Here are a few questions that have been posted on Question of the Day. As I have said before, I really enjoy this page and all the random and funky questions that get asked -please keep ’em coming! Leave a comment or question!
You’ve heard it before but it bears repeating – there are no stupid questions. We thought it would be fun to post random questions that we are asked throughout our work days and from this site. So, if you have any random questions J please leave us a comment or send us an email – nova@getpharmacyadvice.com or cate@getpharmacyadvice.com . We will talk about whatever you are interested in!
What ever happened with the inhaled insulin?!
Exubera, the inhaled insulin was taken off the market. It never quite took off because of the issues with correct technique of the patient along with irregular absorption into the lungs. There is a lot of research going on to find a way to deliver insulin without needles!
I heard there are bloodless glucose meters coming out, is that true? (I hope so!)
Perhaps one day, but not yet 🙁 There was one bloodless glucose meter that was close but there were so many issues it is not available. Good news is that there is a lot of research going on with being able to test blood glucose through skin, breath, tears and saliva…but it is going to be awhile.
This question was a comment on the article Do all Diuretics Contain Sulfa?: I have to take Edecrin because I am allergic to all other diuretics but my insurance will not cover it…what can I do?
This is when insurance companies can become super frustrating! The best thing to do, if the insurance co has already said they do not cover it is to:
1) Request letter from your physician about your need for a specific medication and why (with specifics)
2) Contact your insurance company directly on phone, email and letter to request drug to be covered
3) Reach out to your insurance agent and request their help -that is what they are there for
Insurance companies can sometimes be difficult to deal with but the truth is we pay them for coverage. If this is your only option, they should cover it -however to get them to do so can be a long, tedious process.
We received a comment on the article Juice and Allegra: Why was Allegra taken off the market?
I don’t believe Allegra (fexofenadine) was taken off the market since its release. However, Seldane (terfenadine) was taken off the market because it interacted with some drugs to cause irregular heart rythmes (that could possibly lead to death). When Seldane was taken orally it was broken down into an active drug, fexofenadine. Fexofenadine was then released as Allegra. It has all the benefits of Seldane without the negative effects on the heart!