Capsule Comments by Bill Coon, Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy

E-cigarettes come with various levels of nicotine….from zero to 24 mg/ml. There is some evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes with a higher nicotine content are more likely to become conventional cigarette smokers. The “higher” in the study was 18mg or more per ml. There is a fear that vaping will lead to a whole generation of new cigarette smokers.

When you receive a new prescription from your doctor, it’s important to ask a few questions of the doctor or your pharmacist. 1. Does this medication replace another I’m already taking? 2) Do I discontinue any of the medications I’m already on? 3) Are there any special precautions to take while taking the new medication? 4) How will I know if the medication is working and are there any side effects to watch out for? 5) Are there any follow-up tests and doctor visits?

With the coming legalizing of marijuana in Canada, users of the drug should be aware of the drug interactions that may occur with other drugs they are taking causing an increase in dizziness and sedation. And of course, those that smoke the drug could be making lung conditions like asthma worse. It’s important to consider drug interactions taking any new drug. Get professional advice first.

Some people who are desperate to lose weight may be tempted to order “slimming products” on-line. Don’t. There is no guarantee as what they contain and they may even contain banned ingredients. Reported side effects can include heart problems, blurred vision and diarrhea. There is no quick fix to losing weight.

Vitamin E is said to be good for many things but Alzheimer’s isn’t one of them. It has no effect on the disease. Exercise and healthy diet work better.

Be sure to visit Penny at Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy in the Home Health Care department for your compression stocking, mastectomy or ostomy needs.

Bill Coon graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto in 1984, and was the Faculty’s Centennial Scholar that same year. Bill and his pharmacist wife, Barbara, along with Paul Whitehead, opened Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy in 1990. The understanding that medications are only part of the health solution has lead to Bill’s interest in fitness and health, both personally and professionally. Bill’s Capsule Comments provide a full range of up to date health information.

Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy is conveniently located in the Huntsville Professional Building ~ 348 Muskoka Road 3 North, Huntsville Phone:(705) 789-1785

Read more from Bill on the Muskoka Medical Centre Pharmacy Facebook page.