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Pepin's
Pharmaceutical Prattle for 11-16-2009Quote of the day:
I, John, had a vision…
John, Book of Revelation
Good Morning!
Twenty Twelve
Last week 2 things happened of interest. The first event was the release of the movie “2012”. The movie gives a rendition of the “End of the World” based upon the ancient Mayan calendar, that same great civilization that gave us human sacrifice on a grand scale. Mel Gibson’s “Apocalypto” depicted their level of brutality and level of technology. End of the World predictions have been made throughout the ages. The following link will take you to the last 220 predictions since 44 A.D. ( http://www.bible.ca/pre-date-setters.htm ). Many of the predictions revolve around counting a certain number of years from a previous event. The year 1000 and 2000 were biggies. The list is an interesting read. There are unifying factors in all of the predictions to date; 1) they are certain 2) the event is BIG (all are included) and 3) they have all been wrong! (to date)
There are other types of “the end of time” events that we can’t afford to ignore. Each of us will die. Maybe not along with the entire World, but the even is certain. No matter if we die in an auto accident or after a prolonged illness the result will still be “sudden”. The best advice I can offer is to be prepared at all times. Reconcile with those estranged. Make amends for past transgressions. Be loving and generous. Make the best of the “world” you have left.
The second event of the week was that I did not publish Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle on November 9, 2009. I was up in the great north woods on my annual hunting expedition and had no access to the internet. While I hope that you can forgive this omission it is not the end of the World!
Have a GREAT week!
Steve
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ps. Best answer this week to the question "How are you?" was "I'm just marvey"
pps. Please note that some of the links may not be up for very long and that
you should capture or print anything that you may wish to keep.
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1) The end of their work world
Many former members of the pharmaceutical manufacture’s world were made “former” this year. When will it end? I have no prediction.
2) Full Metal Jacket
Hospira recalled propofol and lipid infusions. Each is a fat based injectable and can not be visually inspected for particulate matter. It is reported that stainless steel filings were found in some of their products. (see the list for lots). Aside: Stainless steel is not attracted by a magnet… try it sometime.
3) Drug Makers response to the end of the world as we know it: 9% price hike
With the end times of “normal” health care approaching and the uncertainty of ‘BamaCare the pharmaceutical manufacturers have raised prices. May be a little like the auto companies who raise prices so that they can still make money when they give you a rebate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/16/business/16drugprices.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=drug&st=cse
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4) Antibiotics tied to birth defects
Several common antibiotics are tied to birth defects in children of mothers who have taken them. “Sulfa drugs” and nitrofurantoin appear to be the worst. Others, like penicillin, have a clean bill of health (see the article abd decide for yourselves).
http://formularyjournal.modernmedicine.com/formulary/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/640876
5) Zetia news may not be the end of the world for Merck
Patients and doctors do not seem to be worried about the recent data on how Zetia fares against other means of cholesterol reduction.
http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssHealthcareNews/idUSN1651231520091116
6) Pepper Spray approved for shingles treatment
The FDA approved the use of capsaicin in spray form for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles) pain. A 15 minute spray can give weeks of relief. Will do nothing against the virus but just the pain.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Fda-Approves-QutenzaTM-First-prnews-2988681706.html?x=0
7) Looming Libido Liniment?
Researchers found that a certain experimental antidepressant had an unusual side effect on women: increased libido. This is akin to the serendipitous finding of drugs for ED while looking for a new cardiac drug: researchers actually paid attention to what patients were reporting.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=a1dWw6lHCAJQ
Have a SUPER-FANTASTIC week.
Steve
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Disclaimer: "Pepin's Pharmaceutical Prattle" (AKA "The Prattle") is the property of PHARMWORKS, LLC and Steven M. Pepin, Pharm. D, BCPS. The opinions expressed are those of the bald-headed author. To start or stop any drug without the advice and supervision of your physician would be stupid. So don't do anything based upon what you read here without professional advice. To be added to or removed from the distribution list please e-mail your request to spepin@pharmworks.com . All insightful comments from readers are thoughtfully considered (the rest are callously discarded). Copyright 1998-2009 PHARMWORKS,LLC all rights reserved.
Copyright 1998-2009 PHARMWORKS, LLC all rights reserved