Growth Hormone deficiency (GHD) is a rare and often misunderstood condition. This article reviews the disease and highlights some of the available forms of treatment.
Levoxyl is a thyroid hormone tablet used to replace the most active form of thyroid hormone (T4) that your body produces when your thyroid gland does not produce enough. Learn about the side effects.
Do modern pharmacies dispense placebos to patients? Is it possible that you have actually been given a prescription placebo? Ever wondered? I have been a pharmacist for nearly 20 years. During that time I have never had a patient ask me "Is...
In a previous article I have described and explained the various prescription muscle relaxants that are on the market in the U.S. That article has received over 300 questions and comments. Therefore, I thought it was appropriate to now build on...
This article is about the prescription medication known as Methotrexate. Most people will never take this medication, and many will not have ever heard of it. But for those suffering from various forms of arthritis or cancer, methotrexate may be...
Vicodin, Lortab, and Norco are common prescription medications for pain. This article compares the ingredients and offers suggestions for deciding which might be appropriate in various circumstances.
Puzzles. We all enjoy them. But where did they come from? Who was the first one to provide us with this pleasant pastime? In this article I will briefly discuss this history and origin of several popular puzzles. But first, the word "puzzle"...
This article summarizes some of the negative aspects of the pharmacy career. It briefly reviews the challenges and difficulties of retail pharmacy employment.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious and potentially dangerous condition that may result from interactions between certain prescription drugs. In this article, a pharmacist briefly explains the nature of serotonin syndrome, what causes it, and how to avoid it.
The prescription at the top of this article was written in 1903 (3-23-03). Both the doctor and the patient have long since left our society on this side of the counter, so I'm sure neither will mind if we examine this prescription together. Today,...
Maybe we are just dull. Maybe our mediocre medicinal milieu simply makes us an impossible profession for even the most proficient pen to portray pleasingly. The poor pharmacist! For many years America's most trusted profession, but sadly so under...
Black Friday came a week early for many patients when, on Friday November 19, 2010, the FDA announced they were requesting the withdrawal of ALL propoxyphene containing prescription medications in the U.S. Many patients are now looking for an...
This article briefly describes the background to the recall of the once popular painkiller, Darvocet.
Chances are that you know someone with asthma. In fact, if there are just 15 people in your family or extended family, then it is probable that you are related to someone with asthma. Asthma effects about 20 million Americans, 5 million of which are...
This is a brief but very complete review of the Ocean Creek Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC. We stayed here in 2010. I offer this review to help make your vacation choice easier.
Getting ready to go on vacation? Planning a week or two away from home? Filling your medications while you are away can be a concern. Here are suggestions from an experienced pharmacist.
Why do prescriptions run out of refills? And when they do, what do you do about it? As a pharmacist, I am aware that this is a frustrating problem for many people. Here's what to do.
One would think, in the age of Google and Yahoo, doing research on your prescription or OTC (over the counter) medication would be simple. Just punch in your drug name...and TADA...up pops the most useful, relevant and accurate information about...
Let’s face it: America is overweight. Well, at least 66% of us, according to information from the National Institute of Health. If you are a man, the number is nearly 73%. Therefore it should be no surprise that weight loss products amount to a...
Oxycontin, Percocet, and Vicodin are common prescription medications. This article describes what they are and how they can be safely used as well as my professional advice as a pharmacist.
This brief article summarizes all of the currently available prescription medications for insomnia. A pharmacist provides practical advice for treating insomnia.
This article explains the category of medications known as Proton Pump Inhibitors (also known as PPIs). Available products, dosing and side effects are covered.
I haven't won many competitions in my life. But at our recent church chili cook-off, this recipe took first prize!
What is naltrexone? As a pharmacist, I'm frequently asked about this medication, as well as many others.
C.S. Lewis, the famous author and Christian apologist, once wrote an essay entitled 'The Problem of Pain.' His approach was a philosophical one. I, however, am not a philosopher, but a pharmacist. His approach was to grapple with the existence of...
Many allergy sufferers have exhausted every OTC (over-the-counter) option for treating allergy symptoms. These include products such as Benadryl, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, Claritin, Zyrtec, and many more. But there are other options. Several...
This recipe for absolutely delicious oven-roasted potatoes is a family favorite. This is my secret recipe.
As many as 5.2 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. Named after the German psychiatrist, Alois Alzheimer, Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia and is presently both incurable and degenerative. To make matters...
What is an MAO inhibitor? What does it treat, how does it work, and what are the risks associated with taking it?
Prescription muscle relaxers have a broad range of uses, both for acute and chronic illnesses. In this article, a pharmacist presents all of the available prescription muscle relaxers.
“Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car” ~E.B. White, One Man's Meat, 1943 I enjoy driving. For me, flying just means paying money to move at 400 mph and 35 thousand feet above everything that interests me! Why...
It is estimated that upwards of 2 out of 3 adults in the U.S. suffer from occasional heartburn. The symptoms of heartburn generally include a burning and painful sensation beneath the chest along with a feeling of discomfort moving upwards...
Which migraine medicine do you prefer? Struggling to choose? A summary of the available prescription medications used to treat migraine headaches. Both preventative and acute treatments are discussed.
In my experience as a retail pharmacist, nurses have an excellent background to transition into a pharmacy technician career.
Pickled eggs: You either hate them or love them. For the pickled egg lovers out there, I have worked on a spicy recipe for some time, and it's now just about perfect! I hope you enjoy it.