Archive for January, 2011
2011 -
01.28
Tags: Controlling Health Care, Development Budgets, Doctors Orders, Easy Solution, Glaxosmithkline, Governor Matt Blunt, Hartwig, Health Care Costs, Health Care System, Importance Of Medicine, Long Term Health, Magic Bullet, Matt Blunt, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt, Missouri Pharmacy Association, New Medicines, Rising Health Care, Rising Health Care Costs, Term Health Problems, Treatment Regimen
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It can be easy to save money on medicine. Experts say following doctors’ orders can save more than lives; it can save a health care system spiraling out of control.
“One of the key factors in rising health care costs is the failure of patients to take their medicines properly,” says Matt Hartwig, President of the Missouri Pharmacy Association. “Not following a prescribed regimen means it takes longer to get well-which has economic as well as physical costs. But more problematically, it can lead to long-term health problems that require more medicines and expensive treatments.”
Magic bullet solutions to controlling drug costs, such as importation, are counterproductive, many say, because they ruin the incentive of drug companies to innovate new lifesaving medicines by draining their research and development budgets.
“Many people don’t realize that drug companies, not the government, bear the majority of the costs and risks of developing new medicines,” says Christopher Viehbacher of pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. “The vast majority of new medicines are discovered and developed by the pharmaceutical industry, which invests more than four times more in R&D than the average industry does.”
In fact, controlling health care costs is a long-term challenge with no easy solution. However, patients are a key part of the equation.
First, patients must gain a deeper appreciation for the role and importance of medicine to their overall well-being. In Missouri, Governor Matt Blunt signed a proclamation declaring September “Value of Medicines Awareness Month.”
In addition, the Missouri Pharmacy Association, with partners including GlaxoSmithKline, has launched a campaign to educate consumers on how they can control health care costs by following their prescribed treatment regimen and exploring the many options for saving on their prescriptions.
“Taking medicines properly is a win-win for patients and for society,” says Hartwig. “Patients following a prescribed drug regimen will lead healthier, more productive lives. It’s also a preventive measure against the type of long-term health problems that really drive up health care costs for everybody. A healthy society makes fewer long-term demands on the health care system.”
Following doctors’ orders saves you money.
2011 -
01.27
Tags: Breast Cancer, Cancer Cell, Cancer In Women, Cancer Killer, Cancer Patients, Cancer Researchers, Cell Lung Cancer, Cell Therapeutics Inc, Chemotherapy Agent, Disease Researchers, Evidence Points, Female Cancer, Lung Cancer, Lung Cancer Treatments, Lung Tumor, Metabolism Of Proteins, Novel Approach, Pacl, Therapeutic Approach, Tumor Growth
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Women and Lung Cancer: Researchers Look For Gender Connection. Female Cancer Patients Sought For Large-Scale Clinical Trial
According to a recent survey on health concerns, women fear breast cancer most. Despite the fears expressed in the survey, conducted by the International Communications Research of Media for the Society of Women’s Health Research in 2005, lung cancer is actually the leading cancer killer of women. Lung cancer takes the lives of approximately 68,000 women each year.
While smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, there is growing evidence that points to gender differences in the risk of developing lung cancer and the implications for treating the disease in men and women.
For example, while the number of men diagnosed with lung cancer has been going down, the number of women has risen 60 percent since 1990. In addition, women who are nonsmokers are 2.5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than men who are nonsmokers.
Scientific evidence points to estrogen as a factor in the difference between how lung cancer acts in men versus women. That biological difference promises to have important implications for lung cancer treatments.
It is believed that the estrogen in women may influence lung tumor growth by causing the synthesis of tumor-promoting proteins. Since women have higher levels of estrogen than men, and younger women have higher levels of estrogen than older women, this may in part be responsible for their higher risk for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Developing therapies that are favorably influenced by estrogen may provide a gender-targeted therapeutic approach to the treatment of the disease.
Researchers are currently studying a novel approach to targeting lung cancer in women that relies on a chemotherapy agent that exploits the presence of estrogen in women and its effect on the metabolism of proteins in the cancer cell. Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) developed XYOTAX (paclitaxel poliglumex) initially as a lung cancer drug for all patients-regardless of gender. Retrospective analysis of two Phase III clinical trials found the drug, as compared to standard chemotherapy treatments, had a significant survival advantage in women while having equivalent survival in men.
New clinical trial
Now, Cell Therapeutics is embarking on another clinical study exclusively in women to see if the theory proves true in a larger population of women. The trial, known as PIONEER, is the first approval trial for lung cancer exclusively targeting women and is expected to enroll 600 patients with advanced lung cancer.
2011 -
01.21
Tags: Ask Doctor, Blood Tests, Diseases, Distinctive Features, Doctors, Exact Diagnosis, Feasible Time, Guarantee, Inappropriate Treatment, Muscle Strength, Neurological Disorders, Parkinson Disease, Parkinson S Disease, Precise Tests, Reflexes, Second Opinion, Urine Sampling, X Ray
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While Parkinson’s disease has very distinctive features, it is rather a difficult disease to identify, particularly while it is in its early stages. Unfortunately there are no precise tests, which doctors can do to establish an exact diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and regrettably especially in its early stages it might be mistaken for other diseases. If and when this happens, it delays or prevents the appropriate action being administered in the quickest feasible time.
The trouble with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease accurately is just that the symptoms are not always as clear as doctors would like them to be, Actually there are suggestions that up to 25% of those people presently being treated for Parkinson’s disease might have been wrongly diagnosed and are thus getting inappropriate treatment.
Generally patients that are suspected of suffering from Parkinson’s disease are given tests to guarantee they are certainly not suffering from an illness that can be diagnosed using common methods such as CT scanning, urine sampling X-ray and blood tests etc. However just because these tests may have an inconclusive answer, it doesn’t always mean the person is definitely suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Regrettably some doctors think this is the case, and will automatically offer a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Tests that can be carried out to test for Parkinson’s disease involve systematic neurological assessments that comprise testing the person’s reflexes, balance, muscle strength walk and common movement. Because there are a range of neurological disorders that have similar characteristics to Parkinson’s disease, it’s not very surprising that Parkinson’s disease is so regularly misdiagnosed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it doesn’t always hurt to ask your doctor for a second opinion or even better to request to be referred to a physician who specialises in this kind of disease.
An early accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is normally the key to the sufferer being able to preserve their independence and a decent quality of life for fairly a long time.
Some neurological conditions that are regularly confused with Parkinson’s disease include: -
Multiple system atrophy
Supranuclear palsy
Benign Essential Tremor
Multiple Sclerosis
Huntington’s disease
Striato-Nigral Degeneration
Brain tumour
Remaining as independent as feasible is vital to the wellbeing of most sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, and ensuring the symptoms are kept to a minimum by both an accurate diagnosis and treatment is the key to achieving this.
Roger Overanout
2011 -
01.21
Tags: Antidepressant, Clinical Strategies, Dementia, Dr Lewis, Executive Vice, Health Care Costs, Health Risks, Inappropriate Drugs, Kaiser Family Foundation, Lipitor, Lower Cholesterol, Milligram Tablet, Option Pill, Poor Vision, Prescription Drugs, Saving Money, Unitedhealthcare, Valtrex, Veterans Administration, Zoloft
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Have you ever considered splitting your prescription medications to make them last longer? Many people are looking for ways to control their health care costs, especially since the Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that spending on prescription drugs in the United States rises more than 10 percent a year.
Pill splitting is now being recognized as a legitimate way for patients to get the medications they need while saving money. This practice helped the Veterans Administration save almost $50 million in 2003 on prescription drugs. But it is not for everyone or every medication and patients need to know a few basics before they even consider pill splitting as an option.
Pill splitting works because drugmakers make a handful of popular medicines available in a choice of strengths for the same price. Currently, 16 medications have been approved for splitting, including Lipitor (used to lower cholesterol), Zoloft (an antidepressant) and Valtrex (an anti-viral).
With a doctor’s OK, a patient can order his or her medication at twice the needed strength and cut each pill in half. The patient receives half as many pills in each refill but pays half the usual co-payment, for a savings of 50 percent. For example, Lipitor is priced the same in 20-milligram and 40-milligram dosages. A patient may purchase a 40-milligram tablet and then split the medication for his or her daily dosage amount.
Drugmakers argue that there could be health risks for people who split pills incorrectly or attempt it with inappropriate drugs. Further, pill splitting is not advised for people who suffer from dementia, severe arthritis or poor vision. In addition, pill splitting may not be a good option for people who take several medications.
“Patients should always talk to their physician before making any change to their care regimen,” said Dr. Lewis Sandy, UnitedHealthcare’s executive vice president of clinical strategies and policy. “Pill splitting can be a useful tool to save money, especially if you have to take a prescription drug for a long time. But not all pills can be safely split, and this practice is not appropriate for everyone.” One company, UnitedHealthcare, recently launched the second phase of its Half Tablet Program, which offers free pill splitters to members taking medications approved for splitting. The program requires physician approval for enrollment.
The following steps should always be followed when considering pill splitting:
1. Consult your physician when considering any changes to your health care. Pill splitting can only be done with your doctor’s approval.
2. Make sure your physician knows about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. It is important for the doctor to know your entire medical history before making recommendations on your prescription drugs.
3. Review the approved list of medications for pill splitting with your doctor to ensure that your medication is included.
4. Always use a pill splitter to cut medications in half and make sure the medication fits securely in the device. Never attempt to cut a pill with a knife, scissors or anything else.
5. Tell your doctor about any changes in your health status that may make it difficult for you to split your medications. He or she may decide with you that returning to whole pills is the best option.
2011 -
01.17
Tags: Airway Blockage, Apnea Sleep, Atypical Cases, Behavior Changes, Central Apnea, Daytime Sleepiness, Excessive Daytime, Forgetfulness, Heart Rate, Irritability, Morning Headaches, Occlusion, Osa, Restless Sleep, Sixty Seconds, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Disorder, Soft Palate, Soft Tissue, Upper Airway
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Sleep apnea, also referred to as sleep apnoea, is a common sleep disorder. It’s characterized by brief interruptions of breathing during sleep. These episodes, called apneas, last 10 seconds or more and occur repeatedly throughout the night. People with sleep apnea partially awaken as they struggle to breathe, but in the morning they may not be aware of the disturbances in their sleep.
The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), caused by relaxation of soft tissue in the back of the throat that blocks the passage of air. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is caused by irregularities in the brains normal signals to breathe. Some people with sleep apnea have a combination of both types.
OSA is more common in men than women and in people who are overweight or obese. Here are some symptoms to look for if you suspect you are suffering from this disorder.
* Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
* Restless Sleep
* Loud Snoring (With Periods Of Silence Followed By Gasps)
* Falling Asleep During The Day
* Morning Headaches
* Trouble Concentrating
* Irritability
* Forgetfulness
* Mood or Behavior Changes
* Weight Gain
* Increased Heart Rate
* Anxiety
* Depression
Most people with sleep apnea have obstructive apnea “OSA”, in which the person stops breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. Breathing is resumed within a few seconds, but periods of as long as sixty seconds are not uncommon in serious cases.
OSA is more common amongst people who snore, who are obese, who consume alcohol, or who have anatomical abnormalities of the jaw or soft palate. However, atypical cases do occur, and the condition should not be ruled out unilaterally merely because the patient does not fit the profile.
“OSA” is caused by the relaxation of the muscles in the airway during sleep. Whilst the vast majority of people successfully maintain an open upper airway and breathe normally during sleep, a significant number of individuals are prone to severe narrowing or occlusion of the pharynx, such that breathing is impeded or even completely obstructed. As the brain senses a build-up of carbon dioxide, airway muscles are activated which open the airway, allowing breathing to resume but interrupting deep sleep.
The prognosis is that sleep apnea left untreated can be life threatening. Excessive daytime sleepiness can cause people to fall asleep at inappropriate times, such as while driving. Sleep apnea appears to put individuals at risk for stroke. Successful treatment can also reduce the risk of heart and blood pressure problems.
2011 -
01.16
Tags: American Researchers, Astounding Results, Biologist, Brother Frank, Chinese Men, Dependability, Erectile Dysfunction Treatment, Geckos, Genitals, Green Turtles, Impotency Drugs, Male Impotency, Penises, Sea Horses, Sexual Life, Tiger Bone, Traditional Medicine, University Of Alaska, University Of Wales, Wildest Dream
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Whenever there is a discussion about Viagra or even the word Viagra strikes our mind the first thing that we think is erectile dysfunction but have we ever in our wildest dream thought that Viagra can be helpful in saving a lot of endangered species.
Surprised! But thats true, the blue magical pill has spread its aura beyond erectile dysfunction, its not only benefiting human beings in achieving a healthy sexual life but also animals in surviving.
A survey conducted by Australian and American researchers revealed astounding results, the survey was conducted on more than 250 Chinese men aged 50 to 70 and the results were unbelievable.
They found that these men these me were more likely to be taking western erectile dysfunction treatment drug like Viagra in comparison to their traditional preferences which included seal genitalia, sea horses, geckos, green turtles and tiger bone.
The research was promoted and financed by Pfizer (the manufacturers of Viagra under the leadership of Bill von Hippel, a Psychologist in the University of Wales along with his brother Frank, a biologist at the University of Alaska
The dependability of the survey has been authenticated by the fact that there has been a sharp decline in the price of seal genitalia. The prices which were at a time, mounting up to $100 Canadian to around $20 Canadian after the launch of Viagra in 1998. Seal genitals are of very rare use outside the animal potency trade and thus the decline clearly portrays the impact of Viagra and other such drugs in reducing the consumption of traditional male impotency drugs.
Its is also being predicted that the situation will remain as it is- the prices of seal genitals will remain low and even their market wont extend, which clearly reflects the permanent decline in demand, thus indirectly saving the species.
This miserable trade in seal penises when combined with the traditional medicine consumption clearly vindicates that Viagra and other new erectile dysfunction drugs are helpful in conserving certain animal species. The best part of the development is that none of the Chinese man has switched from Viagra back to traditional therapies.
I would love to conclude with a friendly message, take Viagra and make your contribution in saving the endangered species. Viagra is effectual as well as an easy solution for erectile dysfunction. Other Online Pharmacy impotence drug includes Cialis and Levitra.
2011 -
01.12
Tags: Abdominal Organs, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Fibers, Asbestos Mesothelioma, Cancerous Tumor, Chest Cavity, Chest Ct Scan, Chest Walls, Difficulty Breathing, Latency Period, Life Span, Lungs, Lymph Nodes, Mesothelial Cells, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Pleura, Pleural Mesothelioma, Prognosis, Stage Iii, Thin Membrane
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“Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells are cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls.
What causes it?
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are related to inhaling of asbestos fibers. There are about 3,000 cases per year (mostly men over the age of 40) and there will be about 300,000 cases before 2030. Mesothelioma usually spreads rapidly through the mesothelial cells to the heart and abdominal organs. The life span is typically 24 months after diagnosis, but it depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors.
Although asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, it has a latency period after exposure that could last 15 to 50 years. This means that someone who worked in a factory with asbestos 40 years ago could be developing mesothelioma now. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
The onset of mesothelioma is usually very slow. The first symptom is a constant pain in the chest. This pain is later accompanies by difficulty breathing due to an accumulation of fluid in the chest. Other symptoms include coughing, fever and weight loss. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by your doctor with a chest CT-scan.
Prognosis (the outcome)
Mesothelioma advances in 4 stages:
Stage I – the tumor is limited to the area of the lining of the lung and usually limited to only one side of the chest.
Stage II – the tumor extends to other organs within the chest cavity, such as the heart or lymph nodes in the chest.
Stage III – the tumor expands to the other side of the chest or it spreads into the abdominal organs. The lymph nodes outside the chest are affected.
Stage IV -the cancer spreads to different parts of the body far outside the chest area (liver, brain, bone, etc…).
Mesothelioma is an extremely deadly disease. The average survival time is about one year from date of diagnosis. About 20% of patients who find their cancer early and treat it aggressively will reach the five-year mark.
for more information and articles about mesothelioma go to http://www.mesothelioma-health.net
All Rights Reserved. 2004-2005. http://www.Mesothelioma-health.net
2011 -
01.10
Tags: Deductible Options, Doughnut, Florida Market, Generic Drug, Humana One, Insurance Plans, Latimer, List Of Drugs, Medical Coverage, Medicare Drug Plan, Medicare Prescription Drug, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, North Florida, Open Enrollment, Plan Coverage, Plan Options, Prescription Drug Coverage, Prescription Drug Plan, Prescription Drugs
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What To Look For When Evaluating Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Options: The Three “C’s” of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
People with Medicare can start saving money by enrolling in the government’s prescription drug plan, and with open enrollment running through May 15, 2006, there is still time to save.
“This is the most significant change to Medicare since the program’s inception, and it will offer people with Medicare more choices than ever before,” said Scott Latimer, M.D., Central and North Florida Market President for Senior Products at Humana, one of the nation’s leading private sector Medicare insurers. “In order to select the plan that best meets their needs, beneficiaries will need to carefully evaluate their options prior to enrolling.”
When choosing a plan, people with Medicare and their family members and friends involved in the process need to factor three areas into their decision: affordable cost, plan coverage of required drugs and services and ease of obtaining medications.
Cost
While some plans have a monthly premium, there are Medicare Advantage plans that provide Parts A and B medical coverage and include Part D drug coverage as a built-in benefit without an additional monthly premium cost.
Plans also have varying coverage of the coverage gap, which is commonly referred to as the “doughnut hole.” Some plans offer more choices than others, including $0 deductible options, varying co-payment levels and possibly generic drug coverage through the gap.
Additionally, people with Medicare will also pay part of the cost for prescriptions, which varies depending on the drug plan chosen.
Coverage
Each Medicare drug plan has a list of the prescription drugs it covers. When comparing plans, beneficiaries need to find plans that cover all or most of the drugs they take. Many plans may also offer lower-cost generics.
Of course, insurance plans can change the list of drugs they cover. Companies must provide at least 60 days’ notice before making a coverage change. Beneficiaries can then evaluate other options and speak to their doctors about the possibility of switching to an alternate drug that is on the plan or to a generic medication.
Convenience
All private insurers offering prescription drug coverage have pharmacy networks. These include both national pharmacies such as Wal-Mart, Rite Aid and CVS and non-chain independent pharmacies. Mail-order drug delivery services may also be an option, and may be particularly beneficial for people who take multiple medications daily.
People should speak with their pharmacist about the plan they are considering. It is important to know if that pharmacy will be part of that preferred network.
Web-based tools can help calculate prescription drug costs by plan, determine all out-of-pocket costs and even allow online enrollment.
2011 -
01.09
Tags: Checks, Cousins, Dietary Supplement, Dietary Supplements, Doctor Pharmacist, Health Care Professionals, Health Care Provider, List Of Medicines, Medication, Medications, Medicine, New Medicine, Patient Safety Standards, Prescribed Medicine, Prescriptions, Preventing Medication Errors, Right Medicine, United States Pharmacopeia, United States Pharmacopeia Usp, Vice President
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Medication errors occur every day, both in the health care setting and at home.
In the hospital, medicines pass through a series of steps to prevent possible errors before reaching the patient.
“Checks are in place at the point when medicine is prescribed, when the prescription order is documented, when the medication is dispensed and when the prescribed medicine is administered to the patient,” says Diane Cousins, R.Ph., vice president, Department of Patient Safety Standards Division at the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). “The patient is also monitored to assess any response to the medication-all in an effort to ensure patient safety.”
• Talk with your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professionals about safe medication use. Keep an up-to-date list of medicines and dietary supplements you use, and always ask questions about any concerns or thoughts.
• Know your medicines by being aware of when, how and how long to use them. Also know what to do if you miss a dose, and whether or not there are any side effects.
• Read the label and follow directions. Always double-check that you have the right medicine, particularly if you are refilling a prescription, and never combine medicines in the same bottle. Make sure you understand the directions.
• Avoid interactions. Before starting any new medicine or dietary supplement, ask your health care provider or pharmacist if there are possible interactions with what you are currently using. Whenever possible, use the same pharmacy for all your prescriptions.
• Monitor your medicines’ effects and the effects of other medications or supplements you take. Pay attention to how you are feeling and write down the changes so that you can remember to tell your health care provider or pharmacist. If you experience any side effects, contact your health care provider immediately.
2011 -
01.07
Tags: Accordant, Buy Books, Dollars Each Year, Drugstore, Health Insurance, Internet Pharmacies, Markup, Medications, Online Retailers, Personal Health Issues, Pharmaceutical Companies, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Plavix, Prescription Coverage, Prescription Drug Plans, Prescription Drugs, Sales And Marketing, Storefront, Walgreens, Wholesale Companies
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The Internet has revolutionized a consumer’s ability to research personal health issues and independently discover the available options of finding more affordable ways of obtaining his or her medications.
For the millions of Americans who have prescription drug plans as part of their health insurance, the actual cost of medications is somewhat obscured by the co-payment–usually a nominal fee compared to the actual cost of the drug.
But for the millions of Americans who don’t have access to prescription coverage, who must pay for their medications out of pocket, there is a crucial piece of knowledge that can save them a lot of money: The cost of prescription drugs varies from pharmacy to pharmacy. And in many cases, Internet-based pharmacies can offer even lower costs. For example, a recent survey showed that Walgreens was selling Plavix (75 mg, 90 tablets) for $405.09. SmartChoiceDrugstore.com sold the exact same drug and quantity for $353.49.
According to data collected by SmartChoice, Americans pay more for their prescription drugs than people in other countries. The reason is that pharmaceutical manufacturers sell at much higher prices to U.S. wholesale companies because they have no restrictions on pricing. Higher costs are also attributed to pharmaceutical companies spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year in sales and marketing people to push their medications on the U.S. public and doctors who prescribe the medications.
Just like online retailers from whom you’d buy books, appliances or even a car, Internet pharmacies are able to offer lower prices because of lower overhead. With no storefront (and accordant costs) to maintain, there’s less of a markup on the merchandise. The medication you receive from Internet pharmacies such as SmartChoice is identical to the medicines found at a neighborhood or chain drugstore. The only difference is what you pay. And if you take several different medications, the savings can be substantial.
At SmartChoiceDrugstore.com, each and every order is filled by a registered and licensed pharmacist. Like any U.S. pharmacy, SmartChoiceDrugstore.com undergoes rigorous governmental inspections regularly. The site is a full-service pharmacy that has access to all medications that any other pharmacy would have. And like traditional pharmacies, there are policies and procedures in place to validate prescriptions.