Medication Alert

Osteoporosis Medication and Seizures
Use of zoledronic acid (marketed by Novartis under the trade names Zometa, Zomera, Aclasta and Reclast) for osteoporosis may be associated with seizures, according to three case reports published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. If zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate injection, is given to older persons with osteoporosis and a history of seizures, you need to ensure an adequate vitamin D and calcium intake. The researchers went on to re-emphasize adequate calcium and vitamin supplementation is mandatory to prevent hypocalcemic episodes that may lower the seizure threshold. Patients prone to hypoglycemic seizures should have their glucose levels checked and eat a light meal before the injection as well.

PPIs Impair Synthroid's Effectiveness
According to Darrell Hulisz, PharmD, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the product labeling for levothyroxine recommends that it not be simultaneously coadministered with antacids. If concurrent use is necessary, administration of the agents should be separated by 4 hours. The absorption of levothyroxine (Synthroid) is best when exposed to an acidic environment in the gut lumen. PPIs block gut acidity. While it is well-known that calcium antacids such as calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide antacids block Synthroid absorption, PPIs effects are not as well-known. If you are required to take PPIs on a long-term basis (specially after six months or more), you may require an increased dose of oral thyroxine, which suggests that normal acid secretion is necessary for effective oral absorption of thyroxine.

PPIs Linked to Fracture Risk Yet Again
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is linked to fracture risk, according to a report in the May/June issue of the Annals of Family Medicine. Risks for any fracture and hip fracture were increased with long-term use of PPIs. Vertebral fracture risk was also increased by 54% with PPI use. In contrast, long-term use of H2RAs was not significantly associated with fracture risk. According to the researchers, widespread use of PPIs with the potential risk of fracture is of great importance to public health. Clinicians should carefully consider their decision to prescribe PPIs for patients already having an elevated risk of fracture because of age or other factors.

Melatonin-Infused Desserts? Bad Idea
Products such as Lazy Cakes, Kush Cakes and Lulla Pies are being sold online and at stores like 7-Eleven and Walgreens. They are marketing their products as a harmless way to promote relaxation and as an antidote for stress and sleep deprivation. They contain roughly 8 milligrams of melatonin per brownie or cookie, which is incredibly high for an individual that may not even have a melatonin deficiency. While melatonin is more “natural” and has far less side effects than the drugs such as Ambien, it is a synthetic hormone and has no place as being marketed as a functional food. We treat melatonin, much like 5-HTP, more like a medication than a dietary supplement.

Statin-Induced Eye Problems
Researchers published a study in American Journal of Medicine in which they found 256 cases of statin-induced eye problems due to muscle weakness in medical reports