Dear People Pharmacy: I often read that aspirin is dangerous. But when I went to the emergency room thinking he might be having a heart attack, the first thing they did was give me infant aspirin and he was given four doses. As it turns out, I didn’t have a heart attack, but they apparently thought they could protect themselves if I did.
The “retail” price of these tablets at the hospital was $44. Why is hospital aspirin so prohibitively expensive?
I don’t take aspirin every day, but I do take it occasionally. It doesn’t seem to irritate my stomach, but I always make sure I’ve eaten before taking anything.
A. Hospital prices are a mystery and frequently go up. The “list price” for items such as aspirin and bandages can be significantly higher than the actual cost. For example, aspirin costs a few pennies. However, the hospital may charge him more than $10 per pill. A portion of it covers labor and overhead costs.
Hospitals and medical facilities often charge far more than expected. That’s because insurance companies and government payers reimburse a portion of the list price. If you’ve ever looked at your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) insurance statement, you’ll have some idea of how drastic the discounts from billed to paid can be.
Your strategy of taking aspirin with meals is wise. You should also do this if you are taking another NSAID, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Q. 10 years ago, I was on statins and developed diabetes. I needed insulin to control my blood sugar levels, but nothing helped the severe muscle spasms in my legs.
I was on various statins for years, but when I stopped them, the seizures went away. I started cycling seriously and now he rides 2-3 times a week, over 33 miles. Thanks to my endocrinologist, I was able to lose nearly 50 pounds. I no longer eat potatoes, corn, or french fries. Best of all, I’m not diabetic anymore and don’t need any diabetes medication.
A. The first statin, Mevacor (lovastatin), was approved in 1987. It wasn’t until a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (November 20, 2008) that doctors realized that cholesterol-lowering drugs like rosuvastatin were effective. Raise blood sugar levels.
Many doctors believe that the benefits of statins far outweigh the risks of developing diabetes. However, this metabolic disorder causes many serious complications. Evidence of a link to statins is growing stronger each year.
As you have demonstrated, exercise and weight loss are established ways to control blood sugar. To learn about different non-drug approaches, check out our e-guide to diabetes prevention and treatment.This online resource is available at:[Health eGuides]It’s on the tab. www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.
Q. My doctor prescribed a drug called metoprolol for my stage fright. The effect lasts for several hours.
I’m a writer, and when I read a book, I get extremely nervous and my voice trembles, which is embarrassing. I wanted to share my experience with others who also suffer from stage fright.
A. The beta-blocker metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat high blood pressure, angina, and heart failure. Doctors may prescribe beta-blockers off-label for performance anxiety. These drugs slow your heart rate and help calm excessive cardiovascular reactions.
However, not everyone can tolerate beta blockers. People with asthma or complex heart conditions may experience dangerous complications.
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Joe and Teresa Graydon respond to letters from readers in their columns. Write to us at King features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 or send us an email through our website. www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their latest book is “The Biggest Mistakes Physicians Make and How to Avoid Them.”
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