Did you know that Village Green is also a compounding pharmacy? In fact, it’s our specialty. We have a wonderful team led by Ron Keech, dedicated to customizing supplements and prescriptions for you, as well as your pets. To learn more about our custom compounds and other happenings at Village Green, become a fan of our Facebook site.
Read MoreIn a recent study, a prescription version of niacin, Niaspan, slowed the buildup of plaque on artery walls more than the newer cholesterol lowering drug Zetia.
The study, published in the The New England Journal of Medicine, involved 363 people who had heart disease or were at high risk of heart disease. All the patients were on statins that had brought their LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL. However, their HDL levels were below where they should have been. Continue reading “Niacin Better at Lowering Cholesterol than Zetia”
Read MoreVillage Green Apothecary’s compounding pharmacist Ron Keech was on ABC News on November 5 talking about the shortage of pediatric (liquid) H1N1 flu vaccine, Tamiflu, and the ability of a compounding pharmacy (like Village Green) to create the liquid version from the more readily-available capsule form. Click here to see the news clip.
Read MoreAmericans are taking more prescription medications than ever before. As a result, people are experiencing more drug interactions. Adverse drug reactions can range from being mild to causing major injury or even death. Beyond interactions, medications can also deplete the body of vital nutrients, resulting in serious health concerns.
Combining pharmaceuticals with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins and herbal supplements, as well as certain foods can complement or interfere with a drug’s therapeutic action. For example, an interaction can occur if someone combines prescription blood thinners with aspirin, resulting in an increased effect of both drugs. Other combinations can result in a weakened effect of one or both substances, such as with fiber supplements preventing the absorption of certain medications.
Foods can also interfere with the effectiveness of medications. Two examples include grapefruit and dairy products. Grapefruit juice can interact with the enzymes that metabolize certain drugs, which can result in making the drug much more potent than it should be. And, dairy products alongside certain antibiotics (particularly tetracycline), can lessen its effectiveness.
It is estimated that roughly 30% of pharmaceutical side effects are the result of drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. The most common drugs linked to causing nutrient depletions are oral contraceptives, cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics. (Oral contraceptives can deplete the body of important B vitamins; statin drugs can inhibit the body’s production of coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant needed for energy production; and antibiotics can wipe out beneficial bacteria that your body needs function at its best.) These and many other prescription medications and OTC products can interfere with your body’s ability to digest, absorb, synthesize, or make use of certain nutrients, resulting in nutrient deficiencies.
How can you avoid potential drug interactions and nutrient depletions?
1) Tell your healthcare practitioner about everything you are taking, including prescription drugs, OTC medications, vitamins and herbal supplements. Be sure to mention topical medicinal creams and ointments, as well.
2) Carefully read the consumer information sheet that comes with your prescription. Ask your pharmacist about potential interactions or possible nutrient depletions.
3) Always read the label on OTC products, paying special attention to the “Warnings” section.
4) Before you buy a new vitamin or herbal supplement, talk to a nutrition advisor about potential interactions or depletions from your prescriptions. An advisor can also help suggest ways for you to replace depleted nutrients, whether through nutritional supplementation or through your diet.
The pharmacists and nutrition advisors at Village Green Apothecary are more than happy to help you with your prescription and nutrient questions. They are well versed in drug interactions and nutrient depletions and can provide you with the expert guidance you need to ensure your health and safety.
These charts listing the most common drug-nutrient interactions and nutrient depletions are also great reference tools.
Read MoreIf you’re taking a statin (Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor, Crestor, etc) to lower your cholesterol or prevent cardiovascular problems, you should seriously consider taking a CoQ10 supplement. You have probably heard about the dangers of high cholesterol, particularly LDL (“bad cholesterol”). Statins work by blocking an enzyme in the liver responsible for creating cholesterol. In 2002, guidelines were published that recommended lower target levels for LDL. Since then, people have also started taking statins to prevent cardiovascular problems, even if they don’t have high cholesterol. Bottom line, lots of people are taking statins and higher doses are being prescribed. The problem is that this increases the chance of side effects. The good news is that taking a CoQ10 supplement can help balance things out. Continue reading “Don’t forget about CoQ10 with your Statin”
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