Drugs Blog

Above and beyond being the obvious cause of heart disease, stroke and lung cancer, the reasons for quitting cigarette smoking are becoming even clearer. There are many health conditions that have been directly linked over the past few years to cigarette smoking. If you smoke or have someone in your family who does, you should make sure that they’re aware of these other important reasons to quit – among the most prominent being that it will be more difficult to get a life insurance quote or policy. Reading this may just be the kick in the pants they need to stop harming themselves and those around them.

People who smoke often have a hard time getting a good night sleep. A recent study in Chest magazine reported that smokers are 4 times more likely to have a hard time getting to sleep and not having a restorative rest, than those who don’t smoke. Nicotine was found to be the main factor in this condition and researchers said that the stimulant properties of the drug also had another effect on the smoker’s body by sending the person’s system into nicotine withdrawal during the night. Not getting enough sleep affects your health, so that’s just one more reason to quit smoking.

Smokers Are At Risk

Smoking also helps to break down the body’s ability to fight off infections. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended recently that smokers between 19 and 64 years of age be added to a short list of pneumococcal vaccine candidates. The reason for the recommendation was that smokers are far more susceptible to infection risk caused by pneumonia-causing bacteria. Because smoking may damage the respiratory system, it becomes easier for infectious diseases to enter the body and cause disease.

Cigarette smoking does harm to the digestive system as well. This can cause peptic ulcers, heartburn and even gallstones to occur. Smokers also run a much higher risk of developing Crohn’s disease, a painful inflammation of the digestive tract. Smokers are also prone to skin problems causing far more premature wrinkling of the skin including areas of the face, inner arms and even the buttocks.

Detoxification is the process of removal of toxic substances from the body. For example liver acts as a Detox for our body. Alcohol detoxification is a process of removing alcohol mainly as a toxic substance from body. Intake of drugs for a very long duration leads to the accumulation of toxic substances inside the body. These dangerous substances have a lot of ill effects on the body if they are not treated. Detoxification is done by properly cleaning the body. The example of such detox programs are increase in water intake and Sauna . Detox is a mandatory part of any successful drug rehab program. A proper Detox diet can help in keeping our body fit.

The major advantages of such diet are:

• Liver functionality gets better. therefore the elimination of toxic substances occurs at a better rate.
• Increase in energy levels.
• Improved circulation of blood.

The process of elimination of toxic substances from the body under the guidance of a doctor is known as Rapid Detox . This is generally achieved by admitting the addicted patient in a hospital. the general tests in this process are liver functionality test, chest X-ray and lung treatment.This method does not involve any physical treatment. With this strategy a patient starts living a normal and productive life within a few days.

Detoxification is also done with the help of narcotic pain relievers . Methadone is one such pain reliever. Taking improper doses of Methadone can cause serious effects or death. Alcohol must be avoided if you are taking methadone.

The process of providing physical and psychological counseling treatment to the patients who are addicted to harmful drugs such as heroin, cocaine etc. is known as Drug rehab. Alcohol also falls into the category of these drugs. These harmful drugs are also known as street drugs . With the continuous use of these drugs over a long period of time the brain gets adapt to it. So their effect on the body becomes minimal and your desire for them goes on increasing day by day. Drug Treatment Center becomes necessary to avoid the physical, legal, social and financial effects of drugs addiction. A recent discovery shows that there are increased chances of mental disorders in people who are suffering from addiction .Due to these disorders the recovery become difficult . In some situations Alcohol Rehabilitation is part of our criminal judicial system.The people who are guilty of minor drug offenses are sent to drug rehab centers instead of sentenced them to prisons . People who are found guilty of drinking alcohol during driving are forced to attend alcoholic anonymous seminars. These types of programs are more popular in western countries. Psychoanalysis is a psychotherapeutic strategy of changing the behavior in order to treat addiction. This approach was developed by sigmund freud which was modified by his followers later on. According to this approach the main cause of addiction is the obvious nature of man to enjoy fantasies. Some people misuse the drugs intentionally by taking them in a quantity which is not prescribed.This is known as Prescription Drug Abuse.

In this era of globalization, most people follow minimalist trend. Well, it is a fact that excess show of wealth through gaudy jewelry is out of fashion this millennium. You are known by what you wear and it greatly determines your attitude and level of confidence. To present everyone in the corporate world with poise, you must choose your clothes and jewelry carefully. Yes even in day to day life, if you wear minimal jewelry that speaks of your class, people tend to judge your dignity positively. Pearl bracelets or necklaces do this work hassle-free.

No wonder most women are behind collecting pearl jewelry to make themselves suave and cultured. Culture cannot be developed, it is said. But those who wear cultured pearls, the charisma speaks volumes. There are ample varieties to choose from when it comes to pearl jewelry. The pearls are priceless. But when you purchase them online, you can avail fabulous discounts on them with guarantee. Isn’t that amazing?

You go for Akoya pearls, black pearls or Tahitian pearls; each variety looks good and sophisticated on all attire and suits you even for day to day wear. Do not worry about its maintenance. You can also get a pearl cleaning kit available online. So, be carefree and buy pearls in whatever pattern you love. Your purchase will never disappoint you because pearls are made for cultured people like you. When you can get affordable pearl jewelry of your choice at your doorstep, what are you waiting for? Let the pearls define your personality!

Type of Drug:Male hormones.

How the Drug Works:

lostosterone is the primary natural androgen (male sex hormone) produced by the testes. Androgens promote normal growth and development of male sex organs (eg, prostate, seminal vesicles, penis, scrotum) and affect fertility. They also produce the distinctive male characterisis of hair distribution, voice depth,

Uses:

To treat testosterone deficiency. Prolonged treatment is required to maintain male sex characteristics.

For hormone deficiency due to developmental defects of the testes. To treat delayed male puberty (brief treatment with low doses) in carefully selected patients. To treat male impotence caused by androgen deficiency (methyl testosterone only).

Used for breast pain and swelling in women immediately after childbirth. Also used as secondary therapy in postmenopausal women for advanced, inoperable breast cancer that has spread to other areas, including bone.

Unlabeled Uses: Testosterone tenantable has been studied for male contraception.

Precautions:

Males frequently experience breast swelling or development. Reduced sperm counts may occur after prolonged use.

Women may show signs of masculinization: Deepening of voice, hair growth, acne, increased size of clitoris, menstrual changes. These symptoms usually follow high doses of androgens and should be tolerated during treatment for advanced breast cancer. Treatment may have to be discontinued. Consult your doctor. (The trans dermal systems have not been tested in women and should not be used by women.)

Product interchange: Do not try to substitute short-acting and long-acting testosterone products. These products are not considered to be inter­changeable.

Athletic performance/physical appearance: Anrlrooens are not safe and effective for enhancement of athletic peroformance or physical appofunee; usa could produce serious adverse effects.

Fluid retention: Since androgens may cause fluid retention, use with caution in epilepsy, migraine, and heart, liver or kidney disease.

Pregnancy: Do not use during pregnancy. The risk of use in a pregnant woman clearly outweighs any possible benefit. Androgens may masculinize a female fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if androgens appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Androderm has not been tested in males under 15 years of age. Has not been tested in males under 18 years of age. Use other androgens very cautiously in children under 18 years of age. Androgens may stop or stunt the growth process.

Elderly: Use with caution in elderly males. Androgens may increase risk of prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. An increase in sex drive may occur.

Lab tests may be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments.

Tartrazine: Some of these products may contain the dye tartrazine (FD&C Yellow No.5) which can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. Check package label when available or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking this medicine. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed.The following drugs and drug classes interact with this medicine.

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many patients experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency an severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Female -Irregular menstruation; absence of menstruation; deepening voice; enlargement of clitoris; changes in sex drive.

Male – Breast tenderness, swelling or development; decreased sperm count; erection problems (pain, frequency, increased duration); changes In sox drive; itching, blisters, bruising, hardening, redness, discomfort or Irritation (patch only); enlargement of the prostate.

Nervous System: Hoadache; anxiety; depression; sleep disorders; memory lodd;abnormal skin Ronsations.

Skin: Excessive growth of body hair; loss of scalp hair; acne; oily skin; changes in skin color (yellowing); rash; irritation (patch only).

Other: Fluid retention (edema); ankle swelling; nausea; pain at injection or implantation site; increased cholesterol; liver problems; vomiting; dilated pupils; abnormal bleeding or bruising; inflammation of the mouth (tablets only); stroke; black or tarry stools; urinary tract infection.

Guidelines for Use:

• Oral tablets – May cause stomach upset.
• Buccal tablets – Do not swallow. Allow to dissolve between the gum and cheek. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking while tablet is in place.
• Notify your doctor if nausea, vomiting, swelling of the extremities (edema), prolonged or painful erections, or yellowing of the skin or eyes occurs.
• Female patients – Notify your doctor if hoarseness, deepening of the voice, hair growth changes, acne, menstrual irregularities or suspected pregnancy occur.
• Androgens are not effective and may be dangerous if used for fractures, surgery, convalescence, bleeding of the uterus or enhancement of athletic performance or physical appearance.
• Brand interchange – Do not change from one brand of these drugs to another without consulting your pharmacist or doctor.
• Testoslerone injections – Shake well before using. Administer into buttock muscle only. Effects of enanthate and cypionate injections last about 4 weeks.
• Transdermal systems – Read patient instructions. Store at room tem­perature (59°-86° F) in provided pouch until ready to use. Carefully dis­card used patches to prevent accidental application or ingestion by others (eg, children, pets).Androderm: Place on clean dry non-scrotal skin (eg, back, abdomen, upper arm, thigh) every night. Rotate application sites, allowing 7 days between applications to the same site. Site should not be oily, damaged orirritated. Patch does not need to be removed during sexual inter- course or while bathing. Testoderm: Place on clean, dry scrotal skin. Scrotal hair should be dry­shaved lor best contact. Do not use depilatories (chemical hair remov­ers). System should be worn 22-24 hours, but can be removed for swimming or bathing and then reapplied. Lab tests should be made after 3 to 4 weeks of use.
• Pellet implantation – Report any unusual irritation or infection at the implant site. If treatment is discontinued, the pellets will have to be removed.
• Femalesexual partners of male testosterone patients should contact a doctor the following occur: changes in body hair distribution or increased acne.
• Do not alter the dose unless directed by your doctor.
• Diabetics may require insulin dose adjustments. Consult your doctor.
• Lab tests or exams may be necessary. Be sure to keep appointments.
• Store tablets in a closed container at room temperature.
• Avoid freezing inject able products.

Type of Drug:

Antiparkinson agent.

How the Pramipexole Product Works:

Parkinsonism is a neurological disease with a variety of origins characterized by tremor, rigidity and disorders of posture and balance. The onset is slow and progressive with symptoms advancing over months to years. There is no cure for the disease. The goal of therapy is to provide relief from the symptoms, and to attempt to maintain the independence and mobility of the patient.

It is thought that the involuntary muscle movements (shaking) of Parkinson disease are caused by reduced amounts of dopamine in the nervous system. Pramipexole may exert its effects by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the nervous system.

Uses of The Pramipexole:

To manage or treat signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease. May be used with levodopa in the later stages of the disease.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if pramipexole appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Elderly: Elderly patients have a greater tendency to develop hallucinations.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with pramipexole dihydrochloride. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be pre­scribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with pramipexole.

• Butyrophenones (eg, haloperidol)
• Cimetidine (eg, Tagamet)
• Diltiazem(eg, Cardizem)
• Metoclopramide (eg, Reglan)
• Phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many pramipexole users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; constipation; appetite loss; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth; gas; diarrhea; vomiting; indigestion; stomach pain.

Nervous System: Dizziness; drowsiness; sleeplessness; hallucinations; confusion; amnesia; reduced skin sensations; muscle tone abnormalities; inability to sit still; thinking abnormalities; decreased sex drive; muscle twitches; movement disorders; dream abnormalities; walking abnormalities; stiffness; paranoid reaction; delusions; sleep disorders; headache; nervousness; leg cramps; tremor.

Circulatory System: Low blood pressure.

Respiratory System: Difficulty breathing; sinus infection; runny nose/ congestion; pneumonia.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Impotence; increased urination; urinary tract infection; inability to control urination.

Skin: Skin disorders; rash.

Senses: Vision abnormalities; double vision; abnormal taste.

Other: Weakness; swelling; general body discomfort; fever; decreased weight; accidental injury; chest pain; joint pain; muscle weakness; pain; back pain; fainting; depression; sore throat; sweating; flushing; flu syndrome; increased saliva; tooth disease; increased cough; allergic reaction; voice alteration.

Guidelines for Use:

• Take pramipexole only as directed by your doctor.
• Taking pramipexole with food may reduce nausea.
• Dosage will be started low and gradually increased to achieve maxi­mum effect. Do not change dose sooner than recommended.
• Do not change the dose or discontinue unless advised to do so by your doctor.
• It is recommended that pramipexole be discontinued gradually over a period of a week.
• Hallucinations may occur, especially in the elderly.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness may occur if you stand up too fast from a lying or sitting position. If this occurs, get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.
• Kidney disease patients may need dosage adjustments.
• This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness, coordination or physical dexterity.
• Caution should be used when taking other CNS depressants (eg, alcohol, sedatives) in combination with pramipexole.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86° F) and protect from light.

With the nuclear families growing fast across the globe, the people all over are concerned with a grave fact and that is elder abuse and neglect. The growing stress of acquiring more money has left the spouses running behind their respective jobs, thus neglecting their houses. The elders in the houses are either left alone or are living alone separately on their own. There are many other factors that count when this problem is noticed in depth. The inability to work any longer, serious disabilities and growing financial and social burdens have all resulted in deserting one’s parents in old age. The love and compassion that existed in the families is visible no longer.

With the increasing life expectancy, everywhere the number of elders is increasing. The elder abuse is not only considered domestic anymore. They suffer from abuse and neglect on many levels. It may be intentional or unintentional on part of certain professionals like lawyers or doctors or nurses, but they are at times responsible for such neglect professionally. For example, the elder may not be given the aggressive treatment for cancer even if he is able to withstand it. Such kind of unintentional neglects are the major cause of elder abuse. Because these incidences remain secluded within four walls, the incidence and prevalence is hard to count.

Older adults with lack of financial independence, having low self-confidence, suffering from psychiatric disorders, or having troubled marriages are mostly affected. There may be added material abuse and different kind of exploitation too. Great efforts are required to address the issue of prevention and intervention of elder abuse. Unless we consider this as a social injustice, it is difficult to achieve firmer steps. One should start from one’s own house. The older adults should also cooperate in this mission. They should not be hesitant when they really need some sort of help. Unless they come in open, it is hard for many to understand their problems. Eliminating ageism is the need of the hour. We may soon fall into the same group!

With the growing popularity of using contact lenses instead of glasses, the lens market has during the last decades become enormous. The contact lenses nowadays can be used by most people that need sight correction, and with the size of the market, there’s naturally a great choice of lens types and models to choose from. Popular models on the market such are for example the 1 day Acuvue and the Focus dailies, but there are also many other lenses.

The first thing to decide on is what kind of contact lens that best suits you. There are disposable lenses, that you throw away every night, and lenses that you can wear for over a year, if you treat them right. There are color lenses, that can change your eye color if you want, and there are even lenses on the market that help you improve your golf play! What they all have in common however, is that they all give you a great, clear vision. The huge demand has created a strong development in the lens market, and the products are constantly improving. Make a little research to find the lens that suit you best, and you want be disappointed.

One of the best ways of protecting your self and your family members is through life insurance. Life insurance is a sure shot beneficial program that can be taken help of for securing the future of your family members. There are different companies that are providing this benefit. You can also get the life insurance done through various financial institutions that support it. You must always remember that life insurance is an investment and not an expense that you make to secure your life and your family’s future. With the help of the life insurance schemes you can get protect the future of your children. There are various other benefits of getting a life insurance. The life insurance is exempted from tax and you can get a rebate in the tax that you pay to the government if you get a life insurance cover. You also get an income protection with it. To get the best deals you can search the internet or consult the life insurance broker. You may also visit the websites of the different financial institutions that are providing this facility. It is always better to get done the insurance, as it helps you live a tension free life. It not only is a security but a gift to your loved ones.