One of the biggest downsides to taking a medication is side effects. After a dose of most drugs, the amount in the bloodstream spikes quickly, and then is flushed away within the course of a few hours. This means the amount of medicine in the body can vary at any point in time – and…
FDA Approves Extended Release Version of Lyrica
Lyrica is a common anti-epileptic used to treat muscle pain, fibromyalgia, and seizures. On October 12th, the FDA approved a new extended release version of Lyrica—Lyrica CR. What is Lyrica CR prescribed for? Lyrica CR is for the management of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). What does CR mean? The CR…
Could Your HbA1c Diabetes Test Be Wrong?
A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a preferred screening test for diabetes. Done easily with a fingerstick in your physician’s office, it eliminates the need for fasting (not eating) prior to the test. The diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed if two consecutive A1c levels are greater than or equal to 6.5. What is the HbA1c? Red…
7 Ways to Lower Your A1C Levels
If you have diabetes, you’re probably used to checking your own blood sugar with a glucose meter. These blood sugar measurements are important for controlling levels on a daily basis but are less useful for understanding your long-term blood sugar levels. Your doctor has a way to determine if your blood sugar has been in the recommended…
Insulin Injection Tips From the Pharmacist: Part Two
Hopefully, you found part one of this series of injection tips helpful! If you haven’t read part one, go back and read those tips here before you read on. The following are some additional tips and tricks that can help you with your injectible insulin medications. See if your medication has injection training Many manufacturers have clinical…
Insulin Injection Tips From the Pharmacist: Part One
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie when it comes to giving yourself insulin injections, there’s always something new to learn. Many people are given a prescription by their doctor, especially for insulin and non-insulin injections, but are rarely educated on how to use these medications. Have you had this experience? You’re not alone! We…
FDA Approves Yescarta for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in adults. Typically, it is treated by a type of chemotherapy called R-CHOP. On October 18th, the FDA approved a different type of treatment for adults with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma who have relapsed after at least two other kinds of treatment….
10 Most Common Drug Combinations
Did you know that nearly 7 in 10 Americans take a prescription drug, and about 50% of Americans take at least two? In many cases, taking more than one drug is necessary to cure an ailment, treat symptoms, or control a chronic disease. But in others, multiple drugs may not mix well in your body,…
Why Synthroid Is the Most Prescribed Drug in the US
In 2016, doctors currently handed out 123 million prescriptions for Synthroid and its generic equivalent levothyroxine, slightly edging out atorvastatin (otherwise known as Lipitor) for the top spot. Causes of hypothyroidism Let’s start with some basic biology. Normally, the thyroid gland secretes hormones that help regulate metabolism and adjust how fast the body uses energy. With hypothyroidism,…
Could Your Meds Be Causing Diarrhea?
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