DOCSLIB.ORG

Hidden Hazards of 10 Everyday Products Some Can Cause Minor Symptoms; Others Can Lead to Major Problems

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hidden Hazards of 10 Everyday Products Some Can Cause Minor Symptoms; Others Can Lead to Major Problems safety health Hidden hazards of 10 everyday products Some can cause minor symptoms; others can lead to major problems ometimes it’s the little things that cause big problems. Everyday products meant to help you look and feel better can actually have the opposite effect. We’re talking about stuff like eye drops, lip balm, S and mouthwash; if you’re not careful, you can wind up bleary-eyed or dry-lipped, or with a lingering bad taste in your mouth. Fortunately, the fixes are all pretty simple. With the help of experts, we’ve put together a top 10 list of common products that can cause unintended side effects, as well as advice on what to do to set things right. buying guide Aerosol hair spray Contact lenses Not only are the chemicals used Even people who think they do a good to propel hair spray damaging to the job of taking care of their lenses often environment, but they aren’t good for have bad habits that put them at your lungs, either. Aerosol sprays of all risk for rare but potentially blinding types, including hair sprays, can trigger infections. That’s what researchers allergies and asthma attacks. And found when they questioned more using them in a small, poorly ventilated than 400 lens wearers. For example, space—yes, like a bathroom—almost many knew it was important to clean guarantees that you’ll be breathing their case but not that it needed to in the stuff. be replaced regularly. “Bacteria form Not surprisingly, a 2010 study a film that is resistant to germ-killing involving 50 hairdressers and a control solutions,” says the lead author of the group found that the salon workers had study, Danielle Robertson, Ph.D., an far more respiratory symptoms, such assistant professor of ophthalmology as coughing and breathlessness. They at the University of Texas Southwestern reported that the two most irritating Medical Center in Dallas. Also, people products they used were bleaching often underestimate the danger of powder (used to mix hair color) and water, which can transfer harmful hair spray. microorganisms to contact lenses. WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO Swap aerosol hair sprays for the pump n Always wash your hands with soap type. The chemicals are more likely to and dry them before touching lenses. wind up directly on your hair rather n Clean your lens case. Dump the used than wafting around the room. And if solution, rub the case with a bit of fresh you’re sensitive to a spray, you might solution, and rinse with more. Air dry, be better off using a pump. Always and replace it every three months. close your mouth and eyes when you n Never rinse lenses in water. Don’t spray, and if you are able to, crack open shower or swim in them or wear them a window or turn on the exhaust fan. with goggles. Consider disposables. Subscribe now at ShopSmartmag.org NOVember 2012 57 health safety Mouthwash The Internet is full of reports from people who claim that swishing with a mouthwash stained their teeth brown or at least temporarily affected their sense of taste. Many blame Crest Pro-Health. According to the American Dental Association, the ingredient responsible is cetylpyridinium chloride, which is also found in other products, including Cepacol Antibacterial. Prescription rinses containing the ingredient chlorhexidine cause more severe issues. WHAT TO DO If your sense of taste isn’t right, stop using your mouthwash to see if that’s the culprit. Things should return to normal fairly quickly. Also, any brown spots that appear should go Lip balm away after some good brushing. And you Can you become addicted to it? may want to rethink your dental routine. Not really, says Amy Newburger, You may not need a mouthwash. “Most a dermatologist at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt of these products are essentially Hospital Center in New York City. But worthless,” says Jay W. Friedman, if you find yourself reaching for the stuff D.D.S., M.P.H., a public-health dental often, the balm itself may be to blame. consultant. “People are spending “The product may make your lips feel a lot of money on these thinking that good in the short-term, but it’s not they will give them sweet-smelling uncommon to develop a contact allergy breath or make their mouth to one or more of the ingredients,” healthier, and that’s generally Newburger says. “You wind up using not the case.” Regular flossing, it more and more to counteract the brushing, and professional irritation; it sets up a vicious cycle.” cleaning are all that most people The worst-offending components are need to keep their teeth and usually dyes, flavoring, and fragrances. S gums healthy. Chronic bad Products containing glycolic acid can breath may be due to a digestive also be irritating, Newburger says. C/GETTY IMAGE C/GETTY issue. A rinse will only mask WHAT TO DO S the odor for a few minutes and If your lips are chronically chapped, OTODI won’t address the underlying Newburger recommends trying plain H problem. An exception: If you old petroleum jelly for a week. Once BAUER/P have gum disease or need certain the problem is resolved, if you want to S dental work, your dentist may resume using a balm, look for a brand recommend a chlorhexidine rinse that has no added fragrance or color, for a short time to help control bacteria. such as Dr. Bronner’s Organic lip balm. WI STEVE LEFT: 58 COnsumer REPOrts SHOPSMART Cotton swabs About half of the people who see an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doc) for any reason admit to cleaning their ears using cotton swabs. The swabs may look harmless, but a recent study found a direct link between their use and ruptured eardrums. So skip them, says the study’s author, Ilaaf Darrat, M.D., an otolaryngologist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. “They can introduce bacteria into the ear and lead to infection,” she Eye makeup says. “And if placed too deeply, they Do you hang on to your mascara for WHAT TO DO can rupture the eardrum, possibly months on end? Leave your makeup bag n Wash your hands before applying causing permanent hearing loss.” in a hot car? Use a little water or saliva your eye makeup. WHAT TO DO to moisten your eye pencil so that it goes n When you buy new mascara, write “Ear wax protects our ears,” Darrat on easier? Any of those things can put the date on it with a permanent marker says. “There’s no reason to remove you at risk for a serious eye infection. and toss it after two to four months. it unless it builds up to the point that The Food and Drug Administration Cake eye shadow and liners last longer, buying guide it obstructs your hearing.” If ear wax reports that in rare cases, infections but Newburger recommends discarding is bothersome, you can try removing it have led to temporary or permanent them at least once a year. with an over-the-counter product such blindness. n Store makeup in a cool, dry place as Debrox. The safest approach: See “Eye cosmetics are required to contain such as a bedroom drawer (not in a your doctor, who can easily flush it out. preservatives,” Newburger says, “but bathroom medicine cabinet!). Make every time you use these products you sure the room never gets above 85° F. introduce contaminants.” Adding water, n If you develop an eye infection, stop for example—even just a little—can using cosmetics in the area until it clears. S introduce bacteria and dilute the Discard any products you were using preservatives that are supposed to when you got the infection. kill them. Adding saliva definitely adds n Don’t share cosmetics. If you’re bacteria and dilutes the preservatives. getting your makeup done, ask the stylist Plus, the preservatives deteriorate over not to use the same products on you TOCKBYTE/GETTY IMAGE TOCKBYTE/GETTY S / time, and heat hastens the process. that were used on someone else. S RODUCTION P Vaginal douches O M O An estimated 20 percent to 40 percent tubes, and ovaries, possibly leading M of women in the U.S. douche regularly, to pelvic inflammatory disease. persuaded by advertisements that it WHAT TO DO ; BOTTOM: ; BOTTOM: S will make them “fresher,” “cleaner,” The American Congress of Obstetricians or “healthier.” But what douches actually and Gynecologists recommends against do is kill good bacteria and upset the douching. Vaginas are self-cleaning. natural acidic environment inside the If you notice a strong odor or irritation, C/GETTY IMAGE C/GETTY S body. That leaves women more vulnerable it usually means something is wrong, OTODI to sexually transmitted disease as well and you should talk with a doctor. All H as conditions such as yeast infections you need to do is wash carefully using and bacterial vaginosis. If you have a mild soap. To further reduce the risk URQUETI/P T an infection, douching can push the of vaginal infections, avoid scented TOP: TOP: bacteria up into the uterus, fallopian tampons, pads, powders, and sprays. Subscribe now at ShopSmartmag.org NOVember 2012 59 health safety Acid reducers Proton pump inhibitors, or PPIs, reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces and are used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), persistent heartburn, indigestion, and ulcers. Prescription and OTC drugs include omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC, Zegerid, or generic), and lansoprazole (Prevacid and Prevacid 24HR). Those drugs are effective and relatively safe, but they can cause serious side effects.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Stomachache Relief
    Stomachache Relief Abdominal pain has many causes. Only rarely is the cause serious. The general information section of Pediatric Planet has more information about when to be concerned. If your child’s physician has determined that there is not a serious cause of the abdominal pain there are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be helpful. The key to getting benefit is choosing the right medication for the job. Having some opinion from your child’s doctor regarding the probable cause of the discomfort is a good start. Constipation may cause abdominal pain when gas is trapped behind blockages of hard stool. In this case see the constipation relief section of the medicine cabinet for more information. Abdominal pain may also accompany lactose intolerance. If your child is lactose intolerant avoidance of milk products and use of supplemental lactase (Dairy-ease, Lactaid), when necessary, will be helpful. Active ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide (solitary active ingredient in some Amphojel, one of several active ingredients in some Gaviscon, Maalox, and Mylanta products). Aluminum hydroxide is an effective neutralizer of stomach acid although it does not work as quickly as calcium carbonate. It has a more prolonged effect, however, and does not cause bloating. Only small amounts of aluminum are absorbed into the blood stream, those with normal kidneys will excrete the aluminum in the urine. Unlike calcium, however, aluminum has no useful purpose to the body. In those with kidney problems aluminum may build up in the body causing osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and brain injury. There is some evidence linking aluminum to Alzheimer’s.
    [Show full text]
  • Medications in Pregnancy & Lactation.Xlsx
    Commonly Used Medications in Pregnancy and Lactation Breastfeeding Medications: Indication & Side Notes Comments Acne: Over the counter acne medications are low risk. Acne ● Benzoyl Peroxide products Acne Low risk Clindamycin topical Acne Low risk Erythromycin topical Acne Low risk *Finacea topical Acne Not recommended Proactiv Acne Low risk Salicylic Acid products Acne Low risk Allergies: Actifed (after 13 weeks) Nasal Congestion, Allergies Low risk Afrin Nasal Spray (only for 3 days) Nasal Congestion Low risk Low risk (may ↓ milk Alavert (Loratadine) Allergies supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) Allergies & Nasal Congestion supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Clarinex Allergies supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Claritin (Loratadine) Allergies supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Claritin D (after 13 weeks) Allergies & Nasal Congestion supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Chlor-Trimeton Allergies supply) Flonase Rhinitis, Seasonal Allergies Low risk Phenylephrine (after 13 weeks) Nasal Congestion use caution Ocean’s Nasal Spray Allergies & Nasal Congestion Low risk Low risk (may ↓ milk Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) (after 13 weeks) Nasal Congestion supply) Low risk (may ↓ milk Tavist (Clemastine) Allergies supply) ● Please Contact Your Pediatrician concerning use in breast feeding. * Prescription medications Low risk (may ↓ milk Zyrtec Allergies supply) Antibiotics: *Amoxicillin Infection Low risk *Ampicillin Infection Low risk *Augmentin Infection Low risk *Keflex (Cephalexin) Infection Low risk *Cefuroxime Infection Low risk *Duricef (Cefadroxil)
    [Show full text]
  • Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications Applies To: Tufts Health Ritogether and Tufts Health Together*
    Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications Applies to: Tufts Health RITogether and Tufts Health Together* As communicated in the November 1, 2018 Provider Update, the following changes are effective for fill dates on or after January 1, 2019. As a result of this change, some OTC medications will require prior authorization in certain circumstances as outlined below: Brand-Name OTC Medication Has a Covered Interchangeable Generic Version Available Afrin No Drip Advil capsule Advil tablet Advil PM tablet Afrin Nasal Spray Original nasal solution Afrin No Drip Aveeno Oatmeal Severe nasal Aleve tablet Baciguent ointment Benadryl capsule Bath Pak Treatment solution Benadryl Allergy Benadryl Allergy Benadryl Allergy Benadryl Extra Benefiber powder tablet capsule Liquid Strength cream Caltrate 600 +D Centrum Silver Betadine Swabstick Caltrate + D tablet Centrum liquid Plus Minerals tablet tablet Centrum Silver Centrum Ultra Men’s Children’s Advil Centrum tablet Cheracol-D syrup Adult 50+ tablet tablet suspension Children’s Benadryl Citracal Calcium + Children’s Benadryl Children’s Tylenol Chlor-Trimeton Allergy chewable D Slow Release Allergy liquid suspension syrup tablet tablet Citrucel Fiber Claritin-D 12 hour Claritin-D 24 hour Clear Cough Liquid Citrucel tablet Laxative powder tablet tablet PM Dimetapp DM Dex4 Fast Acting Dimetapp Cold and Colace capsule Conceptrol 4% gel Cough and Cold Glucose liquid Allergy elixir elixir Dristan nasal spray Dulcolax tablet D-Vi-Sol liquid Ecotrin tablet Evac powder Ex-Lax chewable Gas-X chewable Feosol tablet
    [Show full text]
  • MEDICATIONS to AVOID PRIOR to ALLERGY SKIN TESTING Allergy
    MEDICATIONS TO AVOID PRIOR TO ALLERGY SKIN TESTING Allergy testing requires the ‘histamine response’ in order to be accurate and reliable. There are many types of antihistamines. Antihistamines are found in many different medicines, either as a single drug or mixed with a combination of chemicals. Please review all medicines you take (including Over-The-Counter) in order to make your allergy testing appointment most efficient and accurate. Generic names are in all lower case, trade names Capitalized. Oral antihistamines to be stopped 3 (THREE) days prior to your appointment: - brompheniramine (Actifed, Atrohist, Dimetapp, Drixoral) - cetirizine (Zyrtec, Zyrtec D) - chlopheniramine (Chlortrimeton, Deconamine, Kronofed A, Novafed A, Rynatan, Tussinex) - clemastine (Tavist, Antihist) - cyproheptadine (Periactin) - diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Allernix, Nytol) - doxylamine (Bendectin, Nyquil) - hydroxyzine (Atarax, Marax, Vistaril) - levocetirizine (Xyzal) - promethazine (Phenergan) Oral antihistamines to be stopped 7 (SEVEN) days prior to your appointment: - desloratadine (Clarinex) - fexofenadine (Allegra, Allegra D) - loratadine (Claritin, Claritin D, Alavert) Nose spray and eye drop antihistamines to stop 5 (FIVE) days prior to your appointment: - azelastine (Astelin, Astepro, Dymista, Optivar) - bepotastine (Bepreve) - ketotifen (Zaditor, Alaway) - olapatadine (Pataday, Patanase) - pheniramine (Visine A, Naphcon A) – OK to stop for 2 days Antacid medications (different type of antihistamine) to stop 3 (THREE) days prior to your appointment: - cimetidine (Tagamet) - famotidine (Pepcid) - ranitidine (Zantac) Note: Antihistamines are found in many over the counter medications, including Tylenol Allergy, Actifed Cold and Allergy, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold with Cough Formula, and many others. Make sure you read and check the ingredients carefully and stop those containing antihistamines at least 3 (THREE) days prior to the appointment.
    [Show full text]
  • Nevada Medicaid Formulary
    Nevada Medicaid-Approved Preferred Drug List Effective August 15, 2021 Legend In each class, drugs are listed alphabetically by either brand name or generic name. Brand name drug: Uppercase in bold type Generic drug: Lowercase in plain type AL: Age Limit Restrictions DO: Dose Optimization Program GR: Gender Restriction OTC: Over the counter medication available with a prescription. (Prescribers please indicate OTC on the prescription) PA: Prior authorization is required. Prior authorization is the process of obtaining approval of benefits before certain prescriptions are filled. QL: Quantity limits; certain prescription medications have specific quantity limits per prescription or per month. SP: Specialty Pharmacy ST: Step therapy is required. You may need to use one medication before benefits for the use of another medication can be authorized. Drug Name Reference Notes *ADHD/ANTI-NARCOLEPSY/ANTI- OBESITY/ANOREXIANTS* *ADHD AGENT - SELECTIVE ALPHA ADRENERGIC AGONISTS*** clonidine hcl er oral tablet extended release Kapvay AL; QL 12 hour *ADHD AGENT - SELECTIVE NOREPINEPHRINE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR*** atomoxetine hcl oral capsule Strattera DO; AL; QL *AMPHETAMINE MIXTURES*** amphetamine-dextroamphet er oral capsule extended release 24 hour 10 mg, 15 mg, 5 Adderall XR DO; AL; QL mg amphetamine-dextroamphet er oral capsule extended release 24 hour 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 Adderall XR AL; QL mg amphetamine-dextroamphetamine oral Adderall DO; AL; QL tablet 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg amphetamine-dextroamphetamine oral Adderall AL tablet 20 mg,
    [Show full text]
  • 1CC FL Over the Counter (OTC) Benefit: List of Covered Products 081814
    ANTACIDS MAST CELL STABILIZER Maalox-generic tablets, liquid Nasalcrom spray-generic Mylanta DS-generic liquid MINERALS ANTIBIOTICS Citracal – generic (calcium citrate) - tablets Bacitracin ointment-generic Citracal + D – generic (calcium citrate + D) – tablets Clotrimazole – cream, vaginal cream/inserts-generic Magnesium oxide-generic Miconazole – cream, vaginal cream/inserts - generic Neutra-phos/K powder-generic Tolnaftate – cream, gel, solution, aerosol - generic Oscal 500 + Vit D – generic (calcium carbonate + D) - tablets ANTI-DIARRHEALS Tums Chew Tabs – generic (calcium carbonate) Imodium A-D-generic (loperamide) capsules Pepto-Bismol-generic (pink bismuth) liquid 262mg/15ml MOSQUITO REPELLENT OFF! Family Care ANTI-EMETIC OFF! Deep Woods Antivert-generic (meclizine) OFF! Active Cutter Skinsations ANTI-FLATULENTS Cutter Backwoods Gas-X chewables – generic simethicone 80mg Repel Insect Sportsmen Mylicon drops** – generic simethicone 40 mg/0.6ml Repel Sportsmen Max Formula ANTI-HISTAMINES NASAL DECONGESTANT Benadryl-generic (diphenhydramine)-capsules, liquid Sudafed-generic (pseudoephedrine)-tablets, liquid Chlor-Trimeton-generic (chlorpheniramine)-tablets, liquid NSAIDS Claritin - generic (loratadine) – tablets, syrup Ibuprofen-generic tablets, chewable, liquid, drops Claritin-D- generic (loratadine/ pseudoephedrine) - Naproxen – generic tablets tablets NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS ANTITUSSIVE Ensure Robitussin DM -generic (guaifenesin DM) syrup Pediasure COUGH SUPPRESSANT/DECONGESTANT OPHTHALMIC PREPARATIONS Triaminic AM, Night, soft
    [Show full text]
  • Over-The-Counter Mail Order Program 1-866-768-8490 As a Superior
    Over-the-Counter Mail Order Program 1-866-768-8490 As a Superior value-added service, STAR+PLUS and STAR Health members can get $30 in items every 3 months (90 days). STAR members can get $25 in items every 3 months (90 days). No prescription is needed. To order, please call 1-866-768-8490. Have your Superior ID card ready when you call. Your order will be mailed to your home in 5-10 days. Please use these items only as directed. If you have questions about safe use of any of these items, talk to your doctor. Item Description Compare to: Price Item Description Compare to: Price Analgesics Eye Care 1 Ibuprofen 200mg tab Motrin IB $6 31 Tetrahydrozoline drops Visine $4 2 Naproxen sod 220mg tab Aleve $9 61 Lubricating eye drops Refresh Tears $7 3 Aspirin 325mg tab Bayer Aspirin $5 First Aid Creams/Ointments 4 Aspirin ec 325 mg tab Ecotrin $6 32 Calamine lotion Calamine Lotion $4 5 Aspirin ec 81 mg Halfprin $5 33 Hydrocortisone !5 cream Cort-Aid $4 6 Acetaminophen 500mg tab Tylenol Extra Str $6 34 Triple antibiotic ointment Neosporin $5 7 Mentholated ointment Ben Gay $6 60 Medicated lip balm Carmex $3 Antacids First Aid Supplies 8 Simethicone 80mg tab Mylanta Anti-Gas $6 35 Athletic bandage Ace Bandage $7 9 Calc carb 500mg chewable TUMS $6 36 Adhesive tape First-Aid Tape $3 10 Famotidine 10mg tab Pepcid AC $9 37 Band-aids Band-Aids $4 Antidiarrheals 38 Carbamide peroxide Debrox Drops $4 11 Loperamide 2mg cap Imodium $5 39 Gauze pads Gauze Pads $3 12 Bismuth mixture Pepto-Bismol $5 40 Cotton swab Q-Tips $4 Antifungals 41 Oral thermometer Thermometer
    [Show full text]
  • Lna 2006 Profiles J.Qxp
    1 | Advertising Age | June 26, 2006 SpecialSpecial ReportReport:100 Profiles LEADING NATIONAL ADVERTISERSSupplement SUPPLEMENT June 26, 2006 100 LEADING NATIONAL ADVERTISERS Profiles of the top 100 U.S. marketers in this 51st annual ranking INSIDE TOP 100 RANKING COMPANY PROFILES SPONSORED BY The nation’s leading marketers Lead marketing personnel, ranked by U.S. advertising brands, agencies, agency expenditures for 2005. contacts, as well as advertising Includes data from TNS Media spending by media and brand, Intelligence and Ad Age’s sales, earnings and more for proprietary estimates of the country’s 100 largest unmeasured spending. PAGE 8 advertisers PAGE 10 This document, and information contained therein, is the copyrighted property of Crain Communications Inc. and The Ad Age Group (© Copyright 2006) and is for your personal, non-commercial use only. You may not reproduce, display on a website, distribute, sell or republish this document, or information contained therein, without prior written consent of The Ad Age Group. Are proud to connect you with the leading CMOs See all the interviews at adage.com/point LAUNCHING JUNE 28 © 2006 Crain Communications Inc. www.adage.com 3 | Advertising Age | June 26, 2006 Special Report 100 LEADING NATIONAL ADVERTISERS SUPPLEMENT ABOUT THIS PROFILE EDITION THE 51ST ANNUAL 100 Leading National the Top 100 ($40.13 billion) and for all measured spending in 18 national media, Advertisers Report crowned acquisition- advertisers ($122.79 billion) in the U.S. Yellow Pages Association contributed ladened Procter & Gamble Co. as the top U.S. ad spending by ad category: This spending in Yellow Pages and TNS Marx leader, passing previous kingpen General chart (Page 6) breaks out 18 measured Promotion Intelligence provided free- Motors Corp.
    [Show full text]
  • Caring for the World . . .One Person at a Time™ Inspires and Unites the People of Johnson & Johnson
    OUR CARING TRANSFORMS 2007 Annual Report Caring for the world . .one person at a time™ inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science—bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Employees of the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world. The people in our more than 250 companies come to work each day inspired by their personal knowledge that their caring transforms people’s lives . one person at a time. On the following pages, we invite you to see for yourself. Our Caring Transforms ON THE COVER Johnson & Johnson is founding sponsor and continues to support Safe Kids Worldwide®. For 20 years the organization has grown, now teaching prevention as a way to save children’s lives in 17 countries around the world. In Brazil, Nayra Yara da Paz de Jesus carefully washes her hands, a safe, healthy habit she and other children are learning from a local Safe Kids® program. Find out more in our story on page 22. C H A I R M A N ’ S L E T T E R To Our Shareholders Caring for the health and well-being of people throughout the world is an extraordinary business. It is a business where people are passionate about their work, because it matters. It matters to their families, to their communities and to the world. It is a business filled with tremendous opportunity for leadership and growth in the 21st century; a business where unmet needs still abound and where people around the world WILLIAM C.
    [Show full text]
  • SAFE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS, ACCEPTABLE ANTIBIOTICS and MEDICATIONS to AVOID for KIDNEY, and PANCREAS TRANPLANT PATIENTS Updated February 2014
    SAFE OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS, ACCEPTABLE ANTIBIOTICS AND MEDICATIONS TO AVOID FOR KIDNEY, AND PANCREAS TRANPLANT PATIENTS Updated February 2014 What are the concerns with over the counter medications use after transplant? Some non-prescription or over-the-counter medications may interact with your transplant medications, raise your blood pressure and heart rate, or affect how well your transplant is working. For example, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory (NSAID) medications such as ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® for example) can worsen your renal function and should be avoided after transplant. Products that contain decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed® for example) can increase your heart rate, blood pressure and worsen your renal function and should also be avoided after transplant. How do I know if an over the counter medication is safe to take? On the second page of this document, we have a list of medications that are safe for you to take after transplant. Most medications have several names. The best place to look for the generic name is on the back of the package under “Ingredients”. Be sure to read the labels of all medications. Single active ingredient products are better choices than products with more than one active ingredient, as they may contain ingredients that are unsafe for you to take after transplant. For example, Tylenol® (acetaminophen) is ok to take after transplant, but Tylenol® Cold Head Congestion Daytime contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan and phenylephrine. Because this product contains a decongestant (phenylephrine), it should NOT be used by transplant patients. Phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and heart rate and affect how well the transplant organ is working.
    [Show full text]
  • Preparation for Your First Visit and Allergy Testing
    PREPARATION FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT AND ALLERGY TESTING Please allow up to 2 hours for your skin test appointment. In order to obtain valid and useful skin testing results, you need to discontinue the use of certain medications for a specific time before the skin test and your appointment. 1. All sleep aids and over the counter medications must be withheld for 2 to 5 days before your appointment. 2. Because most cough preparations contain antihistamines, these must be withheld for 2 days. 3. Prescription nose sprays like Nasonex, Nasacort AQ, Rhinocort AQ, Flonase, Nasarel, Beconase and Singulair Tablets DO NOT interfere with testing. You do not need to stop them before your appointment. 4. Asthma inhalers (inhaled corticosteroids) do not need to be discontinued. 5. Asthma medications such as theophylline and Singulair (montelukast) do not need to be discontinued. 6. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant please notify our staff immediately. You are not eligible for allergy skin testing at anytime during pregnancy. Blood testing for allergens is recommended during pregnancy. 7. Please allow a minimum of 2 hours for allergy testing. Feel free to bring reading materials, an iPod, handheld games or some other type of activity to entertain you during the test. 8. We respectfully request that our patients refrain from wearing perfumes and/or colognes which may harm those individuals with respiratory problems. 9. If you are taking medication with antihistamine effects which cannot be stopped because of the severity of your condition or any other reason, continue taking the medication and let the clinic know at your initial visit.
    [Show full text]
  • MHS) Is Committed to Providing Appropriate, High-Quality, and Cost- Effective Drug Therapy to All MHS Members
    Pharmacy Program Managed Health Services (MHS) is committed to providing appropriate, high-quality, and cost- effective drug therapy to all MHS members. MHS works with providers and pharmacists to ensure that medications used to treat a variety of conditions and diseases are covered. MHS covers prescription medications and certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications when ordered by an Indiana Medicaid enrolled MHS practitioner. The pharmacy program does not cover all medications. Some medications require prior authorization (PA) or have limitations on age, dosage, and maximum quantities. For the most current information about the MHS Pharmacy Program you may call Member Services at 1-877-647-4848 (TTY/TTD 1-800-743-3333) or visit the MHS website at mhsindiana.com. Preferred Drug List The MHS Preferred Drug List (PDL) is the list of covered drugs. The PDL applies to drugs that members can receive at retail pharmacies. The MHS PDL is continually evaluated by the MHS Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee to promote the appropriate and cost-effective use of medications. The Committee is composed of the MHS Medical Director, MHS Pharmacy Director, and several Indiana physicians, pharmacists, and specialists. Pharmacy Benefit Manager Envolve Pharmacy Solutions (EPS) is our Pharmacy Benefit Manager. MHS works with EPS to process all pharmacy claims for prescribed drugs. Some drugs on the MHS PDL require PA, and EPS is responsible for administering this process. Specialty Drugs Certain medications are only covered when supplied by MHS’ specialty pharmacy provider. AcariaHealth is our specialty pharmacy provider. A medical provider can obtain specialty medications through Acaria Health.
    [Show full text]