Monday, November 2, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Medicare Part D
Working in the pharmacy can have its adavantages and disadvantages. You get to meet and work with all kinds of people, which is great. One draw back, however, is that you have to deal with insurance companies on a daily basis.
One of the main insurances is Medicare Part D. This branch of Medicare coverage started in 2006, where it would help people over the age of 65 cover prescription medications. Since then, many companies like Humana and AARP have built programs and plans to help those in need.
The one draw back from this, in my opinion, would be the "doughnut hole". This is a part of the coverage where the patient has to cover 100% of the prescription cost after reaching a certain amount in prescription costs.(Usually around $3000). I find that the timing of this gap usually comes around the winter holidays when many are already struggling to pay for medications.
Don't get me wrong, Medicare Part D has helped many people who were in need before it was implimented. My question is, in the long run, has it really helped?
One of the main insurances is Medicare Part D. This branch of Medicare coverage started in 2006, where it would help people over the age of 65 cover prescription medications. Since then, many companies like Humana and AARP have built programs and plans to help those in need.
The one draw back from this, in my opinion, would be the "doughnut hole". This is a part of the coverage where the patient has to cover 100% of the prescription cost after reaching a certain amount in prescription costs.(Usually around $3000). I find that the timing of this gap usually comes around the winter holidays when many are already struggling to pay for medications.
Don't get me wrong, Medicare Part D has helped many people who were in need before it was implimented. My question is, in the long run, has it really helped?
Monday, October 12, 2009
NSAIDs Info I have compiled
Here is information on NSAIDs that I have compiled. (For those of you who don't want to search...I don't blame you:)
NSAIDs are short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to MedicineNet.com (n.d.), these medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are the chemicals produced by your body that can cause inflammation, pain, and fever, and support blood clotting, and protect the lining of you stomach. Prostaglandins produce two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, and both these promote inflammation, pain, and fever, with COX-1 being the only one to support platelets and the stomach. When an NSAID is taken it blocks this enzyme giving the person relief from the ailment.
There are many different NSAIDs that are available today, and most of which are available over the counter. Here are some of the brand and generic names of those available OTC.
Chemical Name: Brand Name
Ibuprofen: Advil, Advil Migraine, Advil Cold and Sinus, etc..
Motrin, Motrin Migraine, Children's Motrin,etc...
Naproxen:Aleve
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)
Here are some of the medications that are available with a prescription.
Chemical Name: Brand Name
Celecoxib: Celebrex
Diclofenac:Voltaren, Arthotec
Ibuprofen:Vicoprofen
Indomethacin:Indocin
Ketorolac:Toradol
Nabumetone:Relafen
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)
Dosing for Adults
According to Drugs.com (2009), for treatment of fever and moderate pain NSAIDs should be taken every 6 to 8 hours in in 200mg - 800mg doses, as necessary. The daily dosage is not to exceed 1200mg - 3200mg in a 24 hour period and may very depending on the severity of the symptoms.(Although, the FDA, at this time is debating on lowering the daily maximum dosing due to the long term effects of usage).
Side Effects and Risks
Although these medications can help relieve pain, inflamation and fever, there can be some major side effects that go with them. Some of the side efeects include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appitite, rash, dizziness, headache, drowziness, and fluid retention (MedicineNet.com, n.d). In some cases, side efeects are more serious and may include kidney and liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery (MedicineNet.com, n.d.). Most side effects can be lessened by taking them with a meal and reporting any side effects to a physician (Hertz, 2007).
In the article, FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs from Pharmacist's Letter (2005), the FDA has asked that all manufactures of any NSAID put warnings on there products. Some of these warnings include:
• More information about the potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
• Instructions about seeking medical attention before use.
• Stronger reminders about maximum dosing.
• Warnings about potential skin reactions.
These risks will go up the older you are, escpecially people 65 and older, people with a history of ulcers, and people who take blood thinners or corticosteroids (prednisone). Those who drink alcohol may also have an increased risk of stomach problems (Hertz, 2007)
References
Drugs.com. (2009). Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Dosage and Administration. Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http://www.drugs.com/pro/ibuprofen-oral-suspension.html.
Hertz, S. (2007). The benefits and risks of pain relievers: Q & A on NSAIDs with Sharon Hertz, M.D. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http//www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/pain042507.html.
MedicineNet.com. n.d. Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http//www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm.
Pharmacist's Letter/ Prescriber's Letter. 2005. FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http://www.pharmacistsletter.com.
NSAIDs are short for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. According to MedicineNet.com (n.d.), these medications work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in your body. Prostaglandins are the chemicals produced by your body that can cause inflammation, pain, and fever, and support blood clotting, and protect the lining of you stomach. Prostaglandins produce two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, and both these promote inflammation, pain, and fever, with COX-1 being the only one to support platelets and the stomach. When an NSAID is taken it blocks this enzyme giving the person relief from the ailment.
There are many different NSAIDs that are available today, and most of which are available over the counter. Here are some of the brand and generic names of those available OTC.
Chemical Name: Brand Name
Ibuprofen: Advil, Advil Migraine, Advil Cold and Sinus, etc..
Motrin, Motrin Migraine, Children's Motrin,etc...
Naproxen:Aleve
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)
Here are some of the medications that are available with a prescription.
Chemical Name: Brand Name
Celecoxib: Celebrex
Diclofenac:Voltaren, Arthotec
Ibuprofen:Vicoprofen
Indomethacin:Indocin
Ketorolac:Toradol
Nabumetone:Relafen
(Pharmacist's Letter, 2005)
Dosing for Adults
According to Drugs.com (2009), for treatment of fever and moderate pain NSAIDs should be taken every 6 to 8 hours in in 200mg - 800mg doses, as necessary. The daily dosage is not to exceed 1200mg - 3200mg in a 24 hour period and may very depending on the severity of the symptoms.(Although, the FDA, at this time is debating on lowering the daily maximum dosing due to the long term effects of usage).
Side Effects and Risks
Although these medications can help relieve pain, inflamation and fever, there can be some major side effects that go with them. Some of the side efeects include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appitite, rash, dizziness, headache, drowziness, and fluid retention (MedicineNet.com, n.d). In some cases, side efeects are more serious and may include kidney and liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding after an injury or surgery (MedicineNet.com, n.d.). Most side effects can be lessened by taking them with a meal and reporting any side effects to a physician (Hertz, 2007).
In the article, FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs from Pharmacist's Letter (2005), the FDA has asked that all manufactures of any NSAID put warnings on there products. Some of these warnings include:
• More information about the potential cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks.
• Instructions about seeking medical attention before use.
• Stronger reminders about maximum dosing.
• Warnings about potential skin reactions.
These risks will go up the older you are, escpecially people 65 and older, people with a history of ulcers, and people who take blood thinners or corticosteroids (prednisone). Those who drink alcohol may also have an increased risk of stomach problems (Hertz, 2007)
References
Drugs.com. (2009). Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Dosage and Administration. Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http://www.drugs.com/pro/ibuprofen-oral-suspension.html.
Hertz, S. (2007). The benefits and risks of pain relievers: Q & A on NSAIDs with Sharon Hertz, M.D. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http//www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/pain042507.html.
MedicineNet.com. n.d. Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Retrieved October 7th, 2009, from http//www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm.
Pharmacist's Letter/ Prescriber's Letter. 2005. FDA announces important changes and additional warnings for COX-2s and NSAIDs. Retrieved October 6th, 2009, from http://www.pharmacistsletter.com.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
NSAIDs
It's that time of year again! Many of you have some down with colds/flu/sinus infections. One of the many things that you can use or have prescribed to you are NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can include ibuprofen and naproxen and help to relieve fever, inflammation, and moderate pain.
If you want more information on these medications ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit this webcite I found if you are more internet inclined!
http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm
NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These can include ibuprofen and naproxen and help to relieve fever, inflammation, and moderate pain.
If you want more information on these medications ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit this webcite I found if you are more internet inclined!
http://www.medicinenet.com/nonsteroidal_antiinflammatory_drugs/article.htm
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Sine/Flu again
For any of you who want more information on these vaccines or any other please see...
www.cdc.gov
www.cdc.gov
Swine Flu
So, for a month now there have been endless questions about swine flu shots. I know that this epidemic is serious, but I am tired of people getting pissed off at me (like it is really my fault) that we do not have the swine flu vaccine yet. What's worse, it's all because of the news broadcasts telling everyone to "hurry and get your vaccination!" and we can not do anything about it.
Please people, calm down. The vaccines will get here. Until then, has anyone thought of getting the regular Fluvirin vaccine? If not, maybe you should. Especially, if you will not meet the criteria to get the Swine flu vaccine. Just a thought...
Please people, calm down. The vaccines will get here. Until then, has anyone thought of getting the regular Fluvirin vaccine? If not, maybe you should. Especially, if you will not meet the criteria to get the Swine flu vaccine. Just a thought...
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Full Moon
I wanted to give some useful information for my first actual post but... there is to be a full moon soon and the last two days have been hell at the pharmacy. Why is it that all the weirdos and psychos come out during this time? (Sorry if I have offended anyone, but it just has to be said) Stay at home please! Give us a break! Here is the gist of what the last couple days have been like:
Upon arriving at the pharmacy 10 minutes to opening, the phone is already ringing. After I get myself onto the computer I look up to find that there is someone at the in-window staring me down(This is at 5 to opening). I take the gentleman's prescription and tell them it will be twenty minutes... then I get the look of death! "Sorry sir, but we are not quite open yet and the computers take awhile to warm up. I will have it ready as soon as I can", finishing with a great big smile. "IT BETTER BE!" says the man (who I have now nicknamed Squidward) and he stomps off. What in the heck?!
Then the phone calls from the narcotic addicted people start. You know, the ones who call three times in an hour to see if their script is ready.
Needless to say the days have not gotten any better. On top of the patient issues Medicaid in our state has decided to require Prior Authorizations on everything! (That I will discuss in more detail on another day)
The only thing now is too take the beating until the full moon has passed...
Upon arriving at the pharmacy 10 minutes to opening, the phone is already ringing. After I get myself onto the computer I look up to find that there is someone at the in-window staring me down(This is at 5 to opening). I take the gentleman's prescription and tell them it will be twenty minutes... then I get the look of death! "Sorry sir, but we are not quite open yet and the computers take awhile to warm up. I will have it ready as soon as I can", finishing with a great big smile. "IT BETTER BE!" says the man (who I have now nicknamed Squidward) and he stomps off. What in the heck?!
Then the phone calls from the narcotic addicted people start. You know, the ones who call three times in an hour to see if their script is ready.
Needless to say the days have not gotten any better. On top of the patient issues Medicaid in our state has decided to require Prior Authorizations on everything! (That I will discuss in more detail on another day)
The only thing now is too take the beating until the full moon has passed...
Introduction
Hello! In these future writings I will be writing everything from nonsense rantings to useful information on Pharmacy life.
Here are some things to know about me:
* I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician (Yes, I took that awful exam!)
* I like my job (although, sometimes I may not like it that day...)
* I will NOT disclose any personal information on where I work, what state I work in, or anything that will get me into trouble with HIPAA.
* Any comments or questions are always welcome!
Here are some things to know about me:
* I am a Certified Pharmacy Technician (Yes, I took that awful exam!)
* I like my job (although, sometimes I may not like it that day...)
* I will NOT disclose any personal information on where I work, what state I work in, or anything that will get me into trouble with HIPAA.
* Any comments or questions are always welcome!
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