Pharmacy Archives - Page 27 of 41

Study shows fewer than half of children with severe allergies receive life-saving epinephrine

Reminder: Check expiration dates and replace expired epinephrine auto-injectors before children head back to school

When children with life threating allergies experience anaphylaxis, parents, teachers and other caregivers often fail to administer epinephrine, according to a study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology in July. The study showed that less than 40 per cent of kids — even those who had previously experienced anaphylaxis and been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector — received a dose of the drug before they got to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic after experiencing a reaction.

London Drugs Pharmacy Manager, Gianni Del Negro says that the research suggests a need for more anaphylaxis education and awareness.

“While awareness in schools about allergies has grown in recent years, there is a lag in understanding when it comes to using auto-injectors such as the EpiPen. It is critical for anyone working with school-age children to be able to recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis and understand how to use auto-injectors,” he says.

Within minutes, an allergic reaction can turn into a life-threatening situation. Using epinephrine immediately after exposure to an allergy trigger can help reverse the symptoms.

“Reaction times and symptoms are different for each child and there is no way to predict the severity of a reaction because the signs may not be the same for each occurrence. If a child has a known risk for anaphylaxis and caregivers suspect they may be experiencing a reaction, it is better to administer an injection rather than wait for paramedics or emergency care,” says Del Negro.

Since the effects of epinephrine can wear off and children can have subsequent allergic reactions, caregivers are advised to call 911 or take the child to the emergency room immediately after using an auto-injector.

He suggests that parents of children with severe allergies work with teachers and caregivers at the start of each school year to create an action plan with an explanation of the child’s allergy triggers, what to do in case of reaction, where they have access to epinephrine and how to administer emergency anaphylactic treatment.

The start of a new school year is an important time to check expiration dates since epinephrine auto-injectors expire. Expired products can be properly disposed of at any London Drugs location and pharmacists are available to counsel patients on how to properly administer them. Prescriptions are not required for epinephrine auto-injectors; however, some insurance plans cover them if the patient has a prescription.

Signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction may include:

Hives
Nausea, cramping, diarrhea, or vomiting
Swelling of the face and throat
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Flushing
Headache
Seizures

Alcohol Abuse

Although other substances get much more attention both from the media and the public, a report just out from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) starkly reminds us that the most problematic and costly substance in our culture is without any question alcohol.

Among the many near-term dangerous problems associated with alcohol abuse, there are these obvious ones: much higher levels of being involved in homicides, suicides, accidents (in the workplace, at home, and of course, on the road), poor judgement decisions (unsafe sex, and use of other dangerous substances, for example), mood changes, and a host of others.

As for the long-term costs of alcohol abuse, the huge list includes outstanding ones such as much higher levels of cardiovascular disease, psychological changes, liver disease, sleep disorders, and cancer since alcohol use (even at low and moderate intake levels) has been linked to a higher risk of a host of cancers including esophageal cancer and breast cancer.

And those long-term consequences don’t even address the other awful long-term negative effects that alcohol abuse delivers to a drinker’s family, workplace, community, and country (the incredible cost of dealing with alcohol abuse).

Bottom line: a little bit of alcohol might lead to some positive health effects and might improve some social situations (I can’t really picture going to certain parties unless I could nurse a glass of wine throughout) but anything beyond that carries potential significant health risks.

Respiratory Information During Forest Fires

Forest fires can be an inevitable part of living in Western Canada. The information below provides tips to reduce your personal health risk, as well as contact numbers to report a forest fire in each Western Canadian province.

Air Quality

The Ministry of Environment to monitors air quality impact due to wildfires across the province. For the most up to date conditions and a list of active advisories for BC, please visit: www.bcairquality.ca

Tips to reduce personal risk:

Smoke can affect each person differently, based on their health, age, and exposure.

People with heart or lung conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of smoke and should watch for any change in symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure. If you notice any symptoms, take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke and if necessary see a physician. People with symptoms should go to their health care provider, walk-in clinic or emergency department depending on the severity of symptoms.

Residents with asthma, COPD or other chronic illness should activate their asthma, respiratory or personal care plan.
Use common sense regarding outdoor physical activity – if your breathing becomes difficult or uncomfortable, stop or reduce the activity.
Stay cool and drink plenty of fluids.
Smoke levels may be lower indoors, however levels of smoke particles will still be increased. If you stay indoors, be aware of your symptoms.
Commercially available HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters can further reduce poor indoor air quality near the device.
Reduce indoor pollution sources such as smoking or burning other materials.
Consider visiting a location like a shopping mall with cooler filtered air. Keep in mind that staying indoors may help you stay cool and provide some relief from the smoke, however, many air conditioning systems do not filter the air or improve indoor air quality.
You may be able to reduce your exposure to smoke by moving to cleaner air. Conditions can vary dramatically by area and elevation.
Pay attention to local air quality reports; air quality may be poor even though smoke may not be visible.
Maintaining good overall health is a good way to prevent health effects resulting from short-term exposure to air pollution.

Report a Wildfire

To report a wildfire or irresponsible behaviour:
In B.C. call 1 800 663-5555 or *5555 from a cell phone.
In Alberta call 310-FIRE.
In Saskatchewan call 1-800-667-9660.
In Manitoba call 1-800-782-0076.

Information from the public is crucial to ensuring wildfires are responded to as soon as possible.

When reporting a forest fire, any information you can provide is helpful, however, you can expect the emergency call-taker to ask for details about the fire, such as;

Location
i.e. Where is the fire? How far up the hillside?
Size
e.g. Metres? Hectares? Size of a house? Size of a football field?
Rate of spread
i.e. How quickly is the fire spreading?
Fuel
i.e. What is burning? Grass, bushes, trees?
Smoke/flames
i.e. What colour is the smoke? Are flames visible?
Threat
i.e. Are there any people or buildings at risk?
Action
i.e. Is anyone fighting the fire?

Some information for this post sourced from:

http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/wildfire-situation

Emergency Pharmacy Services and Complimentary Charging Stations for BC Wildfire Evacuees

Our thoughts are with everyone dealing with the wildfires in British Columbia. We are currently assembling essential supplies and staff to support evacuees where we can, in and around the wildfire areas. In addition, donations to the Canadian Red Cross can be made by phone at 1.800.418.1111 or at any London Drugs location in BC or Alberts, or by clicking the donate button below.

We also understand that people may have been required to leave their homes without important personal health information, prescriptions, or health aid items and may be requiring temporary emergency pharmacy services.
Please know our pharmacists are here to help in the following ways:

look up past medication history, contact your insurance provider and fulfill an early emergency supply of your prescription(s)*
access your CareCard number so you are able to visit a doctor if needed
adapt or prescribe an emergency supply of medication*

*Please note not all medications can be released early or prescribed. See your pharmacist for details.

You do not have to be a current patient of London Drugs to access essential health care services and medications.

For individuals with major health concerns requiring emergency health prescriptions, please contact London Drugs’ emergency health information line at 1-844-782-0051.

In an effort to help evacuees keep connected to your loved ones, or access important information, all stores in the region are set up with complimentary charging stations. Please feel free to visit any location in these areas to charge your mobile device or computer to keep connected.

LONDON DRUGS LOCATIONS CLOSEST TO THE CARIBOO / KAMLOOPS WILDFIRES:

Kamloops – Lansdowne Village
450 Lansdowne Street
Kamloops British Columbia V2C 1Y3
Pharmacy: (250) 372-3445

Store Hours
Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Holidays 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Prince George – Parkwood Place
1600 -15th Avenue
Prince George British Columbia V2L 3X3
Pharmacy: (250) 561-1118

Store Hours
Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Holidays 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

To find another location, please visit: www.London Drugs/locations or call us toll free at: 1-844-782-0051 for emergency pharmacist assistance.

Sun Exposure

I know, I know, I know: Like most of you, I too wake up some days thinking summer will never arrive in western Canada again.

But smarter people than me assure me that this is wrong: Summer will eventually arrive and when it does, if you’re anything like me, you will rush outside to spend some time bathing in that big, beautiful, hot sun.

So let me play my standard role of parent and warn you all ahead of time that while some time in the sun is necessary for good health – sunshine acting on our skin helps our bodies produce vitamin D which we all very much need – too much sun is clearly linked to poorer health both in the short term which leads to problems such as sunburns and sunstrokes, and especially in the long-term through much higher risks of skin cancer, especially the most serious form known as malignant melanoma.

So here’s the advice that you really need to heed in the coming months: 10-20 minutes of sun exposure several days a week is OK but

Try to avoid being out there at the peak-sun times of day
Cover yourself and especially your kids with sun-protective clothing while outdoors
Wear a hat even if like me, you think that a hat makes you look nerdy: No one really notices, believe me
Slather on sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 (and it’s a very good idea to carry extra tubes in your car, just in case)
Don’t forget to protect your eyes – sunlight exposure is said to raise the risk of cataracts
And remember that just being outside is linked to better health so a walk in the park in the shade is probably better for you overall than 2 hours spent on the beach.

Check out our full selection of suncare solutions here.

World Hypertension Day Reminder: A Five Minute Blood Pressure Check Could Save Your Life

Dubbed as the “silent killer,” hypertension or high blood pressure is a growing health issue in Canada. Almost a quarter of Canadian adults are living with the condition which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and death.¹

As part of World Hypertension Day on May 17^th, 2017, London Drugs is joining Hypertension Canada – Canada’s national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and control of hypertension, and blood pressure monitoring BIOS Diagnostics to remind Canadians that a simple blood pressure check could be lifesaving.

Canadians Who Suffer from Seasonal Allergies Now Have More Relief Options Available Over-the-Counter at Pharmacies

London Drugs Pharmacists Offer Tips on Minimizing Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

For the 20 to 25 per cent of Canadians who are affected by seasonal allergiesⁱ, there are now more relief options available over-the-counter without a prescription.

London Drugs pharmacist Jason Chan-Remillard recently appeared on CTV Morning Live Calgary to talk about these relief options, and to share his tips for spring allergy season. Watch the full interview here.

One new option for relief is Flonase Allergy Relief, which was approved for over-the-counter use in Canada in August of last year, making this the first spring allergy season where Canadians will be able to access the medication without a prescription. The intranasal corticosteroid spray relieves common symptoms associated with seasonal allergies, such as runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat, nasal congestion, itchy and watery eyes as well as management of sinus pain and pressure.

With many over-the-counter options available for specific allergy symptoms, London Drugs pharmacists are encouraging patients to ask for assistance in selecting the right medication. Pharmacists can provide information about new relief options, help patients understand how to use medications safely and identify potential side effects or drug interactions.

“The therapy of choice will depend on your symptoms, the severity of your symptoms, your past response to medications, and other medical conditions that you have, if any says pharmacist Chan-Remillard. “There may be new or better options available to treat your specific symptoms or that target specific allergens. We can help pinpoint which product will work best for you, whether it’s using an antihistamine, decongestant, nasal spray or eye drops, for instance.”

Remillard recommends prepping the medicine cabinet early. Sometimes starting allergy medication two weeks prior to the beginning of the season allows the medication to enter the system and be in full effect by the time allergy season officially hits.

“Being proactive can help to minimize symptoms before they intensify. Don’t wait until your eyes are itchy and you’re sneezing continuously before seeking relief,” advises Remillard.

Since respiratory problems associated with seasonal allergies are initially caused by pollen and dust in the air, the best prevention method is allergen avoidance.

“Avoidance may mean changing your habits like staying indoors during high pollen times. If the allergen is something you can’t completely avoid, like dust mites, there are other steps you can take. These may include removing household décor that collect dust, using central air conditioning during high pollen times, reducing air humidity with a dehumidifier and using HEPA filters.”

Remillard says that most people with seasonal allergies know they have it, although it can sometimes be confused with the common cold. Before any over-the-counter antihistamines or allergy relief products are taken, patients need to ensure the allergies aren’t something more severe.

[1]Allergy Asthma Information Association of Canada. Available at http://www.aaia.ca/en/media_statistics.htm Accessed April 2017.

Study shows fewer than half of children with severe allergies receive life-saving epinephrine

Alcohol Abuse