be part of that process. First, take a look at where medications are stored. The best place is in a cool, dry cupboard, out of the reach of children. Do NOT store medications in the bathroom, as the heat and humidity will affect their stability. Check the expiry dates on all medications and dispose of any outdated products as well as any prescription drugs that aren’t being used anymore. Eye drops can become contaminated and shouldn’t be kept for long periods of time. Don’t flush unwanted medications down the toilet however. Bring them back to your pharmacy for proper medicinal waste disposal.
Babies & Thrush Thrush or oral candidiasis occurs in up to 5% of all newborns. In most healthy children it will clear up on its own in about 3 to 8 weeks. It can be painful to the infant causing your baby to stop feeding. Occasionally, untreated cases can lead to fungal infections in other parts of the body. Babies contract thrush usually at the time of birth or from infected nipples, pacifiers, bottles or toys. Thrush appears as creamy white, yellow or gray plaques on the tongue and inside of the mouth. Keeping mom’s breasts cool and dry or bottle-feeding equipment clean can help prevent a case of thrush. Often both mom and baby are treated with an antifungal liquid. For more serious infections, stronger medications may be needed. Another option is gentian violet which can be purchased from your pharmacist.
Chronic Medications Children possess many unique characteristics that can make administration of medications difficult. As they age and their bodies mature, these properties will change too. For children taking chronic medications for conditions such as epilepsy and diabetes, drug levels and symptoms need to be monitored frequently and adjusted accordingly. Be sure your pharmacist has an up to date record of your child including birth date, weight and any allergies. Find out the best time of day to give your child’s medication, if it should be taken with or without food and exactly what to expect from the medication. Be sure to pick up an accurate measuring device as well. Working with your pharmacist will ensure the best results for your child’s health.
Storing Medicine One of the most common places to store medications may not be the best. Storing medicine in the bathroom may seem like a logical place, but the constantly changing, humid conditions are not favourable for medications. Certain drugs must be protected from light, hence the reason they are often dispensed in a coloured vial. All medications need to be protected from extremely hot temperatures, such as the glove compartment of your car. Metered dose inhalers and injectables such as insulin may also be sensitive to cold temperatures. The best environment for your medications is in a cool, dry cupboard, out of the reach of children. Your pharmacist will inform you of any other special instructions for storage that may accompany specific products.
Seniors & Medication Seniors consume nearly 40% of all prescription medication dispensed in Canada. It’s not surprising then that some seniors may worry about side effects from their medications. When receiving a prescription, talk with your pharmacist about what to expect from your medication. Often counseling sheets are provided with new medications but be sure to clarify this information with your pharmacist. Such sheets are provided as a guide only. The majority of the side effects listed on these sheets occur only rarely. Report any unwanted side effects to your health care professional. And as always, if you have any concerns about your medications, talk to your pharmacist for additional information or clarification.
Heartburn or Acid Reflux Heartburn or acid reflux affects thousands of Canadians. Although there are many over-the-counter medications to stop this acid reflux or to ward it off before it starts, there are also plenty of ways to prevent it from happening in the first place. Cutting out known culprits from the diet is the first step. Try to avoid spicy, greasy foods, citrus fruits, coffee and alcohol. Foods that are high in fat also take longer to digest, sit in the stomach longer and send more acid up into the esophagus. This type of diet also leads to weight gain. Excess weight around the middle puts extra pressure on your belly pushing acid up into esophagus, so shedding a few pounds has been shown to decrease the symptoms of acid reflux. See your doctor if heartburn symptoms persist even after making lifestyle changes.
Dosing of Medications Giving your little ones medicine isn’t fun, and can be dangerous if not done correctly. Kids can’t be considered mini- adults so dosing of medications should be based on age and weight. Always use a calibrated medication syringe, dropper or cup, not a kitchen teaspoon, which isn’t an accurate measurement. Generally it it’s not a good idea to add medications to a baby’s bottle just in case the entire contents aren’t consumed. Sometimes medications should be given on an empty stomach as well, so check with your pharmacist first. Never refer to medicine as candy in order to avoid your child accidentally ingesting what they thought was a treat. Always read the labels, check dosages carefully or talk to your pharmacist before giving your little ones the medicine.
Flying There’s nothing better than a flight to a favourite vacation destination, but for some the thought of flying is simply terrifying. Anxiety for many travelers is common. Sedatives can help to calm nerves, but therapy to cope with the fear of flying is a good drug-free alternative. Flying may also cause motion sickness. Try to get a seat in the middle of the plane or ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medications for motion sickness. To prevent deep vein thrombosis or blood clots wear loose fitting clothing, compression stockings and do leg exercises on the plane. In severe cases, anticoagulant medication may be given prior to flying. For jet lag, melatonin may be safe and effective for use in some people or ask your doctor about a sleeping pill. Be prepared before you fly for a stress free vacation.
Cough & Cold Treating cough and cold in young children is quite different than it is in adults. Cough and cold products for use in children under the age of two are not recommended. Remember that colds are viruses and cannot be treated with antibiotics. For relief of pain and fever use ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To treat congestion, give plenty of clear fluids, keep the room cool and use a cool mist humidifier. Nasal saline drops and a nasal aspirator are also helpful. Coughing actually helps the body to clear congestion, so it may not be beneficial to stop a cough. Be careful when using medicated rubs on children, as too much can be harmful. In any case, always consult your doctor or pharmacist for the correct dosing of any children’s medication.
High blood pressure affects one in five Canadians. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. It varies throughout the day, increasing during activity and decreasing with rest. Even for those on medication, lifestyle modifications are important to control and prevent high blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body weight. Don’t smoke or find a way to quit if you do and limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Take some time in your life to relax and reduce stress. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important to your overall health. Research now shows that there may be a link between oral health problems and other health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day and before your go to bed. This removes the cavity causing plaque and germs that cause gum disease. Floss every day to eliminate the plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach. Be sure to change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if you have been ill. Keep regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Talk to your pharmacist or dentist for tips on keeping your family’s mouths healthy.
COPD Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects over 750,000 Canadians. It is more common in women than in men and in those over the age of 60. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 15 to 20% of all cases, with the rest resulting from occupational exposure to dust and maybe air pollution. COPD makes it difficult to breathe because of inflammation and blockages in the passages in the lungs that bring the air in and out. The most important thing for people with COPD to do is to quit smoking. A number of inhaled medications are available to help control the symptoms. Try to conserve energy by sitting and resting often and staying relaxed. And lastly limit exposure to ill people to prevent bacterial lung infections.
Quality of Life Medicines have great power to heal and to improve the quality of life. But they can also do harm if not taken correctly. This is where pharmacists come in. It is best to use only one pharmacy so all medication records are at one location. Pharmacists who know their patients and have their medication profiles on file will be aware of possible harmful drug interactions or allergies to certain drugs. The pharmacist will also be able to discuss possible side effects; what foods, drinks or activities to avoid; what to do if you miss a dose and plenty of other helpful tips. Pharmacists are a key health care professional in helping you to achieve the best results from their medications. Choose a pharmacist you trust and build a partnership for good health.
Talk to your Pharmacist All medications, whether prescribed by your physician or purchased off your drugstore shelf can be dangerous if taken incorrectly. Consult your pharmacist before choosing a non-prescription product to treat minor illnesses. Be sure to describe your symptoms, what medications you have tried to treat the problem, if you have any allergies and if you are taking any medications by prescription or over-the-counter. Your pharmacist will also need to know of any conditions such as asthma, hypertension, or diabetes that you may have. When you and your pharmacist decide on a product make sure you know exactly how to take it and if you should expect any side effects. Find out if there are any precautions to take, foods or other drugs to avoid and how long it will take for the medication to work. Get the most from your medications; talk to your pharmacist.
If you’re like millions of Canadians who’ve had a prescription filled this year, you’ve seen first hand just one of the many services your pharmacist provides. Pharmacists can do much more for you than you’ve come to expect. As the most accessible health care provider in the community, your pharmacist is often your first point of contact with the health care system and is an excellent source of information. In addition to advice and information about the best way to take your medicine, your pharmacist can help you with a variety of other health care concerns, including help with conditions such as diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure or high cholesterol. He or she can provide you with sound, up-to-date advice on staying well and preventing disease. Remember that whenever you have questions about how to make the most of your medicine or need help with your health care, talk to your pharmacist.
Buying Your Prescription Saving money these days is important to everyone. Purchasing prescription medication on the internet may seem like a great way to save a few dollars, but you may be putting your health at risk. Search the internet, and you’ll come up with hundreds of sites that sell drugs, many offered at lower prices, many that aren’t approved for use in Canada, and some that aren’t necessarily safe. Sometimes these drugs are counterfeit and may cause more harm than good. Many sites claim to save you the embarrassment of consulting with your physician. What they don’t tell you is that it can be dangerous to take a prescription medicine without being examined by a health care professional. In fact, it’s illegal to purchase prescription medication without a prescription. If you aren’t sure where your medication is coming from, is it worth saving a few dollars to sacrifice quality service?
Topical Pain Relievers With all the concern about adverse effects related to oral anti-inflammatory drugs, it’s no wonder that topical pain relievers are gaining popularity. Because they aren’t broken down in the liver at all, topical pain relievers can be used safely by more people than oral medications. Topical pain relievers are available in ointments, creams, gels and patches. All use similar ingredients providing hot or cold relief, or both. All give equivalent pain relief, but the patches provide a longer lasting effect. Some products contain capsaicin or homeopathic agents such as arnica. A compounding pharmacist is also able to make products containing traditional anti-inflammatories, providing relief without upsetting the stomach. Talk to your pharmacist about the pain reliever that’s best for you.
Pharmacists’ Facts are brought to you by Stuart Ellis IDA Pharmacy, 169 Hurontario Street, Collingwood. Owner/Pharmacist Lesley Paul is a Certified Menopause Educator, specializing in women’s health issues and specialty compounding. Feel free to call (445-4711) or stop by for more information on all of your health care needs. Or check us out at www.stuartellispharmacy.com
Pharmacists’ Facts is designed to keep you up-to-date on important health information and provide you with the tools and motivation needed for a healthier lifestyle. Community pharmacists are leading experts on medications and are here to answer any medication related questions. The content herein is in no way intended as medical advice on individual health problems. Such information should be obtained from your own pharmacist or physician.
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