Strong demand = no price cuts

Hacking away at pneumonia

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitor drugs prescribed to treat hypertension are known to produce a dry, hacking cough as a side effect in some cases, which leads many to switch to another medication. As it turns out, however, this drug-induced, persistent cough may provide a benefit that may have some patients thinking twice about switching to other blood-pressure-lowering medications.

Cholesterol screening for children?

High cholesterol may be a problem largely associated with middle-age and beyond, but it may warrant attention much sooner. An expert panel has therefore recently issued a recommendation endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics that urges that all children undergo cholesterol screening at least once between the ages of 9 and 11, and again between 17 and 21, regardless of family history.

First-line diabetes medications

Those diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes are likely to be prescribed at least one medication to get their blood glucose levels under control. Classes of drugs such as meglitinides and sulfonylureas stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin (the hormone that moves glucose from the blood into the cells). Another class of drugs, biguanides, works to inhibit the production and release of glucose by the liver, thereby reducing the amount of glucose that enters the blood. Metformin (Glucophage, Riomet) is in this latter category and also works to make cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin, which encourages more glucose to leave the blood and enter the cells. Metformin is effective and inexpensive, and it poses few side effects.

Will a common drug lower Parkinson's risk?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes noticeable shaking and slowing of movement. While there is no cure, the condition may be managed with drugs such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO B inhibitors, and others.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs are working

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cholesterol levels among U.S. adults have been decreasing since the late 1980s. While some of the improvement can be attributed to dietary improvements such as switching from unhealthy trans fats to vegetable oils, cholesterol-lowering medications are also thought to play an important role.

Old World inflation down to 0.3 percent

Shopping on the go

Americans turn to mobile devices for Cyber Monday

Making a needed switch

While anti-depressant medications are quite effective, not all work on everyone equally well. When a medication is not working, patients should consult with their prescribing physician about either raising the dose or switching to a new medication. Research shows that if a switch in medications is needed, switching relatively early on does not worsen symptoms and may lead to slightly better results in the long run. According to one study, 70 percent of those prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro) did not respond to the drug after a month. Some non-responders were directed to continue taking the drug, while others switched to duloxetine (Cymbalta). All experienced results within four months, but the early switchers were slightly more likely to have their depression lift completely.

World/Nation Briefs October 12, 2012

Cash-strapped Postal Serviceraises mailing rates

Housing prices hold their course

Asking prices haven't changed, even with higher mortgage rates

Real state market 'like nothing we have ever seen'

PHARMACIES: PBMs are killing independent owners

As a local pharmacist, it was refreshing for me to see an article in The Press about the challenges facing pharmacies today. Low insurance reimbursement does not affect only rural pharmacies, however, but is leading to the demise of all independently owned pharmacies. Contrary to what Greg Lopes would want you to believe, PBMs are definitely and primarily responsible for the closure of many pharmacies. Not only, as the article pointed out, are 25% of claims paid below cost, but many more pay mere pennies above the cost of the drug. After adding the direct cost of the vial, lid and label, easily 50% of claims are paid at or below cost.

Auto sales, home prices help buoy economy

Record iPhone sales drive Apple's 3Q beat

Consumer sentiment stays near 6-year high

'We don’t deserve this': Inflation hits Turkish people hard

Many people in Turkey are facing increased hardship

Price matters for 2011 holiday season

Purchase controlled hunt tags by Saturday

Big game hunters who were successful in drawing controlled hunt tags for deer, elk, pronghorn and black bear have until 11 p.m. PDT, Saturday, Aug. 1 to buy their tags.

Getting caffeine fix as easy as taking deep breath

Move over, coffee and Red Bull. A Harvard professor thinks the next big thing will be people inhaling their caffeine from a lipstick-sized tube. Critics say the novel product is not without its risks.

Comment sought on Avista plan

N. Idaho customers have until Dec. 16 to comment on natural gas proposal

Avista Utilities' North Idaho customers have until Dec. 16 to submit comments regarding Avista's long-range plan to meet customer demand for natural gas over the next 20 years.