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Archive for the ‘RPh Advice’ Category

Joel asked me the following question this past Monday:

“Our son is getting over the flu (type A) and is on the mend quite nicely. So now that we’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel: What are the chances of him getting the flu again this winter?
Our twins arrive in January/February 2010 and I’m beginning to think, while annoying, this is a complete blessing in disguise for our family because now we’ve all been exposed to it.”

Here is my honest and professional opinion:

The flu “season” is pretty much OVER once the weather turns uber-cold. Viruses go dormant or die in the cold. Also, Julie will impart a powerful immunity at birth. New babies are usually the best protected. Make sure they get to eat some dirt and actually experience illness from other kids. Don’t slather them with antiseptics, but wash off excess dirt (primarily because it looks nasty). Don’t sterilize pacifiers – just remove any cat hairs or “goop” they might pick up when they’re dropped.

The flu “season” is pretty much OVER once the weather turns uber-cold. Viruses go dormant or die in the cold. Also, Julie will impart a powerful immunity at birth. New babies are usually the best protected. Make sure they get to eat some dirt and actually experience illness from other kids. Don’t slather them with antiseptics, but wash off excess dirt (primarily because it looks nasty). Don’t sterilize pacifiers – just remove any cat hairs or “goop” they might pick up when they’re dropped.

In the “old” days – back before doctors believed they knew everything about health – we were regularly exposed to all sorts of germs (that’s a generic term that includes, bacteria, fungi, viruses, and any other parasite who might want to make us ill). Through the process of natural selection (survival of the most fit), each of us developed antibodies that protect us when a foreign invader tries to visit. Most of us have become obsessed with sanitary products and do way too much to keep things clean.

If you look at the statistics for this current flu debacle you’ll notice that the people born before 1950 were are no particular risk – AT ALL. Since that time efforts have been steadily increasing to remove GERMS from the environment. The consequences? Younger people are more likely to get sick. The older folks have natural immunities and immune systems that act promptly to fend off potential invaders.

Pat and I saw through the idiocy long ago and we didn’t do much in the way of overt sanitizing. Our kids weren’t filthy, but we sure didn’t waste our time sterilizing everything and anything. The invention and use of hand sanitizers and antimicrobial soaps has done a lot to weaken all of our immune systems. The GERMS respond to weakness – when an immune system is less than efficient, the bugs are effective at wearing down an immune system. They don’t have to work as hard to take us down because we’re already compromised. Again, survival of the most fit – the GERMS survive and thrive UNLESS we things to stop them. The most effective measure is NOT sanitizing, but in allowing the body to develop its immune system.

Surviving any illness is a blessing. First, the “patient” feels better once the bugs have been defeated. Second, the next time the buggies make a visit the human host is stronger. Strong immune systems can remove a toxic bug from the environment. Eat well (organic). Sleep enough. Exercise. Take probiotics. Drink clean water. Avoid commercial red meat. Take Cod Liver Oil. Use vitamins and mineral supplements. Avoid all drugs (including vaccines). Interact with other people – even if they seem ill. Its good for you.

Larry J. Frieders, RPh
larry@thecompounder.com

The Compounder/Techni Med, Inc.
340 Marshall Ave #100
Aurora, IL 60506 – ph.630.859.0333

http://www.thecompounder.com

Joel asked about what to do if Julie, who is allergic to bees, gets stung while pregnant. I’ve done some research and summarized everything you need to know about bee stings, wich the exception of how to avoid them, because even I don’t know that.

Read more here: http://www.thecompounder.com/answers-a-ideas/larrys-blog/september-2009/2009/09/21/18-bee-stings-pregnant-moms-a-the-rest-of-us

Joel asked about Fifth Disease and rather than cluttering up the website, I’m going to link to my response on our family compounding pharmacy website The Compounder.com:

Read my educated answer here: http://thecompounder.com/fifth.php

Ask and you shall receive!

Joel asked me on Tuesday what I had heard, read or learned about fighting morning sickness symptoms with certain vitamins. I did some research and came upon a study done in the 1950’s that touches on this very topic.

I’ve published the article at our compounding pharmacy’s website. Go check it out @ http://www.thecompounder.com/morningsicknessvitamins.php

Larry J. Frieders, RPh
larry@thecompounder.com

The Compounder/Techni Med, Inc.
340 Marshall Ave #100
Aurora, IL 60506 – ph.630.859.0333

http://www.thecompounder.com

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photo credit: Nathan Jongewaard
photo credit: me and the sysop
photo credit: ark

It is understandable for people – especially new mothers – to be interested in things that help relieve the nausea associated with pregnancy – Morning Sickness. The fact that newly pregnant women often have this experience, coupled with the incorrect idea that pregnancy is a medical condition that demands treatment, makes it an obvious choice to look to drug companies to supply products to treat the nausea.

There are many non-drug approaches to relieving morning sickness. They range from deep breathing techniques, to meditation, to substances such as ginger root and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). While not every approach works for everyone, most women will find relief from at least one of these approaches.

One such drug was a mixture of pyridoxine hydrochloride and doxylamine. It was called “Bendectin” (known as Debendox in the UK and Diclectin in Canada). It was voluntarily removed from the market in 1983 by its manufacturer, Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, following numerous lawsuits alleging that it caused birth defects, although an FDA panel concluded that no association between Bendectin and birth defects had been demonstrated. Diclectin is still available in Canada.

Even though the FDA found insufficient evidence that the combination was harmful, there were important reasons why a pregnant mom would not always be pleased with Bendectin. The problems are directly associated with the doxylamine component. It is an antihistamine and one that was widely know to cause both drowsiness (in addition to dry mouth, ataxia – jerky muscle movements, and urinary retention). In fact, it has been commonly used as a short-term sedative (non-prescription Unisom) and has even been included in some of the popular cold remedies – along with alcohol, it is what makes you sleepy when you take Nyquil. Doxylamine is more effective at causing drowsiness and sleep than diphenhydramine (the chemical name for Benedryl).

Doxylamine is staill available without a prescription and it is possible that pregnant women might be encouraged to use it to combat nausea and vomitting. The packaging is supposed to bear a warning against use by pregnant women. Even though the FDA didn’t conclude Bendectin was not harmful, they also did not testify that it was safe. Therefore, it is unwise to tempt fate and use doxylamine while pregnant. I suggest small amounts of ginger and/or pyridoxine (vitamin B6) – or any of the myriad of suggestions from others.

Larry J. Frieders, RPh

larry@thecompounder.com

The Compounder/Techni Med, Inc.
340 Marshall Ave #100
Aurora, IL 60506 – ph.630.859.0333

http://www.thecompounder.com