Medications and vitamins – knowledge is good

The following medications and vitamins or typical to someone with a number of diseases. Not only are there a large number of medications or vitamins available, but they should often be taken at particular times through the day. For example, some are required to be taken either one or two hours before or after a meal.  Keeping track is a good job for that particular caregiver. It can be complicated. Tracking various treatments and medications is a good reason to move into a full care residence. These residences have nurses 24/7 to maintain medical requirements.

Sample medications

Myrbetriq  is a different type of OAB medication that can help relax the bladder muscle and increase urine storage.

PMS Finasteride is a medication typically used to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Mint Escitalopram (Cypralex) belongs to the group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Prednisone is a corticosteroid (cortisone-like medicine or steroid) works on the immune system to help relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions.

Sandoz-Lansoprazole  is used to treat gastric (stomach) ulcers, duodenal (intestinal) ulcers, reflux esophagitis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders.

Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim  as a combination is used to treat infections including urinary tract infections, middle ear infections (otitis media), bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and shigellosis (bacillary dysentery)

Tafinar and Mekinist  are prescription medications that can be used in combination to treat people with a type of skin cancer called melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) is a treatment that can boost antibody levels in people with immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory conditions. It contains antibodies, which are proteins that help protect against infection. IVIg comes from plasma, which is a component of blood. Treatment is usually twice per month by infusion.

Diclofenac  is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, and help to relieve symptoms of arthritis (eg, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.

Sample vitamins

Calcium  Magnesium provides structure to bones and is necessary for nerve function, while magnesium is needed for important processes such as blood sugar regulation and muscle contraction.

Vitamin  C acts as an antioxidant, boosts iron absorption, heals wounds and more.

Vitamin  D  is essential for the bones and teeth, the immune system, brain health, and for regulating inflammation. The body produces vitamin D as a response to sun exposure (the sun vitamin).

Vitamin  B12 is needed in order to make healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Every day, about one per cent of your oldest red blood cells are destroyed and replaced. New red blood cells need vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) to grow and develop.  There are about eight different B vitamins.

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats (or “healthy fats”). You get them from foods or supplements because your body doesn’t make them. They’re part of the support structure of every cell in your body. They give you energy and they help keep your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and immune system working the way they should. There are three types of Omega 3s: EPA, DHA and ALA.

Yes, some of the above are included in my medical life. I have learned about the medications that the doctors prescribe and about the value of various vitamins that are good for me. Knowledge is good.

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Bob Murray is retired from the graphic communication (printing) industry, has been living in Seaforth and was diagnosed with Dementia in 2013 He works hard to stop the progress of the disease to AD. He shares his experiences in his column entitled “My Voyage with Dementia” Follow him on his blog entitled: “My Voyage with Dementia” myvoyage553264702.wordpress.com.  (My blog started in November of 2017 at the recommendation of a reporter with this newspaper.)

Bob Murray is retired from the graphic communication (printing) industry and has been living in Seaforth since 2015. Murray was diagnosed with Dementia in 2013 and works hard to stop the progress of the disease. Follow him on his blog entitled Voyage with Dementia – https://myvoyage553264702.wordpress.com.