Three Most Asked Pharmaceutical Questions Answered

Pharmacists get asked so many questions. And we love it! Here are just a few of the questions we’re asked most frequently.

Can patient age affect side effects for some medications?

Side effects of certain medications can accentuate any memory issues a person may be having so it’s especially important to pay attention to any changes in memory for an elderly patient. Some sleep aids can cause brain fog and dizziness which could affect mobility and even the ability to stand. If these side effects occur, your health care provider should be notified and dosage may need to be reduced.

Do I have to take my medication at the same time every day?

To get the most benefit from a medication, it’s important to get on as regular of a schedule as possible. This decreases the likelihood that you’ll miss a dose and ensures you’re getting the right med at the right time. For instance, it could be bad to accidentally take a medication that can cause drowsiness in the morning if you usually take it at night.

How long is a medicine good after the expiration date?

As noted in a previous blog on the subject, a study of more than 100 drugs, conducted by the FDA at the request of the military, concluded that while they may not be as effective, most over the counter and prescription medications remain safe to take past their expiration date. With the exceptions of tetracycline, nitroglycerin, insulin and liquid antibiotics, many medications are as long-lasting as the ones tested in that FDA/military study. Storing medicines in a cool, dry place will also help them last longer. It’s always best to check with your pharmacist before taking any expired drugs to be safe.

Remember that your pharmacist is a great resource when you have questions. We’re here to help!

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

 We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

Do Drug Expiration Dates Matter?

In 1979, a law was passed requiring drug manufacturers to put an expiration date on their products. Drug expiration dates reflect the time period during which the product is known to remain stable, which means it retains its strength, quality and purity when stored according to instructions. This date is also the end point at which the manufacturer will guarantee the full efficacy and safety of that product.

A study of more than 100 drugs, conducted by the FDA at the request of the military, concluded that while they may not be as effective, most over the counter and prescription medications remain safe to take well past their expiration date.

With the exceptions of tetracycline, nitroglycerin, insulin and liquid antibiotics, most medications are as long-lasting as the ones tested in that FDA/military study. Storing medicines in a cool, dry place will also help them last longer.

So are the dates just a ploy to get you to keep buying more medicines? It’s easy to see it that way but think about it like this: while expired medications can still be somewhat efficacious, making sure you’re taking medications that haven’t expired ensures that you get the best version, giving you the best outcome.

Of course, when in doubt about expiration dates or effectiveness or any other medication questions, talk to your pharmacist*. They’re an indispensable resource when it comes to any and all information about medicines.  

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

*Patients with serious and life-threatening diseases should always consult their pharmacist and/or health care provider before taking expired or improperly stored medications.

Knowing the Signs of Intimate Partner Violence

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that there are more than 20,000 calls placed to domestic violence hotlines every day. The numbers have only gotten worse since the onset of COVID.

According to the CDC, nearly 10 million people experience intimate partner violence every year in the US. Intimate partner violence can include but is not limited to physical violence, sexual violence, and/or stalking. Results can range from injury, fearfulness, PTSD, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases and can ultimately lead to death.

Learning the signs of intimate partner violence for loved ones and for yourself could make all the difference.

Outside of physical violence, an abusive partner may try to establish power and control over the other partner. Signs include:

·      Negging or telling you that you never do anything right.

·      Showing extreme jealousy of your friends or any time you spend with them.

·      Preventing or discouraging you from spending time with friends, family members or coworkers.

·      Insulting, demeaning or shaming you, especially in front of other people.

·      Preventing you from making your own decisions. This can include decisions about working or attending school but can be as seemingly small as what you eat or wear.

·      Controlling finances in the household without discussion, including taking your money or refusing to provide money for necessary expenses.

·      Pressuring you to have sex or perform sexual acts you’re not comfortable with.

·      Pressuring you to use drugs or alcohol.

·      Intimidating you through threatening looks or actions.

·      Insulting your parenting or threatening to harm or take away your children or pets.

·      Intimidating you with weapons like guns, knives, bats or pepper spray.

·      Destroying your belongings or your home.

 It can be difficult to get out of an intimate partner violence situation, but there are resources available to help.

You can visit oklaw.org (https://oklaw.org/resource/domestic-violence-resources-and-links) to learn about resources near you.  Or, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you create a plan. Text START to 88788 or call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) to reach out to them. There is also a live chat on their website (link - https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/).

If you’re in immediate danger call 911 or if you’re able to get to this or any other pharmacy, ask the pharmacist for “Mask-19” and they will call 911 for you immediately. Everyone deserves to feel safe and valued.

About RevanRx

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

Tips to Minimize Wintertime Cold Risk

Even though we’re still contending with COVID, it’s important to remember how to protect yourself and others from wintertime colds and the flu. Along with mask wearing and hand washing, here are a few more tips to help you avoid those bugs that seem to like to hang around in the winter.

·      Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands. Next to airborne droplets, this is the easiest way for viruses to enter the body.

·      Stay away from sick people. If you must take care of a loved one who is sick, remember to wear a mask and wash your hands as often as possible.

·      Learn the signs of a cold and stay home when you are sick. This goes for children too. Keep anyone who is sick away from others in order to prevent spreading a cold or virus.

·      Cough or sneeze into your elbow/shirt sleeve or a tissue, covering the mouth and nose as completely as possible. Teach children this practice.

·      Avoid close contact with others, including those in your household.

·      Eat your veggies, especially the most colorful ones, which are known to boost the immune system with vitamin C.

·      Get some vitamin D. Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D, which can lead to a weakened immune system. Find a supplement with D3 and eat things high in D like egg yolks, mushrooms, salmon and canned tuna.

·      Exercise. Keeping active helps your white blood cells circulate so they can fight off infections.

·      Get some good rest. Quality sleep is crucial if you’ve been exposed to an illness.

It’s nearly impossible to avoid the common cold, but these tips and others can help you minimize your risk of exposure and extended suffering. And practicing good cold hygiene can help you avoid colds and other bugs all year round.

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.

Sources

https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/cold-flu-secrets

https://www.cdc.gov/features/rhinoviruses/index.html

OTC meds for what most often ails you

While things like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, may seem like obvious choices for your medicine cabinet, there are a few other over the counter (OTC) medications you might consider keeping on hand.

Non-NSAID Pain Relievers

Though acetaminophen (known better as the main ingredient in Tylenol) is often lumped in with NSAIDs, it isn’t one. While NSAIDs are great for reducing inflammation, acetaminophen actually blocks the pain receptors in the brain and is usually easier on the stomach than most NSAIDs. You can use the two in tandem to treat many types of pain and you can alternate them to keep a fever at bay.

Topical pain medications also come in handy for things like sprains, lower back pain and arthritis. Look for products that contain lidocaine or diclofenac.

Allergy Medications

Antihistamines are indispensable for seasonal allergies but also for allergies to dust, dust mites, pet dander and mold. They are also indicated for some milder food allergies that don’t require an epi-pen.

Antacids

While some people suffer from chronic digestive issues and may need something stronger, it’s always good to have an OTC antacid like Pepto Bismol on hand for the occasional bout of heartburn, indigestion, diarrhea or nausea.

Cold Medications

The common cold comes for us all at one time or another so it’s good to be prepared for the inevitable. Having a cold and flu sleep aid like Nyquil on hand and a good cough syrup won’t necessarily make you well any quicker but they will help lessen the symptoms that go along with that annoying spring or winter cold.

Talk to your health care provider before starting a new medicine even over-the-counter, if your symptoms are really bad or you’re not really sure what is wrong with you. Check the expiration date before using any product since all medicines become less effective over time. Store medicines in a cool, dry area and out of the reach of children. As with any medication, always follow directions and warnings.

 RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy providing service locally and delivery to Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering or refusal of service. We also specialize in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community.

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/where-to-turn-for-pain-relief-acetaminophen-or-nsaids

Stocking Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

There are very few of us who don’t live somewhere where natural disasters occur. Whether you live near a fault line, a fire prone forest or in Tornado Alley, it’s important to be prepared when disaster strikes.

According to the American Red Cross, it’s important to have at least three days of supplies on hand for each member of your household. Following are recommendations for what to include in your survival kit to keep your family safe and healthy in the immediate aftermath.

·      Water is crucial. A gallon of water a day is the ideal amount to have on hand for each person.

·      Medical supplies that are used on a daily basis. Things like extra hearing aids and batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes and daily medications are a necessary addition to your kit. OTC pain relievers and antacids will also come in handy.

·      If you have a baby, make sure to stash extra bottles, formula, baby food and diapers.

·      Don’t forget your pets! Keep extra food, carriers and leashes in your kit.

·      Include non-perishable foods like canned goods.

 Other things to include:

·      First-aid kit

·      Multi-purpose tool

·      Batteries

·      Flashlight

·      Copies of personal documents like medication lists, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies

·      Personal hygiene items like tampons and pads, sanitary wipes, and toothbrushes and toothpaste

·      Cellphone chargers

·      Extra cash

·      Blankets or sleeping bags

·      Manual can opener

·      N95 masks

·      Hand sanitizer

·      A whistle to signal for help

·      Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case there is a need for makeshift shelter

Having a fully stocked emergency preparedness kit could make all the difference when it comes to the safety of you and your loved ones. Grab a large backpack or tub with a sealing lid and store it near an exit in your home for easy access if the time comes to use it.

RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy providing service locally and delivery to Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering or refusal of service. We also specialize in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community.

Sources

Redcross.org

Ready.gov

Aarp.org

When can my pharmacist save me a doctor visit?

When you have conditions like sore throat, cough, cold, backache or digestive complaints, you might consider making the pharmacist your first call. These and other conditions may be diagnosed and treated by your pharmacist.

A pharmacist can recommend many options for over the counter medications and even things like home remedies or lifestyle changes that could positively affect the outcomes of many conditions. If your condition is more serious, your pharmacist will refer you to your primary care physician.

Your pharmacist is also a good source of information should you choose to start a new medication or make a lifestyle change such as starting a new diet or exercise regimen. The pharmacist can help you avoid medications and supplements that don’t work well together or could even cause adverse reactions when combined. They can also help you with any questions that may arise when you start a new medication or if there’s a generic option for your prescribed medications.

Pharmacists may also be able to help decipher medication instructions, help with setting up reminders or getting organized to take a particular medication and reading small print on medication labels.

As with any visit to a health care provider, you should let your pharmacist know all other medications you take on a frequent or regular basis, including supplements. They should also be made aware of any allergies or reactions that you’ve had to any treatments or medications in the past.

RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy providing service locally and delivery to Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering or refusal of service. We also specialize in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community.

Sources

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-you-drugs/stop-learn-go-tips-talking-your-pharmacist-learn-how-use-medicines-safely

 https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/conditions/a708042/pharmacist/

Our Commitment to HIV Treatment

According to HIV.gov approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV today. One in seven don’t know they have it and need to be tested. HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on certain populations, particularly racial and ethnic minorities and gay and bisexual men.

An estimated 36,400 new HIV infections occurred in the United States in 2018. And HIV diagnoses are not evenly distributed across states and regions. The highest rates of new diagnoses continue to occur in the South.

All this means it is important to schedule your HIV test with your primary care provider at your next visit or your annual physical, especially if you fall into one or more of the groups that are disproportionately affected.

Revan Health offers free HIV and STD testing year-round and Director of Pharmacy Services at our on-site pharmacy, Revan Rx, is certified in HIV education and is pursuing accreditation as an American Academy of HIV Medicine Pharmacist. This means he is especially equipped to help formulate a treatment program for those who are diagnosed with HIV.

It’s possible to live a full and productive life with an HIV diagnosis but the earlier treatment starts, the better the outcome. At Revan, we will work with you to help manage your HIV. We will also counsel you about using condoms, taking PrEP or other forms of HIV protection.

Everyone deserves to have their pharmaceutical needs met without fear or embarrassment. RevanRx is a full-service and compounding pharmacy, specializing in the unique needs of the LGBT+ community in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.