Canadian Pharmacy » Archives for August 2006

How does Advair Diskus help treat asthma?

Advair treats the two main components of asthma – airway constriction and inflammation. Constriction and inflammation cause the airways to narrow and decrease the flow of air into your lungs which can result in wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Advair successfully treats the two components by using an effective inhaled corticosteroid: fluticasone propionate. This medicine reduces the inflammation in the airways. Advair also contains an effective inhaled long-acting bronchodilator: salmeterol. This medicine works by helping to relax the muscles surrounding the airways.

What are some benefits of Advair?

• Advair has a built-in dose counter which can help you keep track of your doses and your refills.
• It is breath-activated so you don’t need to deal with the squeezing and shaking of inhalers.
• Simple dosing – one in the morning and one at night, approximately 12 hours apart (as prescribed by your doctor).
• Long-lasting control of your asthma symptoms.
• Convenient asthma treatment.

Are there any ways to control my asthma?

Asthma attacks can occur anywhere, at work, at home, or at play and each person may have different triggers. The tips below may help you decrease your asthma triggers, therefore, helping you control the symptoms.

• Monitor your medicines.
• Care for colds and infections.
• Eat foods that won’t trigger your asthma.
• Avoid pollen or outdoor mold.
• Remove indoor mold.
• Reduce smoke, strong odors, and sprays.
• Turn on the air conditioning.
• Pace yourself during activities.
• Take cover in cold weather.
• Control pet dander.
• Eliminate mites and cockroaches.
• Use man-made fibers, not feathers.

Does Advair have any side effects?

The most common side effects that people experience when using Advair are ear, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms, headaches, stomach irritation, and general muscle aches, most of which should diminish with time.
See your doctor if you have severe symptoms, develop hives, a rash, or swelling, or have an asthma attack that you can’t treat with your short-acting bronchodilator, such as albuterol, or your other regular medication.

By Dr. Julie Chinnock, ND

The sun is shining! Many of us crave this warm light throughout the year and may inadvertently overdo it when summer finally arrives. By now you probably know that, while there are benefits from a certain amount of UV light, too much can eventually cause skin damage (premature wrinkling and aging), cataracts, and even skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.

Did you know that there are many prescription drugs and nutraceuticals that may increase our sensitivity to sunlight, thus putting us at increased risk for sunburn?

The following are some of the more common factors that may increase susceptibility to sunlight (photosensitivity):

• Prescription drugs: sulfa drugs, tetracycline, other antibiotics, thiazide diuretics, and anti-inflammatory medication piroxicam (Feldene). In addition, omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid) may increase the photosensitivity of certain herbs.
• Health conditions: persons with polymorphous light eruptions, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and certain porphyrias have increased susceptibility.
• Diet: Alcohol consumption and saccharin intake may also contribute to sunburn, especially in persons with underlying photosensitivity.
• While photosensitivity from botanicals is rare, there are some case studies that suggest the following may be a factor for some individuals:
• Topical oils: angelica root, bergamot, cumin, ginger, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, and orange oils
• Botanicals: St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), celery, dill, fennel, fig, lime, parsley, and parsnip, as well as arnica, artichoke, chrysanthemum, dandelion, endive, lettuce, marigold, and sunflower.
• Supplements to help prevent photosensitivity

There are certain oral nutraceuticals that have been shown to have protective qualities against sunlight exposure. For instance, taking carotenoids (25 mg a day) and vitamin E (500 IU a day) may help diminish skin sensitivity to ultraviolet light. Beta-carotene in higher doses has also been shown to be beneficial. Green tea (high in antioxidants), when consumed as a beverage and used topically, is also a helpful protectant. Other supplements that may have a positive effect against the sun include Adensine monophosphate (AMP), fish oil, lycopene, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and niacinamide (another common B vitamin).

Topicals to use if you experience sunburn

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil and steeped black tea bags (Camellia sinensis) are two substances to apply to the skin if you have minor sunburn that may help ease the pain and accelerate healing.

Protecting yourself from the sun

The most important step in treating photosensitivity is to identify whether a topical substance or something that you may be ingesting is causing the reaction, and then eliminate it, if possible.

Use caution when you’re outside, even on an overcast day. Avoid peak sun hours (between 10 am and 4 pm), wear a hat, protective clothing, and good sunglasses, and be sure to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day. Many lotions come with SPF protection already in them. Look for one with titanium or zinc oxide.

Speak with your licensed healthcare provider if you are taking prescription medication or nutraceuticals that may increase your photosensitivity. Above all, enjoy the sun in a healthy and responsible way!