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The FDA has recently released a voluntary recall of several drug products containing the active ingredient valsartan. These medications are primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. The FDA will continue to investigate this issue and provide additional information when it becomes available. The agency encourages patients and health care professionals to report any adverse reaction to the FDA’s MedWatch program. Why is it being recalled? The FDA identified a cancer-causing impurity within the recalled products based on laboratory test results. They believe the impurity is a result of the way the active substance was manufactured. Due to this, not all products containing valsartan are being recalled. What products are recalled? Any updates will be included at the bottom of this article.MedicineCompanyValsartanMajor PharmaceuticalsValsartanSolco HealthcareValsartanTeva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)Solco HealthcareValsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. Next steps you should take Because valsartan is used in medicines to treat serious medical conditions, patients taking the recalled valsartan-containing medicines should continue taking their medicine until they have a replacement product. To determine whether a specific product has been recalled, patients should look at the drug name and company name on the label of their prescription bottle. If the information is not on the bottle, patients should contact the pharmacy that dispensed the medicine. If a patient is taking one of the recalled medicines listed below, they should follow the recall instructions provided by the specific company. This information will be posted to the FDA’s website. Patients should also contact their health care professional (the pharmacist who dispensed the medication or doctor who prescribed the medication) if their medicine is included in this recall to discuss their treatment, which may include another valsartan product not affected by this recall or an alternative treatment option. Need help? Contact your Tria Health pharmacist today for additional assistance with the recall process: 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm613532.htm Updates: Update [11/27/2018] – FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to Teva’s recall of valsartan products due to NDEA Update [11/21/2018] – FDA alerts patients and health care professionals to Mylan’s recall of valsartan products due to NDEA Update [10/24/2018] – FDA updates recalled valsartan-containing product information #HeartFailure #MedWatch #Recall #MedicationRecall #Valsartan #FDAwarnings #HeartDisease #HighBloodPressure

Image Source: Matthew MacQuarrie/Unsplash According to the CDC, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death and disease in the United States. Cigarette smoking kills more than 480,000 Americans each year, with more than 41,000 of these deaths from exposure to secondhand smoke. Outside of personal health, there are a multitude of reasons to quit smoking, you might want to quit for your family or your budget. Below are a few additional details on why you should quit and how to get started! Quitting a pack a day can save you thousands (with an ‘s’) each year! While you may think a cigarette or two everyday isn’t breaking the bank, those small costs can easily add up over time. www.quitnow.ca has developed a calculator so you can see an estimate of what you might end of spending if you continue smoking. It’s not easy, but there is help to quit! Your health and your pocketbook will thank you There are a variety of methods available that can assist you in quitting. Tria Health currently offers S.T.O.P. – Stop tobacco by optimizing pharmacists. S.T.O.P. provides one-on-one consultations with a clinically trained pharmacist. Your Tria pharmacists will assist you in developing a personalized quit plan that will work for you and your lifestyle. Our proven success combines medication along with behavioral therapy to improve your odds of success. Visit https://triahealth.com/Stop to learn more. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/resources/data/cigarette-smoking-in-united-states.html #SmokingCessation #quittobacco #STOP #Savings #CDC #Smoking #TobaccoCessation

Image Source: Jonathan Perez/Unsplash July is Herbal/Prescription Interaction Awareness Month. A common misconception with herbal supplements is that because its “all-natural” it is safe to take. This is especially true for people who may be taking prescription medications. The main purpose of the public health and awareness campaign is to inform the public that herbal supplements can cause potentially dangerous interactions when taken with certain medications. It is also for informing the public that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA and consistency/quality may differ from one brand to another. Are Herbal Supplements Safe?1 While herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA as drugs or as foods, they do fall under a category called dietary supplements. It is important to note that the level of regulation and criteria for dietary supplements is not as stringent as it is for food and drug products. The dietary supplement regulations ensure that herbal supplements meet certain quality standards and that the FDA can intervene to remove dangerous products from the market. However, these products can pose unexpected risks because many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects in the body. For example, taking a combination of herbal supplements or using supplements together with prescribed medications could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results. Herbal Supplement Safety Tips If you’re currently taking prescription medications and thinking about starting an herbal supplement, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist first about possible drug interactions. Follow supplement instructions Stick to brands that have been tested by independent sources Check ConsumerLab.com or U.S. Pharmacopeia Convention (USP) Keep track of any alerts or advisories. The FDA will notify the public of any supplements that have been reported to cause adverse effects or contain undeclared ingredients. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/herbal-supplements/art-20046714 #FDAGuidelines #herbalsupplements #HerbalPrescriptionInteractionAwarenessMonth #MedicationInteractions

According to the CDC, about 1.1 million people in the United States have HIV, and 1 in 7 of them don’t know it. It is recommended that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once as part of routine health care.1 To help reduce the stigma and encourage testing, June 27 is National HIV Testing Day. Where can I get tested? There are multiple ways to get tested depending on your preference, here are just a few of your options: Local clinic Your healthcare provider Testing event Your home Local organization What should I expect when I go in for an HIV test?2 If you’re not testing at home, you can expect a health care provider to take a blood or oral fluid sample. If they are using a rapid HIV test, you should be able to wait for the results. If the test comes back negative, and you haven’t had an exposure for 3 months, you can be confident you’re not infected with HIV. If your HIV test result is positive, you may need to get a follow-up test to be sure you have HIV. HIV & AIDs Being HIV-positive does not mean you have AIDS. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV disease. HIV can lead to AIDS if a person does not get treatment or take care of their health. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/features/hivtesting/index.html https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/testing.html #NationalHIVTestingDay #HIV #HIVTesting #HIVAIDS #DoingItMyWay

Image Source: designer491/iStock.com In 2011–2012, 78 million U.S. adults (nearly 37%) had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels that fall in the range where experts recommend cholesterol medicine or had other health conditions putting them at high risk for heart disease and stroke.1 Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build cells. So, while cholesterol alone isn’t necessarily a bad thing, having too much in your system increases the chances that cholesterol will start to slowly build up in the inner walls of arteries that feed the heart and brain. Main Causes of High Cholesterol2 Unhealthy diet Lack of physical activity Smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke Excess weight In addition, some people inherit genes that can cause them to have too much cholesterol. Good vs. Bad Cholesterol LDL (Bad) Cholesterol: Contributes to fatty buildups in arteries. Plaque buildup narrow arteries and raise the risk for heart attack, stroke and peripheral artery disease HDL (Good) Cholesterol: Carries LDL cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver, where its then broken down and passed from the body. HDL can help decrease the risk of heart disease. Symptoms of High Cholesterol Unfortunately, high cholesterol usually has no symptoms. It’s important as an adult (age 20+) to get tested once every 4 to 6 years. Treatment of High Cholesterol Working with your health care provider can lower your cholesterol, which will reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and losing weight (if overweight or obese) are all things that can lower your cholesterol.  However, these lifestyle changes may not work for everyone, in which case, there are many medications available. Statins are recommended for most patients, but your doctor may consider other options as well. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Sources: Mercado C, DeSimone AK, Odom E, Gillespie C, Ayala C, Loustalot F. Prevalence of cholesterol treatment eligibility and medication use among adults—United States, 2005–2012. MMWR. 2015;64(47):1305–11. http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/CausesofHighCholesterol/Causes-of-High-Cholesterol_UCM_001213_Article.jsp#.WyAVQvZFyHt #Treatment #SymptomsofCholesterol #GoodCholesterol #CausesofHighCholesterol #Highcholesterol #BadCholesterol

Image Source: vadimguzhva/iStock.com The American Cancer Society has recently lowered its guidelines regarding colon cancer screening. It is now recommended that people should start getting screened at age 45 instead of at 50. Research has showed that people are getting colon cancer at younger and younger ages within the U.S. While there is no direct cause associated with this increase, the trend is clear enough to warrant a shift in the age guidelines. 1 Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the U.S. There are an estimated 97,220 new cases of colon cancer in 2018. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is: about 1 in 22 (4.49%) for men and 1 in 24 (4.15%) for women. Lower your risk of colon cancer Unfortunately, you cannot prevent colon cancer. You can, however, take steps to lower your risk. Here are a few tips to help lower your risk: Maintain a healthy weight Exercise regularly Have a diet high in vegetables, fruits and wholegrains Avoid excess alcohol Stop smoking Most importantly, get tested if you’re age 45+ What are symptoms of colon cancer? Bleeding from the rectum Blood in the stool Abdominal cramping A change in the shape of the stool, diarrhea, constipation A change in bowel habits, or the feeling you need to make a bowl movement but there is none If you notice any symptoms, go to your doctor for a checkup. If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Source: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key-statistics.html #ColonCancer #TheAmericanCancerSociety #Prevention #CancerRisk #ColorectalCancer #ColonCancerPrevention

Image Source: Tomas Salas/Unsplash We’re all aware that most medications can have a variety of side effects, but did you know that one of them can be an increased sensitivity to the sun? There are a multitude of medications that can increase your risk of sunburn or even cause photosensitivity. Summer is almost here, so be sure you’re prepared to stay safe in the sun! How Can a Medication Increase My Sun Sensitivity?1 Photosensitivity is a reaction set off by the sun’s ultraviolet rays and can result in two different reactions. Phototoxic Reaction: Occurs when UV radiation reacts with a drug to form compounds that damage the skin. Results: Sunburn-like symptoms Photoallergic Reaction: This is less common, but usually happens when UV light changes a substance applied to the skin, causing an immune response. Results: Bumps, hives, blisters, or red blotches How to Prevent Sun Sensitivity2 Check Your Meds: Check prescription medications to see if sun sensitivity is listed as a side effect. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water! Cover Up: Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing or try to stay in the shade as much as you can! Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/beware-of-sunburn-boosters#1 https://www.consumerreports.org/drugs/can-your-meds-make-you-more-sensitive-to-sun-and-heat/ #medication #PhotoallergicReaction #SideEffects #SunSensitivity #Summer #Photosensitivity #PhototoxicReaction

Image Source: Khadeeja Yasser/Unsplash It’s that time of year again! Time to pack away your winter sweaters and break out your summer shorts. While we’re all looking forward to a little warmer weather it’s important to be aware of how heat can impact your health, especially if you have a history of heart disease. Certain heart medications like beta blockers, ace receptor blockers, ace inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and diuretics (which deplete the body of sodium) can exaggerate the body’s response to heat.1 We’re here to help you with a few tips so you can stay safe and have fun this summer! Everyday Tips (Three D’s) Dress Right: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a synthetic fabric that repels sweat. Add a hat, sunglasses and well-ventilated shoes. Drink: Stay hydrated! Drink water before, during and after you exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Do-Nothing: Every once and awhile, stop and find a cool place to relax and hydrate for a few minutes. Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Headaches Cool, moist skin Dizziness and light-headedness Weakness Nausea and vomiting Dark urine Symptoms of Heat Stroke: Fever (temperature above 104 °F) Irrational behavior Extreme confusion Dry, hot, and red skin Rapid, shallow breathing Rapid, weak pulse Seizures Unconsciousness If you have any additional questions regarding your medications, reach out to the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 Source: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Protect-Your-Heart-in-the-Heat_UCM_423817_Article.jsp#.WwRlt0gvyHu #AceInhibitors #BetaBlockers #Diuratics #HeatStroke #SummerHeat #Summer #AceReptorBlockers #HeartDisease #HeatExhaustion

Image Source: Deniz Altindas/Unsplash Memorial Day is approaching and many of you are most likely preparing for weekend travels to see family or friends. We all know the worst part about any vacation is packing. What makes packing even more complicated is packing for air travel. There are a multitude of regulations to keep track of and if you have a chronic condition, the idea of managing your medications can seem overwhelming. To help you get ready for vacation season, here are a few tips and tricks to keeping your medications safe and organized! The Medication Screening Process The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. You can also bring any medically necessary liquids or creams, but they must be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. To make things easy, the TSA recommends you: Store medications in clearly labeled containers Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels If you’ve already thrown away your prescription containers, get a letter from your doctor explaining what the medication is and why you need it. Declare any accessories associated with your liquid medication Dosage Schedule If you happen to travel to somewhere in a different time zone, you may need to discuss the time you take your medications with your doctor. If you must take your prescriptions at a certain time, we recommend setting alarms on your phone or watch to help remind you when to take your medications. Have Any Questions? Contact the Tria Health Help Desk: 1.888.799.8742 #medications #TSAMedications #DosageSchedule #medicationmanagement #Traveling #AirTravel #Travel

Image Source: Zhu Liang/Unsplash According to a RAND corporation study, people who are depressed are less likely to adhere to medications for their chronic health problems than people who are not depressed. Researchers found that patients with depression had 76% greater odds of being non-adherent with their medications compared to those without depression.1 This is a concern since not only do people with chronic illnesses routinely face higher death rates when they have poor medication adherence, the rate of depression itself has been increasing significantly over the years. In the U.S., depression increased from 6.6 percent to 7.3 percent from 2005 to 2015.2 What can Doctors and Providers do? Dr. Walid F. Gellad, the study’s senior author and a natural scientist a RAND, recommended that “doctors and other providers should periodically ask patients with depression about medication adherence. Also, when treating a patient who is not taking their medication correctly, they should consider the possibility that depression is contributing to the problem.” How can you help a Friend or Family Member with Depression? It’s important to learn the symptoms of depression and that they can vary from person to person. You can find a list of symptoms and support recommendations provided by the mayo clinic here. Once you recognize it, the next steps are to: Talk to the person Explain that depression is a medical condition Suggest seeking help from a professional Offer to help prepare a list of questions to discuss in an initial appointment Express your willingness to help If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) at any time for help. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 Sources: The Rand Corporation. (2011, May 10). Depression Associated with Lower Medication Adherence Among Patients with Chronic Disease [Press release]. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/news/press/2011/05/10.html Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “Depression is on the rise in the US, especially among young teens.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 October 2017. . #chronicconditions #Depression #medicationadherence #MentalHealth

Image Source: Tikkho Maciel/Unsplash Employee Health & Fitness Month is a month-long initiative to generate sustainability for a healthy lifestyle and initiate healthy activities on an ongoing basis. Wellness programs have been shown to benefit employees by lowering stress levels, increasing well-being, self-image, and self-esteem, improving physical fitness, increasing stamina, increasing job satisfaction, and potentially reducing weight. How Can Your Company Participate? There are a lot of different options, here are a few ideas to get you started: –          Start a walking club around your office –          Create an after-hours recreational team –          Host a step contest and award top employees with prizes Don’t forget to also encourage employees to explore all their wellness options available through their health care plan. A lot of organizations provide additional incentives that help encourage employees to improve their health year-round. Tria Health and Wellness Tria Health is consistently working to improve patient health through one-on-one confidential counseling with a pharmacist. Consultations with a pharmacist help to ensure your medications are working the way they are supposed to work to improve your overall well-being. Tria Health will help you: Save Money Feel better by getting the intended results from your meds. Spend less time at the doctor’s office! Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #Fitness #health #NationalEmployeeHealthampFitnessMonth #Wellness

Image Source: iStock.com/klenova Disposing of medications safely can help protect your family from getting or using medications that are expired or out of date; prevent the illegal use of unused medications and minimize any potential negative impact on the environment. For this reason, the DEA is giving the public an opportunity to dispose of unwanted and/or expired prescription drugs. This is a FREE and anonymous service—take medications back, no questions asked! Where do I go? Visit the DEA’s website to find a collection site: https://apps.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubdispsearch/spring/main?execution=e1s1 Why can’t I throw out my medications at home? Unfortunately, there are a lot of harmful myths floating around regarding medication disposal. Many people will try to flush their medications down the toilet or crush their medicines before throwing them in the trash. Flushing can end up polluting our waters and crushing medicines can put trash handlers at risk of exposure if the drug were to encounter their skin or if they were to breathe in the dust. Medicine take back programs are the best way to dispose of unwanted medicine. How can Tria Health Help? As a member of Tria Health, if you have multiple medications and are afraid you’ll throw away the wrong medication, we can provide additional assistance in selecting the proper medications. Tria provides one-on-one consultations with a clinical pharmacist who assists you with your medication management. Questions? Call the Tria Health Help Desk at 1.888.799.8742 #DrugDisposal #medicationmanagement #NationalDrugTakeBackDay