How do I Dispose of Medications?
Patients often ask us, “What do I do with my expired/unneeded drugs?” This is a toughie because most chain pharmacies will not take medications back -even just to dispose of them.
So, what do you do? Flush it down the toilet? Throw it in the trash? Keep it in your medicine cabinet indefinitely?! What to do, what to do…in comes Catie -she did a quick video for you all about disposal of meds (recorded at our local dog park)…
There you have it! If you would like some more info about expired meds -please see Catie’s article Expired Medications.
Just a note -if you are purchasing a medication that is in a unit dose -meaning anything in its original container -be sure to check the expiration date on the container (before you leave the pharmacy). This way you won’t get stuck with a short dated product…if you would like to learn some additional ways to save money please see our *FREE* video course and manual -90 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs.
Acne Overview
Acne -oh bother! Having acne is not fun and trying to treat it can be super confusing.
I figured a few articles would help! Here is the first one -please be on the look out for the next article: OTC Treatment for Acne.
How is acne formed?
Our skin has hair follicles with attached sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands release sebum that travels to the skin surface and spreads over the skin to slow water loss.
When there is too much sebum and dead skin cells, a blockage can occur. When the block happens, it can attract more oil and cells that can lead to inflammation. Bacteria (usually Propionibacterium acnes) can worsen the whole situation.
Why is acne mostly on face, back and chest?
Acne is found in these areas because sebaceous glands are more common in these areas.
What can make acne worse?
1. Increased hydration -this can be caused by an environment of high humidity or tight fitting clothes that restrict air movement. When the skin is too hydrated, it slows the sloughing of dead skin -leading to acne.
2. Decreased hydration -this is more common. When the skin is over dried, more sebum is released which can lead to acne. So, it is a balancing act! Drinking plenty of water and using facial moisturizers can help balance skin hydration.
3. Dirt, irritation -this is kind of a given. The more dirt you are around and the more irritation (head bands, helmets, chin resting on hands) the more likely to worsen acne.
4. Cosmetics -cosmetics and hair products can clog pores. It is important to avoid oil based products (ie lanolin, cocoa butter).
5. Stress -although it is rare to cause acne it can most definitely worsen it.
6. Hormones -premenstrual flare ups! This can also include puberty in general -when puberty begins androgenic hormones increase in girls and boys. These hormones increase sebum release which can lead to acne!
7. Medications -Some medicines can worsen acne. Androgens, corticosteroids and some birth controls are some of the drugs. Interestingly enough, some birth controls can actual make acne better!
What are typical forms of acne?
1. Closed Comedones -these are the “whiteheads” little bumps -no real inflammation involved and are usually skin coloured.
2. Open Comedones-these are the “blackheads” -they are whiteheads that have been exposed to air which causes oxidation that leads to the black colouring.
3. Papules -these are the pimples that are showing some inflammation -they are usually red and irritated looking but no real “head” to the pimple yet -usually these will progress into pustules…
4. Pustules -these are the ones that you want to “pop” (please don’t -it can lead to worse acne and scarring). They are red, often tender and have the “head of pus”.
5. Nodules/Cysts -These are the biggies that are deep in the skin. They can be painful and itchy. These (and pustules) are the most likely to cause scarring.
There you have it -an acne overview. I am going to write my next article on how to treat acne with over the counter medications.
If you have any home remedies that you use to help prevent and/or treat acne please leave us a comment or send us an email!
And we would like to invite you to watch our FREE video series about How You Can Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs!
D-Mannose for UTI Prevention and Treatment
I am super stoked to be sharing this particular post with you! Not only does it fall into our natural/home remedies series, but it provides information about an OTC treatment option for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
I cannot begin to tell you how many patients approach me with discomfort written all over their faces, looking for a way to rid their bodies of the classic symptoms of a UTI. Upon conversation with a good friend of mine, I became introduced to a very decent natural remedy that helps prevent AND treat UTIs.
The natural supplement name: D-Mannose!
What is D-Mannose?
It’s simply a sugar that is similar to glucose (a component of table sugar) and a natural substance found in our bodies, particularly in the urine.
How does D-Mannose work to treat or prevent UTIs?
D-Mannose passes through our bodies mostly unchanged, with the rest being excreted into the urine. When it reaches the walls of the urinary tract, the D-Mannose molecules attach to certain target spots that would normally be occupied by the bacteria causing the UTI. In other words, the D-Mannose molecules remove the bacteria from their target spots, which helps clear up the bacterial infection. The displaced bacteria is washed out of the body by our urine.
D-Mannose also appears to prevent the bacteria from attaching to their targets, which in turn, helps to keep the infection from occurring in the first place.
The catch is that D-Mannose seems to only work for the E. coli bacteria; there are several types of bacteria that cause a UTI. The good news is that E. coli causes a majority (about 80-85%) of the cases of urinary tract infections. If D-Mannose does not seem to be working for you, then you can assume that your UTI may be caused by a non-E. coli bacteria and an alternative treatment option should be considered.
What is the recommended dosage for D-Mannose?
The simple sugar is available on the market as a capsule and powder.
A typcial dosing regimen to treat a UTI using the powder would be one teaspoon dissolved in a liquid and taken every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days.
To prevent a UTI, a common guideline is to dissolve one teaspoon of powder in a liquid and drink it up once a day!
The capsule form may have directions like: take one to two capsules by mouth twice a day with water.
NOTE: These directions are going to vary from person to person and on the product that is purchased!
Is it okay to take D-Mannose if you have diabetes?
It sure is! I know, sounds funny because it is a natural sugar, but because D-Mannose pretty much goes straight to your urinary tract (unlike glucose, which is metabolized), it will not affect your blood sugar levels.
Since D-Mannose is not regulated by the FDA, is it safe to take?
So far, it appears that D-Mannose is a safe alternative to your traditional antibiotics. A couple of side effects include loose stools and bloating.
Please do remember that since it is a supplement and not regulated by the FDA, the product may contain significantly more or less of the active ingredient per dose than what is listed on the product label!
Where can I find D-Mannose?
Since D-Mannose is pretty much an unknown entity in the world of pharmacy or traditional medicine, it may be difficult to find. If you’re lucky, you may find it at a health food store, but your best bet is to locate it online!
That just about wraps it up! Just be cautious when trying to self-treat a UTI. It may still be in your best interest to take a trip to your doctor’s office -keep that in mind anyway.
I would love to hear about your experience with D-Mannose. Definitely leave a comment below to share your thoughts! Yup, you can always e-mail me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com too!
And just as a side note, we put together a video course that will guide you through the many ways you can save money on your prescription meds. The best part is it’s absolutely free, and the second best part it’s instantly accessible! Enjoy!
A Cheaper Way to Skip Your Period
The invention of Seasonale and Seasonique opened a whole new world for ladies of child-bearing age. A world that involves only having 4 periods a year!
Sounds like a dream come true, right ladies? The only catch is these birth control pills are quite pricey, even with the help of your prescription insurance (there are exceptions with certain insurances). Seasonale does have a couple of generics on the market, but even those can put a dent in your wallet!
But what you may not know is there’s a cheaper way to take advantage of this whole 4 periods a year deal. Watch the video below to find out what I’m talking about!
Just to clarify:
- If you are prescribed a birth control pack that contains 28 tablets, be sure to skip over the last row of pills (the “sugar” pills) and continue your daily regimen by jumping right to first tablet of your next new pack…DO NOT skip any days or take any of those “sugar” pills!
- Be sure your doctor writes the directions on your birth control prescription as “Take one tablet a day continuously for 3 months.” Continuously is the key word here because this way your pharmacist knows you’ll need a new pack in 3 weeks (21 days) versus 4 weeks (28 days). This may sound like useless information, but trust me, we need to know because we have to submit this information to your insurance company so they’ll pay for your next pack when you need it!
- This only works for Monophasic birth control packs…the packs where all of the pills are the same color (not a different color every week).
Sound like a good idea to you? Ever given it a try? Thinking about starting Seasonale or Seasonique, but looking for a cheaper option? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below!
While you’re on the warpath of finding cheaper options for prescription drugs, check out our FREE video course that will help you do just that!
I Heart Red Wine
This is an oldie but goodie -red wine for the heart!
I am asked on a regular basis if alcohol is good for the body. I actually have one older gentleman that asks me every month if he can drink a fifth of scotch with his medicine…but that is a different story.
Why red wine?
Most studies have shown that red wine is the most cardioprotective. Red wine contains phenolic and flavonoids that have antithrombotic and antioxidants properties. These properties help protect the heart by increasing good cholesterol (HDL), decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreasing the risk of clotting (that can lead to heart attacks and stroke).
The dryer (less sweet) red wines have the most phenolic and flavonoid properties.
How much?
Moderation! Which means….No more than one drink daily for women and two for men. It is best to drink with a meal.
Can I drink more than that?
I do heart red wine! However, when we drink more than the recommended amount -alcohol can quickly go from friend to foe. It can lead to an increase in mortality by causing high blood pressure, increased fat in blood (triglycerides), alcoholism, stroke, breast cancer, etc.
Should I drink red wine?
Talk with your pharmacist or physician, there are groups of people that should just avoid alcohol all together but for the rest of us…
If you already drink alcoholic beverages -then go ahead and switch over to red wine (remembering moderation 
).
If you do not drink, then most likely you should not start.
Most of the benefits of alcohol can be found with lifestyle changes, exercise and aspirin.
Just a note: Many people “take” alcohol to help them sleep. Alcohol often helps people fall asleep -however, it usually leads to a fitful and all over poor quality of sleep. The adverse effects of sleep deprivation the following day are still seen in people that “drink to sleep.”
So, we have health benefits from red wine, chocolate and coffee…all my faves! Now, if only cupcakes were healthy
Do you have any questions or comments? Please holla at us!
Want to save money (so you can use it to buy that vino)? Please see our FREE video series 90 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs.
Baby Aspirin for Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke
Baby aspirin (81mg) has been used for quite a while to help prevent heart attack and stroke. There has been an unofficial guideline that women over 55 years old and men over 45 years old should start taking aspirin 81mg.
Now, there is some debate over who should use aspirin as prevention -which I review in this video. As you can see from the video, the pups are super interested in this topic too!
We would love to hear about your experiences! Would you like to learn how to Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs? Please click here
Is Nitrofurantoin Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Holy geez, I’m not digging this freaking freezing, messy weather here in Charlotte. The upside of the whole scene is it makes for a very relaxing weekend…movies galore!
I’ve got another video here for ya, once again about medication use during pregnancy. How bout that? This time I touch on whether it’s safe to use nitrofurantoin (brandname: Macrobid, Macrodantin) in pregnant women. In case you’re wondering, nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Check it out!
That’s a wrap.
Did you take nitrofurantoin while pregnant? Are you currently pregnant and concerned about taking this medication? Share your thoughts and concerns below! And of course, you can always e-mail me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com.
While your on a video-watching kick, be sure to view our FREE video course on how you can save money on your prescription drugs. Feedback is certainly welcome!
Happy Super Bowl!
OTC Medications for Cold Symptoms in the Eye
What OTC treatments are available for a “cold in the eye?” We received this very good question from one of our readers. Pink eye had been ruled out, and symptoms were not provided, so I sort of imagined what they might be.
“A cold in the eye” is most likely viral conjunctivitis, which may be part of a systemic viral infection or an infection where the signs of the problem are only in the eye.
The symptoms of viral conjunctivitis can include: watery or a mucus-like (more watery than pure mucus) discharge; burning, sandy, or gritty feeling in one eye; crustiness in the morning followed by watery discharge; possibly a very small amount of mucus in the eye throughout the day.
The 2nd eye usually becomes involved within 24 – 48 hours after the initial eye started producing symptoms.
When it comes to viral conjunctivitis, OTC medications only work to treat the symptoms, not the infection.
OTC anithistamines/decongestant eye drops available on the market are Ocuhist and Naphcon-A, which both have generics.
If using these eye drops, put 1 to 2 drops in the affected eye(s) 4 times a day, as needed. Do not use these eye drops for more than 3 weeks!
There are also lubricant eye drops, like Hypotears, Refresh, Tears II, and their generics on the shelves that may help relieve the irritation caused by the viral infection.
Instill 1 to 2 drops of the eye lubricant drop every 1 hour to 4 times a day, as needed.
In addition, there are eye lubricant ointments available over-the-counter that work the same way as the lubricant eye drops do. The options are Lacrilube and Refresh PM, both of which have generics.
The directions of use for the ointments are to apply ½ inch strip at bedtime or 4 times a day, as needed.
Systemic agents, such as Benadryl, Claritin, or Zyrtec are not useful for viral conjunctivitis.
You may begin to feel better within days of the start of your infection, but the more likely scenario is that your symptoms would get worse for the first 3 to 5 days, with a very gradual recovery over the next 1 to 2 weeks. This means the total course of viral infection would be 2 to 3 weeks long! Yikes!
That just about wraps this discussion up.
Suffering from “a cold in the eye?” Anything to add? Have any other treatment recommendations? If so, post a blurb below so the rest of our blog family members can be more informed!
Hope to hear from you soon. Oh yes, don’t forget about our FREE video course that will help you find ways to save money on your prescription drugs.
Serotonin Syndrome Overview
I wrote an article about a drug interaction between SSRIs and Trazodone. Well, I received a lot of awesome feedback and lots of questions about, “How do I know if I have serotonin syndrome?” So, I gave some info on serotonin syndrome and symptoms…
As always, we would love to hear from you! and we would love for you to take advantage of our FREE video course on 90 Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs -start 2010 off right and save some bucks!
Avoid Using Depakote During Pregnancy
Good morning y’all!
Did anyone else noticed that we have very little information on the use of medications during pregnancy? Hmmm, guess I should get the ball rolling in that department.
Put together a little video on discouraging the use of valproate in women of childbearing age or during pregnancy.
NOTE: Related drug names are Depakote, Valproic Acid, Sodium Valproate, Depakene, and Divalproex sodium. The information provided in the video below applies to these drug names as well!
Let me know if you have anything to share regarding this matter by leaving a comment below. You can also e-mail me at Cate@getpharmacyadvice.com.
Lastly, be sure to take a look at our FREE video course, which goes over the many ways you can save money on your prescription medications. Enjoy!
Have a great weekend!
