Where’s My Cold and Allergy Medicine? (continued)

Contributed by: Tammy Stack, Pharm.D.

Community Pharmacy Resident

Text Box: How much can I buy at one time? At Hen House and Balls Price Chopper Markets, a customer will be limited to 2 packages in 7 days. If you suffer from cold and allergies, especially nasal congestion, plan ahead to purchase these products from your pharmacy. If the pharmacy is closed, and you need a decongestant you do have options. A new product called Sudafed PE® (phenylephrine) is available in a tablet form over-the-counter. Other options include saline nasal sprays, and nasal sprays containing the topical decongestants phenylephrine (NeoSynephrine®), tetrahy

Text Box: drozoline (Tyzine®), naphazoline (Privine®), and oxymetazoline (Afrin®). These products should be limited to use only 3-5 days to avoid rebound congestion. This law was not intended to make you suffer more from congestion, but to protect the citizens from the adverse effects of the illegal production and the sometimes devastating effects of methamphetamine. With a little planning and preparation, you can relieve your symptoms of nasal or sinus congestion. If you want more information on steps Kansas is taking to reduce production of

Are Your Hands Trying to Tell You Something?

Contributed by: Melissa Jabbour, Pharm.D. Candidate

KU School of Pharmacy

Text Box: Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a disorder of the blood vessels that causes a loss of blood to various areas of the body. Millions of people suffer from this condition, with women accounting for almost 3 out of every 4 reported cases. While the cause of Raynaud’s is still unknown, it appears that most of the symptoms are due to small blood vessels overreacting to cold temperatures or stress. Arteries in the extremities, such as the fingers and toes, go into what is called vasospasm. The vessels temporarily constrict which drastically limits the blood supply to the area. These same small arteries can also thicken slightly over time, further limiting blood flow. The vessel constriction and relaxation can cause dramatic color changes in the fingers and other extremities. During an episode, the lack of oxygenated blood that circulates to that particular area causes pallor (extreme whiteness). The area becomes numb and cold due to a lack of circulation. The cyanosis (blueness) that can follow is caused by the pooling of poorly oxygenated blood in the vessels. Rubor (redness), throbbing, and tingling occurs as the vasospasm ends and oxygen-rich blood rushes back into the affected area and circulation improves. The most

Text Box: common areas that Raynaud’s can occur is in the vasculature of the fingers and toes, although the nose, cheeks, ears and even tongue can also be affected. The length of the attack can vary from a few minutes to several hours and can also become more severe over time. In mild cases, symptoms can be irritating and disturbing. For those with the most severe form of the disorder, symptoms can be painful and even disabling. Long periods of blood loss to the area can lead to unpleasant skin ulcers, gangrene, and, in the most severe cases, amputation of the affected fingers or toes. There are precautions that can be taken to help eliminate or minimize the attacks and prevent tissue damage. Avoidance of aggravating factors such as cold, trauma, and stress is the first step. Body warmth should be properly maintained so that the circulation is sufficiently regulated. Loose, layered clothing provides more insulation than a single heavy garment. Protecting the hands and feet with lined gloves or mittens and thick socks are a necessity. If symptoms begin, warm (not hot) water can be run over the affected area to help shorten the attack. During prolonged exposure to the cold, chemical warmers (small heating pouches placed in the

Text Box: gloves, pockets, or shoes) and battery-powered heating socks can offer additional protection. It may be necessary to use gloves when handling frozen or refrigerated foods or drinking cold beverages. Consistent exercise regimens can also greatly improve the circulation. Those with Raynaud’s should also avoid nicotine and limit caffeine consumption due to the blood vessel constrictive properties of these stimulants. Likewise, a health care provider should be consulted before starting any new medications and to help evaluate current drug regimens to eliminate those that can interfere with blood flow. If an underlying disease is the primary cause, then care should be taken to treat that disorder as well. Depending on the cause and severity of Raynaud’s, there are also prescription medications that can be taken to help with symptoms. Prevention and self-care are both key to the lifelong management of this condition. For more information, go to: www.mayoclinic.com.