Archive forDecember, 2005

Acid Reflux Disease, Feel The Burn

If you’re like me, Acid Reflux is a part of everyday life, and not a very welcome one. With proper eating habits and the proper medication, it is possible to rid ourselves of the burn that is Acid Reflux.

What Is Acid Reflux? What Is GERD?

Acid Reflux or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition that is occurs when the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. When this liquid, containing stomach acid, bile originating in the small intestine, and pepsin, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of proteins, works its way up into your esophagus, it can cause swelling, irritation, and sometimes even damage to the lining of the esophagus. The most damaging element in this digestive cocktail is stomach acid. It can literally burn holes in your esophagus lining if it goes untreated.

Some might ask what is the difference between Acid Reflux or GERD and Heartburn. The difference is that Acid Reflux is a chronic condition that most often will last the duration of the patients life. Heartburn is very similar to Acid Relux, in fact, heartburn IS Acid Relux. Almost all humans will experience heartburn or Acid Reflux Disease. Both conditions involve the liquid contents of the stomach backing up into the esophagus. The difference is; the liquid in the stomach of a person that has Acid Reflux Disease contains more stomach acid and occurs more often than the person who is experiencing occasional heartburn. This acid rich stomach liquid also tends to stay in the esophagus for a longer duration of time in patients with GERD.

How Do I Know I Have Acid Reflux Disease?

The answer to this question is fairly simple. If you experience heartburn on a daily basis and find yourself eating bottle after bottle of antacids, chances are you have Acid Reflux Disease or GERD. If you experience heartburn only in stressful times or after eating particular foods or spicey meals and a few antacid tablets usually does the trick, this is most likely just normal heartburn that 99.9% of the population experiences. If you are unsure or think you may possibly have Acid Reflux Disease, consult your physician for professional advice.

Your Body Naturally Fights Acid Reflux

During the day, your body naturally fights to prevent damage caused by Acid Reflux. While you are awake you repeatedly swallow whether you are aware of it or not. This naturally forces refluxed fluid back into your stomach. In addition to swallowing, your saliva glands are working hard all day producing bicarbonate rich saliva which is constantly running down your throat. This bicarbonate neutralizes the small amounts of acid that are left behind after swallowing.

The Earth is also working to help you with GERD. Yes, it’s true. Most of the time you are awake, you are standing or sitting upright. While you are upright, the Earth’s gravity is pulling harmful stomach acid out of your throat and back into your stomach. So never say Mother Earth isn’t looking out for you. :)

Will My Acid Reflux Disease Ever Go Away?

Unfortunately, Acid Reflux Disease is permanent most of the time. Even after years of treatment, when treatment is terminated, the symptoms of Acid Reflux recur within a very short period of time. This means that once you are diagnosed with Acid Reflux Disease, you will probably be taking medication for the rest of your life.

What Options Do I Have?

There are many things that contribute directly or indirectly to the production of acid in the stomach. The following have been known to cause heartburn and increase the amount of stomach acid produced. Cutting back or ceasing the intake or exposure to the following can help reduce heatburn and the symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease.

  • Smoking
  • Eating hot and/or spicey foods
  • Stress
  • Consuption of alcoholic beverages

Ceasing your exposure to the items listed here will not always prevent hearburn and/or Acid Reflux, but it can help to lessen the symptoms of both conditions. Unfortunately for sufferers of Acid Reflux Disease, the only effective treatment involves some sort of medication.

What Medication Is Available For Acid Reflux Disease?

There are many effective medications available for relief from Acid Reflux Disease and heartburn. Let me first recommend some over the counter (OTC) medication. In some cases, OTC medicine can be just as effective as a more expensive prescription. It is always best to try OTC medication before resorting to prescription medication. While very safe to use, prescription Acid Reflux medication will almost always have more possible side effects as well as more common undesirable interactions with other medication.

Over The Counter Acid Reflux Medication (OTC) - Links Open In New Window

  • Pepcid AC Acid Reducer (Tablets)
    Active Ingredient: Famotidine
    Cost: $9.59 for 30 tablets
    Provides sustained relief for chronic acid related conditions. Can provide relief for up to 24hrs. Results may vary.
  • Pepcid AC Acid Reducer (Chewable Tablets)
    Active Ingredient: Famotidine
    Cost: $9.59 for 30 chewable tablets
    Provides instant as well as sustained relief for chronic sufferers. This is a good choice for sudden onsets of Acid Reflux when instant relief is needed. Relief can last for up to 24hrs. Results may vary.
  • Axid AR (Acid Reducer) Tablets
    Active Ingredient: Nizatidine
    Cost: $15.49 for 50 tablets
    Provides sustained relief. Generally not for chronic Acid Reflux sufferers, but for relief of anticipated heartburn related to eating. (Take 1-2 hours prior to meals.)
  • Prilosec OTC Tablets
    Active Ingredient: Omeprazole magnesium
    Cost: $10.99 for 14 tablets - 28ct. $14.99 - 42ct. $24.99
    Highly effective for chronic heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease. The dose needed can vary from person to person, some needing one tablet per day, and other only needing one tablet twice per week or every other day.

While the above work well for more severe cases, for less frequent sufferers I would recommend Rolaids Extra Strength, Alka-Seltzer or Tums Ultra. These can provide instant relief for those stressful Monday mornings at the office as well as the Thai food you ate on Saturday night. :) These inexpensive heartburn remedies can also be very helpful for chronic Acid Reflux conditions when sudden onsets are unexpected. It’s always a good rule to have a nice sized bottle of chewable antacids on hand.

For great savings on prescriptions as well as OTC medication and discreet browsing right from your home computer, shop the medicine cabinet at drugstore.com!

Prescription Medication
When the afore mentioned OTC remedies are insufficient in providing relief, consult your physician regarding further treatment. The following medications may be recommended by your doctor. As the prices of these medications vary, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor about them if he doesn’t them. Your doctor may offer you an effective but expensive prescription when more affordable alternatives are out there.

  • Nexium
    Free Medical Consultation, No Prescription Required, FedEx Next Day Shipping
    Cost: $174.00 for 30 2omg tablets, discounts available for larger orders.
    Supply good for 30 to 90 days.
    The most effective Acid Reflux (GURD) treatment on the market. A bit pricey, but worth the cost for total relief.
  • There are other prescription Acid Reflux remedies available, but Nexium is by far the most effective product on the market.

If you prefer to shop around a bit for prices on Nexium, please feel free to visit our affiliate pharmacies below.

  • drugstore.com - Prescription Required, Free shipping on orders over $25.
  • XLPharmacy - Prices fluctuate at this Canadian Pharmacy, but Nexium can often be cheaper at Canadian Pharmacies. A prescription is required.

Remember to always contact a physician before starting any treatment or purchasing any prescription medication online. This website is meant to be informational and is not to be used in place of your doctor’s advice.

Comments

Buying Lipitor Online, What To Know First

Lipitor Photo - Brand Name Lipitor, Get The FactsLipitor is a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Brand Names: Lipitor (LIP-ih-tor)
Generic Lipitor: Atorvastatin calcium

Is Lipitor Right For Me?

Lipitor works by helping to clear harmful low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol out of the blood and by limiting the body’s ability to form new LDL cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe it along with special dieting instructions if your blood cholesterol or triglyceride level is above normal and you have been unable to lower these levels by diet alone. It is always wise to try and lower these levels naturally first. This can be done through a maintaining a healthy diet and also with natural nutritional supplements. Lipitor should be used as a supplement to a healthy diet and excercise and not a replacement for them.

Your doctor may prescribe Lipitor to reduce your chances of having a heart attack or developing heart disease if any of the following apply to you:

  • You are 55 years of age or older
  • You smoke tobacco products
  • You have high blood pressure
  • You have low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein - This is “good” cholesterol that your body needs.)
  • You have a family history of early heart disease

How Should I take Lipitor? What Dosage?

Lipitor can be taken once a day, with or without food, depending on your preference. You can choose the time of day you wish to take Lipitor, but it’s best to take it at the same time each day. Lipitor generally begins working within 2 weeks of the start of your treatment.

Lipitor Dosage: The recommended starting dose is 10 to 20 milligrams once a day for adults and for children the starting dose is 10 milligrams once a day. Your doctor may start you out on a higher dosage if your LDL levels need to be rapidly reduced. You should have your doctor check your cholesterol levels every two to four weeks and adjust your Lipitor dosage as needed.

Warning To Children Taking Lipitor! It is recommended that girls are having regular menstrual cycles before starting their treatment with Lipitor. Children under 10 years old should not take Lipitor as the safety of the product has not been tested in children of such a young age. Children over 10 years of age should not take more than 20 milligrams per day.

There is no specific information available regarding Lipitor overdose. To my knowledge, there have been no reports of a patient overdosing on Lipitor. However, taking more than the recommended dosage of any medication can be dangerous. Never take more than what is prescribed by your doctor.

Can Lipitor Be Dangerous?

Users of Lipitor do take a slight risk of liver damage. Your physician should order a blood test to check your liver function before you start taking the drug and again ten to twelve weeks after you begin treatment or your dosage is increased. If liver problems occur during treatment you will have to discontinue your use of Lipitor and discuss other methods of lowering your cholesterol levels. Depending on the results of these tests, your physician may decide to have more testing done as your treatment progresses.

If you experience any muscle pain or unusual weakness while taking Lipitor, consult your doctor immediately. Lipitor and other drugs of this nature have been known to cause damage to muscle tissue in a small percentage of patients.

Never take Lipitor during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side Effects Of Lipitor

Lipitor side effects vary greatly and cannot be anticipated. If you experience any of the side effects listed here, consult your physician right away.

Side effects include: Abdominal pain, abnormal heartbeat, allergic reaction, arthritis, back pain, bronchitis, chest pain, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, fluid retention, gas, headache, indigestion, infection, inflammation of sinuses, insomnia, joint pain, muscle aching or weakness, nausea, rash, stomach pain, urinary tract infection, and general weakness.

Drug Interactions With Lipitor

If you are taking any other medications, please consult your doctor before taking Lipitor. Lipitor can interact with other medications causing increased or decreased effects, as well as adverse effects. It is always wise to discuss all of your medications with your doctor before starting a new prescription or over the counter treatment.

The following medications are known to react with and alter the effects of Lipitor:

  • Antacids
  • Clofibrate (Atromid-S)
  • Colestipol (Colestid)
  • Cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral)
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin)
  • Drugs that suppress the immune system
  • Erythromycin (E.E.S., Erythrocin, etc…)
  • Fenofibrate (Tricor)
  • Fluconazole (Diflucan)
  • Gemfibrozil (Lopid)
  • Itraconazole (Sporanox)
  • Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  • Niacin (Niaspan, Niacor, Slo-Niacin)
  • Oral contraceptives

This list is note written in stone. There could be other medications that could cause adverse effects when combined with Lipitor. Let your doctor give you the final word on what drugs should or should not be taken with Lipitor.

Where Can I Buy Lipitor Online?

Our Pharmacy - You can buy Brand Name Lipitor right from our site. There is no prior prescription required and you will receive a free online consultation with a licensed physician. We offer FedEx next day shipping and ship anywhere in the world.

If economy is your main concern, you may purchase generic Lipitor from one of our affiliates.

XL Pharmacy

PharmaEnergy

Remember to consult your doctor before taking any medication.

Comments

Xanax FAQ, Get The Facts Before You Buy Xanax Online

Xanax Photo - Brand Name XanaxXanax is one of the most effective and widely used medications for anxiey relief.
Be aware of all the facts before you decide to purchase Xanax online.

Brand Names: Niravam, Xanax, Xanax XR
Generic Xanax: alprazolam (al PRAH zoe lam)

The Dangers Of Xanax / Alprazolam

Use caution when driving, operating heavy machinery, or working in a potentially hazardous situation (construction, working with power tools or on scaffolding.) Alprazolam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness and/or euphoria at high doses. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or euphoria, avoid these potentially dangerous activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking alprazolam. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and euphoria caused by alprazolam.

Do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form of alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow them whole. These tablets are intended to release the medication slowly in the body.

Xanax / Alprazolam is habit forming. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Those of you that buy Xanax online without a prescription, from International Pharmacy sources, should always consult with a physician before doing so. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

What Is Alprazolam And Why Do I Need It?

Alprazolam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines (benzos.) Alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. It is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. Alprazolam can also used to treat panic disorders and to induce sleep.

Is Xanax / Alprazolam Right For Me?

Always consult a physician before taking Alprazolam or ANY prescription medication. There are many good medications that are very effective for treatment of anxiety. Your doctor will be able to work with you in finding the medication that will best suit your needs.

By finding ways to lead a less stressful and hectic lifestyle, it may be possible to decrease symptoms of anxiety without the need for Alprazolam or other anxiety medication. There are also various natural remedies for symptoms of anxiety. Natural remedies are a healthy alternative to prescription anxiety medication, but results will vary from person to person. Extreme anxiety sufferers will need something stronger.

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Xanax?

Do not take Xanax if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Xanax may worsen this condition.

Before taking Alprazolam, tell your doctor if you have:

  • kidney disease
  • liver disease
  • history of alcohol or drug abuse
  • asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease
  • symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts
  • any psychiatric disorders other than anxiety

Xanax is a powerful substance. Be honest with your physician when discussing your treatment. You may not be able to take alprazolam, or you may require a special dosage if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Pregnancy And Nursing Mothers: Alprazolam is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that alprazolam is known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether alprazolam passes into breast milk. Do not take alprazolam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are 65 years of age or older, increased side effects of Xanax can occur. Xanax may not be the solution for you or you may require a lower than normal dosage.

Already Taking Xanax / Alprazolam? Things To Know.

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from damp areas and away from heat sources. Moisture and heat can degrade the quality and strength of Alprazolam.

Always take Alprazolam exactly as directed by your physician. If you do not understand anything regarding the administration or dosage of Alprazolam, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.

As stated previously, do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release form of alprazolam (Xanax XR). Swallow them whole. These tablets are intended to release the medication slowly in the body.

Alprazolam is addictive. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if alprazolam is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Seizures may be a side effect of sudden discontinuation of the medication. Your doctor will always recommend gradual reduction in dosage before you discontinue the use of Xanax all together.

Side Effects Of Alprazolam

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking alprazolam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, tongue; or hives)
  • sores in the mouth or throat
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • a rash of any kind
  • hallucinations or severe confusion

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take alprazolam and talk to your doctor if you experience:

  • drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness
  • depression
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • difficulty urinating
  • extremely vivid or strange dreams
  • headaches
  • dry mouth
  • decreased sex drive

Various other side effects may occur. Always consult your physician if you are experiencing anything that concerns you or that you find out of the ordinary.

Drug Interactions With Alprazolam

Do not take ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox) during treatment with alprazolam without first talking to your doctor.

Alprazolam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants.

Antacids may decrease the effects of alprazolam. Always separate doses of an antacid and alprazolam by several hours. (if possible)

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your doctor and your pharmacist whenever you are taking more than one medication. This can save your life in some cases.

Everything you read here at Online Pharmacy Facts is intended for informational purposes only. Never substitute what you read for the advice of a licensed physician. Everyone reacts differently to various prescription medications and your doctor should always be consulted regarding the treatment of any illness or health condition.

Where To Buy Xanax Online

DrugStore.com - A US Pharmacy that requires a valid prescription. They have extremely low prices on generic Xanax.

Generic Xanax - PharmaEnergy carries generic Xanax / Alprazolam as well as brand name Xanax. They are a licensed International Pharmacy and do not require a prescription or medical records, hence their prices are higher than US pharmacies.

Comments

Online Pharmacies To Avoid

Hello Online Drug Buyers.

I am looking forward to bringing you new and exiting products and drug information in the days to come. Feel free to bookmark us and come back often. For those of you that prefer up to stay up to date, subscibe to the XML Feed or subscribe to Online Pharmacy Facts by email in the sidebar to the right.

I would like to start off by emphasizing that there are many bogus Online Pharmacies and scam artists on the internet. These shady crooks will take your payment and never send you a single pill. Today I’m going to help you avoid these Online Pharmacy Scams. Whenever I find an online pharmacy or drug vendor in the future that is known to be ripping off customers, I will let you all know about it. Myself and other friends of mine have been ripped off by these thieves that I will discuss today and I wouldn’t want you people to make the same mistake. After all, we work hard for our money don’t we? :)

Please note that all of the Online Pharmacies that I advertise or link to from Online Pharmacy Facts has been personally tested by the moderators of this site. Orders have been placed and products were delivered to our satisfaction. In simpler terms, any site that you can pshysically “click to” from Online Pharmacy Facts is known to be a reliable and reputable source for drugs and/or services.

Start Of Known Pharmacy Scams:

(1.) tekmeds.com

This site is affiliated with Frontier Pharmacy and Rock Canyon Pharmacy, a well known scam operation. They claim to offer pain medication and anxiety medications including Hydrocodone, Xanax, Valium, and Vicodin for insanely low prices. The problem is they will charge your credit card and never send you any medication. They use a tactic that charges you a $19.95 non-refundable fee for their service in addition to the price of the medication. Your credit card is charged immediately for this fee and then you will never hear from them again.

Steer clear of this site and any sites that are associated with Frontier Pharmacy or Rock Canyon Pharmacy. I recommend that you stay away from any online pharmacy that charges a non-refundable fee in addition to the price of the medication. This is a definite “red flag.”

(2.) retner.com

This is a bogus steroid supply site. They will steal your money and never send you any products. Looks to be based out of Portugal.

(3.) healthy1generics.com

International Online Pharmacy based in India. Customer has reported being scammed for $100 with Healthy 1 Generics.

(4.) mailpharma.com

This International Pharmacy uses misleading and fraudulent advertising as well as shipping fake meds. There are many reports of buyers receiving bogus products from MailPharma.

(5.) Jose Atonio Apodaca aka Sergio Cervantes de la Cruz

Don not send money to any pharmacy that is associated with or operated by this person. He is a well known scam artist who has operated multiple pharmacy sites and has stolen thousands of dollars from customers. He is also known to theaten customers that complain about his lack of service. He operates out of Mexico. If you are ever unsure of who owns a particular online pharmacy site, visit whois.sc and find out information about the domain owner.

(6.) staykleen.netfirms.com

Credit Card Scam! Not only will this guy accept your payment and never send you any meds, he will exploit your credit card information and use it to make additional charges to your account. He claims to offer oxycodone or OxyContin and Morphine at rediculously low prices.

Note: When prices look too good to be true, they normally are a scam. Trust your gut instinct when ordering. Sites that claim to offer Opiates and Schedule II controlled substances without a prescription are a SCAM 99% of the time. There are very few exceptions.

I will update the list of known scam artists and fraudulent online pharmacies as I become aware of them. If you have been ripped off by another pharmacy site that I have not mentioned, please reply to this post or drop me an email so we can protect other drug buyers from making the same mistake.

Contact me at john[@]onlinepharmacyfacts.com.

Comments (1)