Popular medications will soon be generic

By Kristen Dore // June 29th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

In the next year or two, some of the most popular medications in the country are going to lose their patent. What does this mean? It means that these medications will be available as generics — which can save you money.

When a new drug is approved by the FDA, the drug has a patent — most drug patents last about 20 years. The patent is there so no other company can make the medication. Once the patent expires, other companies can start to produce generic versions. These companies submit an application, which must be approved by the FDA, to show that the generic medication performs in the same way as the brand name medication. According to the FDA a generic medication is the same as the brand name medication in safety, dose, strength, and quality, and also in the way it is taken, and how it is used.

Generic medications are much more affordable, up to 80% less expensive, than their brand name counterparts. One of the reasons for this is the generic manufacturer does not have the up-front costs of creating and developing a new drug – which can be extremely expensive.

Here are some of the medications that may lose their patents in 2011 and 2012:

  • Lipitor (atorvastatin), used for high cholesterol
  • Zyprexa (olanzapine), used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and treatment resistant depression
  • Concerta (methylphenidate), used for ADHD
  • Singular (montelukast), used for asthma and allergies
  • Seroquel (quetiapine), used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
  • Plavix (clopidogrel), used to prevent strokes and heart attacks

 

Generic medications are safe options that can help save you money. As these widely used medications become available as generics, many people will see a difference in their monthly prescription co-pays.

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Drug Interactions: What You Don’t Know Could Hurt You

By Shereen Abou-Gharbia // June 27th, 2011 9:00 AM // No Comments

 An estimated two out of every three patients who visit a doctor leave with at least one prescription. Close to 40 percent of the U.S. population receives prescriptions for four or more medications, resulting in dramatic increases in the rate of drug interactions and side effects.

Drug interactions have led to deaths and the withdrawal of drugs from the market. Drug interactions are the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Patients with chronic illnesses and the elderly population often take multiple medications, making them particularly vulnerable to drug interactions.

Drug interactions may make your drug less effective, cause unexpected side effects or increase the action of a particular drug. Some drug interactions can even be harmful to you.

In general, there are 4 main types of drug interactions:

  • Drugs with food and beverages (drug-food): occur when a drug reacts with foods or beverages.
    • Alcohol 
      • If you are taking any sort of medication, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol, which can increase or decrease the effect of many drugs.
    • Grapefruit juice 
      • Grapefruit juice can cause higher levels of certain medicines in the body, increasing the likelihood of side effects. Grapefruit juice shouldn’t be taken with certain blood pressure-lowering drugs, Neoral (cyclosporine), Buspar (buspirone),Qualaquin (quinine), and Halcion (triazolam).
    • Caffeine
      • Caffeine can interact with stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) resulting in excessive stimulation. Conversely, caffeine can decrease the effect of sedative-hypnotics such as Ambien (zolpidem).
  • Drugs with dietary supplements (drug-supplement): occur when a dietary supplement reacts with a drug(s). Dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or botanicals, as well as other substances that can be used to supplement the diet.
    • St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) 
      • St. John’s Wort is an inducer of liver enzymes, which means it can reduce the concentration of certain medications in the blood. St. John’s Wort can reduce the blood level of medications like Lanoxin (digoxin), Mevacor (lovastatin), and Viagra (sildenafil).
    • Ginseng 
      • Ginseng can interfere with the bleeding effects of Coumadin. In addition, ginseng can increase the risk of bleeding from heparin, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Orudis (ketoprofen).
  • Drugs with other drugs (drug-drug): occur when two or more drugs react with each other.
    • Aspirin 
      • Aspirin can significantly increase the effect of blood thinning medications (anticoagulants), thus increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.
    • Antacids 
      • Antacids can interfere with drug absorption of antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline), thereby reducing their effectiveness.
  • Drug with medical condition (drug-condition): may occur when an existing medical condition makes certain drugs potentially harmful.
    • High Blood Pressure
      • Decongestants in cough and cold medications can interact with diuretics (water pills) and aggravate high blood pressure.

 

There are many things you can do to take your medications in a safe and responsible manner. Always read all drug labels carefully. Learn about the warnings and precautions for all your medications. And keep your health care providers informed about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements you take or intend to take.

The Bottom Line

Your best defense against drug interactions is awareness.

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When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go!

By Beth Isaac // June 24th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

This line may have been made famous by little Orphan Annie, but it is more commonly heard today among middle aged men somewhere in their 60s. I found it interesting to learn from a friend’s father, we’ll call him Stu for the purpose of this blog, that the current topic of conversation among him and his friends, in what he comically referred to as the “senior chapter in his life,” is “How many times a night we get up to pee.” He said it was fun! And so I figured, if Stu and his friends found it a fun topic to discuss, many of you would also find it interesting to learn that you are not the only ones finding yourselves in the bathroom during the night.

While it was a funny chat with Stu, there are actually several reasons middle-aged adults may find themselves waking up at night to use the bathroom. Here are some of the causes and the bottom line for when it might be time for a chat with your doctor.

10 Causes of Frequent Nighttime Urination

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), better known as BPH
  • Certain drugs, such as diuretics, lithium, phenytoin
  • Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Cystitis
  • Diabetes
  • Drinking too much fluid before bedtime; especially coffee, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol
  • High blood calcium levels
  • Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea

 

The Bottom Line: When to See Your Doctor

  • Frequent nighttime urination persists for several days and cannot be explained by medications or lifestyle
  • Frequent nighttime urination accompanied by any other symptoms
  • Frequent nighttime urination has become bothersome
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Heart Disease — The #1 Killer of Women

By Kristen Dore // June 22nd, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

Almost twice as many women die from heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases than from all forms of cancer combined in the United States. Awareness is critical. Many women still consider heart disease a men’s health concern. In 2009 only 54% of women knew that heart disease was the number one killer of women.

In February 2011, the American Heart Association (AHA) updated the guidelines for heart disease in women. These updated guidelines recognize that diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and pregnancy complications may increase the risk of heart disease. The guidelines also emphasize “real world” advice, as past guidelines have been based primarily on clinical trials.  There is a focus on socioeconomic and personal factors that may be preventing women from following medical advice and lifestyle changes — with suggestions to address these concerns. Depression guidelines were also added. Although treating depression is not specifically linked to improving cardiovascular health, depression may affect if a women follows her health care provider’s directions.

The guidelines also list interventions that may not be useful, perhaps may even be harmful, in the prevention or treatment of heart disease in women. These interventions include:

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Aspirin therapy in healthy women less than 65 years of age
  • Antioxidant supplements such as vitamin E, C, or beta carotene
  • Folic acid supplementation – although it should still be used during childbearing years to prevent birth defects

 

If you are on any of these treatments, do not stop taking them. Consult your health care provider.

Coronary heart disease death rates have dropped in women by two-thirds from 1980 to 2007. However, cardiovascular disease still kills about one woman per minute in the United States. Although some of the risk factors for heart disease cannot be changed, such as age and family history, there are some that can be. Women can make a difference in their heart health through diet/lifestyle modifications and taking their medications as directed. According to the AHA some of these factors that a woman can change include:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • High Blood Pressure
  • High Cholesterol
  • Physical Inactivity/Sedentary Lifestyle
  • Diabetes

 

If you have questions about heart disease, and whether or not you are at risk, talk to your health care provider.

Posted In: Cholesterol Drugs, General Health
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Botox: more than just a pretty face?

By Shereen Abou-Gharbia // June 20th, 2011 10:00 AM // No Comments

So what exactly is Botox? Botox is a purified, diluted neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. A neurotoxin is a toxic substance that normally damages or destroys neurons, the main building blocks of your nervous system.

Although there are seven different types of botulinum toxin (A, B, C1, D, E, F, and G), most of the research conducted to date has been on type A—called BTX-A, manufactured by Allergan under the trade name Botox®. Given in small doses, Botox temporarily inhibits neurons from “talking” with muscles that are responsible for contraction and movement. Once communication is blocked, the muscles relax, providing relief to patients with facial wrinkles and overactive muscles, reducing spasms and pain. The effect is completely reversible and generally lasts for a few months in most cases.

How popular is Botox? Botox injections are one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today. Yes, it’s true. A large number of people are getting Botox injections to regain a more youthful appearance.

But the FDA has approved the use of Botox for more than just wrinkles. These days, Botox is used in numerous cosmetic and medical interventions including:

  • Prevention of headaches in adults with chronic migraine
  • Treatment of increased muscle stiffness in elbow, wrist, and finger muscles
  • Treatment of abnormal head position and neck pain
  • Treatment of certain types of eye muscle problems or abnormal spasm of the eyelids
  • Treatment of symptoms of severe underarm sweating
  • Improvement of the look of moderate to severe frown lines between the eyebrows

 

As with any medication, potential side effects with Botox do exist and vary according to injection site, dose, frequency of injections, and physician expertise. Botox can cause serious side effects that can be life-threatening. You should tell your doctor about any bothersome side effects that do not go away.

The most common side effects with Botox include dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, neck pain, eye problems and allergic reactions. Most side effects—such as pain, tenderness, or bruising at the injection site—are temporary and occur within the first few days. When used at recommended doses by skilled physicians, Botox is generally safe and is not known to cause long-term side effects.

The Bottom Line

Pros

  • Botox injections are a quick, simple procedure done in your doctor’s office
  • Results are fast with Botox
  • Most people who have had Botox injections are satisfied and usually return for re-treatment

 

Cons

  • Results are temporary
  • Side effects, like temporary bruising and bleeding, do occur with Botox
  • Botox is expensive
  • There have been deaths associated with overdoses of Botox

 

Learn more about the ABC’s of Botox at Everyday Health.

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