Every year, the population of the US fills out about four billion prescriptions and that number is rising between 1999 and 2012, prescription drug use rose from 51 to 59 percent. Some of the most commonly filled prescriptions are for medicines to treat high blood pressure or lower cholesterol and middle-aged and older Americans are on more medication now than ever before.   In this article, we’ll be looking at the most commonly prescribed drugs in the US and what those drugs say about the overall health of the nation. So, in no particular order, here are the top 6..

Human coronaviruses are common throughout the world. Seven different coronaviruses, that scientists know of, can infect people and make them sick. Most coronaviruses infect animals, but not people. Some human coronaviruses were identified many years ago and some have been identified recently. What makes the current coronavirus outbreak in China unusual is that it is one that hasn’t been seen before. What Is a Coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, the viruses cause respiratory infections, including the common cold, which are typically mild. Some strains of the coronavirus are more..

Offering immunizations has become a significant business facet for modern pharmacies, especially those who work as part of a retail chain. According to the 2018 NCPA Digest, 73% of community pharmacies now offer immunization services, although only 25% of those surveyed offer any immunization options beyond flu shots.   In this article, we will be looking at what the law is behind pharmacies offering immunizations and how those laws differ between states. State Laws for Pharmacist Immunization Technically, Pharmacists are able to give flu vaccinations in all 50 states including Washington DV and Puerto Rico, but the exact state regulation..

With the opioid crisis in the United States reaching epidemic levels, some people are turning to other methods of pain management. One possible alternative to opioids that have seen a rise in use is Kratom or Kratom Leaf.   In this article, we will be examining Kratom Leaf, what its uses and side effects are and whether it represents a real, less addictive, alternative to opioids. What Is Kratom Leaf? Kratom is a tropical tree (Mitragyna Speciosa) native to Southeast Asia, with leaves that contain compounds that can have psychotropic, or mind-altering, effects. Is Kratom Leaf Legal Currently yes. Kratom..

The usual duties of a pharmacy technician cover more than just the dispensation of medicine. In order to be a more effective pharmacy technician you also need people skills, retail experience, and the ability to communicate complex subjects effectively.   With more and more people becoming part of the so-called “gig economy” and working multiple jobs, the chances of people acquiring those skills are significantly increased. So, if your resume includes a large range of previous positions, there is a good chance that you can transfer those skills into becoming an excellent pharmacy technician. What Is a Portfolio Career? A..

If you’ve ever had a prescription filled at your local pharmacy, you’ll know that your pharmacist doesn’t make the drugs on site. You are normally given a certain dosage or amount of your medication from boxes sent to the pharmacy from their suppliers.   While this is a great solution for supplying a large number of people with standardized doses of medication, it does not take into account edge cases who still need mediations, such as a child who can’t swallow pills, a patient with a gluten allergy, or a much-needed drug that’s in short supply.   That’s is where..

Opioid drugs work by triggering a release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are a neurotransmitter that produces pleasurable feelings, boost feelings of happiness and well-being, and dampens the perception of pain.    This makes opioids an excellent pain killer, but they can also become dangerously addictive as patients can become reliant both physically and psychologically on the effects of the drug.   America is currently in the grip of an opioid crisis and drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death of Americans under fifty, with two-thirds of those deaths from opioids.   In this article, we will..

Pharmacy technicians are the backbone of any pharmacy, taking on a wide range of duties that make them indispensable. Training as a pharmacy technician also gives you access to a wide range of employment opportunities, from retail to working in hospitals and other patient care centers.   Here at Northwest, our Pharmacy Technician School teaches you all the skills you need to become an outstanding pharmacy technician and our seasoned instructors translate their wide range of experience into valuable real-world lessons for our students.   Having the right skill set for the job is vital to being the best pharmacy..

One of the most exciting things about working in the medical sector, be that medicine, dentistry, or pharmacology, is the pace at which technology is adding new tools that healthcare provider can use to treat their patients. Over the past one hundred years, we have moved from treating wounds with sulfur and managing deadly influenza outbreaks in the mainland US to 3D printing replacement limbs and inventing wireless wearable technology that can map our healthcare needs in real time. In this article, we will be looking at recent technological additions that are helping to shape and improve the field of..

Polypharmacy is a term used to indicate that someone is taking multiple medications at once and it’s a phenomenon that is far more common than you might think. According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly half of all Americans over the age of 12 take prescription pain relievers, tranquilizers, sedatives or stimulants. This equates to nearly 119 million Americans or around 45 percent of the total population. Even more worryingly, the survey found that nearly 16 percent of people misuse the drugs that they have been prescribed. Deaths related to prescription drugs now kill more..