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Keeping yourself fit with Adalat

Adalat is a drug that is a dihydropyridine calcium blocker. It is mostly used for treating hypertension and Angina Pectoris. Some of the other uses of the drug are for treating Raynaud’s phenomenon (painful spasms associated with cancer in the esophagus); high blood pressure and Tetanus. Brand names of the drug include Procardia and Nifedical. These brand names are the name given to the nifedipine component.

How Adalat works

The ingredient nifedipine treats the diseases by acting on the blood vessels and the heart. The drug lowers the presence of calcium in the muscle cells. Since calcium is required by muscle cells to contract, restricting the calcium content causes the muscle cells to relax. The drug Adalat mainly works on the arteries, by relaxing them. As a result the arteries expand and blood pressure is reduced.

Side effects of Adalat

The drug, like other medicines, has some side effects. However, the side effects and their intensity differ from one person to another. Some of the side effects of the drug include:

- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Flushed appearance
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Swollen ankles
- Fast heart rate
- Visual disturbances
- Skin reactions like itching, sweating or rash
- Impotence
- Depression

Drug intake

Tell your doctor about other drugs or medications you are taking. This is because every drug has a potential for chemical reaction with other substances, the doctor checks to see if the combination safe. Rifampicin should not be taken along with the drug Adalat, as it lowers the blood level and makes it less effective. If during the course of usage of Adalat a person suffers from symptoms of faintness or dizziness, inform the doctor so that he can change the drug combination.

Avoiding the Adalat drug

The drug is not suited to and beneficial for everybody. Pregnant women and those breast-feeding should not take the drug. People who are allergic to calcium blockers like felodipine and amlodipine should avoid the drug. Heart patients, children and people suffering from porphyries or blood disorders should not take the drug. Also, diabetics, elderly people, and people suffering from kidney and liver problems should take the drug with caution.

Availability

The drug can be purchased online or through fax.

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1. You May Qualify for a Free Drug program.

· There are over 1,100 drugs that are made by 100 manufacturers who have free drug programs. Most major drug companies provide free medications, but rarely, if ever publicize their programs. An estimated two billion dollars of free medication is given away annually.

· Larry’s father has prostate cancer and takes Casodex every day, which costs $300 a month in the US, and $180 from Mexico. He sent his father’s information to see if he qualified. He recently found out his father did qualify to receive the drug free. Larry just happened to see a small article buried inside the newspaper. He never knew these programs existed.

· A complete list of drugs and manufacturers’ programs is available. For more information visit: www.institutedc.org

2. Get a Pharmacy Discount Card for Free.

· AdvanceRx offers a free discount card to anyone that saves 13%-25% and covers all drugs dispensed at a pharmacy. For details, call 1-800-ADVANCE (238-2623) or www.advancerx.com.

· There are five free discount cards for Senior citizens. The discount cards cover over 200 popular medications.

3. Save Up to 93% by Asking for a Generic

· Use generics whenever they are available. Both brand name and generic drugs contain the same active ingredients, are the same in strength and dosage, meet the same government quality control standards.

· According to Mark Erblat, Pharmacy Director and owner of Rx For You, cost savings on brand name vs. generic will vary from drug to drug and pharmacy to pharmacy but can be significant. For instance:

· Prozac brand 20mg, 100 tablets cost $280.19 and generic sells for $29.99 (Savings 89%)

· Vasotec brand 5mg, 100 tablets costs $103.59 and generic sells for $18.19 (Savings 82%)

· Zantac brand 150mg 100 tablets costs $173.39 and generic sells for $10.99 (Savings 93%)

· Zestril brand 10mg 100 tablets costs $96.29 and generic sells for $39.99 (Savings 58%)

4. Veterans Now Qualify for More Benefits.

· Recent laws have changed that grant veterans medical benefits for certain illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, provided the veteran is subject to qualifying conditions like agent orange exposure.

· See if you qualify for benefits by checking with the Veteran’s Administration.

5. Cut Your Costs in Half… by Using a Pill Splitter.

· Most pharmacies should stock pill splitters. Sometimes, medications can be broken in half and save you 50%. The reason is because several pharmaceutical manufacturers price some of their medications the same for all strengths.

· Lipitor is essentially the same price for all strengths. It is possible to save as much as $100 on a one month supply of Lipitor just by getting the larger strength and cutting in half. Ask your pharmacist.

· This method may not be appropriate for all medications and could be dangerous if used with the wrong medication.

· Begin by asking your doctor or pharmacist if your medication is available in a dose double your normal dosage (ex, if you usually take a 20 mg. pill, is a 40 mg. pill available?). If it is, ask whether there would be any problems with splitting the tablets or capsules.

· Now, do a cost comparison between the two dosages. If the higher dose is less than double the cost for your regular dose then you will be saving money by having your doctor prescribe the higher dose and then splitting it. Cost savings is typically 32% to 50%.

. Viagra is another medication that lends itself to being split in half or quarters to save 50% to 75% depending upon the dosage required. The average Viagra user who uses two doses per week can save over $400.00 per year.

· This method is not appropriate for all medications. Check with your pharmacist. Some easily split medications include: Ambien, Aricept, Buspar, Effexor, Lipitor, Luvox, Paxil, Remeron, Risperidal, Seroquel, Serzone, Viagra, Zoloft, Zyprexa. (Ask your pharmacist about others)

6. Save by Buying a 90 vs. 30-Day Supply.

· Most pharmacies have higher savings on a longer days supply. In addition, when it comes to people who have insurance prescription coverage, there may be other savings by getting a larger day supply.

· For instance, if you have a $10 co-pay, the insurance company will let you get only a 30 days supply in general for that $10. A 90-day supply bought with out insurance may only cost you $18.

· This would be much cheaper than paying $10 per month ($30 for 90 days). It would also save you two trips to the pharmacy.

7. Ask for an Older Medication That is as Effective.

· Many pharmacists agree, that antibiotics are probably the most over prescribed, or incorrectly prescribed medications. Often, the physician will prescribe a newer antibiotic that has been promoted as more effective. What this really means is that it is considerably more expensive.

· The newer antibiotics are often no more effective than the older antibiotics. However, they are new and covered by patent protection. Therefore, the newer medication is more effective in ensuring a nice profit for the drug manufacturer for many years.

· Since many generics are made in the same factory as the brand name ones, make sure you ask your doctor for a generic antibiotic. A great generic broad- spectrum antibiotic costs 80% less than a new antibiotic. In dollars, it costs you $20 instead of $100.

8. Over-the-Counter Drugs May be as Effective as the Prescription Drug.

· Many doctors still prescribe Pepcid 20mg to their patients. A one-month supply of Pepcid 20mg cost approximately $60. Pepcid AC, over-the-counter in 10mg strength, taking double the dose costs approximately $23.

· Most prescription cold medications average $20 to $60 for a one month supply and contain the same decongestant that is available over-the-counter for less than $2.

9. Get Only a 7-day Supply of New Medication.

· If the doctor does not have samples, ask your pharmacist to give you only a one-week supply to try. It is a federal law that medicines can’t be returned once they are dispensed. If you get a month’s supply and can’t tolerate the medicine, you have just lost that money.

10. Stop Using Drugs You No Longer Need.

· Review all your prescriptions with your doctor at each visit. You may be paying for some drugs you no longer need.

· Doctor run www.rxaminer.com provides a custom analysis of your medications to save you money. You can get a free, no obligation, Cost Screening to find out how much you can save.

· Also ask your pharmacist to review your medications in addition to your doctor. Here is why. A pharmacist’s valuable services and knowledge are free. He may also find something your doctor missed.

· A lady developed a persistent cough after she had been taking a blood pressure medication for approximately 3 months. Her doctor treated her cough with antibiotics and cough syrup for 6 months. She asked her pharmacist about her cough lasting so long. The pharmacist found that a possible side effect of her new blood pressure medication was a persistent cough. Her doctor argued but changed her medicine and her cough stopped. The lady had spent over $750 in doctor’s fees and medication just to treat the cough.

· A mother was giving her daughter antibiotics to treat a kidney infection. Her daughter consistently had a fever.

This continued for several months. The baby’s pediatrician prescribed several antibiotics unsuccessfully. After searching the literature, the pharmacist discovered that the antibiotic had a side effect of persistent low-grade fever. In the end, the mother had spent over $500 on doctor visits and prescription cost.

· Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist questions, their advice is free and can often save you money and aggravation. Ask questions about side effects, and drug interactions.

11. Order Your Prescription Drugs by Phone.

· You can save 20%-50% by ordering prescription drugs over the phone. Bonus, you do not have to pick them up at the pharmacy.

· Make a list of your medications, including strength and number taken daily. Then list at least six pharmacies you are going to call. Don’t forget about discount mail order sources too, several are listed at the end of this booklet. Then call and get prices, ask if this is their best price available. Compare the costs.

12. Pay Attention to the Quantity.

· Find out how much medication you really may need, and make sure your doctor doesn’t order you more medicine than is necessary to treat your condition.

13. Ask Your Doctor for Samples at Every visit. They Usually Have Plenty.

14. Take Only Those Drugs You Really Need.

· When your doctor prescribes medication for you, understand exactly what it’s meant to do and for how long. If you areprescribed two drugs for the same symptom, ask if you really need both.

15. Buy Home Test Kits.

· Kits for determining ovulation, pregnancy and colorectal cancer, can be purchased as home tests instead of paying twice as much for similar kits at your doctor’s office.

16. Cross the Border.

· If you live close to either Canada or Mexico, you can buy some medications in either country for 75% off the U.S. price.

17. AARP Members are Eligible for Many Discounts, Including Mail-Order Pharmacy Discounts.

· Ask for an AARP discount.

If you have questions about these tips or your medication ask your doctor and pharmacist.

********************************* * Senior Discount Card Programs * *********************************

(G) GlaxoSmithKline’s The Orange Card (888) 672-6436

· Covers all GSK’s drugs. Must have an annual income below $30,000 per individual or $40,000 per couple

· 30% average at participating pharmacies

(L) Eli Lilly’s LillyAnswers Card (877) 795-4559

· Covers all Lilly’s drugs except controlled substances. Must have an annual income below $18,000 per individual or $24,000 per couple.

· $12 Co-pay per prescription for 30-day supply.

(N) Novartis’ CareCard call (866) 974-2273

· Covers select Novartis drugs. · Tier 1 must have an annual income below $18,000 per individual or $24,000 per couple. $12 Co-pay per prescription for 30-day supply.

· Tier 2 must have an annual income below $26,000 per individual or $35,000 per couple. Receive a 25% or more discount.

(P) Pfizer’s The Share Card call (800) 717-6005

· Covers all Pfizer’s drugs. Must have an annual income below $18,000 per individual or $24,000 per couple.

· $15 Co-pay per prescription for 30-day supply.

(T) Together Rx Card (800) 865-7211

· Over 150 select drugs from a group of manufacturers. Must have an annual income below $28,000 per individual or $38,000 per couple. (Higher in AK and HI).

· Savings of approximately 20-40% off the amount you usually pay for prescriptions and, in many cases, substantially more.

END

The Cost Containment Research Institute is a public interest group dedicated to helping consumers find important information on cost saving medical topics. CCRI publishes a book that may help lower your prescription drug costs.

Credit: www.institutedc.org

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Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. Myocarditis is collection of diseases of infectious, toxic, and autoimmune. Myocarditis may develop as a complication of an infectious disease, usually caused by a virus. It can occur in people of all ages and is diagnosed more often in men than in women. Myocarditis is likely caused by a wide variety of infectious organisms, autoimmune disorders, and exogenous agents, with genetic and environmental predisposition. Myocarditis is defined as inflammatory changes in the heart muscle and is characterized by myocyte necrosis. Many organisms can infect and injure the heart. Type B, a virus among those that usually infect the gastrointestinal tract, is believed to be the most common offending agent. Many other viruses, such as those of polio, rubella and influenza, have been associated with myocarditis. Myocarditis can occur as a rare complication of bacterial infections, including diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, and tetanus. Other infectious organisms, such as rickettsiae and parasites, may also cause inflammation in the heart muscle.

Myocarditis is often associated with pericarditis, and many patients present with signs and symptoms that suggest concurrent myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis can be caused by a variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Some people have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) or trouble breathing. Usually, a mild case of myocarditis will go away without any lasting damage. Myocarditis can then cause heart failure (with symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid accumulation in the lungs, etc.) as well as heart rhythm irregularities from inflammation and/or scarring of the electrical system of the heart. Most cases of myocarditis are subclinical; therefore, the patient rarely seeks medical attention during acute illness. These subclinical cases may have transient ECG abnormalities. Certain chemicals. These may include substances such as arsenic and hydrocarbons. Medications that may cause an allergic or toxic reaction. These include antibiotics such as penicillin and sulfonamide drugs, as well as some illegal substances, such as cocaine.

Myocarditis may start as a flu-like illness that lingers longer than the usual several days. In series of routine autopsies, 1–9% of all patients had evidence of myocardial inflammation. In young adults, up to 20% of all cases of sudden death are due to myocarditis. In South America, Chagas’ disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi) is the main cause of myocarditis. As most viral infections cannot be treated with directed therapy, symptomatic treatment is the only form of therapy for those forms of myocarditis, e.g. NSAIDs for the inflammatory component and diuretics and/or inotropes for ventricular failure. ACE inhibitor therapy may aid in the healing process. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) and ramipril (Altace). Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and carvedilol (Coreg). Diuretics and Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin), which increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions and tends to slow the heartbeat.

Treatment for Myocarditis Tips

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril (Vasotec), captopril (Capoten), lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil) and ramipril (Altace).

2. Beta blockers such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) and carvedilol (Coreg).

3. Digoxin (Digitek, Lanoxin), which increases the strength of your heart muscle contractions and tends to slow the heartbeat.

4. NSAIDs for the inflammatory component and diuretics and/or inotropes for ventricular failure.

5. ACE inhibitor therapy may aid in the healing process.

6. Diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) .

7. Use of a temporary artificial heart (assist device).

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High Blood Pressure can be History with ACEON

Suffering from high blood pressure or other cardiac conditions can be a troubling situation. Hypertension should not be overlooked as it is possible to treat ensuring length of life. ACE Inhibitors are often the initial prescribed treatment for the control of high blood pressure conditions. ACE Inhibitors treat common heart conditions such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. These medications provide an increase in the volume of blood flow which in turn reduces congestion in the arteries.

Who should take ACEON

As with all medications consult your doctor prior to starting ACEON or any other medications. There are cases where certain conditions should be evaluated prior to treatment with ACEON. Anyone who has experienced side effects related to ACEON should refrain from using ACEON. If you have had negative reactions to other ACE Inhibitors you should not take ACEON. As with many medications pregnant women should refrain from taking ACEON, most importantly in the second and third trimesters. If your conditions allow the use of ACEON, which should be determined by your physician, you will experience positive benefits from treatment.

How does ACEON work and how is it taken?

The main intended use for ACEON is to assist in lowering blood pressure. The medication reduces the resistance of blood flow, thereby increasing the volume of blood that flows through the veins. In patients with heart conditions such as hypertension, ACEON must be taken for extended periods of time to maximize the lowering of blood pressure. ACEON should be taken exactly as prescribed to reach the maximum potential benefit.

ACEON is highly prescribed as a method of lowering blood pressure, often used in combination with many other medications, often providing tremendous results. It is possible to treat Coronary Artery Disease and hypertension so be sure to discuss ACEON as a treatment with your physician. ACEON used solely, or in combination with other drugs, and under physician supervision can provide significant results in lowering or eliminating high blood pressure.

Click Here To Learn More About or to Purchase ACEON

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