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Image Source: Kelly Sikkema/Unsplash The 2018-2019 flu season is upon us.  It is important to begin getting your vaccination now.  The flu shot takes about 2 weeks to work and your immunity will last through the spring. Here are two of the biggest flu season questions answered: I’m healthy, Do I really need the flu vaccine? Yes.  Influenza is a contagious disease which affects the lungs and can lead to a more serious illness.  The flu vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months of age or older.  Some individuals are at more risk of complications of the flu and should consider vaccination including pregnant women, older people, and individuals with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. When is the right time to get the vaccine, can I get it too early? Now is the right time to get the flu vaccine.  Flu activity can begin as early as October and last well into March.  If the influenza virus is circulating, you should still get the flu vaccine.  Flu season can often last into the spring, and the sooner you get vaccinated, the more effective it will be. Do you have any questions regarding the flu vaccine? Tria Health provides one-on-one confidential counseling with a pharmacist for any of your medication related questions. If Tria Health is currently a part of your healthcare plan, call the Tria Health Help desk today for any of your questions. Tria Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 #flu #FluSeason #flushot #fluvaccine

Image Source: iStock.com/Neustockimages Taking multiple medications can be overwhelming. Some medications need to be taken with food while others need to be taken in the evening. It can become ever more complex with the fear of drug interactions involved. While most interactions are usually not life-threatening, some mixtures of medications can lead to serious – and even fatal – consequences.1 It’s important to talk with your doctor and pharmacist about your current medication regimen to help avoid any possible reactions. The more medications you take, the higher the risk The more medications a patient takes, the higher the risk that drugs will interact with each other. According to drugwatch.com, the drug-interaction risks are: A recent study from the University of Illinois at Chicago also concluded that children taking multiple medications are also at risk for drug interactions. “Among those using multiple medications, one in 12 was at risk for a major drug interaction, and the vast majority of these potential interactions involved antidepressants.”3 Drug Interaction Types There are four main types of drug interactions: Drug-Drug Interactions Drug-Food/Beverage Interactions Drug-Condition Interactions Drug-Supplement Interactions Simple steps to avoid drug interactions Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any new medications. Make sure they know about any vitamins and supplements you are currently taking. Follow all the dosing instructions listed on each of your medications. Keep an updated medication list on hand for any of your medical appointments. You can also use AARP’s online drug interaction checker Tria Health can help If Tria Health is offered through your benefits plan, you have the option of receiving a one-on-one private consultation with one of Tria Health’s pharmacists over the phone. During your consultation, your pharmacist will review all your current medications, including vitamins and supplements. Tria Health will assist you in identifying any possible drug interactions or savings opportunities! Have any questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.drugs.com/article/preventing-drug-interactions.html https://www.drugwatch.com/health/drug-interactions/ University of Illinois at Chicago Study #DrugInteractions #MedicationSafety #medications #MultipleMedications

Image Source: iStock.com/macrovector At Tria Health, our pharmacists are here for you! They are always happy to answer any of your medication-related questions. For September, we’ve compiled some of our more popular migraine questions, along with our pharmacists’ answers. What are the most common migraine triggers? Emotional Stress Not Eating Sleep Disturbances Obesity Some foods such as: wine, aspartame, and monosodium glutamate (MSGs) Certain medications such as nitrates (used for chest pain) Unmodifiable triggers like menstruation, weather changes, neck pain, certain odors or visual stimuli What can worsen migraines? Rapid head movements like sneezing or turning you head away quickly, bright lights, loud sounds, straining at stool, and physical exertion can all worsen migraines. How do I cope with my migraine triggers? As most triggers cannot be completely avoided, coping with known triggers is an important strategy in migraine relief. A staggering 80% of people with migraines say emotional stress is a trigger, but no one is immune to it. Check these tips out for how to manage your stress: Meditate for 15 Minutes Take a Break & Breathe Deeply Laugh out Loud Listen to Music Get Moving Keep a Journal I don’t want to take a medicine, what can I do instead? Relaxation Training Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Physical therapy can be helpful for patients who have muscle tension leading up to a migraine There is no good clinical data to recommend hypnosis, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or chiropractic or osteopathic care, but some people find these methods appealing. Dealing with migraines can have a definite impact on your lifestyle.  Having a better understanding of what triggers migraines and how to cope can help. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 #AskAPharmacist #MigraineTreatment #MigraineTriggers #Migraines

The FDA has recently released a statement regarding more than 30 King Bio medicines for children and infants. A “small percentage” of the medicines tested positive for microbial contamination. King Bio is notifying its distributors and customers by letter and is arranging for return and/or replacement of all recalled products. Consumers/distributors/retailers that have product which is being recalled should discontinue use/distribution and contact King Bio at recall@kingbio.com to make arrangements to return product. These products were distributed Nationwide to distributors and retail stores August 2017 – July 2018.1 What is a Microbial Contamination? Microbial contamination is the unintended introduction of bacteria into a controlled area (petri dish, stock media, work station). Administration or use of drug products with microbial contamination, could potentially result in increased infections that may require medical intervention, and could result in infections that could be life threatening to certain individuals. King Bio has not received reports of injury or illness to date. What Products are Recalled? You can find a list of the products affected on the FDA’s website. Have any Questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm617945.htm #children #Contamination #Recall #FDA #MedicationRecall #FDAwarnings #KingBio #ChildrensMedicine

The good news continues for those who rely on EpiPens! The FDA has extended the expiration date of some EpiPens due to shortages. As the school year begins the demand for this life-saving drug has continued to rise. After manufacturing delays and supply disruptions, pharmacies have been struggling to keep EpiPens in stock. How is the Expiration Date Changing? The FDA has received “stability data” from Pfizer, a manufacturer of EpiPens, and conducted its own review to conclude the devices are effective beyond the expiration dates set by the manufacturers. This expiration date extension will only apply to specific lots of EpiPen that are expired or close to expiring. Specific batches of 0.3 milligram products manufactured by Mylan may be used for four months beyond their expiration dates. If you have any concerns regarding the usability of your EpiPen, contact your dispensing pharmacy. Have any Questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #Mylan #FDA #Pfizer #EpiPen #expirationdate

Image Source: Katie Smith/Unsplash Are you looking to lower your cholesterol? A healthy diet is a great way to get started. From a dietary standpoint, the best way to lower your cholesterol is reduce saturated fat and trans-fat. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat to 5 to 6 percent of daily calories and minimizing the amount of trans fat you eat.1 You’ll typically see these types of fats in fried food, red meat and products made with whole milk. If you’re ready to start eating healthy, meal-planning can help keep you from falling into old temptations. Here are a few tips and recipes to get you motivated! What Should You Look for in a Healthy Diet? Fruits and Vegetables Whole Grains Poultry Fish Nuts Our Favorite Recipes: Banana Mini-Muffins Oven-Baked Salmon Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Crispy Parmesan Chickpeas Have any Questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/prevention-and-treatment-of-high-cholesterol-hyperlipidemia #Diet #healthyrecipes #Highcholesterol #recipes

On Thursday, The FDA approved the first generic version of EpiPen. EpiPens are designed to automatically inject a dose of epinephrine into a person’s thigh to stop an allergic reaction. The generic is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals and will compete against Mylan. Teva has not disclosed the price or release date at this time. Background Since purchasing EpiPen in 2007, Mylan has drastically raised the price of EpiPen. Mylan has also had many issues with shortages and issues with their manufacturer. The FDA issued a warning to Mylan’s manufacturer Pfizer after multiple cases of EpiPen malfunctions. Are there other EpiPen Generics? In 2016, Mylan released its own generic version of the EpiPen that was roughly half the cost of the original price. The brand name medication can cost as much as $600 for a package of two pens. Teva’s EpiPen is the first from a competitor that is a true “therapeutic equivalent” according to the FDA. This will be the first product that can be easily substituted for customers by their pharmacists. Have any Questions for us? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #EpiPen #genericmedications #Mylan #Teva

Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC is voluntarily recalling all lots, within expiry, of Levothyroxine and Liothyronine. The FDA encourages patients and health care professionals to report any adverse reaction to the MedWatch program. Why are these medications being recalled? These products are being recalled as a precaution because they were manufactured using active pharmaceutical ingredients that were sourced prior to a 2017 inspection which discovered deficiencies with Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). While there is risk involved in taking this product, to date, Westminster Pharmaceuticals has not received any reports of adverse events related to this product. What products are recalled? You can find a detailed list of the products, lot numbers and expirations dates listed on the FDA’s website. Next steps you should take Because Levothyroxine and Liothyronine is used to treat serious medical conditions, patients taking the recalled medicines should continue taking their medicine until they have a replacement product. Patients who are taking Levothyroxine or Liothyronine should contact the pharmacy that dispensed their medication to determine if their prescription is affected.   If your medication is one of the affected products the pharmacy can work with your physician to obtain a new prescription if necessary. Need help? Contact your Tria Health pharmacist today for additional assistance with the recall process: 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm616601.htm #Hypothyroidism #Recall #FDA #MedicationRecall #FDAwarnings

Image Source: Anna Pelzer/Unsplash High blood pressure is when your blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels, is consistently too high.1 People with high blood pressure typically exhibit no symptoms. If the condition is left untreated, the damage left on your circulatory system can significantly impact your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other heart threats. While there are risk factors you can’t control, there are many steps you can take to help prevent and manage high blood pressure. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet2 A well-balanced diet is an essential tool in managing your blood pressure. It’s important to limit your sodium intake along with saturated/trans fats, red meat and sweets. It’s also important to limit your alcohol intake. With a healthy diet of fruits, veggies and whole grains, you can reduce your blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight. Click here to find a list of healthy, high blood pressure friendly recipes. Get Moving Physical activity has a lot of positive health benefits. Not only will it help manage your high blood pressure, but it will also help strengthen your heart and assist in maintaining a healthy weight. If you want to start exercising, there’s no need to immediately begin running marathons. Start out where you’re comfortable, any amount of exercise is better than none. Try mixing it up by taking different classes, this will help you stay interested and build the habit. Take your Medications Properly Lifestyle changes are not the only solutions to high blood pressure, there are many medication options that can assist you in improving your health. It’s very important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and taking your medications as prescribed. Have any Medication Questions? Reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-blood-pressure-with-a-heart-healthy-diet #Diet #HighBloodPressure #Prevention #recipes

Image Source: Element5_Digital/Unsplash Migraine is a debilitating condition that affects over 37 million Americans and their families.1 Nearly 1 in 4 U.S. households includes someone who suffers from migraines. While most sufferers experience attacks one or twice a month, more than 4 million people have chronic daily migraine, with at least 15 migraine days per month.2 Healthcare and lost productivity costs associated with migraines are estimated to be as high as $36 billion annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, people who experience migraines typically remain quiet about their disease which leads to the misconception that only a few people suffer from the condition. What are Migraine Symptoms?3 Per the Mayo Clinic, migraines may progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, headache and post-drome, all of which result in different symptoms. Click here to find a list of symptoms for each migraine stage. Migraines are often undiagnosed and untreated. If you regularly experience signs and symptoms of migraine attacks, keep a record of your attacks and how you treated them. Then make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your headaches. Migraine Misconceptions Migraines remain a misunderstood disease that is often undiagnosed and undertreated. Many people who have migraines suffer from the stigma surrounding the disease which can often lead them to further isolation. Most people don’t realize how debilitating the disease can be, more than 90% of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during their migraine. Tria Health and Migraines Tria Health’s Pharmacy Advocate Program offers one-on-one, private consultations with a Tria Health Pharmacist. Your pharmacist will work with you and your doctor(s) to ensure you’re getting the intended outcomes from your medications. Over the years, Tria Health has continued to expand our services to include a multitude of chronic conditions. We’re happy to announce we are now providing services to members who suffer from migraines. Have any questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/understanding-migraine/migraine-self-advocacy/ http://migraineresearchfoundation.org/about-migraine/migraine-facts/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201 #chronicconditions #MigraineMisconceptions #MigraineSymptoms #Migraines #ChronicConditionManagement #TriaHealthandMigraines

Image Source: iStock.com/macrovector At Tria Health, our pharmacists are here for you! They are always happy to answer any of your medication-related questions. For August, we’ve compiled some of our more popular questions, along with our pharmacists’ answers. Is it possible for my medication to lose its effectiveness over time? Yes. Medications may lose potency and effectiveness over time. Unless the bottle suggests otherwise, always consider the expiration date of a prescription medication one year following the fill date. If you filled a prescription on July 1st 2017 it should be considered expired and a new prescription will be necessary on July 1st 2018. Do generic drugs work just as well as the brand name versions? Yes. Generic medications contain the same active medicine and are safe and effective alternatives to brand name products. In order to receive F.D.A approval, generic medications must prove that they are equivalent to the brand name medication. Is it safe to take slightly expired medication? Taking a medication that is slightly expired is unlikely to cause harm, but it is possible that it may not work as well and in general it is best to acquire a new prescription if your medication is expired. How can you tell if a medication is expired? If the medication was filled more than 12 months ago or the listed expiration date on the bottle has passed consider the medication as expired.  In addition, if the appearance of the medication has changed this may be an indication of an expired product. If you have an injectable solution or oral suspension that has changed colors or consistency this might indicate a new prescription is needed. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 #BrandMedications #genericmedications #ExpiredMedications #MedicationEffectiveness #AskAPharmacist #MedicationExpiration

Image Source: Patrick Fore/Unsplash If you take multiple medications, it can be a huge ordeal to keep track of everything; Whether you need to take them in the morning or evening, what your dosage is or if you need to take them with a meal. Medication management can get even more challenging if you have children in your household. It’s important to not only safely store your medicine but also know how to talk to your kids about medication safety. Medication Storage1 While most parents know to store medicine in a high cabinet or an unreachable location, it’s important not to forget that there are products you might not immediately consider to be medicine, such as vitamins, eye drops, or foot cream, but they still need to be stored in a secure location. It’s also important to be alert to visitors’ medicine. If you have a friend or family member staying with you, be sure to check and make sure all their personal belongings are stored in a safe location. Get Rid of Medicine Safely When cleaning out your medicine cabinet, make sure you dispose of them properly. Avoid throwing them away in the trash or even flushing them down the toilet. The best method of getting rid of unused medicine is finding a local drug take back program. You can find a location HERE. Talking to Your Kids It’s important to educate children about proper medication use. Here are a few tips from safekids.org regarding what to discuss with your children: Teach your child that medicine should always be given by an adult. It’s important for kids to know that they should not take medicine on their own. Parents and caregivers can help make sure they are taking it correctly. Don’t refer to medicine as candy. While saying medicine is candy may make it easier to get your child to take medicine, it may encourage them to try it on their own. Model responsible medication behavior. What kids see us doing is a much stronger message than what we tell them to do. Make sure to store medicine out of reach of children, read drug facts and prescription labels before taking medicine and follow the recommended dose. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.safekids.org/medicine-safety-families #children #MedicationSafety #MedicationDisposal #MedicationUse #medicationstorage #SafetyTips