Tuesday, March 29, 2016

The Awkward Case of Viagra Counterfeiting




In recent years, the number of counterfeit drugs has increased from the most unsuspecting in-demand and common medicines to the most expensive drugs in the market which can be sold for a lower price in black markets. In the most recent reviews, however, latest acquisition in the illegal market includes complimentary, alternative and integrative medicines. The lack of regularization among these medicines is one of the factors which made them an attractive product goal among fraudsters.

Viagra and Cialis are some of the few alternative medicines which now have their own version of counterfeited drugs. It makes sense as buying these medicines can be a little awkward.

Men who suffer from erectile dysfunction often have difficulty admitting it even to their doctors; hence, buying medicines through online pharmacies is a very likely option for total discretion and assurance.

“On the internet, they don’t have to consult their doctor face to face. They don’t have to spill out their real identity and they can avoid embarrassing situation”, says Dr. Arnold Furber, member doctor of The Peterson Group, one of the leading sources of Complementary, Alternative and Integrative medicine. “It also costs much less: $1 per tablet compared to $15 for the real deal”.

However, buying prescription drugs online exposes the buyer to potentially serious health risks. These drugs are often manufactured in garages with poor sanitation. They can be dosed less, even devoid of the active ingredient. Worse, they can contain a different substance that can cause undesirable side effects.

In 2008, 4 different cases of men from Jakarta, Indonesia were hospitalized for severe hypoglycemia caused by sudden drop in blood sugar. It was found out that they were prescribed with Viagra from a similar online site which contains glyburide, a medicine used to treat diabetes. Complications occurred as they have no diabetes to treat. When traced, the site was already down and the culprits remain unknown. The complaints against the said site remained moot and academic.

Homeopathic medicines which are sold in pharmacies and those which are capsulated are also targeted by counterfeiting. Currently, homeopathic and CAM experts are strictly supervising the use and regulation of their own medicines as there is still a lack of policies concerning the counterfeiting of such.

Awareness is one of the greatest advocacies of most CAM campaign while pharmaceutical companies focus on enhancing their own system and technology to ensure the legitimacy of medicines.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Homeopathy’s Perfect Solution for Bladder Problems

Bladder issues or urinary tract infection (UTI) is common problem among today’s generation. Those diagnosed of the infection includes people of different ages, cultures and nationalities. The lack of proper understanding on its causes and symptoms is still a subject of debate until today. Nonetheless, common complaints include discomfort, burning urine, pain in the lower abdomen and needing to urinate more frequently than the usual.

While doctors often prescribe antibiotics, many experts suggest trying homeopathic treatment.

UTI is known to react well with homeopathy as it “focus on assisting the body to fight the infection and enabling it to get on top of future problems”, Dr. Sarra Powell, DHM, told the Peterson Group.

“When a patient is taking antibiotics alone, there is a very high possibility that the infection would recur. If it happens, the patient will have to depend on antibiotics for a long time, which can also develop into other complications”, says Powell.

Homeopathy treats the problem by knowing each symptom and treating them differently. In a book entitled “Complications and Homeopathy”, three people were observed in Jakarta, Indonesia who has shown symptoms of UTI.

For the recurring pain felt after sex or during strenuous activities, staphysagria is highly advisable. “Honeymoon cystitis”, as recurrent bladder issue is called, often happens to women. This can also happen when under a heavy emotional stress caused by suppressed anger and resentment.

Cantharis, on the other hand, can assist infections characterized by intense pain on the passing of urine. Blood may also be included in worst cases along with the impression that the bladder is not fully emptied.

In the same review, it is found that bladder pain which comes intensely and suddenly can be cured by Pulsatilla. The person may crave open air and moving about, and feel worse indoors. Generally, they dislike fatty or rich foods. They can also be emotionally distressed and are most sensitive even on little things.

While recommending the best Homeopathic medicine, the quantity of urine, its color, any associated offensiveness and time of aggravation are noted down. Along with this, the absence or presence of pain or burning sensation while passing urine or afterwards is also considered. The constitutional physical and mental symptoms are also taken note of. It is after the complete evaluation of the symptoms that the most suitable Homeopathic remedy is administered to the patient to get rid of frequent urination.