The vast majority of women who are pregnant are also taking at least one prescription drug. In our modern, hectic and stressful society, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are among them.  But are they really safe?

The answer is we really don’t exactly know…exactly. There are [...]]]> Source:  US Dpt. of Health & Human Services; www.womens.health.gov; Wall Street Journal

The vast majority of women who are pregnant are also taking at least one prescription drug. In our modern, hectic and stressful society, antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications are among them.  But are they really safe?

The answer is we really don’t exactly know…exactly. There are studies which show minimal issues but there is surprisingly little medical evidence to support the notion that the majority of common prescriptions are truly “safe” for your baby.  The following classifications demonstrate how much we don’t know.  The FDA is currently funding a study to evaluate about one million births between 2001 and 2007, the time when a number of these medications became quite popular.  Ask questions of your doctor.  lots of questions.  The good ones will answer you.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire

With the holidays here and the new year fast approaching, some helpful reminders for all of you feeling a little “under the weather” or ill during the holiday season.  There are OTC medications for just about everything these days, but I suspect most of you barely read food [...]]]> Source: US Food & Drug Safety Administration (FDA)

With the holidays here and the new year fast approaching, some helpful reminders for all of you feeling a little “under the weather” or ill during the holiday season.  There are OTC medications for just about everything these days, but I suspect most of you barely read food labels let alone drug labels. So a little primer. And a few highlights with the help of our friends at the FDA.

OTC Know-How: It’s on the Label:  You wouldn’t ignore your doctor’s instructions for using a prescription drug; so don’t ignore the label when taking an OTC medicine. Here’s what to look for:

• PRODUCT NAME
• “ACTIVE INGREDIENTS”:  therapeutic substances in medicine
• “PURPOSE”:  product category (such as antihistamine, antacid, or cough suppressant)
• “USES”:  symptoms or diseases the product will treat or prevent
• “WARNINGS”:  when not to use the product, when to stop taking it, when to see a doctor, and possible side effects
• “DIRECTIONS”:  how much to take, how to take it, and how long to take it
• “OTHER INFORMATION”:   such as storage information
• “INACTIVE INGREDIENTS”:   substances such as binders, colors, or flavoring

When it comes to medicines, more does not necessarily mean better. You should never misuse OTC medicines by taking them longer or in higher doses than the label recommends. Symptoms that persist are a clear signal it’s time to see a doctor.

Be sure to read the label each time you purchase a product. Just because two or more products are from the same brand family doesn’t mean they are meant to treat the same conditions or contain the same ingredients.

Drug Interactions: A Word to the Wise:  Although mild and relatively uncommon, interactions involving OTC drugs can produce unwanted results or make medicines less effective. It’s especially important to know about drug interactions if you’re taking Rx and OTC drugs at the same time.

Some drugs can also interact with foods and beverages, as well as with health conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and high blood pressure.  Some drug interaction cautions for common OTC ingredients:

• Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough-cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or drugs that treat sleeplessness.
• Do not use drugs that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.
• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you’re taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.
• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

Kids Aren’t Just Small Adults:  OTC drugs rarely come in one-size-fits-all. Here are some tips about giving OTC medicines to children:

• Children aren’t just small adults, so don’t estimate the dose based on their size.
• Read the label. Follow all directions.
• Follow any age limits on the label.
• Some OTC products come in different strengths. Be aware!
• Know the difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They are very different doses.
• Be careful about converting dose instructions. If the label says two teaspoons, it’s best to use a measuring spoon or a dosing cup marked in teaspoons, not a common kitchen spoon.
• Don’t play doctor. Don’t double the dose just because your child seems sicker than last time.
• Before you give your child two medicines at the same time, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Never let children take medicine by themselves.
• Never call medicine candy to get your kids to take it. If they come across the medicine on their own, they’re likely to remember that you called it candy.

Well there you go. From our home to yours or some such thing.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire

An exercise study of those aged 45 to 55 of medically average weight found that damage to cartilage and ligaments was caused by those who perform high impact exercises.  Shocking, I know. Knees [...]]]> Source: Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) (Now available on Twitter, btw); with a nod to BBC Health for finding it too.

An exercise study of those aged 45 to 55 of medically average weight found that damage to cartilage and ligaments was caused by those who perform high impact exercises.  Shocking, I know. Knees were the most likely to suffer with running and jumping linked to more injuries than swimming or cycling. (Wonder where Aikido falls in?)

The “study” was in fact a questionnaire with MRI scan follow up for osteoarthritis (a degenerative joint disease involving small bits of bone known as osteophytes).  Naturally the researchers advocate low impact and non-weight bearing exercise which is fine for what it is. Fortunately, I have a few more years yet to worry about such things so I’ll be in the dojo doing high impact and weight bearing exercise.

Personally, I was actually more amazed that anyone would subscribe to a Twitter from the RSNA than this groundbreaking research study.  But that’s just me.

~Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire

McNeil Consumer Healthcare and FDA notified consumers of a nationwide recall of certain Tylenol products as a precautionary measure because of potential manufacturing problems. The company initiated a recall of certain oral suspension products distributed between March 2008 and May 2008 due to the potential of bacteria in [...]]]> Source:  US Food & Drug Safety Administration (FDA)

McNeil Consumer Healthcare and FDA notified consumers of a nationwide recall of certain Tylenol products as a precautionary measure because of potential manufacturing problems. The company initiated a recall of certain oral suspension products distributed between March 2008 and May 2008 due to the potential of bacteria in raw materials used to manufacture the finished product. There are no illnesses reported by patients using this product.

The full list of recalled product lots can be accessed on the company’s website at http://www.tylenolprofessional.com/assets/TYLENOL_Letter_091809.pdf. McNeil is advising parents and caregivers who have administered affected product to their child or infant and have concerns to contact their healthcare providers.

Parents and caregivers can find the lot numbers on the bottom of the box containing the product and also on the sticker that surrounds the product bottle.

Posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire

One of the main recommendations of the panel was to lower the current [...]]]> The FDA empaneled some 37 experts to assist in the reduction of deaths due to acetaminophen overdose. Huh? Tylenol? Yes, Tylenol. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the United States causing 200 deaths annually with 56,000 in the ER.

One of the main recommendations of the panel was to lower the current maximum daily dose from 4 grams (8 pills) and limiting any single maximum dose to 650 mg, from 1000 mg (2 Extra Strength Tylenol). Additional recommendations included making Extra Strength Tylenol a prescription drug.

The industry, J&J and Wyeth mostly, felt the current dosing and labeling appropriate. Surprise. Sales of acetaminophen-based painkillers are estimated at around $2.6 billion for last year alone. 80% of which are over-the-counter medications.

The same panel also recommended banning Vicodin and Percocet. To be continued. . .

posted by David Marc Schwadron, Esquire