Truth About Expired Meds

There's certainly controversy about expiration dates on food, but as upsetting to your stomach as it can be to eat items that are no longer fresh, taking expired medications can be more complicated and, in certain cases, have far greater consequences.

"If the drug is an over-the-counter product for minor aches and pains, you may not get 100 percent of the benefits if the expiration date has passed, but it's not dangerous," explains Rabia Atayee, an associate clinical professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Diego.

However, for people taking medications for chronic or life-threatening illnesses — such as heart conditions, seizures, COPD or severe allergies — a drug that's not completely effective can be downright dangerous, she says.

Here are some answers to common questions that may help you stay out of harm's way when it comes to ingesting and discarding expired medications.

1. "I have some five-year-old antibiotics I want to take on my vacation in case I get sick. Are they still good?"

They won't make you sick, but they may not be strong enough to fight off infection, which can be harmful. Over time, antibiotics stored at home can lose up to 50 percent or more of their strength, meaning they may not be able to halt a potentially life-threatening bug that's invading your system.

Plus, if you're taking leftover antibiotics from a past illness, you won't have a complete dose to knock out all the bacteria. As Amy Tiemeier, associate professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, points out, not taking a full dose allows the most drug-resistant bacteria to remain in your body. You then risk getting the same infection again and needing a stronger drug to knock it out, which could mean more side effects and pricier antibiotics.

2. "Are there any medications that I should never, ever use beyond their expiration dates?"

Yes, absolutely. Oral nitroglycerin (NTG), a medication used for angina (chest pain), may lose its potency quickly once the bottle is opened and should never be taken after the expiration date. Similarly, insulin, used to control blood sugar in those with diabetes, may stop working after its expiration date. Other drugs you need to be sure are full strength include anticonvulsants, warfarin, digoxin, thyroid preparations and oral contraceptives (see full list here).

Another must-toss once the expiration date has passed: inhalers. "They will lose potency after their expiration date," Tiemeier says. "If you're having an acute respiratory attack and your inhaler doesn't work, it could be a dangerous situation." Ditto for EpiPens; the epinephrine in auto-injectors loses its potency. As with inhalers, EpiPens are used in life-threatening situations like anaphylaxis, so using an expired one is a major health threat.

Lastly, using ophthalmic (eye) drops past their expiration date could be dangerous because of the high risk for bacterial growth. You could risk losing your vision from contaminated drops, Tiemeier says.

Get MORE answers to common questions that may help you stay out of harm's way when it comes to ingesting and discarding expired medications - 

• Is a drug's expiration date the same thing as the 'use-by' date I see on my prescription vials?
• I keep all my medications on the kitchen counter so I remember to take them, rather than in my medicine chest. Are they safe there?
• How can I safely dispose of expired medications?
• How often should I clean out my medications?

Continue reading article at AARP 

10 Drugs That May Cause Memory Loss

For a long time doctors dismissed forgetfulness and mental confusion as a normal part of aging. 

But scientists now know that memory loss as you get older is by no means inevitable. Indeed, the brain can grow new brain cells and reshape their connections throughout life.

Most people are familiar with at least some of the things that can impair memory, including alcohol and drug abuse, heavy cigarette smoking, head injuries, stroke, sleep deprivation, severe stress, vitamin B12 deficiency, and illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Are you having trouble remembering things? One of these meds may be the problem

1.  Antianxiety drugs (Benzodiazepines)
2.  Cholesterol-lowering drugs (Statins)
3.  Antiseizure drugs
4.  Antidepressant drugs (Tricyclic antidepressants)
5.  Narcotic painkillers
6.  Parkinson's drugs (Dopamine agonists)
7.  Hypertension drugs (Beta-blockers)
8.  Sleeping aids (Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics)
9.  Incontinence drugs (Anticholinergics)
10. Antihistamines (First-generation)

Find out how each of these drugs can cause memory loss - along with alternatives at AARP.ORG

Headaches - What is Migraine?

Migraine headaches produce an acute, throbbing pain on one side of the head, and are usually localized near the temple on either side of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, along with sensitivity to light and noise. Attacks can last anywhere from a few hours to days, and some suffer for longer periods.

It's been reported that over 28 million Americans suffer from migraines, which account for approximately  10% of the population. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from these severe headaches, however children and adolescents can experience them as well. What's interesting is that half of the people never see a physician about the condition.

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause is not known. For many years it was believed they were the result of dilation of blood vessels, but today medical research has brought about other explanations. Many researchers in the field now believe the condition is a genetic disorder which affects how certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) interact with nerve cells.

The typical migraine is associated with something doctors term as an "aura" - and relates to the symptoms migraine sufferers experience before the onset. The term "aura" is not the same term associated with mystical fields around the body. Instead the symptoms are described as visual hallucinations - such as seeing bright spots, flashing lights - and some have been known to suffer a loss of vision. Once these symptoms occur, the migraine headaches usually occur shortly thereafter.

There is a second class of migraines - people who suffer from this type usually do not have advance warning of the symptoms listed above.

What Brings on Migraines? 

Although there is no concrete answer to this question, researchers have found there a combination of factors that can increase the frequency. In the area of sleep the research is conflicting because a lack of sleep - as well as getting too much sleep can be a risk. Migraines are often associated with eating certain foods, such as cheese, and also skipping meals increases the risk. Trying to find the right balance for your body type is definitely frustrating, and a continual challenge.

Certain hormonal factors are also believed to influence the onset and severity of attacks. Researchers believe this is why there is a much higher incidence among women than men - one study shows approximately 17% as opposed to 6%. In addition, some studies have shown a connection between contraceptive pills and migraines. Estrogen is a component of birth control pills and affects blood vessels.

Stress is also a trigger - and even simple everyday activities, such as walking up stairs or other activities involving more physical exertion, can trigger an attack. Other triggers can involve extreme heat or cold, loud noises or flickering lights. Often, migraines occur more frequently when there is a combination of these triggers.

Fortunately, there are a variety of medical treatments available, though none has been shown to be overwhelmingly effective in all cases. Sometimes simple acetaminophen is a useful aid. In more extreme cases, triptans and other prescription medications are called for.

Since the triggers differ for each person, it is useful to keep a diary on each attack. Try to note all the external and internal factors going on at the time the attack occurs. Hopefully in keeping a running diary, it may be possible to find the exact combination of triggers that cause the migraine headaches.

Charles Thompkins
Diabetic, Senior and Blackhttp://diabeticseniorandblack.blogspot.com/

Feel free to republish this article -however byline and links to this blog should be included

#HealthTalk - National Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Did you know it's National Eating Disorders Awareness Week?

Join Everyday Health and the National Eating Disorders Association for a live Twitter chat today, Wednesday, February 27 at 2 pm EST to learn the facts about the types of eating disorders, signs you or a loved one may have one, and treatment and prevention options. 

Bring your questions and follow the hashtag #HealthTalk to participate.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the leading non-profit organization in the United States advocating on behalf of and supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. 

Reaching millions every year, NEDA campaigns for prevention, improved access to quality treatment, and increased research funding to better understand and treat eating disorders. NEDA works with partners and volunteers to develop programs and tools to help everyone who seeks assistance.

Does Potassium Lower Blood Pressure or Not?

It’s not groundbreaking news that high blood pressure and diet are related. 

Even when you go the medical doctor route, one of the first things your doctor will suggest is lowering your salt intake to help control your blood pressure.

But what else can help? Does potassium lower blood pressure? Often, one important nutritional catalyst is overlooked; and yes, it is indeed potassium.

Potassium has several functions in the body, aiding with the proper workings of the heart, kidneys, nerves, muscles and the digestive system. A lack of potassium can manifest itself in many ways, including high blood pressure.

Read more at Natural Society - Does Potassium Lower Blood Pressure or Not?

Study Find Older Americans See Better Today

Improved cataract surgery techniques, less smoking may be reasons why

Older Americans see better than their parents did in old age, according to a new study that finds visual impairment among the U.S. elderly has declined 58% since the 1980s.

Improved techniques in cataract surgery and lower rates of macular degeneration may be two of the main reasons for the trend, say researchers from Northwestern University.

"From 1984 until 2010, the decrease in visual impairment in those 65 and older was highly statistically significant," said the study's first author, Dr. Angelo Tanna, vice chairman of ophthalmology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and an attending physician at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Finish reading article here

Soft Drink Makers Target U.S. Youth

U.S. children and teenagers are seeing far more soda advertising than before, with blacks and Hispanics the major targets, as marketers have expanded online, according to a study released on Monday.

The report from the Yale University Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity also said many fruit and energy drinks, which are popular with teenagers, have as much added sugar and as many calories as regular soda.

When it comes to energy drinks such as Red Bull and Amp, the marketing is skewed toward young people, even though the American Academy of Pediatrics says such highly caffeinated beverages are not appropriate for children and adolescents, the report said.

Read full article
Soft drink makers target U.S. youth

Reclaiming Our Health: Guide to African-American Wellness

Michele Gourdine, MD, a pediatrician and the CEO of Michelle Gourdine and Associates, was always fascinated as to why African-Americans disproportionately suffered from a range of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

"These statistics really bothered me," Gourdine says. "I was not detached from these statistics either. This is about me, my family, my friends, the people at my church and my community as a whole."

It's that personal connection that inspired Gourdine to write Reclaiming Our Health: A Guide to African-American Wellness (Yale University Press, $19.95).

Reclaiming our Health, an interactive and empowering book, offers up practical advice and invaluable information to jumpstart one's quest for better health.



BET.com sat down with Gourdine to talk about her eye-opening book, why we all need to strengthen our health literacy and why poor health doesn't have to be our destiny.

Continue Reading

Lack Of Sleep Causes Diabetes Risk

An article by the American Diabetes Association in Diabetes Care links lack of sleep to higher blood sugar levels and thus possible type 2 diabetes risk.

Researchers say they are uncertain whether lack of adequate sleep causes changes in the regulation of blood sugar, the body's sensitivity to insulin, or if insulin secretion is reduced, however the results clearly showed higher blood sugar levels are present in individuals who have not had a full night's rest.

Lack Of Sleep Causes Diabetes Risk

Medicaid Vital to Protecting Health for Millions of Americans

Many Americans battle such medical conditions as cancer, diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and stroke, but those individuals who rely on Medicaid for their drugs and treatment will face extraordinary health challenges if Congress cuts funding for that program.

"Diabetes has a disproportionate impact on the Medicaid population because Medicaid provides important health coverage to people facing elevated health risks. Children and adults eligible for this valuable program are more likely to be in poor health and thus require the services Medicaid provides to a greater extent than individuals with private insurance," said Gina Gavlak, RN, BSN, Vice Chair of the National Advocacy Committee, American Diabetes Association. "Cuts to Medicaid funding would be harmful to the millions of children, pregnant women, and adults with diabetes who rely on the program to manage their disease and avoid dangerous and costly diabetes complications such as blindness, amputations and kidney dialysis."

Read Full Article at - Medicaid Vital to Protecting Health for Millions of Americans

Lilly Invests $30 Million For Non-Communicable Diseases

Eli Lilly and Company has announced a $30 million commitment over five years to fight the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in developing nations including India.

The first phase of The Lilly NCD partnership will focus on improving diabetes care in targeted communities in Brazil, India, Mexico and South Africa. The partnership will focus on diabetes and, over time, cancer – two core business areas in which Lilly has deep expertise.

Pharmabiz :: Lilly to invest $30 mn to address non-communicable diseases in countries including India:

Getting the Word out About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second-most commonly diagnosed cancer affecting men, with about 241,000 men estimated to be diagnosed in the United States each year. Another 33,720 men will die from the disease, according to estimates from the American Cancer Society.

Getting the word out about prostate cancer

UN to Plot Strategy against Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease

Later this month (9/19-20), the U.N. hosts the High-level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

The goal is to find strategies to reduce the number of avoidable deaths from chronic disease.


However, some observers say big industry is trying to influence policy and derail the meeting.

READ MORE: UN to Plot Strategy against Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease

Hospital Workers Outspend Others on Medical Careltimoresun.com

Hospital employees spend 10% more on healthcare, consume more medical services, and are generally sicker than the rest of the U.S. workforce, according to a study released on Monday.

The cost difference was even greater when dependents were taken into account, with healthcare costs 13% higher, including medical care and prescription drugs.

Hospital workers outspend others on medical care - baltimoresun.com:

Obesity Ranks Low on List Parents Think Warrant Medical Attention

Parents need help connecting the dots between having an overweight child and what their future health consequences may be . . .


A new survey released today by Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City shows more parents would find it "very important" to seek medical care for a child with diabetes symptoms (81%), asthma (80%) or a learning disability (74%) - BUT only 54% of parents feel the same approach is needed for a child who is overweight.

Read full article 

Study: Too Much Salt Can Bring on Dementia

How much is too much salt? 

According to government health guidelines, if you're age 51+ or you are African American, have kidney issues or you're diabetic, you should have no more than a half teaspoon -- or 1500 mg -- of salt each day.

That applies to about half our population. If you're in the other half your limit is supposed to be 2300 mg of salt per day, or about one teaspoon.

Too much salt and too little exercise is hard on the heart, but the new research suggests it can be hard on the brain, too. A three-year study of more than 1,200 people has linked a salty diet and sedentary lifestyle to cognitive decline in old age.

Read Study: Too Much Salt Can Bring on Dementia

Type 2 Diabetes Patients Face Cancer Risk

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition, which occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin.

An 11-year study of almost 1300 people with type 2 diabetes found for the first time that both men and women with the condition faced an increased risk for all types of cancer.

However the finding that most alarmed researchers was that men aged 55 to 84 with type 2 diabetes were nearly twice as likely to develop bowel cancer as their healthy peers.

Continue Reading

Lack Of Sleep Can Cause High Blood Pressure

A lack of deep sleep may be one of the reasons why people develop high blood pressure.

A study of older men published Monday found that those who got the least amount of deep sleep were 80% more likely to develop high blood pressure, compared to those who got longer, less interrupted sleep.

Read more

Pre-Diabetes Can Be Turned Around by Exercise

Another good article at About.com - Charles

People diagnosed with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by losing just 5 to 7% of their body weight and exercising regularly, according to a clinical study by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

Go to About.com to read entire article - and find more great links
Diet and Exercise Can Turn Pre-Diabetes Around

Fruits and Vegetables on a Budget

Anyone who's been to a grocery store lately knows about soaring prices.

Can we eat healthy when good food costs so much?

Eating 3 to 5 cups a day has long been recommended to reduce the risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and development of type 2 diabetes. The health benefits are well documented, and so you may not need to be sold on why you should eat more produce.

Read full article Fruits and Vegetables on a Budget - Cutting the Cost of Heart-Healthy Produce - By Debra Manzella, R.N., About.com