Ticked Off

 

                                                         Lyme disease on the rise in Canada

 

If not diagnosed and left untreated, the symptoms of Lyme disease will progress from flu-like lethargy to severe heart and neurological damage.  If treated with antibiotics, the normal prescription for Lyme disease, this disease is treatable with modern techniques, but many times this debilitating disease is misdiagnosed as something else and left untreated, in which case the complications associated with Lyme disease increase.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) usually records less than 60 cases a year of Lyme disease in a country with upwards of 30 million souls, but acknowledged in a 2008 report on Lyme disease in Canada that a large percentage of cases of Lyme disease probably go unreported or are mistakenly recorded as something else.  The British Columbia based Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation argues that the real figure is more like 2,000 cases of Lyme disease each year, which they base in part on statistics from the U.S. that show cases in the United States have doubled in number since 1991 to more than 20,000 a year.  The PHAC is currently working with the provinces and Canadian government to require doctors to make a report of all cases of Lyme disease they treat each year.

The Lyme causing bacteria (Borrelia burgdoferi) are transmitted primarily by two species: the blacklegged tick, which are most prevalent in parts of Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, but their range has been reported lately by ecologists to be increasing and they can currently be found across the geological regions of Canada.

Prevention is the best cure for most diseases and Lyme disease is no different.  To help, wear long sleeved shirts and tuck pants into socks when in blacklegged tick infected areas, and use DEET-based insect repellent – containing up to 30 percent DEET for adults; 10 percent for children six months to 12 years of age;  and don’t give infants under six months any as it can cause additional medical concerns.

Abacavir (a ba ka`vir)

                       Abacavir (a ba ka` vir)

Brand Name: Epzicon as a combination product containing Abacavir and Lamivudine, Trizivir; and as a combination product containing Abacavir, Lamivudine, and Zidovudine, and Ziagen.

 Vital WarningAbacavir can cause severe allergic reactions that can result in death.  Cease taking Abacavir and immediately contact your physician if a rash or at least one of the following symptoms from two of the following sets:Ø  FeverØ  Excessive tirednessØ  Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrheal, or stomach painØ  Sore throat, shortness of breath, or couchThe Warning Card your physician or pharmacist provides you with will have a written list of possible symptoms; always carry this card on you in a place where it can be conveniently found.If you cease taking Abacavir because you had an allergic reaction or any reason, never take Abacavir again, and do not start again until you consult your physician.Abacavir can cause serious liver damage and a blood condition called lactic acidosis.  Make sure to tell the physician if you drink large amount of alcohol and if you have or have ever had liver disease.  If you experience any of the following symptoms, call a physician immediately: unusual bleeding or bruising; loss of appetite; pain in the upper right part of the stomach; yellowing of the skin or eyes; or upset stomach and tiredness that continues.Always keep all appointments with a physician and the laboratory as procrastination could cause additional problems.  Your physician will schedule particular laboratory tests to determine you’re body’s response to Abacavir.

Why is Abacavir prescribed?

Abacavir is utilized in conjunction with additional medications to remedy human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in patients with or without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).  Included in a class of antiviral medications called nucleoside reverse transcription inhibitors (NRTIs), Abacavir is effective by slowing the spread of HIV infection in the human body.  Abacavir is not a cure for HIV and may not decrease the number of HIV-related illnesses, and Abacavir does not prevent the spread of NIV to additional patients.

How should Abacavir be used?

Abacavir comes in two forms; as a tablet to be swallowed and as a solution (liquid) to also be swallowed.  Amounts may vary on your physician’s prescription, but Abacavir is usually taken twice a day with or without food.  We suggest that with any medication you are taking that you set a time to take the medication and stick to it; this will help you remember to take the medication also.  Absolutely, remember to read the directions carefully and follow the prescription label instructions to the letter, and ask your physician or pharmacist to carefully explain any portion of the instructions you do not understand.  It is vitally important to take exactly the amount prescribed, not more because you think more is better or less for any reason, and never take it more often then prescribed by a physician.

If you start feeling well this is no reason to stop taking the Abacavir, never stop taking Abacavir unless you first consult your treating physician.

Manufacturers provide medication guide’s that come with prescriptions, so make sure to read the one you get with your Abacavir carefully.

Abacavir is also employed sometimes in conjunction with other antiviral medications to thwart HIV infection in humans who have been in contact with HIV.  But always talk to a physician about the possible dangers of using Abacavir for your particular circumstances.

Abacavir may also be prescribed by a physician to treat other afflictions; check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information on additional uses for Abacavir.

Are there any special precautions to know about before taking Abacavir?

There are a number of things you should do before ingesting Abacavir,

v  You should always tell a physician if you are allergic to Abacavir or any other medication before taking Abacavir.

v  If you are taking any prescription of non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products tell your pharmacist or physician.  Especially if you are taking Methadone, because you will need to be monitored or your dosage of medication altered.

v  Very important, in addition to the conditions mentioned in the vital warning section highlighted in red script above, make sure to tell your doctor if you have or ever had kidney disease.

v  If you are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or are breast-feeding tell your physician.  You should not be breast-feeding while using Abacavir and if you become pregnant while taking Abacavir, immediately notify your physician.

v  If you like to drink regularly talk to your physician about the possibility of using alcohol when taking Abacavir.

Did you forget to take your medication?

It depends on the circumstances when you realise you have missed your dosage.  If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, skip the missed one and continue your normal schedule, otherwise take your missed dosage as soon as you realise you have missed it.

Are there any side effects associated with Abacavir?

Abacavir can have side effects, but sometimes they will be slight or go away quickly.  Contact a physician if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away.

v  Upset stomach

v  Vomiting

v  Diarrhea

v  Loss of appetite

v  Tiredness

v  Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

Occasionally side effects can be serious.  If any of the following appear or you experience any symptoms listed in the vital warning section in red script above, then immediately contact a physician.

v  Muscle or joint pain

v  Headache

v  Pain, burning, or tingling in the hand of feet

v  Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

v  Pink eye

v  Bruises in the mouth

It is possible Abacavir could possibly cause other side effects not listed.  If some symptoms appear that are unusual while taking Abacavir immediately consult a physician.

If you have a serious side effect you or your physician should report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse event Reporting program online at http: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm or by phone at 1-800-332-1088.

Are there any special storage conditions for Abacavir?

Abacavir should be stored in the air tight container it originally came in and out of the possible reach of individuals below legal age.  Store the container at room temperature and away from any excess heat source and moisture (not in the bathroom).  If it is in liquid form store the Abacavir at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but not the freezer?  After the medication is beyond its expiration date or no longer needed immediately talk to your doctor about proper disposal of your medication.

If you think you have taken an accidental overdose or someone else has taken your medication?

If you think you have taken too much somehow and are worried about any possible effects call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.  If the victim has passed out, collapsed or is not breathing, immediately call local emergency services at 911.

Any other important information I should know?

Just some commonsense stuff, firstly never let anyone else take your Abacavir, it was prescribed for you and could kill another person. And ask your physician any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Well that’s it for our first hub on today’s prescription medication and some of the things you should know and keep in mind if your taking this cutting edge medication for treating HIV infections.