Tocomin®SupraBio™ Improves Arterial Compliance

Carotech is pleased to announce data from a human study recently published in Archives of
Pharmacal Research (Sept 2008:31(9), 1212-7) which demonstrated Tocomin®SupraBio™ (a self emulsifying palm tocotrienol complex) was able to reduce arterial stiffness in healthy adults after 2 months oral supplementation.

In this blinded endpoint clinical trial conducted by researchers in The University of Science, Malaysia (USM), 36 healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either the placebo, 50mg, 100mg or 200mg self emulsifying tocotrienol rich vitamin E (Tocovid™SupraBio™, supplied by Hovid Bhd.) daily for 2 months. Measures of arterial compliance (carotid femoral Pulse Wave Velocity and Augmentation Index) and other parameters such as blood pressure and serum lipid profiles were taken before and after treatment. Plasma tocotrienols concentration was also measured.

The results showed that treatment with self emulsifying tocotrienol rich vitamin E produced
significantly higher plasma concentrations of tocotrienols compared to placebo. After 2 months of
supplementation, statistically significant improvement in Augmentation Index (up to 8.7% reduction from baseline) was observed in all the tocotrienols supplemented groups. Significant improvement in Pulse Wave Velocity (up to 10% reduction from baseline) was also seen in subjects who received 100mg and 200mg self emulsifying tocotrienols rich vitamin E. However, treatment has no effect on blood pressure, serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

Decreased arterial compliance or increased arterial stiffness is a predictor of cardiovascular events even in healthy individuals. A reduction in both Augmentation Index and Pulse Wave Velocity, as showed by supplementation with self emulsifying palm tocotrienols complex, indicates better arterial compliance, thus reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.

“This study showed that tocotrienols reduced arterial stiffness, in addition to other previously
reported cardiovascular benefits including cholesterol lowering and antiplatelet effects.” says WH Leong, Vice President of Carotech Inc.

“SupraBio™, the patented self-emulsifying formulation enhances oral absorption of tocotrienols
independent of food intake.” adds WH Leong.

TOCOTRIENOLS STUDIES SHOW EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST BALDNESS

A new 8-month study showed that TocovidTM SupraBioTM 50mg oral supplementation
promotes hair growth in both men and women suffering from androgenetic alopecia
(pattern baldness).
Pattern baldness condition is said to affect about 50 percent of men and women over the
age of 40, and is said to be caused by three independent factors, testosterone levels,
genetic disposition and advancing age.
28 volunteers with mild to moderately severe ongoing hair loss completed the 8-month
study conducted at the School of Pharmaceutical Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The volunteers receive the TocovidTM SupraBioTM 50mg or placebo, administrated twice
daily. Hair counts and weight of hair in pre-selected evaluation area were measured
before and after every month initiation of the study.
An average of 41.8% increase in the number of hair was observed after 8-month tocotrienol
supplementation, with
· 8 volunteers (40%) showed > 50% hair growth
· 1 volunteer (5%) showed > 25-50% hair growth
· 9 volunteers (45%) showed > 10-25% hair growth
· 1 volunteer (5%) showed > 10% hair growth

The unique of the TocominTM SupraBioTM system provide 250% increase in absorption of tocotrienols, hence to achieve therapeutic levels in the bloodstream at a lower dosage of the
supplementation. It promotes the absorption of tocotrienols via the lymphatic system, whereas it does not depend on dietary fact or food intake. Plus, it allows consistent and rapid
transport of tocotrienols into the blood thus the maximum peak is reached much quicker.
The formulation is a natural full spectrum palm tocotrienol complex that is a more potent form Vitamin E with unique health benefits, which not only has shown good results in the treatment of pattern baldness; tocotrienols come in both natural and synthetic forms and are also to reduce the effect of free radicals, with studies pinpointing that this property gives the compound an anti-cancer effect, maintain healthy cholesterol level and prevent cardiovascular disease.

FISH OILS LOWERED CARDIOVASCULAR RISK DESPITE AGGRESSIVE THERAPY WITH STANDARD PHARMACOTHERAPY

• The JELIS- The Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study randomized 18645 patients with hypercholesterolemia (of which 70% were women: age 61 years) to statin alone or statin and pure EPA. EPA reduced major adverse cardiac events by 19%.


• The MAYO article also commented: Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation lowered cardiovascular risk both in GISSI-P and JELIS showed that despite aggressive therapy with standard pharmacotherapy(e.g. statins, aspirins, beta blockers, and ace inhibitors). Combination therapy with omega 3 fatty acids and a statin is a safe and effective way to improve lipid levels and cardiovascular prognosis beyond benefits provided by statin therapy alone

FISH OIL SUPPLEMENTATION REDUCES CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS BETWEEN 19 TO 45% AND DEATH BETWEEN 28 TO 45%

1. In a recent MAYO clinic review article quotes "that the most compelling evidence for the cardiovascular benefit provided by omega-3 fatty acids comes from large controlled trials 32000 patients demonstrated in reduction in cardiovascular event between 19% to 45%.


2. In the DART Trial, omega 3 fatty acids, either in the form of oily fish or fish oil capsules, "Treatment reduced 2 year all cause mortality by 29% in post myocardial (MI) patients"


3. The GISSI-P study randomized 11,323 patients who had experienced a myocardial infarct to omega 3 acid ethyl esters (1 capsule, providing 850mg of DHA/EPA) or usual care. "Treatment reduced death from any cause by 28% after 4 months. Treatment reduced sudden cardiac death by 45%."

METOCLOPRAMIDE IN CHILDREN : EXTRAPYRAMIDAL SYMPTOMS

Netherlands - Following an increase in the number of registered cases of extrapyramidal symptoms in children receiving metoclopramide, the Medicines Evaluation Board has restricted the use of metoclopramide in this population to treatment of severe nausea and vomiting of known origin, and only if treatment with other products is ineffective or is not possible.

The MEB considers there are better alternatives to metoclopramide. For example, domperidone is a better choice in treating post-operative nausea in children. Domperidone is also the drug of choice in treating migraine in children because the risk of extrapyramidal effects is lower than with metoclopramide.

Similarly, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (e.g. ondansetron) are the drugs of choice in nausea due to strongly emetogenic chemotherapy because of better efficacy and fewer adverse events.

Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) Pharmaceutical Newsletter, No 2,2007

In Malaysia, Malaysian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee (MADRAC) had received the reports of 33 cases of extrapyramidal symptoms in children that caused by metoclopramide. The details of classical symptoms of EPS are as below:

• Oculogyric crisis (22)


• Spasm (2)


• Neck stiffness (4)


• Dystonia (2)


• Torticolitis ( 2)


• Body stiffness ( 1 )


• Jaw stiffness ( 1 )


• Jerky movement (1)


• Muscle stiffness (1)


• Eyes gaze upward/eyes rolling (5)


• Speech disorder (1)


• Back stiffness (1)

HOODIA : AN APPETITE SUPPRESSANT

Hoodia is a succulent (cactus-like) plant not found in any other part of the world except in the Kalahari Dessert in Southern Africa because it thrives in extremely high temperatures and takes years to mature.For thousands of years, the San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert have used Hoodia to counter hunger and thirst when they were deprived of food on long hunting expeditions in the desert. Sucking on the pulpy flesh, the Bushmen could not only slake their thirst but also, as they discovered ages ago, quell their hunger.

Several years ago, scientists discovered that Hoodia contains a molecule, now known as P-57 that sends a signal to the brain that you are full. When the first human clinical trial was conducted, a group of overweight people were given unlimited access to food. All the volunteers could do all was read, watch television and eat. Half were given Hoodia and the other half placebo. Fifteen days later the Hoodia group had reduced their calorie intake by 1000 a day. It was a stunning success.

The effectiveness of Hoodia as an appetite suppressant had been broadcasted in CNN, BCC, ABC News , CBS, Today, Oprah Winfrey and so on.

A Pharmaceutical giant in U.K. has invested USD 21 million dollars in clinical research to extract the active ingredient P-57 from Hoodia to be used as an appetite suppressant in health industry.

CAUSES OF TOXIC MEGACOLON

This title is related to the death of trainee Too Hui Min at the Slim River Hospital on Wednesday. She had been stationed at the Geo Kosmo National Service Training Camp .

Hours earlier she had complained of an upset stomach while undergoing firearms training at the shooting range in Jugra in Banting,Selangor .

Her family said she had complained of constipation for three days before she died.

Health Minister,Liow said the cause of death had been determined as being toxic megacolon and her colon had been swollen and the lining had thinned due to septicemia.

Many people do not know what are the causes of Toxic Megacolon. Therefore I would like to mention it here:

1.The classic etiologies of toxic megacolon include the following inflammatory causes:

• Ulcerative colitis


• Crohn colitis


• Pseudomembranous colitis

2. The many causes of infectious colitis, including the following, may lead to toxic megacolon:

• Salmonella species


• Shigella species


• Campylobacter species


• Yersinia species


• Clostridium difficile


• Entamoeba histolytica


• Cytomegalovirus

3. Toxic megacolon also may be caused by the following:

• Radiation colitis


• Ischemic colitis


• Nonspecific colitis secondary to chemotherapy

The deceased's father said: her daughter's health has been no problem. This shows what?

May be it was due to bacteria or virus infections, but experts in identification is the most reliable.

Lastly,I hope her family will no longer sad.

APPROPRIATE USE OF COUGH AND COLD PRODUCTS

Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) have raised concerns over the safety of cough and cold medicines (which are sold over-the-counter in these countries), especially in children below 2 years of age, and whether the benefits justify any potential risks from the use of such products.

In August 2007, US federal health advisors also recommended to the USFDA that such medicines do not work and should not be used by children aged below 6. Such cough and cold products typically contain one or more of the following ingredients: decongestants, antihistamines and anti-tussives. Although cough and cold medicines may also contain expectorants, current concerns do not apply to this ingredient.

Recently, the USFDA issued a Public Health Advisory for parents and caregivers, recommending that Over-the-Counter(OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infant and children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life threatening side effectd can occur from such use. The adverse events reported with these products include death, convulsions, rapid heart rates and decreased levels of consciousness. However, USFDA are still evaluating the safety of these products in older children.

Both regulatory authorities are in the midst of determining if the labeling of these cough and cold products is sufficient to ensure that parents, caregivers and prescribers have enough information to make an informed decision regarding the safe use of these products.

In Malaysia, cough and cold products such as decongestants, antihistamines, and anti-tussive are classified as Group C Poison.

In May 2006, the Drug Control Authority (DCA) instructed that all products containing promethazine should not be used in children less than 2 years old due to reports of serious adverse events in this group of children and a warning statement to that effect was included for such products. The DCA is currently undertaking a review of scientific data and evidence on the use of cough and cold products in children and is also monitoring the regulatory moves of other agencies on this matter.

The DCA recommends all healthcare professionals to use cough and cold products containing decongestants, antihistamines and anti-tussives as a single ingredient or in combination when benefits have been assessed to outweigh the risks. The following recommendations need to be considered when prescribing or dispensing these products to patients:

Children <>

Not recommended in children less than 2 years of age because of serious and potentially life threatening side effects.

Children of all ages:

• If it is necessary to give a cough and cold product to a child, make sure all labels and instructions are read before doing so. If the product does not contain dosing information for children then it should not be used in children.



• Do not give a child a larger dose or more frequently than it is recommended in the labeling and instructions.



• Take note of the medicinal ingredients in the product especially if more than than one product may be given to a child. Be aware that many products contain the same medicinal ingredient(s) and combined use could lead to overdose. Some herbs used in cough and cold products and some over-the-counter products used to control fever may also have medicinal ingredients similar to those in other cough and cold products.



• It is advised not to give more than one cough and cold products to a child as cough and cold products often contain multiple ingredients.



• There is no cure for the common cold. Children will usually recover from coughs and colds in time on their own. The common cold is a mild,viral infection that can be managed by rest, sufficient fluid intake and comfort measures.



• In young children and babies, it is sometimes important to rule out serious illnesses (for e.g. pneumonia or other infections) which may present with cold-like symptoms; this is especially important if symptoms persist or if the child's condition deteriorates.

THE NUMBER OF DIABETES SHOW MULTIPLE GROWTH IN CHINA

China's Ministry of Health Disease Prevention and Control Bureau revealed that at present, the total number of Chinese suffering from diabetes has been ranked second in the world, and show multiple growth.

Disease Prevention and Control, the Deputy Secretary said that based on the survey of China's cardiovascular Report 2005 , the prevalence of diabetes in China showed multiple growth in nearly 20 years. At present, 20 million people in China is suffering from diabetes, nearly 20 million are suffering from IGT (Impaired Glucose Intolerance) too. Now, the total number of Chinese suffering from diabetes has been ranked second in the world. If left unchecked, by 2025, the number of diabetes could reach 60 million people.

Diabetes is a lifelong metabolic diseases, it can be effectively controlled, the disease can be controlled well without affecting the work and life. Nevertheless,if improper, it will lead to cardiovascular disease, lipid disorders, blindness, kidney failure and amputation and other serious complications .

Translated from : http://www.chinapress.com.my/breaking_new.asp?a=0502bkf09.txt

FOUR EMERGENCY TIPS FOR CHILDREN'S FEVER

Pediatrics Medical Director Dr Chen reminded to help cool down the children's fever should be in phases:

If the children are shivering, cold hands and feet, and so, should first help the children to keep warm.

If the parents did not help the children to keep warm, but let children sleep ice pillow or warm water baths to cool down, the children will get more serious fever.

If the children are fever in hands and feet , heart rate and breathing speed up, then lets the children wash warm water bath and sleep ice pillow for cooling.

If children have a pain, cramps, lethargy, and other neurological symptoms, they should immediately send to hospital for treatment.

Translated from:http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/080501/57/ybvv.html

MY CHOLESTEROL LEVEL (私のコレステロール値)

After on-line chatting with friends,and then realised that I didn't check my cholesterol level for more than a year. I still remember last year, my total cholesterol index was 4.6 mmol / L. At that time I eat cryptomonadales every day . Due to no health problems ,I had changed to take fish oil (to save money). So this year I am actually taking fish oil pills every day. This time,I did my own test too, the total cholesterol level of mine was 6.99 mmol / L. I was very surprise and hastened to call Pathlab for arrangement to do Lipid Profile. In the waiting process, and so on,I always felt that left chest very uncomfortable, very tired, a lot of sleep also tired, whole body and back very tight , and blood pressure slightly high. It was really scary. This morning,cholesterol report can temporarily breathe a sigh of relief.

• TC :6.2 mmol/L (<6.5mmol/l)
• LDL:3.8mmol/L (<2.5mmol/l)
• TG :1.7mmol/L (<2.0mmol/l)
• HDL:1.64mmo/L(>1.0mmol/L)
• TC/HDL:3.8 (<5.0)
• TG/HDL:1.04 (<2.0)

Friends, although LDL seem high. In fact, I do not worry, because the TG / HDL is only 1.04. Some research showing that TG / HDL <2.0,then>

Because my LDL is belong to the fluffy "beach ball", not the small, dense "baseball like". Therefore, my LDL oxidation is not easy. As long as I keep up with the zone food pyramid dishes can lower the LDL.

Source: The Omega Rx Zone by Dr. Barry Sears

SCIENTISTS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD PILLS TO RESPOND TO FOOD CRISIS

The scientific method used to the food crisis! The proposal of scientists is to develop a pill that containing the various nutritional requirements for human body, eat once daily as long as we feel hungry.

Since World War II,the price of food is rising globally, it rose like a "silent tsunami" and cause 100 million people bogged down in poverty and hunger. Recently, wheat, rice, corn and other crops prices are soaring.

Haiti, Mexico, Guinea, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Yemen and other countries, people have started to protest on the streets against rising food prices.

In response to the food crisis, some scientists proposed creating a super food to solve the problem of hunger, for example, such 'food pill' contains all kinds of human nutrition requirements,take it once a day will not hungry for one day.

However, the University of California, Davis, professor Bradford, said: "I do not believe that such a single food can include all types of nutritional ingredients. In addition, the whole day eating food pills will be annoying."

Researchers are still studying non-animal meat. The Netherlands meat science professor at the University is using animal stem cell research a synthetic man-made meat.

In the addition of amino acids, minerals and other growth factors into glucose solution, stem cells can grow into muscle tissue, such meat is called "meat of culture" and theoretically, use a single cell can produce enough food worldwide for human one whole year.

I personally think that the algae may become a super food. Firstly, algae grew up in the water, such as seas, rivers, and lakes water and so on. On the surface of the Earth's water, there is still much space to play because the size of Earth's water area is larger than land area. Secondly, the nutrient-rich algae, has also been recommended as space food .Therefore, I hope Scientists may study it to cope food crisis.

MISUSE OF TOPICAL CREAMS/MEDICATION

The following have been reported to the MPS during the campaign "to request feedback on misuse of topical steroids". Many community pharmacists may have come across such situation as examples below. In short, pharmacists should not simply just supply any medication upon request but must always ask the reason for usage by patients, some patients may not like it but many can appreciate the professionalism behind such gesture and it will help to strengthen pharmacists image.

1. Clobet cream requested by patients for face-fungal infection. Pharmacists should ask them the reason and explain to them it is a strong steroid cream instead of antifungal. Therefore, pharmacists should change steroid to antifungal cream e.g. miconazole


2. Econazine cream for allergy, some of the patients buy it every week. Therefore, pharmacists should advise and change econazine to antihistamin e.g. zyrtec 10mg, polaramine


3. Prednisolone 5mg, some of the patients take 3 tablets during any allergy reaction. Therefore, pharmacists should advise and change it to antihistamine pill e.g. chlorpheniramine.


4. Glibenclamide 5mg to reduce weight which is suppose to control sugar level. As a pharmacist, please advise them to stop medication.


5. Betamethasone ointment requested by patients to cure itch fungal infection. Therefore, pharmacists should advise and change it to combination antifungal+hydrocortisone cream.


6. Fucicort cream requested by patients for open wound. Therefore, please advise them to change to fucidin cream.


7. Betnovate-N requested by patients for burn. Therefore, pharmacists should advise and change it to antiseptic.

ARCALION

My wife's sister was very poor in math, she was once failed in her mathematics's subject in Rahman Colleage . She asked me for nutritional recommendation, I introduced arcalion and advised her to try. She later progress in her mathematics's subject , and now working in Liverpool in United Kingdom as quantity surveyor in material division.

There is a boss, surname is Tai, the 75-year-old. A few years ago, he asked me what products can improve his attention and concentration while play golf , I introduced the same . Soon, he came back to find me: 'Ah Lim, what have you given to me ? Why am I taking after the whole person just like go into 'steady state'. The other day after, he successfully won the local golf championship in senior group.

A filial son had a old mother, she was very forgetful and often nothing to do at home. Because of her early signs of Alzheimer's disease, her son consulted me to introduce products so that his mother could regain health and memory. Well, after using product, the problem occurred, because the old lady restored memory, coupled with good spirits and began meddling family. Since then, her son did not dare to buy arcalion for his mother anymore.

In view of a number of excellent reaction from customers, I was very excited actually. I took an opportunity to try arcalion by myself on playing snooker. Before i started off, I had taken 2 tablets of arcalion. The result was very fantastic since I played snooker.I played a super-standard performance, 27 points in one breath by nine consecutive good shot. I saw opponents were completely dumbfounded by my performance. That feeling had made me felt like Jimmy White.

FASTING AND BEDTIME,THE BEST TIME TO DO BLOOD GLUCOSE MEASUREMENT

Pancreas is an important organ for insulin secretion. By eating food ,organ will secrete insulin and convert food into energy, glucose will be driven by insulin to enter the body's cells to provide energy.However, if the lack of insulin secretion, or insulin itself is not function normally,may lead to diabetes.

For those long-term use of insulin injection or type 1 diabetes, close monitoring of blood glucose is very important. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), daily blood glucose measurements should be more than 3 times. In general, the best time for measurements are fasting as well as at bedtime. As for the type 2 diabetes,the frequency of measurement has not been clearly set yet, but it is advisable to develop a daily habit of monitoring of blood glucose. For pregnant women with diabetic , suggested daily measurement is 2 times.

The primary objective of diabetes management is to maintain normal blood sugar level, if patients can control blood sugar carefully,it will be effective in preventing complications.， Apart from the use of drugs on time, patients can improve their blood sugar by changing life style (diet and exercise), as well as closely monitoring blood glucose. Self monitoring of blood glucose at home regularly allow themselves to avoid emergency situations such as high blood sugar and low blood sugar , and the symptoms of low blood sugar may be tremor, cold sweat, as well as hunger, loss of consciousness and may be unconscious or coma, and the symptoms of high blood sugar may be extreme thirst and hunger, and sometimes there will be more of the urine or polyuria.

The Pharmacist from Hospital HsinTienGengXin said the "heart pain"that suffered from fingertip blood glucose measurement is the most important factor that affect many diabetic patients from self-monitoring blood glucose.

No matter what is the type of diabetes, if the blood sugar is not control properly,it may lead to deterioration of the disease and the complications of diabetes such as serious injuries of the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves .Although diabetes may lead to unwanted condition, by close blood glucose monitoring will reduce the formation of diabetic complications and also can extend the life of diabetic patients.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF MENTALK CANDY

Since I have read many messages on Cynomorium songaricum,I feel very confident that the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine is quite reliable in accordance with a certain clinical evidence.
A long-term Malay customer , he has long been suffered from enlarged prostate interference. He is a very simple type of people, it is easy to introduce products to him. Four days ago, he came to my outlet, i introduced Mentalk to him. Unexpectedly he had tried, someone asked him to try one before, but he didn't put attention to their effectiveness. At that time, I asked him to try two days, once daily. Yesterday, he came back bought the candy to six, I guess he felt the good effect. Perhaps he has a windfall, first of all, I guess the frequency of urination and nocturia had improved inevitably. Secondly, he may be in the background of happiness, he might has been a sexually revival.

For more info,please refer to the following web site:
http://www.actahort.org/books/765/765_2.htm， http://www.qinhe.net/news.asp?key=1&id=97，http://www.herbalblog.org/chinese-cynomorium-fights-the-pharmacodynamics-action-of-anoxic-and-active-position-and-mechanism-to-study-pharmacological-effects-and-mechanism-of-anti-hypoxia-components-from-cynomorium-songaricum-r/，http://www.tcmlib.com/zy/html71/showdetail-373031312ce99481e998b32c7a79.html。

I think this is the time that the poor have the opportunity to change their sexual life style, because Viagra per tablet is RM50, and only RM5 per Mentalk candy. Viagra is not convenient than Mentalk, Mentalk only candy, but Please do not underestimate it.

THE PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF CYNOMORIUM SONGARICUM

Cynomorium songaricum Rupr. is a classic Mongolian pharmaceutical plant. It is distributed over the desert zone of western China, such as the province of Inner Mongolia. It usually parasitizes the roots of Nitrarias. In traditional Chinese medicine, its efficacy was described as reinforcing the “kidney,” enhancing yang, and lubricating the bowels.

The significant constituents in medicinal preparations of C. songaricum are catechin (flavonoid), ursolic acid and oleanolic acid (triterpenoids), polysaccharides and tannides.The pharmacological properties of C. songaricum include:

1. enhance sexual function;


2. improve the function of the kidney;


3. clear free-radicals;


4. anti-oxidation;


5. anti-anoxia;


6. anti-stress;


7. anti-fatigue;


8. stimulate immunologic function;


9. anti-coagulant effect;


10. anti-HIV virus;


11. lubricate and relax the bowels.

The pharmacological properties are attributed to various principal constituents of C. songaricum, such as catechin, binding tannides, polysaccharides, iron, zinc, etc.

Source:XXVII International Horticultural Congress - IHC2006: International Symposium on Plants as Food and Medicine: The Utilization and Development of Horticultural Plants for Human Health.( Ma Lijie, Chen Guilin, Jin Shangwu, Wang Chenxia)

LIST OF SOME AGENTS REPORTED TO PRODUCE HEMOLYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH G6PD DEFICIENCY

• Antimalarials:primaquine,parmaquine,pentaquine,quinine,chloroquine
• Analgesics:aspirin,acetanilid,phenacetin,antipyrine,aminopyrine
• Sulphonamides:sulphanilamide,sulphamethoxpyridone,sulphapyridine,sulphapyrimidine & sulphathiazole.
• Sulphones:sulfloxone,dapsone
• Nitrofurans:furazolidone,nitrofurantoin,nitrofurazone
• Dimercaprol
• Methylene Blue
• Phenylhydrazine
• Vitamin K (large doses)
• Quinidine
• Chloramphenicol(only in caucasians)
• Infections:respiratory viruses,infectious hepatitis,infectious mononucleosis,bacterial pneumonias,diabetic acidosis.
• Potentially Haemolytic Food:Fava(broad) beans
• Herbal Medicines:containing Coptis teeta,should be avoided during late pregnancy & post partum if the baby is being breast fed. Several cases of haemolytic jaundice(kernicterus) leading to brain damage have been reported. For more info, please visit http://alternativehealing.org/huang_lian.htm.
• Mothballs(Naphthalene):Babies during their first 3 weeks must not use clothes exposed to napthalene mothballs. Absorption of naphthalene through the skin may precipitate haemolytic jaundice in G-6-PD deficient babies.

ONCE-MONTHLY BISPHOSPHONATE THERAPY

Roche is pleased to introduce a new and highly potent bisphosphanate for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bonviva (Ibandronic Acid) 150mg tablet is the first and only once-monthly tablet that provides bisphosphonate efficacy in a convenient once-monthly dosing with a proven tolerability profile.

Various clinical trial have reported the efficacy and safety of Bonviva including the pivotal BONE trial. In this study Bonviva was shown to significantly reduce the risk of new morphometric vertebral fractures by 62% and to increase bone mineral density(BMD) as early as 6 months. In addition, a non-vertebral fracture risk reduction of 69% was observed in a subgroup of patients at high risk of fracture. Studies have also demonstrated that Bonviva increases bone strength in OVER 9 OUT OF 10 women, maximizing their chance of treatment success.

As with all long-term osteoporosis medication, treatment works best when patients are committed to staying on therapy. Let your pharmacists to share with you how Bonviva can offer patients an alternative convenient regimen, providing the link to enhanced adherence and improved treatment outcomes.

A NATURAL WAY TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol, a soft, white, waxy substance found in our blood circulation forms an important part of the cell membrane and is also the building block of steroid hormones and bile acids in our body. The liver makes 80% of the cholesterol our body needs while 20% comes from the food that we eat. Seafood, red meat,poultry and dairy products are rich in cholesterol whereas foods from plant origin contain no cholesterol.

There are 2 types of cholesterol, LDL, also known as the "bad cholesterol" and HDL, known as good cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of coronary disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. HDL cholesterol particles prevent atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and disposing of them through the liver.

There are many ways to keep cholesterol level in the check. Eating less foods that are high in cholesterol and exercising are two such ways. Certain foods are known to have effect on reducing cholesterol and among these red yeast rice seems to be very promising. Made by fermenting rice with a pure strain of red yeast (Monascus Purpureus Went), its history in China dates backs thousands of years. There, it was used as food additives and as medicine for improving blood circulation. Most recently red yeast rice extract taken in supplement form has been found to reduce overall blood cholesterol levels and to improve the ratio of good and bad cholesterol.

Red yeast rice was found, in recent studies, to contain monacolins which are naturally occurring HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, the enzyme responsible for blocking the production of cholesterol in the body. A study conducted by the University of California - Los Angeles School of Medicine found that people who took red yeast rice and maintained a low fat diet reduced their overall cholesterol levels by an average 40 points over a period of 12 weeks.

A red yeast rice supplement available in the market today . Please consult your pharmacists to ask the products that has been clinically proven,safe and effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

Good luck.

THE SHOCKING TRUTH OF THE MISSING MINERALS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

A 1991 analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture, UK and Medical Research Council, UK showed that in a short span of 50 years, levels of certain minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium have been reduced by 75 % in the fruits and vegetables.

In 1980, US Department of Agriculture survey found that 90% of the 20,000 individuals studied were found to have inadequate mineral levels.

The 1936 report of the 74th Congress of the US stated that something is missing in our foods; "Our food is now being raised on millions of acres of land that no longer contain enough of certain minerals. No man today can eat enough fruits and vegetables to supply his system with minerals he requires for perfect health because his stomach isn't big enough to hold them".

The above scientific statement was put before the US Senate in 1936! Can you imagine how much worse can the conditions of the soil could be now? So the only way to put back these missing minerals is by getting it from other sources.

Today, let me introduce Colloid capsules to you. It is the first colloidal mineral in Malaysia, a highly absorbable plant derived colloidal minerals with up to 40 minerals. The minerals come from Shilajit, a unique plant originated from in Himalaya's millions of years ago.

The minerals in Colloid capsules are 2000 times smaller than elemental minerals (inorganic source of multivitamins) and 1700 times smaller than red blood cell. With a negative charge and a hydrophilic character, minerals in Colloid capsules have a 100% absorption rate in the human body.

Therefore, Colloid capsules are truly one of the effective way to get your missing minerals back. For more info, please consult your pharmacist. Good luck!

ROTATEQ IS LAUNCHED IN MALAYSIA

MSD Malaysia launched Rotateq, a vaccine that targets 5 strains of rotavirus - G1, G2, G3, G4 and P1. These strains were known to have caused more than 90% of the rotavirus infections detected in children worldwide, between 1989 and 2004.

The vaccine was developed to prevent rotavirus gastroenteritis, a leading cause of severe diarrhea requiring hospitalisations in infants and young children. It is an oral, three-dose vaccine given to infants between the ages of 6 to 32 weeks.

Rotavirus is easily transmitted through the fecal-oral route and the fecal contamination of food. A large quantity of the virus is shed in the stool of an infected carrier. The hardy virus can survive on clothing, floor surfaces, or even toys for weeks.

Infants and young children are most susceptible to rotavirus infections because they frequently put their contaminated fingers or toys into their mouths.

TOPICAL RETINOID & ANTIBIOTIC COMBINATION FOR ACNE MANAGEMENT

Topical combination therapy with a retinoid and an antibiotic may be sufficient to treat more severe inflammatory disease without adding a systemic agent.

The advantages of combination topical retinoid and topical antimicrobial therapy in acne are as follow:

1) Combination therapy permits the targeting of several pathogenic factors simultaneously.

2) Faster & more complete clearance of both comedones & inflammatory lesions than with

antibiotic alone.

3) Topical retinoid therapy enhances penetration of antimicrobial agents, and speeds up action

of antibiotics.

4) Topical antibiotics decrease the irritant effect of the retinoid.

5) The combination may help limit bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.

Topical retinoids when added early at the start of treatment give fastest results. Antibiotic can be discontinued later when inflammatory lesions resolve.

The therapeutic combination decreases comedogenesis, bacterial growth, and inflammation, thus efficacy and tolerance are maximized, and the degree of skin irritation is minimized.

How to apply? Generally, in a regimen of 2 or more topical agents, the treatments will be applied at different times of day. Most commonly, the topical antibiotic will be applied in the morning and the retinoid at bedtime. However, it has also been suggested that a better approach might be twice-daily application of a topical antibiotic plus a topical retinoid at bedtime so as to minimize the risk of acquiring antibiotic-resistant P.acnes populations.