discussing it with the doctor • never using another person’s prescription, and never giving their prescription medications to others • storing prescription stimulants, sedatives, and opioids safely


Additionally, patients should properly discard unused or


expired medications by following U.S. Food and Drug Adminis- tration (FDA) guidelines or visiting U.S. Drug Enforcement Ad- ministration collection sites. In addition to describing their medical problem, patients should always inform their health care professionals about all the prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and dietary and herbal supplements they are taking before they obtain any other medications.


Pharmacists. Pharmacists can help patients understand in- structions for taking their medications. In addition, by being watchful for prescription falsifications or alterations, pharmacists can serve as the first line of defense in recognizing problematic patterns in prescription drug use. Some pharmacies have devel- oped hotlines to alert other pharmacies in the region when they detect a fraudulent prescription. Along with physicians, pharma- cists can use PDMPs to help track opioid-prescribing patterns in patients.


Medication Formulation and Regulation


Manufacturers of prescription drugs continue to work on new formulations of opioid medications, known as abuse-deter- rent formulations (ADF), which include technologies designed to prevent people from misusing them by snorting or injection. Approaches currently being used or studied for use include:


• physical or chemical barriers that prevent the crushing, grind- ing, or dissolving of drug products


• agonist/antagonist combinations that cause an antagonist (which will counteract the drug effect) to be released if the product is manipulated


• aversive substances that are added to create unpleasant sen- sations if the drug is taken in a way other than directed


• delivery systems such as long-acting injections or implants that slowly release the drug over time


• new molecular entities or prodrugs that attach a chemical extension to a drug that renders it inactive unless it is taken orally


Several ADF opioids are on the market, and the FDA has also


called for the development of ADF stimulants. While ADF opioids have been shown to decrease the illicit value of a drug, in the absence of reduced demand, they can shift use to other formula- tions. Medication regulation has been shown to be effective in decreasing the prescribing of opioid medications. In 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration moved hydrocodone products from schedule III to the more restrictive schedule II, which re- sulted in a decrease in hydrocodone prescribing that did not result in any attendant increases in the prescribing of other opi- oids.


NATURAL Hormone Replacement Therapy


hormone our bodies make, and not synthetic ones made by the pharmaceutical industry, which can be harmful as well as helpful. With replacement, patients report an increase in their psy- chological well being. PMS symptoms can be resolved, not uncommonly, in weeks. The medical benefits are a decrease in cardiac disease, vascular disease, strokes, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancers. Because our goal is to return hormone levels to an optimal range, we test the following for any deficiencies: Thyroid hormone, which regulates temperature, metabo-


N


lism, cerebral function, and energy levels. It can protect against cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, fatigue and weight gain. DHEA, which stimulates the immune system, can restore


sexual vitality, improves moods, and decreases cholesterol and body fat. It improves memory, increases energy, and has anti- cancer properties by enhancing the immune system. Melatonin, which influences the quality and quantity of sleep, is also an energizer, a mood enhancer, and an antioxidant. It has also been shown to decrease the incidence of nocturia (getting up at night to urinate). Estrogen, has been proven to reduce the effects of heart


disease, stroke, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, skin thinning, the incidence of depression, and reverse the lack of libido. Progesterone, which acts as an antidepressant, mild tranquil-


izer, and natural painkiller. Bioidentical progesterone can elimi- nate symptoms of menopause, PMS emotional instability, headaches, and mood swings. Testosterone, which drops significantly in men over age 50.


This lowered level accounts for a loss of a man's sense of well- being, decrease in decrease in sex drive, loss of general muscle mass, increased abdominal obesity, osteoporosis, decrease in mental acuity, and decreased strength and endurance. And, yes, testosterone levels should be tested in women, as well. Testos- terone therapy can reverse the gradual sexual apathy that occurs over time, while also increasing energy, and strength.


Do you want to feel better? Call the number below for a consult. The $200 charge is applied to the treatment fee if you elect to go forward. The conversation you and I have may be the best investment you ever made in your health and well being!


atural hormone replacement therapy corrects the loss of our hormones that comes through aging and menopause. The term "natural hormone" means the bioidentical


Virgil V. Willard II, MD & Bandit


PIEDMONT AGE MANAGEMENT PIEDMONT PLASTIC SURGERY


1011 N. Lindsay St., Ste. 202, High Point 27262 336-886-1667


14


www.plasticsurgerync.com NaturalTriad.com


AUGUST 2017 31


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