Health Scripts
Note: Health Scripts are published at the beginning of each month.
Jan 30, 2012
Cholesterol Lowering Drugs: Unexpected Benefit Discovered
According to a preliminary study reported recently in the Journal of
Infectious Disease, persons who were admitted to the hospital were 40-
41% less likely to die if they had already been taking one of the cholesterol-
lowering drugs that we refer to as a statin. The study involved 3,000
selected individuals who were hospitalized during 2007 and 2008. Those
conducting the study indicate that one limitation to their finding is that
they did not determine whether or not those persons evaluated were
already healthier than those not taking a statin drug. According to one
news release, this is the first published attempt to evaluate the effect of
this class of cholesterol-lowering drugs on mortality. One study author
indicated that persons who receive vaccines such as that for influenza,
and antiviral drugs along with statins may have an even better outcome.
More research in this area is certain to be conducted.
The statins are among the most widely prescribed of all medicines.
They include atorvastatin (Lipitor), simvastatin (Zocor), lovastatin
(Mevacor), pravastatin (Pravachol) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).
Jan 23, 2012
Treatment for Abnormal Heart Rhythm
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an abnormal heart rhythm. With AF, the upper
heart chambers (atria) do not pump blood adequately, leading to the
risk of blood clot formation. Persons with heart diseases such as high
blood pressure or heart failure are at an increased risk of developing AF.
Other types of conditions can also increase the risk of AF include sleep
apnea, and emphysema. Although some persons may not experience any
signs or symptoms, some may experience chest pain, shortness of breath,
dizziness, and fainting. An electrocardiogram can be used in the diagnosis
of an AF.
Treatment for AF is aimed at preventing a stroke. Antiarrhythmic medications
that may be prescribed include a beta blocker, such as esmolol
(Brevibloc), calcium channel blocker, such as diltiazem (Cardizem), or
digoxin to control the heart rate. Alternatively, use of a pacemaker or
implantable atrial defibrillator may be used to control the heart rhythm or
rate. Anticoagulant medications may be prescribed to reduce the risk of
formation of blood clots and therefore reduce the risk of a stroke. Warfarin
(Coumadin) and dabigatran (Pradaxa) are anticoagulant medications
that may be prescribed. Persons who take warfarin require monitoring
with a blood test on a regular basis, while Pradaxa does not require
regular blood tests.
Jan 16, 2012
Treatment for Difficult-to-Control Epilepsy
According to study results published in a recent issue of the Journal
of the American Academy of Neurology, a specific combination of medicines
appears to be the best for resistant or hard-to-control epilepsy.
According to the study, over 30 different prescription drug combinations
were evaluated. Only one of the combinations produced a significant
reduction in the number of seizures for those with this difficult-to-control
type. That combination consisted of lamotrigine (Lamictal) and valproate
(Depacon). Researches associated with the study indicate that this combination
reduced seizure frequency by about half when compared with
the other combinations used in the study.
According to one report, more than 3 million Americans have epilepsy
and of that number, about one million have the form that is called
difficult-to-control. The Epilepsy Foundation defines the goal of epilepsy
treatment is to have no (zero) seizures with little or no drug side
effects. Health experts add that good seizure control is a seizure-fee period
of at least 12 consecutive months.
Recent Health Scripts
- Home Care For Burns - 01/09/2012
- Drug-Coated Balloons May Enhance Metal Stents - 01/02/2012
- Treatment of Heart Disease in Diabetics - 12/26/2011
- Drug Prescribing for Adult ADHD Increasing - 12/19/2011
- Pneumonia: Risk Factors & Treatment - 12/12/2011
- Two Different Types of Bronchitis - 12/05/2011
- New Guidelines: Treatment of ADHD - 11/28/2011