By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: While statin side effects are rare, one – rhabdomyolysis – can be serious. The only way to know for sure if you are having the side effects of statins is to have your blood labs drawn.
Dear Curtis: I’m taking Pravastatin and got a cold about the same time [...]
Archive for December, 2009
Statin Side Effects
December 31st, 2009Goldenseal Herb
December 30th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Goldseal herb has a long history of use in this country – one of which is as a laxative. You definitely want to check with your doctor before taking ANY medications to treat constipation as there can be other, more serious causes. Scientific data of goldenseal herb shows that [...]
The Niacin Cholesterol Connection
December 30th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: The niacin cholesterol connection is a strong one and if you have low HDL cholesterol you’ll want to consider using niacin. Over the counter (OTC) forms are lower cost but may have more flushing. Always consult your doctor before starting niacin due to possible side effects from the high [...]
Best Calcium Supplement
December 28th, 2009by Curt M. Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Choosing the best calcium supplement can be confusing. The best absorbed calcium supplement will depend on the ’salt form’ of calcium on the label and the amount of elemental calcium it contains. Also make sure your calcium supplement has a “USP” or “CL” on the label to [...]
Quit Smoking Shot
December 26th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: There is more than one quit smoking shot on the market. Quit smoking shots – as a whole – are as effective and, in some cases, more effective than some of the popular oral smoking cessation medications. Each shot must be given behind the ear by a doctor and [...]
Are Canadian Pharmacies Safe?
December 24th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Canadian pharmacies – despite what some might say – offer the same drugs that are safe and effective but at lower prices.
Dear Curtis: I know this is probably a touchy question to ask of you but I’m in a situation where I’m looking for the best price on prescription [...]
How To Relieve Constipation
December 23rd, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Learning how to relieve constipation is not always easy or straightforward as everyone is different and what works for someone may not work for you. If you want to avoid using a laxative, there are some natural methods that I’ve learned over the years that are safe and [...]
Emergen C Lite For A Cold
December 22nd, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Emergen C Lite is the low calorie version of the original Emergen C product. It contains higher than normal amounts of Vitamin C as well as Vitamin B12. Many reports indicate that it helps with energy as well as helping people recover from colds and stress quicker. Emergen C [...]
Can You Get Too Much Vitamin A?
December 21st, 2009Summary: You can get too much Vitamin A, although I think you’d have to try hard to do it. Also, it may be a result of another deficiency, like with Vitamin D which protects against Vitamin A toxicity. The instances that I’ve seen have either involved over-supplementation or eating some sort of oddball diet.
Q: [...]
Is Cholest Off® A Scam?
December 20th, 2009By Curtis Alexander, Pharm.D.
America’s Natural Pharmacist
Summary: Cholest Off® and Cholest Off Complete® are two patented cholesterol lowering products from Nature Made. At the end of the day both products appear to be safe and effective. However, remember that the ingredients you’re getting in these products are the same ones you’d be getting if you [...]
