Recently I was contacted by a web site that devotes itself to making patients aware of drug recalls, black box warnings, side effects, and other details about prescription drug information as well as over the counter meds they may be using.

They would like me to send you to their web site for your safety and protection.  I am happy to do so.

I just wanted to point out to you that drug companies do not research drug interactions.

Any drug interaction on record is available because some poor soul suffered from experiencing the bad reaction AND it was reported.

If drug companies spent money to discover drug interactions they would hurt their drug sales.  They would make less money for their stock holders, and they are not about to spend money to make less money.

Please be aware that the profit of their stock holders is without a doubt more important to the drug company administration than is their concern for you.

The following statement is from DrugWatch.com.

Drug Watch: Accutane, Yaz & Heart Disease

By providing FDA alerts, drug interactions and up to date information about prescription and over the counter medications, we can ensure an environment where patients have the best knowledge on their medical treatment and health.  The safety and protection of consumers and patients must be the focal point of modern medicine.

(As I said above, safety and protection must be the focal point, but the truth is that it ISN’T.  Drug Watch.com is simply working to protect you as best they can.)

Two drugs that have recently been in the news are Yaz and Accutane. Both of these can cause several side effects, including cardiovascular problems.

DrugWatch.com educates visitors by providing access to a database of thousands of medications and associated side effects. DrugWatch.com is updated daily with news breakthroughs, information about medications currently involved in clinical trials, up-and-coming drug recalls, and Food and Drug Administration warnings.

(Please be aware that adverse drug reactions are only recorded if they are reported. As a consumer, it is your duty to report any adverse reactions you experience from drugs. If you don’t, others may not have access to the information. You can go to the FDA web site to report incidence of adverse reaction.)

YAZ & ACCUTANE

Drospirenone, known as “Yaz,” was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on March 16, 2006 as an oral contraceptive to prevent against pregnancy, treat acne and treat the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The medication contains the hormone estrogen and a type of progestin called drospirenone to prevent ovulation.

Yaz and Accutane both share several relationships, including: 

• If a woman is going to take the medication “Accutane” SHE IS FORCED TO GO ON BIRTH CONTROL!
• The number one selling birth control is YAZ
• Both Yaz and Accutane can cause severe depression and can lead to suicide
• Both Accutane and Yaz can cause hair loss
• Both Accutane and Yaz can cause strokes, heart attacks, liver damage, gallbladder damage
• Yaz can also be prescribed to clear up skin
• Both drugs can cause cardiovascular problems and increase chance of developing heart disease, especially in women who smoke

In 2008, television commercials lead to the FDA to cite Bayer for overstating the approved uses of Yaz while failing to address the risks of the drug. Bayer was then required to admit to the inaccurate information in those advertisements and created new ones that clarified its uses.  Hundreds of people who developed serious side effects from Yaz went on to file lawsuits, claiming insufficient warnings and information and failure to properly research the medication.

Recalls

A Black Box warning currently exists for Yaz consumers of the risk of cardiovascular side effects that may occur in patients who smoke while taking the medication.

Yaz Side Effects are increased with age and the amount of time the drug is taken. Women over the age of 35 who smoke 15 or more cigarettes daily have their chances of developing the following side effects: stroke, blood clot and heart attack. Several documented side effects associated with Yaz and an overdose include nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding. Side effects associated with a Yaz overdose are typically limited to nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding.  Seek immediate medical attention following an overdose.

As mentioned in the paragraph above, Accutane Side Effects are very similar to that of Yaz. Certain conditions may warrant an adjustment in the suggested dosage of Accutane for some patients. A patient should notify a doctor of any of the following conditions: personal or family history of mental illness or depression, asthma, liver disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease or an eating disorder.

Healthy Tips

By consulting your physician(s) and doing individual research, you can obtain the best method of treatment that is right for you personally. Sometimes, prescription of over the counter medications can provide the best treatment, other times they may not.

Eating a well balanced diet is vital in preventing chronic conditions and other health problems. Medical experts suggest eating simple organic foods; avoid junk foods; fried foods and make sure to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

You already know my recommendations for preventing chronic illness.  They are the same recommendations I teach to “feel better” in a week.

My biggest concern about these drugs is that patients may not be aware that the drugs cause depression, and they may not attribute it to their birth control or acne medication.  That lack of awareness makes these drugs SO much more dangerous.

As well, you don’t expect birth control and acne medication to cause damage to your heart.  The FDA doesn’t often site companies for their advertising.  A black box warning is a BIG DEAL!  Educate yourself about prescription drug information before you choose ANY drug.

Now you know about Yaz and Accutane!  Please take their black box warning seriously!

There are many drugs you need to worry about!  Don’t just swallow everything you are given!

The Life Breath Club is a place where you can discuss side effects and alternatives so that you can really make an educated decision about what drugs you do and don’t take!

Click on the link below to learn about the benefits of becoming a member of The Life Breath Club.

Join Now

You are aware that you are making ALL the decisions for yourself while you are accessing help from Heart Failure Solutions.

I want to remind you that you are also in the drivers seat when you are in your doctors office.  It just doesn’t feel like it.

This is a private membership site to protect your medical privacy.

 

Many blessings,

Carrie Tucker, RCP

The Life Breath Coach

Heart Failure Solutions

 

PS– Remember everyday:

• Relax and Release tension
• Slow Exhale
• Be active in a way that adds Joy to your life