Medicine Safety: Are Expired Drugs Still Okay To Take?

Some people consider expiration dates as mere estimates, while some believe that they're really not set in stones. Is there any truth to these? These axioms may make you think twice about tossing out your expired medicines into the trash, and this is quite a sensible thing to do, at least according to this study. According to Lee Cantrell, a professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, and the study's lead author, the results show that "time frame doesn't necessarily correlate to a drug's potency."

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So what now? The current regulation on expiration dates set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considered the benchmark for safety: "To assure that a drug product meets applicable standards of identity, strength, quality, and purity at the time of use, it shall bear an expiration date determined by appropriate stability testing."

Expiration dates stand as the date by which the full potency and safety of the drug can be assured. The time frame may appear as a conservative estimate, but this also serves as a barrier against risks that come from the potential spoilage of the chemical make-up and loss of potency in various drugs. Since the pharmaceutical and medical communities are split on their views on drug expiration, consumers are rethinking whether to keep or flush their expired medications. Despite the conflicting statements on expired medicines, your best bet is never to take the risk. Discard all expired medications and follow what the label says to make sure that you're getting what you paid for and maximize what it can do for your health. It's also recommended to consult your physician or pharmacist to get some clarity around the longstanding debate on drug expiration.

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Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a board-certified internist based in New Jersey. Follow this Twitter account to learn more about her practice.

The Relationship Between Sleep Deprivation and Anemia

One of the lesser known effects of sleep deprivation or insomnia is iron deficiency anemia. It is because anemia usually comes as a co-morbid condition with the more common effects such as snoring, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome (RLS). Recent medical studies have found that typically individuals who suffer from RLS have some form of anemia, or show a greater risk of developing the condition. Such is of great concern among health practitioners as it is estimated that 10 percent of the American population suffers from RLS.

It must be noted that lack of sleep does not lead or cause anemia. Sleep deprivation is when a person consciously or unconsciously does not gain enough quality and uninterrupted sleep for a certain period (usually six to eight hours). Anemia, on the other hand, is a condition caused by either cell destruction or the insufficient production of blood cells. There are many forms of anemia, the most common being related to iron deficiency.

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Various factors influence the production of iron, but a large part is how often and how well a person sleeps. If or when a person is deprived of sleep, the body will not regenerate itself properly. Iron production is affected and may worsen a person’s anemic condition. Also, as mentioned earlier, other effects of insomnia, such as RLS, increases the chance of developing anemia.

It is a frustrating cycle. Those who lack sleep do not produce enough iron to combat everyday stresses. Iron deficiency – with or without anemia – can impact sleep. Medical data has found that dopamine and serotonin play a role in a person’s sleep and wake activities. Iron is essential to the brain’s dopamine system.

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Individuals who do suffer from any form of sleep deprivation should immediately consult with their local doctor.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a respected specialist in internal medicine. Part of her practice includes sleep disorders and their associated conditions. Learn more by liking this Facebook page.

Is It Asthma Or Copd?

Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and tightening of the chest are the usual symptoms of asthma. However, these are also symptoms of other more serious lung diseases. In fact, millions of people are living undiagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term for chronic bronchitis and emphysema. According to U.S. National Institute of Health, COPD is considered to be a more serious disease because it had less favorable prognosis and linked with greater morbidity and mortality. 

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Different tests can be conducted to determine if the symptoms are because of asthma or other lung conditions. Some of these tests are peak flow test, spirometry test, and methacholine test. These tests examine how well the air moves out of the lungs, how much air is exhaled and how quickly, and the last test mentioned is inhaling a chemical to see how it affects the lungs. 

As mentioned, the symptoms of asthma and COPD are the same, but the causes are different. A person with chronic bronchitis has swollen and mucus-filled airways. The same happens to people with asthma, but it is a reaction to a trigger such as dust, pollen, or cigarette smoke. 

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Another difference is that asthma diagnosis often occurs in childhood. However, COPD is often a result of years of smoking, which makes the disease to progress throughout the years. Thus, COPD diagnosis does not usually happen until the person is 40 years old or older. 

Always remember that before getting the best treatment, patients should get the right diagnosis first. 

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in pulmonology and internal medicine. Follow this Twitter account for more articles on health and medicine.

Pulmonary Embolism and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Pulmonary embolism occurs when one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs becomes blocked. Several medical studies found that pregnant women are at greater risk of developing the condition. For most cases, pulmonary embolism develops in conjunction with deep vein thrombosis. This is known as venous thromboembolism.

There are three risk factors to consider: abnormal clotting, damage to the veins, and reduced blood flow. Pregnant women have increased potential because of the changes in hormones and blood composition. Pregnancy also reduces the amount of blood that flows in the legs due to the fetus’ weight. Obese women, those older than 35, or those who have a family or personal history of blood clots are considered at-risk patients.

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Conditions for these women are carefully monitored during the first few weeks after delivery, where the risk of blood clots is at its peak. It must also be noted that delivery through caesarian section also increases the potential for developing pulmonary embolism. Blood clots can be prevented during pregnancy by wearing compression stockings or taking anticoagulant medicine.

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Pregnant women diagnosed with either deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism should discuss with both her OB-GYN and pulmonologist whether she should take an anticoagulant medicine during her pregnancy. One of the more recommended anticoagulants is heparin as it has been shown to have little to no effect on the fetus. Other anticoagulants may be taken after childbirth.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a certified physician specializing in pulmonology and internal medicine. For more health news and updates, follow this Facebook page.

Pneumonia During Pregnancy:

Pneumonia is a medical condition where bacteria infect the lungs. This causes difficulty in breathing, and in some cases, severe chills, fever, and headaches. Pneumonia is a serious condition and medical professionals recommend immediate intervention once initial symptoms appear.

The disease takes a more critical turn when it is contracted by a pregnant woman. Medical research has shown that pneumonia during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm birth and low birth weight of the baby.

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Pneumonia can spread in a variety of ways; though the most common manner of transmission is through airborne pathogens emitted by coughing or sneezing. The disease could also be transmitted through blood – especially during or shortly after giving birth.

Women who already have existing conditions such as anemia or asthma are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia in pregnancy. Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have improved the efficacy of antibiotics to dramatically decrease maternal mortality rate. Still, women with histories of respiratory disease are advised to speak with their OB-GYNE and internist for a thorough assessment of physical condition or readiness for pregnancy. Pregnant women should also closely work with their physicians for the duration of their pregnancy.

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Pregnant mothers with pneumonia are informed of the high potential for fetal complications borne by their condition. Infants could be born premature and could eventually have developmental problems. In more severe cases, intrauterine and neonatal death may occur. Pregnant women with pneumonia also have to take a compulsory test for HIV, as the fetus could bear the brunt of maternal conditions arising from other grave diseases.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon specializes in internal pulmonary medicine. Follow this Twitter account for more information.

A New Breath Of Life: Latest Management Techniques For Copd Patients

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COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Its symptoms include breathing difficulty, cough, sputum production, and wheezing. Cigarette smoking is its leading cause. Long-term exposure to lung irritants such as air pollutions, chemical fumes, and even dust can also cause COPD. The disease affects more around 24 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death in the country.

Because COPD has no known cure yet, lifestyle changes are recommended to manage the disease. Below are three of the latest management techniques that people with COPD are embracing to cope with their illness:

Digital technologies. Advancements in technology have made it possible for a growing number of companies to offer digital health solutions for COPD management. Most of today’s health technologies, including mobile apps, spot warning signs earlier to reduce costly emergency care. An example is the COPD Navigator, an iOS mobile health app developed by LifeMap Solutions and Mount Sinai – the National Jewish Health Respiratory Institute that helps patients achieve effective self-management of their disease. The app tracks data including symptoms, medication, treatment adherence, and quality of life. Healthcare professionals meanwhile can also use the app to achieve COPD quality-of-care goals. An example would be physicians using the app to send health alerts and reminders to patients.

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Mobile devices. COPD patients who experience difficulty in breathing require a constant supply of oxygen. However, this usually means carting heavy cylinders of oxygen behind them. But with the development of portable oxygen devices, patients can carry and “wear” such gadgets without lugging heavy tanks. The lightweight devices also enable patients to go about their daily routine with fewer disruptions.

Chinese exercises. A recent study revealed that COPD patients may benefit from traditional Chinese exercises known as liuzijue qigong (LQG), which consist of traditional Chinese breathing and meditative movements. COPD patients who participated in an LQG program for six months showed marked improvements in their lung function, mental health, and overall well-being after their stint.

Subscribe to this Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon blog for other articles on COPD.

Climate Change: A Fuel for Allergens

For most people, daffodils and flowers blooming mark the end of winter and the start of spring. But for 40 million Americans, the start of spring means endless sneezing, nasal congestion, and discomfort.

According to researchers, pollen allergies will worsen because of climate change. There are three main factors on how climate change will affect those with seasonal allergies: (1) carbon dioxide increases the growth rate of plants and pollen potency, (2) rising temperatures allow for longer “allergy season,” and (3) more flowers and fungal spores will worsen allergy symptoms.

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Carbon dioxide is needed for plant growth, alongside water, nutrients, and light. It also produces extra nutrients for plants, that even the smallest increase will cause a bigger effect. Because of change in carbon dioxide composition, all caused by climate change, these signs will make things worse for those with asthma and allergies.

With climate change, even people who do not have pollen allergies at the moment could develop it eventually—when air quality is much worse.

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People who have grass and pollen allergies for now can avoid the upcoming sneezefest by staying away from all possible allergens. They should keep a mask at hand, and drink lots of fluid. They should also take anti-allergy medicines from time to time, too.

Dr. Lisa Marie Cannon is a specialist in internal medicine and pulmonary care. Follow this Twitter account for updates on similar topics.