Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Difference between Estalis Continuous and Sequi

I have been asked this countless times. So here is an easy to understand answer!

Both are used for HRT in menopausal women. Both have an oestrogen bit (oestradiol) and progesterone bit (norithesterone).

But in Sequi, the first weeks of patches is ONLY oestradiol. 4 patches release ONLY the oestrogen and the patch is changed every 4th day. The second half of the month you use the next 4 patches and change every 4th day but these patches have BOTH oestrogen plus progesterone.
Women often experience bleeding at the end of a cycle of Sequi because of the withdrawal of the progesterone component. So why do we sometimes use it? But some women are sensitive to the progesterone so providing a progesterone free period helps reduce uncomfortable side effects such as nausea and swelling.

Continuous patches are oestrogen/progesterone combined for the whole month of patches. Generally a woman needs to become tolerant to the progesterone to be able to use this patch.

Got more questions? Post me!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Antidepressants

Antidepressants work on the natural chemicals in your brain. If you don't have enough of the "happy chemicals", you can feel sad and more prone to depressive disorders. Antidepressants drugs can help boost the levels of happy chemicals and help you to overcome depression. Because new chemicals need to be made, the time taken for antidepressants to make you feel better is up to 4-6 weeks. So BE PATIENT and don't give up. Give the medication time to work and before you realise it, you will be feeling 100%.

Here is some interesting sites on antidepressants:
http://www.beyondblue.org.au
http://www.appgonline.com.au/drug.asp?drug_id=00099006&t=cmi

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Stop smoking fast and easy!


Champix is now on the PBS for smoking cessation.

Varenicline is the drug name and it has been shown to reduce cravings for nicotine and also to reduce the pleasure you experience when you have a cigarette.

It has been shown so far to be really effective, and many people tha have failed miserably on Zyban have managed to finally kick the habit on Champix.


The australian government recognises it as a good way of reducing deaths and illness from smoking and so subsidises everyone to have one supply a year. Great news for most of Australians - only $31.30 and only $5 for concession card holders!


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

ASK THE PHARMACIST

WOW!

Ask the Pharmacist is now online!

Send me all your drug questions!