GranuFlo Background

GranuFlo was designed for use during kidney dialysis treatments. It is diluted with purified water and then combined with sodium bicarbonate to assist with the replication of kidney function. GranuFlo contains both acetic acid and sodium acetate. The sodium acetate is converted by the patient’s tissues and liver into bicarbonate. Unfortunately, one of the problems associated with GranuFlo is that overdosing is relatively easy to do. The patient’s bicarbonate levels can be inflated incorrectly, even doubling the amount recommended in the prescription. Inherently, the drug is not extremely dangerous, but the fact that it can cause such serious complications when improperly mixed makes GranuFlo extremely risky.

The Makers of GranuFlo

Fresenius Medical Care is the manufacturer for GranuFlo and many of the other treatments and machines associated with kidney dialysis. The manufacturers also own a kidney dialysis clinic. In 2011, the company issued an internal memo to the clinics under their management about the risks associated with GranuFlo. The company did not make this a public memo, warning the numerous physicians and patients working with the drug about the complications and risks associated. The memo referenced a total of 941 patients experiencing cardiac arrest immediately following the treatment (many of these patients suffered cardiac arrest still at the dialysis facility). Furthermore, the memo articulated that patients in dialysis treatment with GranuFlo (and their other product, NutraLyte) were six times more likely to suffer a heart attack or cardiac death. This memo was later leaked, leading the FDA to issue the recall notification.

Side Effects of GranuFlo

There are many negative side effects of using this treatment. They include low blood pressure, heart problems, stroke, cardiac arrest, and heart attack. Patients who have been involved in treatment with GranuFlo should speak to their personal physician about their lab levels and any negative changes in their physical health. Those patients or loved ones of patients who have witnessed heart attack and cardiac arrest should consider whether this occurred as a result of GranuFlo. Stroke and metabolic alkalosis were also reported by some patients mentioned in the memo.

Getting Representation

As a patient or a loved one of a patient, you have the right to safe medical treatment. GranuFlo’s manufacturers attempted to conceal the true danger of their drug, which is not in the best interests of the physicians administering treatment or the patients receiving dialysis.

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It’s any wonder why women still choose to take Yaz when the dangers are clearly out there. While the Bayer Company, makers of Yaz, kept quiet about serious side effects when the drug first hit the market, they have made more of an effort to clearly state the dangers of their formerly top-selling drug. Any interested or current Yaz user, checking out the official Yaz website will notice that it’s full of warnings and a link to the FDA’s latest “safety announcement”.

Additionally, in February of 2013, Bayer had reached agreements, without admission of liability, to settle the claims of approximately 4,800 claimants in the U.S. against Yaz.  While the birth control pill has serious and sometimes fatal side effects/risks such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and liver damage, Bayer was only settling claims in the United States for DVT or PE, which made up about 3,200 of the claims.  More recently, Bayer agreed to pay up to $24 million to settle other lawsuits involving allegations of gall bladder side effects and will continue to consider the option of settling individual lawsuits on a case-by-case basis.

Surely, Bayer is taking some financial losses with all the pending lawsuits, but the company would most likely lose much more if the ever-popular Yaz was taken off of the market for good.  If Yaz was taken off of the market, its loyal users could still find several generic options that remain on the market and often at a much cheaper cost.

Choosing Birth Control: An important discussion between a patient and a medical professional

Any women who decide to take Yaz or any of the generic options should continue to be aware and warned of the dangerous side effects.  While women, interested in taking birth control, should take the safety of their health in their own hands, doctors and other medical professionals should be responsible for voicing any dangers as well.  As stated by the FDA, “Women should talk to their healthcare professional about their risk for blood clots before deciding which birth control method (Yaz) to use” and “Healthcare professionals should consider the risks and benefits of drospirenone-containing birth control pills (Yaz) and a woman’s risk for developing a blood clot before prescribing these drugs.”

Yaz used to be known as a groundbreaking, life changing, new wave of birth control, but given the financial, emotional, and physical pain of many Yaz takers, it was realized it was no safer than any other birth control on the market.  Women, when choosing birth control, should research all of their options with great consideration and look at the hard facts rather than the “too-good-to-be-true” claims and images.

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Learn more about this information!

In March 2012, the FDA issued a Class 1 recall notice for Granuflo (dry) and Naturalyte (liquid) acid concentrates due to the risk that improper mixtures of the products could contribute to a high serum bicarbonate level in hemodialysis patients and trigger metabolic alkolosis. This concentrate was manufactured and distributed from January 2008 through June 2012. A Class 1 recall is the most serious kind. It involves situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of the recalled product will cause serious adverse health consequences or even death.

GranuFlo is an experimental drug designed to facilitate kidney dialysis. Medical researchers learned that GranuFlo’s primary ingredient converted to bicarbonate during dialysis. Bicarbonate is a class of naturally-occurring salts, in the same chemical tree as baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). It is critical to dialysis because it neutralizes the body’s pH level, or acidity, helps kidneys function more fully and regulates the body’s acid/base balance.

Thus, while bicarbonate is essential to dialysis’s goal and health in general, too much can cause serious problems. Physicians, who did not know that GranuFlo converted to bicarbonate, sometimes gave patients too much, resulting in unexpected cardiac complications.

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What is Mirena?

Mirena is a small, flexible hormone-releasing device inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. The female hormone released by the device, levonorgestrel, thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching or fertilizing the egg.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mirena for use as a contraceptive in 2000 and for use in treating heavy menstrual bleeding in IUD users in 2009.

The FDA’s Division of Drug Marketing, Advertisin and Communications (DDMAC< now known as the Office of Prescription Drug Promotion), sent warning letters to Bayer in 2009, alleging that Bayer was:

• Overstating Mirena’s effectiveness
• Sponsoring misleading online links
• Downplaying the serious health risks associated with Mirena usage
• Failing to communicate risks information to women and doctors

The graphic contains information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other sources, including AdverseEvents.com, which tracks adverse events reports to the FDA.

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And that’s not just it, in the UK we have a ratio of 280:1 people to doctors, the USA has around 330: 1, however in countries like Kenya it can be upwards of 50,000:1. Ideally, cutting this figure is paramount. However, doctors take time, money and infrastructure to train and in the short and even medium term this is not a reality.

However, there is a solution that we’ve seen increasingly introduced – the health kiosk. Health kiosks are relatively low in cost when compared to the cost of a doctor, can be situated closer to people’s homes and allow them better access to health care. So, let’s take a look at the benefits kiosks can offer.

Link to Doctors

Kiosks are connected to medical professionals in a centralised location. Upon receiving the vitals in question, such as blood pressure, temperature, lung capacity, and a whole range of other information, this can be sent via 3G connections for analysis. Health professionals can then send back a recommendation to the patient in a short period of time, in many cases this reply is the same as that of a doctor.

Information

Knowledge is power, especially in the case of health and if the know-how is on hand people will want to access it. Statistics from a kiosk in Mashavu in Kenya show that around a third of people came to the health kiosk looking to learn about their health – something that showcases the demand for prevention rather than cure.

Medi Vend

One solution that showcases the power of these Kiosks is the medi vend. This kiosk provides a point where not only information is dispensed, but also medical items. Medi Vend can be used to dispense everything from information, to testing kits, to condoms. Like many of the other kiosks it is 3G connected and can manage, collate and return data. This allows users to manage reporting, target and assist health care needs.

Of course, kiosks can also be used for a variety of other uses in the medical industry. From self-service check in, registration and for bookings to health care promotion; kiosks are used throughout the world.

However, it seems that they are becoming increasingly sought after in countries with high doctor to individual ratios and understandably so.

John Seed is a strong believer in automated systems in aiding health care. He has written in the area for a number of blogs and sites and writes this article for Cammax.

The post How Medical Kiosks Are Changing African Health For The Better appeared first on Medical Directions.

What is Actos?

Also known as pioglitazaone, Actos is an oral medication used to manage blood sugar—or glucose—levels in type II diabetic patients. While many type II diabetics fare quite well with the use of Actos alone, others may require additional assistance from insulin injections or other oral medications. In most cases, individuals who have been diagnosed with type I diabetes will not benefit from the use of Actos. Those who have more questions about this medication may want to consider consultation with a clinical pharmacist experienced in the field of diabetes management.

How is Actos Taken?

So how, exactly, is Actos taken? Are the certain recommendations that must be followed to ensure optimal results with this medication? Though instructions may differ quite a bit depending on the individual patient, most diabetics are encouraged to take Actos once a day, with or without food. Monitoring blood sugar levels on a regular basis is often recommended while using Actos, so healthcare professionals can determine if increases or decreases in prescription strength are needed. Those who develop adverse side effects while using Actos may be able to switch to another medication with similar benefits.

Side Effects of Actos

While there is no question that Actos is effective when it comes to the management of blood sugar levels, the product is not without its drawbacks. In fact, some individuals experience severe side effects as a result of Actos use. While symptoms might range a bit from person to person, they often include weight gain, nausea, increased hunger and thirst, and blurred vision. Individuals who develop severe cases of any of the symptoms described above—or for that matter, those that are not listed—should be sure to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Managing Missed Dosages

As with any new medication, understanding what to do in the event of a missed dosed is considered by many individuals to be essential. Though specific recommendations may vary, type II diabetics who have missed a dose of Actos should take the product as soon as it is remembered. Those who accidently take an extra dose of Actos may want to consider consultation with the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. These individuals can offer tips, recommendations, and suggestions when it comes to dealing with the after effects of accidently taking a larger than recommended dosage of Actos.

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The Benefits of Yaz Birth Control

Yaz is safe if you are a healthy individual and you’re looking to avoid unplanned pregnancy. Oral contraceptives are usually a safe choice if you are planning on having unprotected sex; like other brands of oral contraceptive, if you take the pills as directed then they are 99 percent effective. That being said, it is very important to remember that oral contraceptives do not protect you from any sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The Known Risks Associated With Yaz

While there are benefits to taking Yaz, you need to be aware of the risks associated with it as well. The FDA has stated that Yaz increases a woman’s chance of suffering from a blood clot; the risk of clotting is 74 percent higher with Yaz than with other brands of oral contraceptive. There are some other serious health risks known to be associated with Yaz, including strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, high blood pressure, and depression.

Since Yaz became available for purchase in 2006, there have been more than 11,000 lawsuits against Bayer Pharmaceuticals, the company that manufactures this oral contraceptive. There have been close to 100 deaths and thousands of injuries.

What You Must Consider

There are a few things you and your doctor should consider before you decide to take Yaz. You should not consider oral contraceptives at all if you are older than 35, younger than 14, obese, or a smoker. Additionally, individuals who regularly suffer from migraines, who have liver disease, or who have kidney disease should not take Yaz. Your doctor should also let you know that Yaz can react badly with other pharmaceuticals, including but certainly not limited to ibuprofen, heparin and ACE-inhibitors.

Oral contraceptives can be extremely convenient, but they’re not for everyone. Talk to your doctor about whether Yaz is safe for you. However, if you have taken Yaz and have suffered, speak to a lawyer as soon as possible about receiving financial compensation for your suffering.

The post Birth Control Pill Safety: Is Yaz a Safe Choice? appeared first on Medical Directions.

Exercise

When it comes to healthy living, exercise is considered by most experts to be a must. Physical activity not only helps in the management of weight loss and maintenance, but is also crucial when it comes to the treatment and prevention of various chronic and acute health conditions. Depending on one’s health status and their personal healthy living philosophy, the amount of exercise needed each day may vary substantially. While most people are encouraged to get at least thirty minutes of physical activity five days per week, exercising for an hour or more may provide even more substantial and long-term benefits.

Diet

Diet also plays an important role when it comes to the promotion of a healthy living philosophy. According to Web MD, people who wish to ensure the best results with their health should include lean protein, low-fat milk, whole grains, and fruits/vegetables in their diets on a regular basis. Drinking adequate amounts of water and monitoring portion size carefully can also make a difference in quality and quantity of life for those pursuing a healthy living philosophy. Men and women who have more questions about the quality of their diet may want to consider consultation with a registered dietitian or nutritionist experienced in the field of holistic health.

Rest

Lately, we have begun to hear more and more about the importance of getting enough sleep at night. Sleep not only allows our minds to relax after the numerous stressors of the day, but provides recuperation for the body, as well. Individuals who are over the age of 18 are typically encouraged to get at least eight hours of sleep each night for best overall health. Significantly lower—or higher—amounts of sleep at night can cause serious, long term health consequences, some of which may be life threatening.

Stress Management

Finally, for an optimal healthy living philosophy, including stress management techniques are key! Stress is not only linked to mental and physical exhaustion, but can also cause chronic health conditions and shorten life expectancy. Individuals who experience a great deal of stress on a daily basis may want to consider consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist to manage these serious issues. Communicating with friends/family members, participating in hobbies or other enjoyable activities, and even meditating are also great ways for individuals to decrease the effects of stress. In severe cases, the use of medications or non-invasive therapies may be recommended to prevent potential illness.

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To my surprise I actually can pair up people I know with every, single implant on this list! That must mean they’re very common. How many do you recognize?  If you have any experience with one of these medical implants and wish to share your story please send us an email at medicaldirectionssubmissions@gmail.com.

1. Artificial Hips

Artificial Hips are medical devices or joints used in hip replacement surgeries. These are used in partial or full hip replacements. There are over 60 types of artificial hips, so do your research before you choose.

2. Heart Pacemakers

Heart Pacemakers are used to treat patients with conditions that cause abnormal heart rhythms. There are two kinds of heart pacemakers, one that triggers the chambers of the heart and another that sends an electrical pulse to the heart to control the rate and rhythm. Both types are small medical devices that get surgically implanted under the skin near the heart to help control a person’s heartbeat.

3. Breast Implants

Breast implants are devices used to reconstruct, reshape or enhance the size of a woman’s breast.  There are three types of breast implants including: saline, silicone, and composite.

4. Spine Screws, Rods and Artificial Discs

Spine screws, rods and artificial discs are all hardware used in several types of spinal fusion surgeries where two or more vertebrae are fused together.

5. IUDs (Intra-Uterine Devices)

An IUD is a small contraceptive device that is inserted into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy. There are only two IUD brands available in the US. These brands of birth control are Mirena and ParaGard.

6. Metal Screws, Pins, Plates and Rods

Metal screws, pins, plates and rods are the medical hardware pieces used to repair all sorts of bone fractures. These items are used to help realign fractured bones and hold them together to allow them to heal.

7. Artificial Knees

Artificial knees are used to replace the real knee cap or joint in a patient who needs partial or total knee replacement surgery. There are several types of artificial knees and joints, so do your research if you need this type of surgery.

8. Coronary Stents

Coronary Stents are used in patients who have unstable angina or have had a recent heart attack because of blocked arteries. These stents are small tubes that are inserted into any of the arteries that supply blood to the patient’s heart. They are used to open up the artery to allow better blood flow.

9. Ear Tubes

Ear tubes are used to alleviate any severe build up of fluid in a patient’s middle ear that can’t be cured by medication. These are small tubes inserted into the ear drum. There are a variety of ear tubes on the market. Some are used on a temporary basis where others are designed for long-term use to treat chronic conditions.

10. Artificial Eye Lenses

Artificial Eye Lenses are used to replace a patient’s natural eye lense during cataract surgery. There are 4 main types of artificial eye lenses depending on the patients need and condition. The four types include: Monofocal Lenses, Astigmatic Lenses,  Monovision and Multifocal Lenses. Each offers a different type of visual result.

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