In a recent episode of “The Business of Pharmacy” podcast, titled “From Pharmacy to Diverse Business Ventures,” Dr. Chirag Patel, your go-to pharmacist in Charlotte, NC, shared his fascinating journey from pharmacy ownership to expanding into various business ventures. He also delved into the intricacies of running multiple pharmacies and the challenges faced by independent pharmacy owners in the current healthcare landscape. We couldn’t be more thrilled to share the highlights and insights from this engaging conversation in this blog post!
About The Business of Pharmacy Podcast
The Business of Pharmacy Podcast™ is renowned for insightful discussion on how to navigate the pharmacy business world. Hosted by experienced pharmacist Mike Koelzer, the show features candid conversations with industry leaders, exploring crucial topics like pharmacy operations, entrepreneurship, regulations, patient care, and real-world journeys, including challenges and successes. It’s a platform that provides listeners with valuable insights and actionable advice, whether they’re seasoned pharmacists or just starting out.
Key Topics Discussed
Dr. Chirag Patel, a seasoned pharmacy owner, discussed how he and his partner, Dr. Vic Patel, managed to grow their business to six pharmacies while maintaining a strong commitment to their community. He emphasized the importance of staying connected with ground-level operations and the flexibility required to juggle multiple roles effectively. Dr. Chirag Patel also highlighted the impact of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) on the industry, noting that their control over pricing and patient access has created significant hurdles for independent pharmacies.
Beyond the pharmacy sector, Dr. Chirag Patel’s ventures include investments in the hospitality and restaurant industries. He shared insights into the differences and similarities between these businesses and pharmacy ownership, illustrating his entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability.
One of the key takeaways from the podcast was Dr. Chirag Patel’s dedication to making a difference in his community. Despite the financial and operational challenges, his passion for providing quality healthcare and creating a supportive work environment for his staff shines through.
Listen to the Full Episode
Don’t miss out on this insightful episode! Tune in to “The Business of Pharmacy” to listen to Dr. Chirag Patel discuss his journey from pharmacy ownership to diverse business ventures and gain valuable insights from his optimistic outlook on the future of independent pharmacy ownership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, healthcare, and the dynamic world of pharmacy business. Make sure to listen to the full episode. You can also contact us to learn how our services in Charlotte, NC can help you lead a healthy and fulfilled life.
Intermittent fasting has gained significant popularity in recent years as a weight loss strategy. It involves alternating periods of eating and fasting, with various fasting protocols available. But can intermittent fasting really help you lose weight fast?
At Carolina Pharmacy, we provide safe and effective weight management in Charlotte, NC,as well as weight loss medication to help you achieve and sustain your long-term weight goals. As your trusted health coach, we possess comprehensive knowledge of various weight loss programs and strategies. To that end, we’ve created this post to clarify whether intermittent fasting can help you shed pounds quickly and introduce alternative approaches to accelerate weight loss and kick-start your journey toward a healthier you.
What is Intermittent Fasting?
Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and fasting rather than focusing on what you eat. Unlike traditional diets, it’s all about when you eat. There are different methods, but all involve scheduling your meals and snacks within specific windows and then fasting for the remaining hours.
During the fasting window, your body depletes its glucose stores (i.e., your body’s readily available energy source) and starts burning fat for fuel. This metabolic switch is key to understanding how intermittent fasting can potentially aid weight loss.
16/8 Method: This popular approach involves restricting your eating window to 8 hours daily, with a 16-hour fast. You can choose your eating window (e.g., noon to 8 pm) that fits your schedule.
5:2 Diet: Here, you eat normally for five days and restrict your calorie intake to 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days.
Eat-Stop-Eat: This method involves a 24-hour fast once or twice a week.
Alternate-day fasting (ADF): This approach involves eating a normal, healthy diet one day and restricting your calories to only 30% of your regular calorie intake the next day.
Can Intermittent Fasting Speed Up Weight Loss?
Intermittent fasting can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but whether it can speed up weight loss depends on various factors. Let’s break it down:
Calorie Restriction: At its core, intermittent fasting often leads to calorie restriction, a key factor in weight loss. By limiting the window of time in which you eat, you naturally reduce the number of calories consumed during the fasting period. Over time, this calorie deficit can lead to weight loss.
Potential Pitfalls: Intermittent fasting is not a magic bullet for weight loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may find it difficult to stick to fasting periods, leading to overeating during eating windows. Others may experience negative side effects such as fatigue, insomnia, constipation, headaches, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or malnutrition if taken too far.
Quality of Food: It’s essential to note that weight loss isn’t just about when you eat but also what you eat. Even during intermittent fasting, consuming nutrient-dense, whole foods is crucial for overall health and sustainable weight loss. Filling your eating windows with processed, high-calorie foods won’t yield the same results as choosing nutritious options.
Intermittent fasting can be a valuable tool for weight loss, but it’s not necessarily a shortcut. That’s why our Charlotte Pharmacists may recommend combining it with other weight loss strategies like regular exercise, lifestyle modifications, and weight loss medication (if required) for quick and sustainable weight loss.
Reliable Alternatives to Intermittent Fasting for Weight Loss in Charlotte, NC
Intermittent fasting has surged in popularity as a fad diet in recent years. While it can yield short-term benefits such as weight loss, improved cognition, and enhanced body composition, many find it challenging to maintain as a long-term lifestyle change.
In our weight loss program, we understand that sustainability is key. That’s why we offer reliable alternatives to intermittent fasting tailored to fit your lifestyle and help you achieve your long-term weight goals. Our weight loss medications are complemented by tailored nutrition plans, lifestyle adjustments, and exercise regimes.
Some weight loss medications work by curbing appetite and enhancing feelings of satiety, while others medications help you achieve your weight loss goals and also manage your blood sugar levels. With these weight loss medications, bidding farewell to hunger pangs becomes a reality, ushering in a sustainable weight loss approach that delivers results.
Achieve Long-Term Weight Loss with Weight Management in Charlotte, NC
At Carolina Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping you kick-start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. That’s why we offer weight management, including weight loss medication tohelp you achieve and sustain your long-term weight goals.
Contact us today to learn more about our weight loss program and kick-start your journey toward a healthier you.
The flu virus evolves yearly, bringing new challenges to our immune systems. Getting a flu shot is a simple yet powerful step to protect yourself and those around you from this ever-changing threat. As we continue navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, our pharmacists at Carolina Pharmacy have created this post to dispel common myths and explain why getting aflu shot vaccine in Charlotte, NC, is vital for staying healthy.
Understanding the Flu Vaccine and How It Works
The flu, or influenza, is not just a bad cold. It’s a serious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can lead to hospitalization and, in severe cases, death. The best defense we have is the flu vaccine.
Influenza vaccines work by imitating an infection to build immunity. When developing the annual flu vaccine, scientists cultivate viral flu particles that researchers carefully select to match the most prevalent flu strains of the year. They replicate these viral particles, kill or weaken them to inactivate them, purify them, and use them to create the influenza vaccine or “flu shot.”
Once administered, the vaccine prompts the body to produce a defensive response in the form of antibodies against the flu virus. These antibodies are primed to prevent flu infections or reduce the severity and duration of the flu if someone vaccinated gets sick with a strain not covered by the vaccine.
Debunking Myths About the Flu Shot
There are several misconceptions about flu shots. Here, we debunk some of these myths, each one backed by scientific evidence and our expert opinion:
Myth 1: The Flu Shot Can Give You the Flu
The flu shot contains inactivated viruses or a single gene from a flu virus (for the recombinant vaccine) that cannot cause illness. These components stimulate your immune system to defend against the virus. Mild symptoms after vaccination, such as low-grade fever or muscle aches, are not the flu but a sign your body is building immunity.
Myth 2: I’m Healthy; I Don’t Need A Flu Shot
While it’s great that you’re healthy, the flu can be unpredictable. Moreover, getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself; it’s about protecting the people around you, including those who can’t be vaccinated, such as newborns or people with severe allergies to vaccine components.
Myth 2: I Got the Flu Shot Last Year, So I’m Covered
The flu virus is constantly changing, which is why a new influenza vaccine is developed each year to match the strains predicted to be most common. Skipping a year means you won’t be protected against the current strains, putting you at the risk of contracting the virus.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that everyone aged six months and older should receive the yearly influenza vaccine. They emphasize that this vaccination is the primary and most important measure in safeguarding against the flu virus.
Reasons to Get a Flu Shot
Flu shot vaccine benefits extend beyond preventing the flu itself. It lessens flu-related hospitalizations for all ages, safeguards individuals with chronic conditions like COPD, and protects pregnant women and babies from flu-related respiratory infections.
By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself. You’re also contributing to what’s known as “herd immunity.” When a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, it’s harder for the flu to spread. This is crucial for protecting people at high risk of serious flu complications, including babies, pregnant women, seniors, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Does the Flu Shot Help With COVID-19?
No, only a COVID shot can. Flu vaccines won’t protect you against COVID-19, but they will help reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on your health and the healthcare system, ensuring the resources are available for COVID-19 patients. And yes,getting the COVID shot and flu vaccine is safe.
Living with a chronic illness can be a challenging journey, one that often necessitates a careful balance of medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments. While medication and therapy play crucial roles in managing these conditions, the significance of exercise often remains underemphasized.
At Carolina Pharmacy, our expertpharmacists in Charlotte, NC understand that managing a chronic illness involves a holistic approach, where exercise plays a pivotal role. To that end, we have created this post to show you the health benefits of exercise and how regular physical activity can be transformative for individuals managing chronic illnesses.
What Is The Importance of Physical Activity in Managing Chronic Illnesses?
You might wonder, ‘What is the importance of physical activity in managing chronic illnesses?’ Exercise is not merely a tool for fitness; it’s a vital component in managing various chronic illnesses. Its role is multifaceted, offering the following positive influences on the physical and mental aspects of chronic disease management:
Exercise is a powerful tool for those managing diabetes. Physical activity aids in regulating blood glucose levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. This means the body can better utilize the insulin it produces or receives through medication. Engaging in moderate activities like swimming or yoga can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, a critical aspect of diabetes management.
3. Weight Management
Many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of arthritis and cancer, are exacerbated byexcess body weight. Exercise aids in weight management by burning calories and building muscle mass. A regular exercise regimen, tailored to individual capabilities and health status, can be an effective strategy inmanaging weight and, consequently, mitigating the impact of chronic illnesses.
4. Better Digestive Health
Regular exercise can improve gastrointestinal function, which is beneficial for those with chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It aids in efficient food movement through the digestive system, which can help alleviate symptoms like bloating and constipation.
5. Boosted Mental Health and Emotional Well-being
The psychological benefits of exercise are profound, especially for people with chronic illnesses who may struggle with anxiety or depression.Physical activity releases endorphins, known as the body’s natural mood elevators, which can alleviate feelings of depression and enhance overall mental well-being.
6. Improved Sleep Quality
Chronic illness often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to a cycle of fatigue and worsening health.Regular exercise can help regulate sleep, enabling a more restful and restorative night. Activities like gentle stretching or yoga can be particularly beneficial in promoting relaxation and better sleep.
7. Enhancing Immune Function
Regular exercise can bolster the immune system, making the body more capable of fighting off infections – a vital consideration for individuals with chronic illnesses.Moderate-intensity exercise has been shown to stimulate the immune system, providing an added layer of defense against common diseases.
8. Increased Energy Levels
Chronic conditions often lead to fatigue, but paradoxically, exercise can help combat this. Engaging inphysical activity boosts energy by improving muscle strength, endurance, and efficiency in using oxygen. Even simple activities like daily walking can increase energy levels over time.
Tailored Exercise Programs: The Key to Safety and Effectiveness
Understanding that not all exercises suit people with a chronic illness is crucial. Tailored exercise programs, designed under healthcare professionals’ guidance, ensure safety and effectiveness. These programs consider each patient’s needs and limitations, making physical activity a positive and beneficial experience.
Get Disease Management Tips from Your Local Pharmacists
At Carolina Pharmacy, we advocate for a holistic approach to healthcare, where exercise is integral to managing chronic conditions. Ourpharmacists in Charlotte, NCare committed to helping you stay on top of your health by providing guides, tips, and medications to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.Contact us today for guidance on integrating exercise safely into your healthcare regimen or improving your health with physical activities.
Beginning your journey toward a healthier weight is never easy, but having the right knowledge on your side can go a long way toward helping you achieve your weight loss goals. A healthy weight loss program, a properly structured weight loss management program, and, of course, a positive attitude create the golden weight loss trifecta to follow.
As your trusted health coach, we at Carolina Pharmacy provide safe and effective weight management in Charlotte, NC, as well as medication for weight loss that can kick-start your journey toward a healthier you. Find out more about these medications and how they promote healthy weight loss below!
What Is Weight Loss Medication?
We’ve all heard of weight loss exercises, diets, and fads from the news, friends, and families – but what is a weight loss medication, exactly?
Weight loss medication is prescription and/or over-the-counter medicine that helps people safely lose weight as part of a healthy weight loss program. Medication for weight loss works by lowering your appetite, increasing how full you feel, or interfering with your nutrient absorption.
The Best Weight Loss Medication for a Healthy Weight Loss Program
We feel that a well-structured weight loss program should incorporate multiple strategies, which is why we encourage our clients to try the best weight loss medications available at our weight loss clinic in Charlotte.
#1. Semaglutide
The injectable medications contain the active ingredient semaglutide. They belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively.
#2. Phentermine
Phentermine, classified as a sympathomimetic amine, is an oral medication that works as an appetite suppressant and affects your central nervous system – specifically your hypothalamus. When incorporated into a healthy weight loss program, Phentermine can promote gradual and consistent weight loss and better eating habits.
Patients may consider taking Phentermine to jumpstart weight loss and support consistent progress effectively. Phentermine’s ability to curb hunger cravings can sometimes make it easier for people to stick to a calorie deficit and develop healthier eating habits over time, which is a sure sign of effective medication for weight loss.
#3. Contrave
Last but not least, on our list of the best weight loss medications is Contrave, which is also an oral medication used to aid weight loss management. Contrave is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, the former working on the brain’s neurotransmitters and reducing appetite and the latter counteracting the brain’s reward system associated with overeating.
Contrave is typically used in individuals who are working through a program that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and behavior modification. We encourage individuals to consider taking Contrave if they want to achieve sustainable weight loss through the help of controlled portion sizes and a healthier overall lifestyle.
Kick-start Your Weight Loss Management in Charlotte, NC
At Carolina Pharmacy, we’re committed to helping you kick-start your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. That’s why we provideweight management that includes medication for weight loss as part of a healthy weight loss program.
We’re also pleased to inform you that as your trusted weight management specialist in Charlotte, we offer a diabetes program that includes medication for your diabetes treatment. Feel free to contact us to learn more about our weight loss medication and diabetes management today!
Modifying your lifestyle can be a big step toward controlling your diabetes. As an extension of our diabetes management services in Charlotte, NC, and Rock Hill and Lancaster, SC, we’ve written this article to educate you on simple and natural ways to prevent and control diabetes. If you have diabetes already, you will still find this article useful, so read on!
Lifestyle Changes and Natural Ways to Prevent and Control Diabetes: Do They Really Work?
Diabetes can lead to a range of health conditions if not properly controlled. Stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure are typical manifestations of untreated or poorly managed diabetes. Preventing and controlling diabetes may help you reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
5 Natural Ways to Prevent and Control Diabetes
Here are five evidence-based methods to help you prevent and control diabetes:
1. Diabetes and Stress — Learn How They’re Connected
Too much stress can increase your blood sugar levels. When you’re stressed, your body secretes the hormone cortisol, which causes your blood sugar levels to rise.
Regular exercise, mindfulness techniques like meditation, relaxation activities like yoga, and avoiding known stressors are ways that diabetics can reduce their stress and keep their blood sugar levels within normal ranges.
2. Stay Hydrated and Drink Lots of Water
Dehydration with diabetes is very common. Drinking enough water can help you keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. In addition, staying hydrated can help your kidneys remove any excess sugar through urine.
When it comes to staying hydrated, choose water and zero-calorie drinks. Avoid sweetened drinks that can raise your blood sugar levels. Our pharmacists in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster often get asked how much water a diabetic should drink daily; we advise that female and male diabetics should respectively drink 1.6 liters to 2 liters per day.
3. Incorporate Exercises That Are Best for Diabetics
Regular exercise promotes diabetes prevention and control. The right exercises can help you maintain a healthy weight if you have diabetes, lower your blood sugar, and improve your system’s sensitivity to insulin, which is the hormone that keeps your blood sugar level within normal ranges.
The goal of exercising for diabetics is to maintain a healthy weight. Aim for about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. Some of these exercises may include brisk walking, swimming, or biking.
You can also try resistance exercises two to three times a week. These exercises include yoga, calisthenics, and more. These are some of the best exercises for diabetics that can improve strength and boost the ability to remain active throughout the day.
4. Eat a Diet That’s Best for Diabetics
Diet and diabetes have a close relationship, so you need to know which foods to avoid if you have diabetes to prevent your blood glucose levels from spiking. As a general rule, sugary and salty foods are some of the foods to avoid with diabetes.
Starches, in the wrong amounts, can also worsen diabetes. Whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa are part of some of the best diets for diabetes. On the other hand, white bread, french fries, and processed grains are some of the worst choices.
Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and broccoli are also good dietary choices for diabetics. Food choices such as alcohol, saturated and trans fats, and sugary drinks can worsen diabetes.
5. Schedule Regular Checkups With Your Pharmacist
More than 37 million people living in the United States have diabetes. If you have diabetes, managing your blood sugar shouldn’t be a short-term goal. It’s important that you take measures beyond the typical medication management methods to treat your diabetes.
Regular checkups are key to preventing and controlling diabetes. Whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you still need to regularly check your blood sugar levels.
It’s the beginning of the new year! If you’ve already set your resolutions, it’s time to revisit them to include healthy goals in your 2023 resolutions. Understandably, big, sweeping New Year’s resolutions to better yourself can be tough to stick to, however, there are simple ones that are easy to stick to so you can be happy and healthy throughout the year.
In this guide, our pharmacists in Charlotte,Rock Hill, and Lancaster share nine simple and healthy New Year resolutions that can help you stay healthy this year and beyond.
Why It’s Important To Maintain Your Physical Health
You have probably heard that maintaining your physical health is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy. Beyond that, it can also improve your well-being and overall quality of life. Maintaining your physical health will help you to boost your energy level, reduce stress and tension, improve your mood and outlook, keep you fit, and more.
These Nine Healthy New Year Resolutions Will Improve Your Health in 2023
The start of the new year is the best time to set new goals and resolutions about your health. These are simple habits that should be your health resolutions to improve your health in 2023.
Your body is built for motion, not for stillness. For beginners, you can begin by just walking the dog, riding the bike, hiking, and taking some strolls alone or with a couple of friends or family members. You can also try dancing, and doing some yoga. The key is to stay consistent. For starters, do this for at least twenty minutes a day and progress over time. Remember, move more, move better, and be consistent with it.
Begin by identifying the aspects of life that are causing you stress and start working on them. You can begin by taking breaks every day in between tasks and do that intentionally. We encourage you to learn more about healthy living tips to help you relax and how stress affects your body.
5. Get More Sleep
Prioritizing sleep should be part of the new year’s resolutions to better your health in 2023. Ensure to get enough sleep for about 7 to 8 hours every night so your body and mind can get the rest that it deserves. You can begin by sticking to a consistent routine. In addition, try to stay away from technology at least an hour before your bedtime.
Replacing other drinks with water can be the best health investment for yourself in 2023. Aim for about 64 ounces (1,920 ml), or 8 cups of water per day but you may have to modify your water intake based on your environment, your degree of daily exercise, your environment, and your general health needs.
Set reminders if necessary. Water plays vital roles in your body such as maintaining your electrolyte balance, body temperature, cell health, and more.
More screen time can impact your sleep, cause anxiety, and more. Begin by setting time limits for your screen time and keep your phone out of your bedroom.
9. Schedule Regular Health Checkups
This is probably the most important healthy new year resolution. If you want to stay on top of your health in 2023, then you need to create time for regular checkups.
You can take advantage of our neighborhood Charlotte Pharmacy for pharmaceutical advice, weight loss program, nutrition, and general health and wellness. Also, leverage our pharmacy delivery services in Charlotte to get your medications delivered straight to your door.
You can access the most recent news updates about the medication shortage on WSOC-TV and WCNC Charlotte.
What You Need To Know:
As of November 15th, 2022, North Carolina residents have reported issues finding several medications in pharmacies across North Carolina, including:
Tamiflu
Amoxicillin
Tamiflu demand has skyrocketed thanks to a higher number of flu cases in the area.
Compounding pharmacies can create these medications to help with the increasing demand.
How Carolina Pharmacy Is Helping With the Medication Shortage in North Carolina
As a compounding pharmacy in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster, Carolina Pharmacy is able to create medications like Tamiflu and Amoxicillin in times of crisis. We are also currently working with smaller wholesalers, so we can keep our shelves stocked with these important medications.
If your pharmacy is ever out of the medication you need, you can fill your prescription at our pharmacy with our prescription services. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation as it unfolds. We will also not raise the prices of these medications so patients can get what they need during the flu season.
If you are not near one of our pharmacies in Charlotte, Rock Hill, and Lancaster, we recommend calling multiple pharmacies in your area to find which one has the medication you need. Some pharmacies are still fully stocked with Tamiflu and Amoxicillin while others are still waiting on supplies.
If you have questions about how we create our medications, or you want to know what medications we have in stock, you can contact us today. We’re happy to help.
After taking medication for an illness or condition, you should expect to feel better. However, some drugs can have effects on the body and may cause adverse reactions. If you’ve ever taken medication and noticed an unusual reaction in or on your body, then it’s important for you to know why it happens and if you should change your medication.
Just like food allergies, you can be allergic to certain medications. Your body can perceive certain drugs as allergens because they are not recognized in your system. Unfortunately, even with a smaller dosage, some medications will still cause a reaction.
Reactions can range from mild to severe to life-threatening, which is why your Charlotte pharmacists want to help you better understand drug reactions, what to look out for, and how to find out which medications are right for you.
Symptoms and Causes of Drug Allergies
Drug reactions or drug allergies have the following causes and symptoms:
Causes
Sometimes, introducing something new to your body might trigger your immune system to believe it is a dangerous substance instead of a helpful drug. This will cause your body to use antibodies as a fighting mechanism to attack the new medication and try to get rid of it.
These antibodies are the reason why you get certain reactions after taking newer medications or eating certain foods. A reaction might happen on the first dose, though it sometimes will not happen until you have used the medication multiple times. In some cases, you will be monitored by your doctor the first time you take a new medication.
Symptoms
Some symptoms you may notice during a drug reaction are:
Skin rash
Itching
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Diarrhea
Swelling
Fever
These are mild symptoms of a drug reaction, with the mildest being a small rash on the body. However, drug reactions can be as severe as Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction that causes the throat to close up, making it hard for the patient to breathe.
How to Identify a Drug Reaction
Drug reactions or allergies are just your body trying to protect itself from substances it has identified as “harmful.” When antibodies are triggered, they release chemicals from your body’s cells, which triggers an allergic reaction.
A reaction will typically appear in the form of a rash, diarrhea, or difficulty in breathing. These symptoms–especially a rash–will occur shortly after the mediation has been taken, depending on how serious the reaction is.
However, sometimes you have to pay close attention to your body to figure out if your medication is causing a reaction. Drug reactions can be very subtle, and it’s easy to assume that some of your symptoms are caused by another outside force, like itchy clothing or certain foods.
How Long Will it Take to Notice a Drug Reaction?
Drug reactions take a few hours to two weeks to happen. However, it all depends on the medication itself and the patient’s body. One person might exhibit reactions to certain medications in a matter of hours. Others may experience drug allergy symptoms between one or two weeks. Some people may not even notice a reaction until much later.
However, in the case of a severe allergic reaction (like anaphylaxis), the reaction will typically occur within minutes of taking the medication. Sometimes it may take a bit longer for symptoms to show, but they will usually not pop up later than 24 hours from the time the drug was taken.
How Long Do Symptoms From a Drug Allergy Last?
A drug reaction rash will only disappear when the source of the reaction (the drug) has completely left the body. If you notice any symptoms a few hours after taking a medication, do not take another dose. It’s always best to get in contact with your doctor first.
If your reaction appears a few days or a week or two after you started the medication, you should also stop taking it immediately and reach out to your doctor or the pharmacist that prescribed the medication. Most drug reaction rashes will disappear after a few days or weeks as long as the medication is stopped.
In the case of an anaphylaxis reaction, a drug called epinephrine will need to be administered as soon as possible as a first-aid treatment. This medication will cause the patient’s airways to open up, allowing oxygen into the body and reducing swelling in the throat. The effects from anaphylaxis go away very quickly after treatment is administered.
Benefits of Getting Pharmacogenetic Testing in Charlotte, NC
A pharmacogenetic test is one of the best ways you can save yourself from an adverse drug reaction in the future. Figuring out which medications you need to avoid will help you make the right choices, whether you’re getting your medication from your doctor or getting over-the-counter medication from a pharmacist.
The test doesn’t have to be a hassle either. You can get a convenient pharmacogenetic test in Charlotte at our pharmacy for your peace of mind. With a proper sample, we can test your genes and check the effects of various medications on them. That way, you can be prepared.
Reach Out for a Free Pharmacogenetic Test Consultation at Your Carolina Pharmacy in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill
Whether you notice a rash on day one of using your medication, or you start feeling it a few days in, the first thing you always need to do is stop the medication. Mild drug reaction symptoms can start as rashes or hives and then progress into diarrhea and fever if not properly managed. It’s also just as important to get a pharmacogenetic test when you notice an unusual drug reaction.
Infectious diseases are as old as human evolution. Every decade seems to throw one or more contagious diseases in the face of humanity. The recent concerns about monkeypox have raised several questions about the virus.
These questions are expected, especially now that most countries have started relaxing COVID-19 restrictions imposed since 2020. Despite that, the seeming light at the end of the tunnel seems to be short-lived with the recent monkeypox outbreak.
Is this the beginning of another pandemic?
How do I know if I’ve been infected with the monkeypox virus?
So, what is the monkeypox virus and why is this unexpected outbreak causing so much concern and being represented on virtually every news channel? Read on to find out everything you need to know about this recent outbreak.
What Is Monkeypox?
Just like many infectious diseases, monkeypox is a viral disease that is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the family Poxviridae. Typically, monkeypox occurs in the rural areas of central and west Africa. However, on July 23, 2022, monkeypox became a global health emergency, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A Brief History of Monkeypox
Monkeypox was first discovered by medical experts during an outbreak in 1958. The first human case of monkeypox disease was recorded in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Interestingly, the first time a monkeypox case was registered, it was in a time of augmented effort to get rid of smallpox.
Back to the question, why are many concerned right now?
For decades, the monkeypox virus has only been reported in Central Africa and West Africa, but as of the time of publishing this article, there have been more than 48,000 confirmed cases of the monkeypox virus in over 99 different countries beyond the African continent.
Prior to this, the monkeypox virus was reported in the United States in 2003. This came from a shipment of giant pouched rats that were infected with the monkeypox virus. Reports later confirmed that these rats were imported to Texas from Ghana.
How Does Monkeypox Spread?
Monkeypox virus usually spreads through direct contact with infected persons through their rash, scabs, or body fluids. It can also spread through intimate physical contact such as touching, cuddling, kissing, and sexual intercourse.
Signs & Symptoms of Monkeypox Disease
Experts assert that the symptoms of monkeypox are similar to those of smallpox. But the symptoms are milder than those of smallpox. Commonly encountered symptoms include fever, headache, exhaustion, muscle aches, and more.
In the first few weeks of infection, there is usually a development of a rash on the face, which then spreads to the other parts of the body. Other symptoms of monkeypox infection include fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion.
Sometimes, infected persons may experience respiratory symptoms, such as cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. With close monitoring, medical experts suggest that it resolves on its own within 2-4 weeks.
For more information on monkeypox, please download and refer to this quick reference guide.
How to Know if You Have a Monkeypox Infection
Since the signs and symptoms of monkeypox overlap with that of other viral infections such as COVID-19 and smallpox virus, the best way to determine if you have monkeypox is to be tested. If you experience symptoms or have been exposed, then you should get tested for monkeypox.
Some testing sites such as Labcorp, Aegis Science, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, and Sonic Healthcare provide monkeypox tests. If your test result is positive, we recommend that you stay isolated until your rash is healed, all scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
Can Monkeypox Be Treated or Cured
Experience from the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 threw the world into a web of uncertainties. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic>, the virus was relatively new. There were no therapeutics or vaccines, and scientists had little to no understanding of the behavior of the virus.
The entire world was unprepared for a pandemic. Thankfully, vaccines were deployed quickly to contain the spread of the virus.
Fortunately, the case is different for monkeypox. We’ve known about monkeypox for over 60 years. There are vaccines, and healthcare practitioners such as nurses and pharmacists have a lot of experience dealing with the virus.
Although there are currently no specific treatments for the monkeypox virus infection, most monkeypox cases resolve on their own within 14 days to 28 days. Additionally, due to the genetic similarity of the monkeypox virus and the smallpox virus, available antiviral drugs that are currently in use to treat smallpox may also be used to treat monkeypox infections.
Moreover, given our experience with the monkeypox outbreak in the 1970s, we know what to expect. Hence, we can predict what is likely to happen and then prepare for any likely unprecedented event.
How to Keep Yourself Safe in Charlotte
One of the best ways to protect yourself from getting infected with monkeypox is to follow recommended safety guidelines. Here are simple tips to keep yourself and your family safe:
Avoid close contact with persons who have a rash or show other symptoms which are typical of monkeypox.
Avoid sharing utensils or other materials with individuals who have monkeypox or show symptoms that are similar to that of monkeypox.
Wash your hands often.
Contact Us for More Information About Monkeypox in Charlotte, Lancaster, & Rock Hill
Our mission at Carolina Pharmacy is to keep you and your family safe during these trying times by providing safety guidelines and health tips. Feel free to contact us for more information about Monkeypox in Charlotte, Lancaster, and Rock Hill
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