AVANDIA AND AVANDAMET ARE CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

This information is an update to the rosiglitazone prescribing information as GSK had submitted to the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Ministry of Health Malaysia. This update relates to the use of rosiglitazone and rosiglitazone-containing products in patients with congestive heart failure as it relates to treatment of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Initiation of rosiglitazone and rosiglitazone containing products are contraindicated in patients with NYHA Class III and IV heart failure. In addition, use of rosiglitazone containing products is not recommended in patients with symptomatic heart failure.

This update continues to reinforce that after initiation of rosiglitazone or rosiglitazone-containing products, or dose increases, patients should be monitored for signs and symptoms of adverse reactions relating to fluid retention, including heart failure. If symptoms of heart failure develop, these symptoms should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of rosiglitazone must be considered.

Therefore, for those patients that just buy over the counter and of any queries, please consult your pharmacist and physician NOW!!!

GERMANIUM IN CRYPTOMONADALES

If we compare cryptomonadales(chlorella sorokiniana) with spirulinar and other types of algae, cryptomonadales is the only algae that contains trace amount of organic germanium; i.e. 25-30mg in every 100g of cryptomonadales.

What are the benefits of germanium?

Germanium improves the function of internal organs by activating bioelectric currents. Therefore, it will

1) enhances the ability of blood stream to take it more oxygen.

2) detoxify toxins especially heavy metal such as mercury and lead.

3) strengthen immune.

4) improves blood circulation.

5) boosts up body energy.

6) increases metabolism rates.

7) delays aging process.

BE CAREFUL OF COUNTERFEIT THOMSON ACTIVATED GINKGO 40MG 120'S AND 500'S PACKS

Ii has come to attention that there are counterfeit products bearing the same trade mark and packaging as Thomson Activated Ginkgo 40mg 120's and 500's packs being sold in Malaysia. The preliminary investigations from Herbal Revival Sdn Bhd have revealed that these counterfeit products are identified by batch nos: GB63601, expiring August 2009 for 120's packs and GB62202, expiring April 2009 for 500's packs.

Therefore, you are strongly urged to purchase Thomson products from your reliable pharmacies only!!

Good Luck!!

LEVEMIR FLEXPEN HAS FINALLY ARRIVED !

Levemir (insulin detemir) is now available in Malaysia in the form of Flexpen from September 2007 onwards.

Levemir is the latest generation of modern basal insulin of choice for both basal-bolus and basal+oral therapy, with up to 24 hour duration of action from a once-daily dose. Levemir provides compelling clinical advantages in terms of achieving glycaemic targets in HbA1 and FPG, lowering the risk of hypoglycaemic events and reducing weight gain. All of these benefits are built on the unique property of predictability that Levemir can deliver when used once daily or twice daily.

The Flexpen is trusted by more than 1.5 million people worldwide, and has emerged time and again, as the insulin delivery device of choice in various studies. The Flexpen is easy to use, hence most user friendly.

If you would like to get further information on Levemir or any assistance in using the device, please visit Nova Nordisk's website.

ELLGY PLUS K FACTOR: CLINICALLY PROVEN FOOT CARE CREAM FOR DIABETES PATIENTS

Summary of the recent experience of treating 123 diabetes patients with Ellgy plus K factor in the Diabetes Wound Care Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.

The result of the study mainly focus on 3 aspects. Firstly, in the aspect of improving moisturisation, 52% of the patients saw improvement within 3 days, 97% within 7 days. Secondly, it promotes healing of cracks which 35% of the patients saw improvement within 3 days and 100% within 7 days. Thirdly, they also measured the overall improvement, 36% saw improvement within 3 days and 99% within a week.

In addition to, they also measured the symptoms ie. painful dry cracked heel and bleeding dry cracked heel. Within a week, patients were satisfied for the symptom relief about 100%.

So, what is the formulation of it??

It is formulated with Saccharide Isomerate, a water magnet that attracts moisture to the skin. It also contains Portulaca extract, a natural source of the essential fatty acids which strengthens the epidermal lipid layer so that the moisture is then sealed into your skin to maintain the natural moisturizing effect. It is fortified with Vitamin K which promotes and helps to facilitate the natural healing process.

It is suitable for diabetes as part of their regular foot care regimen. Patients are advised message onto their heel 2 to 3 time daily.

The price of Ellgy Plus K Factor is very reasonable ie.RM27.90 for 50g.

CRYPTOMONADALES AND DR. HENRY LEE

Dr. Henry Lee said "Chlorella Sorokiniana (Cryptomonadales) contains high concentration of PPARs that effective in reducing triglyceride and LDL. My health has improved! "

Who is Dr. Henry Lee? If you see the picture above, recognise him?

He is the Chief Emeritus of the Connecticut State Police, Founder and Professor of the Forensic Science Program at the University of New Haven, Editor of Seven Academic Journals, author/ co-author of 30 books and over 300 articles.

The legendary investigator is known for finding the tiniest clues,and has even solved a murder without a body. Over the past 40 years, Dr. Henry Lee assisted in the investigations of more than 6,000 cases, including war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia, and the suicide of President Clinton's former White House attorney, Vince Foster.

GOOD NEWS:THERE IS A NEW THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Januvia (sitagliptin) is an orally active, potent, and highly selective inhibitor of the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) enzyme. It can be used as monotherapy or in combination with metformin or a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma(PPAR gamma) agonist(eg, thiazolidinedione) .

The recommended dose of Januvia is 100mg once daily as monotherapy or as combination therapy.

The side effects of Januvia was generally well-tolerated in controlled clinical studies as both monotherapy and in combination therapy, with the overall incidence of side effects similar to that reported with placebo.

What is the mechanism of action ?

Incretins are gut hormones that help the body respond to elevated glucose. Incretin levels increase in response to meals. When glucose levels are elevated, increased incretin secretion leads to increased insulin release and suppressed glucagon secretion.Incretins are released throughout the day but are degraded rapidly by DPP-4 enzyme.

In type 2 diabetes , despite increased blood glucose, the incretin effect is diminished. Diminished incretin effect leads to...

:Reduced beta-cell release of insulin.

:Nonsuppressed alpha-cell secretion of glucagon.

:Inability to regulate glucose.

Therefore,it will lead to Hyperglycemia.

Now,by inhibiting DPP-4, Januvia increases active incretins to enhance the body's physiological response i.e.

:Increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

:Suppresses glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner.

:Improve glucose control, with glucose reductions only when they are needed.

According to medical representative, the price of Januvia 100mg per box(28's) is RM220.

Before initiating therapy, please consult your reliable physician.

Good Luck!!