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Darvon and Darvocet

Darvon and Darvocet

What is Darvon/Darvocet?
 
 
Darvon and Darvocet are banned medications that used to prescribed as painkillers since the 1950s. Darvon is the brand name for the compound propoxyphene and Darvocet is propoxyphene mixed with acetaminophen with both being linked to abnormal heart rhythm.
 
 
The FDA forced the manufacturer – Xanodyne to conduct clinical tests in 2009 where they found a greater than normal risk of developing complications, which led to Darvocet coming off the market in 2010. In 2009 nearly 10 million Americans were taking medication with some form of propoxyphene. The UK and European Union had banned the medication several years earlier.
 
 
What are the risks of Darvon and Darvocet?
 
 
Although it took several decades to establish a link, it is now conclusively proven that these drugs have caused serious cardiac side effects that far outweigh the benefit of its use as a painkiller. Propoxyphene remains in the body long after the dosage and remains toxic to the heart where it interrupts heart rhythm by slowing down contractions and interrupting electrical impulses to the heart. There have been indications and suspicions of this link for a number of decades which has lead the public advocacy group Public Citizen’s to decry that the FDA has been negligent in controlling and studying the potential risks of propoxyphene medication.
 
 
In 2009, prior to the ban, the FDA allowed Darvon/Darvocet to continue to be marketed with warning labels about potentially fatal overdoses. Later studies showed that propoxyphene medications had a higher risk of drug-related deaths than similar drugs with nearly 16 deaths per 100,000 prescriptions. In the unlikely event that you are still taking Darvon/Darvocet after the recall, you must contact your doctor immediately. Doses should not stop suddenly but should be drawn down and replaced by another painkiller, at your doctor’s discretion.
 
 
What should I do if I or a loved one has been harmed by taking Darvon and Darvocet?
 
 
The FDA and the manufacturer Xanodyne ignored warning signs about the drugs for a number of years and motions to pull the drug from the market were filed as early as 1978. This lack of acknowledgement over the associated risks can be used to hold the drug company liable for damages to cover medical bills, lost wages as well as pain and suffering associated with harm caused by this drug. Lawsuits associated with harm caused by this drug are subject to the statue of limitations which means that if the patient or family of the patient intends to sue, they must do it in a timely manner before the chance expires.

Advair Diskus Coupons

Advair Diskus Coupons

 
A brief guide to Advair Diskus coupons
 
 
Asthma patients who are prescribed Advair Diskus may be concerned about the cost of this medication. It is important to keep in mind that the drug is only intended for limited use in combination with a longer-term asthma medication. If you wish to find an Advair Diskus coupon to help you control the cost of this prescription medication, keep in mind that this is only one of several options which is available to you.
 
 
Advair Diskus coupons may be issued by the drug's manufacturer. Currently, their website offers a print-out coupon which removes $10 from the cost of each month's supply. This Advair Diskus coupon cannot be legally used without a physician's prescription. Attempting to purchase the drug with Advair Diskus coupons without a prescription is a violation of the law.
 
 
Other sources for discounts exist. For example, a local pharmacy may offer its own Advair Diskus coupon or another form of discount. Consult with your physician to see if they are aware of any other offers. In addition to Advair Diskus coupons, the manufacturer is currently offering a free trial dose lasting 30 days for first time users. Both of these offers contain maintain restrictions. Note in particular that those covered by Medicare or Medicaid are unlikely to be able to use an Advair Diskus coupon.
 
 
Additionally, it is important to make sure that you do not violate the terms of your insurance when purchasing this drug. Your policy may forbid the use of Advair Diskus coupons. Check and see what the terms of your coverage are. If you are covered for any part of the cost of purchasing the drug, you may find it unnecessary to seek out an Advair Diskus coupon in the first place.
 
 
Should you decide to attempt to purchase the drug from an online pharmacy, these too may offer their own discounts. However, it is important to thoroughly research any such retailer before taking advantage of any Advair Diskus coupons they offer. A pharmacy which sells medication without a copy of a physician's prescription is in violation of the law and cannot be trusted. You may wish to have a physician examine any Advair Diskus coupon which you find online. 
 
 
Whether you make use of an Advair Diskus coupons or pay for the full cost of this medication, follow a physician's instructions exactly. Do not overuse the drug after making a purchase with an Adverse Diskus coupon or otherwise disregard the guidelines you are issued. By doing so, you place yourself in medical jeopardy. Any adverse effects will be your legal responsibility.
 
 
Maintain copies of any Advair Diskus coupon you use, as well as all related medical records. If severe adverse effects result, you may wish to consult a lawyer about the possibility of litigation. Records of Advair Diskus coupons will factor into the amount you are seeking to obtain. A lawyer may choose to sue the manufacturer if your adverse effects are not warned against in the prescription guidelines or a physician who has failed to adequately supervise your use. 
 
 

Advair Diskus Side Effects

Advair Diskus Side Effects

A brief guide to Advair Diskus Side Effects

People who have asthma may be prescribed Advair Diskus if their current prescription is not efficient in alleviating their symptoms. The side effects of Advair Diskus; however, can be serious. As a result, patients must monitor their intake to ensure that the long or short term effects of Advair do not arise.

This drug is not intended to be taken indefinitely; when taken over an extended period of time, the risk of Advair Diskus side effects increase greatly. One of the most serious potential side effects of Advair Diskus–that increases with time is–an asthma-related death. To avoid serious Advair side effects, your doctor will decrease and/or discontinue your intake following the dissipation of your symptoms.

Before you are prescribed the drug, a doctor must explain all potential Advair Diskus side effects. Some effects are not unique to the medication. More common side effects of Advair Diskus are less serious, including headaches and throat irritation. Although the bulk of adverse reactions should be reported, minor or common effects do not necessitate medical intervention.  

More serious immediate Advair Diskus side effects include allergic reactions. If you develop a rash or hives, you should immediately stop taking the drug. Advair long term effects include the risk of developing pneumonia or other sicknesses. It is vital that you report any such Advair Diskus side effects immediately. Though meant to help asthma patients, the effects may not begin to occur for a week. If you notice side effects of Advair Diskus your asthma is worsening.

Children who take this drug risk Advair long term effects related to growth; the drug can stunt children's growth. To monitor such Advair long term effects, children's growth should be regularly monitored by a doctor. Similarly, the potential side effects of Advair Diskus for adults include problems with bone mass density. Left untreated, these Advair long term effects could result in osteoporosis.

All treatment will begin with the smallest possible dose of 100 micrograms and be increased until it proves effective. To avoid Advair long term effects, you should discontinue use as directed by a physician.

 

Advair 250 Inhaler

Advair 250 Inhaler

A brief guide to Advair 250 inhalers

The medication Advair is prescribed help alleviate severe asthma symptoms. Additionally, it can be issued for long-term use among patients who have emphysema, bronchitis or other chronic pulmonary disorders. An Advair 250 inhaler is issued to administer the medication.

It is unsafe to take apart an Advair 250 inhaler or otherwise tamper with it. To ensure that you are safely storing Advair 250 inhalers, make sure the device is placed in a cool and dry area with a temperature between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure that the Advair 250 inhaler cannot be accessed by children, for the medication should not be ingested nor used by children below the age of four.

Unlike the shape of a standard emergency inhaler, an Advair 250 inhaler is disk-like. To ensure safe use, Advair 250 inhalers should be stored in a safe place where they cannot be tampered with. The medication is administered in a dry powder form. When you ingest the medication through an Advair 250 inhaler, you may not feel the powder enter your mouth. Regardless of this feeling, it is imperative that you do not ingest another dose.

Following ingestion, you should hold your breath for 10 seconds, and then rinse with water for an additional 10 seconds. Do not swallow the liquid after making use of the Advair 250 inhaler. Doses should be taken twice daily, with a 12 hour separation.

Advair 250 inhalers come with a counter to indicate how many doses are left. When running low, the Advair 250 inhaler will display the remaining doses in red. This indicates that you must schedule an appointment with your physician to refill your prescription. At this time, you should report any discomfort or adverse effects you experience.

Advair 250 inhalers are not intended for the emergency relief of sudden breathing problems. You should use your emergency inhaler in case you experience any such attacks. If you find yourself short of breath after using an Advair 250 inhaler and do not obtain relief from an emergency inhaler, obtain medical treatment immediately.

Report any adverse effects no matter how severe. In addition to immediate breathing problems, skin problems such as rashes or hives may indicate that you are having an allergic reaction to the medication from Advair 250 inhalers. Be alert to eye blurriness, since the medication can lead to glaucoma, cataracts and similar problems.

A physician who fails to take appropriate precaution when you report such problems may be guilty of malpractice. If so, you may have grounds for litigation related to serious side effects which you experience. Consult with a lawyer who is experienced in malpractice lawsuits who can evaluate your medical records and determine whether a doctor was negligent in supervising your treatment.

 

Amphetamine

Amphetamine

What is an Amphetamine?

Amphetamines are psycho-stimulant drugs–within the phenethylamine class—that produce increased focus and wakefulness in association with decreased appetite and fatigue. Common brand names of amphetamines—offered via prescription—include Adderall, Dextrostat, Desoxyn, ProCentra and Desoxyn.
In addition to prescription use, amphetamines are used recreationally as performance enhancers. Recreational amphetamine users have coined various colloquial names for the drugs, including “speed.”
 
Physical Effects of Amphetamines:

Physical effects of amphetamine will include the following: dilated pupils, blood shot eyes, hyperactivity, restlessness, dry mouth, headaches, hypertension, fever, diarrhea, constipation, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, tremors, convulsions; and with chronic usage: seizure, stroke, heart attack, coma and death.
 
Psychological Effects of Amphetamines:

Amphetamine use will impose the following psychological side effects: anxiety, euphoria, increased libido, concentration, self-esteem, alertness, self-confidence, sociability, irritability, repetitive and obsessive behaviors, paranoia, aggression and psychosis with chronic use.
Amphetamine use also yields severe withdrawal symptoms that typically consist of mental depression, mental fatigue and an increased appetite. These symptoms may last for days or months with chronic—withdrawal severity is proportional to the length of use and the dosage strength. Anxiety, agitation, vivid dreams, excessive sleep and suicidal thoughts are also common withdrawal symptoms associated with amphetamine use.
 

Laws Surrounding Amphetamine Use:
Amphetamine use in the United States is deemed illegal without the appropriate prescription—Adderall and other amphetamines are legal with prescription. Amphetamine and methamphetamine are classified as Schedule II drugs under the title CNS (Central Nervous System) stimulants.
According to U.S. law, it is illegal to distribute, manufacture or possess any controlled substance. An individual who is convicted of possessing, distributing or manufacturing more than 5 grams of methamphetamine will be subject to the following penalties:
¡         Prison sentence between 5 and 40 years
¡         If the use or sale of amphetamine sparks a death, the minimum prison sentence will increase to 20 years
¡         A fine of up to $5 million may be imposed
¡         For a repeat offense, the minimum prison sentence will increase by 10 years; the applicable fines will increase by up to as much as $10 million.
¡         The associated penalties will be increased for individuals convicted with more than 50 grams of methamphetamines
 
Schedule II drugs are deemed highly addictive with a high potential for abuse, with a currently-accepted medical use, if and only if, they are attached with severe restrictions or evaluated by a licensed medical physician. Laws surrounding illegal amphetamine use are stringent; the drugs, as deemed by the United States Federal Government, have a high possibility of physiological dependence and severe psychological addiction.
Amphetamines are regarded as Class B drugs in the United Kingdom. Penalty for the unauthorized possession of amphetamines in the United Kingdom is an unlimited fine and up to five years in prison. The maximum penalty associated with supplying amphetamine is 14 years in prison and an unlimited fine.
The Netherlands defines amphetamines as List 1 drugs of Opium law—amphetamines are deemed legal only in prescription in the form of 5 and 10 mg generic tablets or 5 and 10 mg gel capsules.
In Canada, amphetamine possession is regarded as a criminal offense labeled under Schedule II of the nation’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Amphetamine use or possession in Canada holds a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to one year and maximum fines of $2,000.
 

Dextroamphetamine

Dextroamphetamine

What is Dextroamphetamine?
Dextroamphetamine is a psycho-stimulant drug known to produce increased focus and wakefulness along with a decrease in fatigue and appetite. Dextroamphetamine is far more potent than racemic amphetamine and has a number of stimulant properties to racemic methamphetamines. Dextroamphetamine is the leading ingredient in the ADHD combatant Adderall, which is composed of racemic amphetamines. 
Because of its ability to mitigate the effects of ADHD and narcolepsy, Dextroamphetamine possesses a number of legal benefits. Moreover, Dextroamphetamine is also used to combat treatment-resistant depression and exogenous obesity. Due to the drug’s ability to intensify focus and alertness, the United States Air Force commonly prescribes Dextroamphetamine to pilots and soldiers on long missions. 
Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Psychological Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Psychological effects of Dextroamphetamine include: anxiety, euphoria, increased libido, increased energy, alertness, concentration, sociability, aggressiveness, psychosomatic disorders, delusions of grandiosity, hallucinations, excessive feelings of invincibility and power, paranoia, repetitive and obsessive behaviors and amphetamine psychosis can occur with chronic and/or excessive dosage. 
Physical Effects of Dextroamphetamine:
Physical effects of Dextroamphetamine will include: anorexia, hyperactivity, restlessness, dry mouth, headaches, dilated pupils, flushing, twitching, insomnia, palpitations, tremors, hypertension, blurred vision, dizziness and with chronic and/or high dosage a user may experience convulsions, heart attacks, strokes and severe cases, death. 
Withdrawal Symptoms Associated with Dextroamphetamine:
Withdrawal symptoms of Dextroamphetamine will consist of depression, fatigue and an increased appetite. These symptoms may last a few days for users who occasionally take Dextroamphetamine or may last months with chronic use. The severities of Dextroamphetamine’s withdrawal symptoms are directly elastic to the user’s length and frequency of dosage. Withdrawal symptoms may also include anxiety, headaches, irritability, agitation, vivid dreams and suicidal ideation. 

Legal Status of Dextroamphetamine:
Commonly referred to as Dexedrine, Dextroamphetamine is a brain stimulant which perpetuates awareness, self-confidence and a decreased appetite. For decades, Dextroamphetamine was used to suppress an individual’s appetite; however, because of the drug’s potent toxicity, Dextroamphetamine is no longer legally approved for this purpose. 
Once approved for the treatment of obesity, depression, attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, the availability of Dextroamphetamine is now diminished due to safer alternatives. The drug is now only available to combat the effects of ADHD; Dextroamphetamine is available in 5 or 10 mg tablets, which are consumed orally, to offset the effects associated with ADHD. 
Because Dextroamphetamine is an amphetamine, the drug is classified under the terms of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 as a Schedule II drug. Schedule II drugs are regarded as prescription medications that yield a genuine medical benefit, but also pose a high risk for addiction and abuse. All Schedule II drugs require a medical prescription before they may be legally used. 
Doctors and pharmacies that dispense Schedule II drugs are required to register with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. Furthermore, regulations are placed on the amount of Dextroamphetamine produced by domestic manufacturers. 

Substance Abuse

Substance Abuse

What is Substance Abuse?
Commonly referred to as “drug abuse”, substance abuse refers to an individual’s habitual use of and dependency for a controlled substance. Substance abuse has a wide range of definitions related to ingesting (or taking) a performance enhancing drug or a psychoactive drug for a non-medical or non-therapeutic effect.
Drugs that are often the subject of substance abuse include: alcohol, barbiturates, amphetamines, cocaine and opioids. The perpetual use of these drugs may lead to criminal punishment and possible social, physical and/or psychological harm—these adverse effects depend on the region or jurisdiction’s laws, as well as the user’s tolerance levels, the type of substance being abused, as well as the frequency and dosage attached to the abuse.
 
Medical Definition Regarding Substance Abuse:
In the modern medical profession, substance abuse is used as a blanket term to include the recreational abuse or addiction to narcotics, drugs and other substances. Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of a substance that ultimately leads to the displacement of psychological or physical harm on the abuser. Individuals deemed as substance abusers must exhibit a physical dependence for the drug, must habitually use the drug and must experience a significant withdrawal from the drug.
 

How Can I Tell if Someone is Abusing Substances?
Depending on the type of drug, substance abuse (including alcohol) may lead to a series of social problems, health problems, violence, motor vehicle accidents, injuries, suicides, homicides, deaths, or psychological and physical dependency.
Substance abuse can induce mental illness; the dependency for the drug inhibits the user from perceiving reality—everything they do, say and think about revolves around the euphoria of the high. Substance abuse triggers numerous effects on the user’s central nervous system, which in turn, produces several changes in mood, perceptions, sensations and levels of awareness.
Signs of substance abuse will be illuminated in a variety of settings; however, the most tangible sign comes in the form of the abuser’s behavior. A substance abuser will organize and plan his or her life around the next high. Furthermore, physical symptoms, such as glassy or bloodshot eyes, decreased appetites and severe fluctuations in mood will be present. The addiction to the substance impedes the user from maintaining responsibilities and commitments—victims of substance abuse will tend to frequently miss work, school or appointments. Furthermore, the addiction will ostracize the user from his or her family and circle of friends. Again, the high supersedes legitimately every aspect of the abuser’s life.
 

Treatment for Substance Abuse:
Treatment methods for substance abuse is essential for the millions of victims around the world. Before treatment can be secured, a formal intervention is typically necessary to convince the abuser to submit to help. A behavioral intervention and medication is available to help abusers reduce or discontinue their use. The following forms of interventions have emerged to convince and motivate a substance abuse victim:
¡         Motivational therapy
¡         Community Reinforcement Approach
¡         Exposure Therapy
¡         Contingency Management
¡         Pharmacological Therapy
 
In addition to these therapies, victims of substance abuse will often be submitted into rehabilitation facilities where they will be isolated from society, the drug itself and other influences. Rehab facilities offer counseling and educational resources to enable the user to curb his or her addiction. 

Marijuana Laws

Marijuana Laws

Federal Government’s Laws Concerning Marijuana:
Marijuana laws are among the most confusing and diverse for controlled substances in the United States. Because cannabis is regarded as relatively innocuous—when compared to other illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin etc.—the laws surrounding possession, use and cultivation will vary from state to state. A number of states in the U.S. have decriminalized the substance; these states institute only fines for possession or use of marijuana. That being said, the marijuana laws—and their attached punishments—will vary in regards to stringency, based on the amount of cannabis in question and intent. 
That being said, the federal government lists marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug. This broad classification is then interpreted for the state’s to elucidate the attached penalties and the coordinating amounts. 
The United States government regulates illicit substances through the Controlled Substances Act of 1970—this legislation does not acknowledge the difference between medical and recreational use of cannabis. The laws expressed through this act are typically applied only against individuals who cultivate, possess or distribute large quantities of marijuana. 
According to Federal law, marijuana is treated like every other illegal drug. The schedules or classifications offered by the Federal Government are organized based on the drug’s relative potential for abuse and medicinal benefit. Under the Controlled Substance Act, marijuana is defined as a Schedule I drug. This classification denotes that the government views marijuana as highly addictive and in possession of no medical value. 
Federal marijuana laws are exceedingly serious; punishment for people found guilty of violating federal marijuana laws is frequently steep. There are two different forms of federal sentencing laws: mandatory sentencing laws and sentencing guidelines. The latter takes into account the amount of marijuana in question and prior convictions. Although not all marijuana convictions require jail time under these guidelines, all are eligible for imprisonment. The higher the amount the in question, the more severe the sentence will be. Low-level offenses typically yield probationary periods. Possession of over 1 kilogram of marijuana—with no prior convictions—will result in a prison sentence between six months to one year. 
Marijuana Laws: Federal vs. State
Although the federal government claims that marijuana does not offer medical benefits, states are able to institute provisions to alter the federal sentencing guidelines attached to marijuana possession and use. A number of states (such as California and Colorado) also have instituted their own medical marijuana laws. These states recognize marijuana’s medicinal value and have either passed laws through their congress or adopted them based on initiative. 
Under America’s federalist system of government, the states are entrusted to exercise a police power for the benefit of their particular residents. Due to this constitutional divide, states may elect to decriminalize conduct, such as marijuana possession or medical marijuana activity, which remains actively illegal under federal law. As a result of the state’s ability to tinker with federal marijuana laws, all local law enforcement agents are required to uphold state-specific marijuana laws. For example, under California’s medical marijuana laws, caregivers and patients are exempt from prosecution by the state, notwithstanding contrary federal law.