New Pharmacist Robert Taylor

We wanted to take a minute to introduce you to, Robert Taylor, the newest addition to the Lehan’s team of pharmacists! Starting in the spring of 2012, Robert is now the pharmacy manager at Lehan Drugs @ The Dekalb Clinic.  He is very excited about working in independent pharmacy again,  and Robert looks forward to continuing the level of patient care that patients have come to expect from Lehan Drugs.  Robert replaced Jon Lehan who recently opened his own compounding pharmacy in Rockford – Rock Valley Compounding Pharmacy.

Robert graduated at the top of his pharmacy class from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2005. Robert grew up on a farm near Enid, OK and is no stranger to independent pharmacy practice. He worked throughout his college years for two different locally owned pharmacies and enjoyed an emphasis on compounding even then. The summer before his last year of pharmacy school, Robert, by chance, chose a pharmacy internship program in Milwaukee, WI. There he met his future wife Sarah (Haeseker) who was also in pharmacy school but at Drake University in Des Moines. After marrying in Iowa and spending a few years in his native Oklahoma, Robert and Sarah started a family in 2009 with the birth of their son George, moving back to Sarah’s hometown of De Kalb the following spring. Sarah had of course known of the Lehans growing up just down the street from their fourth street location and also by making their pharmacy one of her experiential rotations while in pharmacy school. Soon after moving back to De Kalb, Sarah started working part time at the Lehan’s clinic pharmacy but also kept her full time job raising George. Now that Robert has joined her and the Lehan’s family, they are very excited to be working together and are looking forward to getting to know all the customers that have supported Lehans over the past sixty-five years.

Being a dutiful husband, Robert has happily joined Sarah in rooting for the Chicago Bears on Sundays, but he will always be an OU Sooner fan first, attending their football games whenever they play in the Midwest. And while, Robert was at the top of his class in college, Sarah is at the top of their pharmacy household, she had better grades than him.

We are ecstatic to have Robert join our healthcare team!

In support of DVT Awareness Month, we’re offering our online followers some excellent sales on all compression socks (excluding insurance sales) through April 15th.  Our certified fitters will make sure you find just the right style and size to meet your lifestyle needs (dressy/casual/athletic performance) and maximize your DVT prophylaxis.  Mention “DVT Awareness Month” at the register and receive:

• 10% off one pair
• 15% off 2 pairs
• 20% off 3+ pairs

Serena Williams’ recent scare with a pulmonary embolism inadvertently brought attention to this dangerous condition and its ability to affect anyone, including athletes!  In fact, athletes are often at a higher risk of developing a DVT because of their lower resting heart rates and slower blood flow rates, especially when they are traveling long distances.  Williams’ ankle injury combined with immobilization in a walking boot and a long airline flight across the country most likely caused the DVT, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. 

Warning signs of a DVT include swelling (usually of one leg), leg pain/tenderness, leg warm to touch, and/or reddish or bluish skin discoloration.

Warning signs of  PE include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that may worsen with a deep breath, rapid heart rate, and/or unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus.

To help prevent blood clots:

• When traveling or sitting/standing for long periods, wear compression socks, take breaks, and stretch your legs often
• Stay well hydrated
• Move around as soon as possible after surgery/illness/injury – compression socks will help in these times as well
• As always, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and don’t smoke
• Know the risk factors for blood clots and the signs and symptoms of DVTs and PEs

As we noted last year around this time, risk factors include:

• Major surgery
• Recent trauma (fall, broken bone)
• Family history of blood clots
• Sit or stand for long periods of time
• Overweight or obese
• Pregnancy
• Varicose veins
• Oral contraceptives
• Confined to a bed

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about DVT prophylactic measures, especially if you have a family history of blood clots, following major surgery, or if you exhibit any of the above risk factors and will be traveling long distances.

Please feel free to call us at 815-758-0911 or email info@lehandrugs.com if you have any questions at all!  We are always more than happy to help.

THE DAY MR WALGREEN CAME TO TOWN

It was 1947. Harry S Truman was in the White House, World War II was over and our boys were back from Europe and the Pacific, and my Mother was a bookkeeper for Lehan  Drug Store in DeKalb, Illinois. Me? I was a four year old boy who already had an addiction to comic books. I also had the run of the store while my mother was working. Generally, that was running from the comic book rack in the front of the store to the upstairs office to look at the “funnies”.

Lehan Drugs was quite a progressive store in 1947. The Lehan brothers, Jim and Emery, had remodeled their store into one of the first self-service drug stores in the country. Even the Walgreen chain was still clerk served. Clerk served, or conventional, drug stores meant that when you wanted to buy Carter’s Little Liver Pills, Chantilly perfume and Old Gold cigarettes you asked the clerk for these items and she would flit around the store and retrieve them from the display cases. She’d wrap them up, take your money, and make your change.  The Walgreen Chain was aware of this radical drug store merchandising concept and were quite interested to see it in action.

Mr. Charles R. Walgreen, Jr. made an appointment to visit the Lehan  Drug Store and the Lehan brothers went to work in preparation. Bud, the stockman, lined up the warehouse, and even the restaurant manager, Cookie, put on a clean apron for the occasion. I was the only one thinking about ball point pens.

Ball point pens were a new invention. They were fat things, about the size of a man’s thumb, and were as likely to leak on your shirt as to make a mark on paper. And I wanted one. When a business man returned a leaker, the clerk replaced it, throwing the old pen into the waste basket. Not to miss my chance, when no one was looking I fished the prize from the trash and put it in my pocket. Of course, my shirt soon had a large black spot and my chest did as well.

Mom rushed me to the pharmacy as soon as she saw the stain; ink might be poisonous. She and the pharmacist washed me up with Walgreen’s Tincture of Green Soap and finished with me just as Mr. Walgreen and his entourage walked in. She grabbed some comic books and took me to the office. We found that other people had brought comic books to the office for me, too. Keep the little guy out from underfoot, you know. Mom waited to be called to meet with the visitors, they inspected the store, and I read.

Soon, my mother was called downstairs and curiosity got the best of me. I snuck down the back stairwell, through the kitchen, and peaked out the double doors into the restaurant. I could see them in the largest booth; the Lehan brothers, three men in identical blue suits and polished black shoes, and my mother with her big ledger book. I immediately knew who Mr. Walgreen was; he looked just like my favorite uncle Wilbur.

Curiosity gone, I returned to the office and lost myself in the world of Mickey, Donald, and Pluto; only stopping occasionally to smell my shirt and the wonderful, lingering, clean smell of tincture of green soap.

Tom Brewer

Fort Collins, CO

Omega 3’s are a type of fatty acid required by the human body to function properly. Our bodies cannot make Omega 3’s on our own, so humans must consume fish oil through the diet or with supplementation.

There are two types of omega 3’s:  DHA and EPA. Both are found naturally in fish.

The Uses and Dosing of Fish Oil (Omega-3s)

When determining the correct dose of fish oil for omega-3s, you must read the label carefully.  The front label of most products will say “Fish Oil 1,000mg” however this is NOT the amount of omega-3s in the product.  Omega-3s are only a portion of the fish oil capsules and are the ingredient directly responsible for supporting vital health processes.

Fish oil products should have labeling to describe the amounts of omega-3s (DHA + EPA) in the capsules.   The “serving size” may be listed as 1 or 2 capsules, depending on the product selected.  This is important in determining the cost of taking fish oil, as serving size differs from product to product.

*As you can see from this example, although each capsule is 1,000mg, only 300mg are the DHA and EPA!*

The most common uses of fish oil are to support healthy cholesterol (primarily high triglycerides), blood pressure support, prevention of secondary cardiovascular events, cardiovascular support, and support of brain function. The chart below describes how dosing may differ based on medical literature available for each condition.

Summary of Scientific Evidence:

High Cholesterol (primarily triglycerides):   There is strong evidence that omega-3s help in reducing triglyceride levels.  On average, omega-3s reduce triglyceride levels by 27mg/dl.

High Blood Pressure: There is strong evidence that omega-3s support small reductions in blood pressure.

Secondary Cardiovascular Prevention: There is strong evidence that omega-3s reduce the risk of heart attacks and death in patients who have previously had a heart attack or stroke.

Other theoretical (unproven) benefits:

Arthritis/inflammatory disorders

Dementia

Auto-immune disorders

Asthma

If you have additional questions about fish oil, talk to one of our pharmacists today!

Yours in Health,

Jon Lehan, Pharm D

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness which presents as a range of symptoms from mild to severe. One common misconception of influenza is that it is synonymous with the stomach flu. Influenza and the stomach flu are two separate, unrelated conditions, and the yearly influenza vaccine does not prevent the stomach flu. Today’s blog will focus on influenza.

How can I contract Influenza?

Influenza is transmitted through droplets of moisture such as from sneezing or coughing. People can contract influenza at any time throughout the year, but it usually occurs between the months of October and May, with the largest number of infections occurring in January and February.

What are the symptoms of Influenza?

The condition can present as a variety of symptoms and can be easily confused with other health conditions. Some of these symptoms include muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache, fever/chills, cough or runny/stuffy nose. Most people recover within a week of becoming ill.

Types of Influenza Vaccines

• Influenza Shot: this is the inactivated vaccine and is what most people will receive when they become vaccinated.
• Influenza Spray: this is the weak, active form of the virus that is administered via a nasal spray.
• High-Dose Vaccine: this is four times the dose of the normal vaccine and is specifically for people age 65 and older, but has an increased incidence of side
  effects.

Who should get the Influenza Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that all people older than 6 months of age should receive the vaccine on a yearly basis. While young children and people over the age of 65 have the highest rate of infection, pregnant women or people with certain health conditions such as a weakened immune system, or lung, kidney, or heart disease can become very sick if they contract the virus.

Why should I get the Influenza Vaccine every year?

Viruses are continuously changing, and as they change, they are classified as different strains. Before the vaccines are made every year, scientists try to match the vaccine to the top three strains they believe will circulate for a given year. Receiving a flu vaccine every year ensures optimal protection from the most recent influenza strains.

When should I get the Influenza Vaccine?

You should receive the influenza vaccine as early as it is available, but it is never too late to receive it. The earlier you receive it, the sooner you are protected from the virus. Once you have been immunized, it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to begin working, and the protection lasts for one year or longer for the included strains.

Who should NOT get the Influenza Vaccine?

• People who are severely allergic to eggs
• People who have had a major allergic reaction to a previous influenza vaccine
• People who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
• People who are moderately to severely ill (these people should wait until they are feeling better)

What risks are associated with the Influenza Vaccine?

There are minimal risks associated with the influenza vaccine. The most common complaint is an injection site reaction. This may include pain, soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was administered. Additionally, some people may notice aches, headache or fatigue after receiving the vaccine. These symptoms usually occur soon after receiving the vaccine and subside within 1 to 2 days.

Posting by Samantha Keca, PharmD Candidate, UIC-Chicago

Vaccinations are available at both Lehan Drugs locations and are available during all normal business hours. We will once again bill each patient’s insurance, if requested, and the vaccination involves no out of pocket cost for all Medicare beneficiaries.  At Lehan Drugs, we are able to vaccinate anyone 14 years of age or older.

In addition, if you know someone who cannot leave their home and would like to receive the flu vaccine, please let us know and we will gladly come to their home to administer the shot.

For any questions about the vaccination, please call us at 815-758-0911 or e-mail us at info@lehandrugs.com

Yours in Health,

The Lehan Family

Magnesium is an important mineral that we need for many biochemical reactions in our bodies.  It is important for good bone health, immune health, and cardiovascular functions to name a few.  When we eat, our intestines absorb magnesium from foods such as green vegetables, whole grains, and nuts. 

Do proton pump inhibitors cause low magnesium?

Recently, a study was released that showed that long-term use of medications in the class of proton pump inhibitors (Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Dexilant, Zergerid, Protonix, AcipHex, Vimovo) used to reduce stomach acid, may be associated with low magnesium levels.  Low blood levels of magnesium can cause arrhythmias, seizures, and muscle spasms, but can also exist without any symptoms.

 So the real question is, should you take a magnesium supplement if you are taking one of these medications?

Unfortunately, there are no studies that can answer this question at this time.  But in the meantime, it may be wise to take a magnesium supplement if you are taking a proton pump inhibitor long-term. 

How much magnesium should I take per day?

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences established the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of magnesium to be 420mg/day for men 31 years of age and older and 320mg/day for women 31 years of age and older.   For adults aged 19 to 30, the RDA of magnesium is 400mg/day for men and 310mg/day for women.  This amount refers to the amount of elemental magnesium that you should obtain from your diet.  Depending on how much magnesium you are getting from your diet, you may require more or less magnesium from a supplement.   It is not recommended to take more magnesium than the established RDA per day.

What magnesium supplement should I take?

The table below compares some different forms of magnesium that are available over-the-counter.  In general, magnesium oxide has a large amount of elemental magnesium per tablet, but it isn’t absorbed well into the body.  Some of the other forms of magnesium listed below contain less elemental magnesium per tablet, but are better absorbed into the body.

For more information, we encourage you to call and speak with one of our pharmacists at 815-758-0911 or 815-217-3890.

 What is a Probiotic?

 Probiotics are live, “good” bacteria and yeast that live in your intestine. They help decrease “bad” bacteria and viruses that cause diseases such as diarrhea.

They can help…

Some patients treat or prevent diarrhea including antibiotic associated diarrhea. Also, probiotics can help with some other diseases such as Ulcerative Colitis (UC)  and Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS), and even asthma.

How likely am I to get diarrhea from my antibiotic?

The risk of diarrhea is up to 40% in patients treated with antibiotics, and about 10% of women develop a yeast infection.  The best-studies probiotics reduce your chance of developing these side effects by 50-75%.

Is that the entire story?

Antibiotics reduce the healthy bacteria in your digestive system. Good bacteria have been found to reduce the symptoms and development of auto-immune diseases such as asthma and ulcerative colitis, help create essential nutrients for your health like Vitamin K, and protect your gut from dangerous bacteria like Clostridium Dificile.

Although you may not develop diarrhea from your medication, using a probiotic ensures the medication doesn’t damage your health while clearing your infection!

Not all probiotics are created equal!

Lehan’s only recommends products with the BEST evidence available for preventing antibiotic associated diarrhea and general intestinal and vaginal health.  Less expensive products may not be strong enough, have the correct balance of bacteria, or may not have any LIVING probiotic bacteria.

Still not sure???

Don’t hesitate to ask a Lehan’s pharmacist for recommendations to help you choose the right product for you or your family member.

 Pro-Biotic Product Choices

In support of DVT Awareness Month, we’re offering our online followers some excellent sales on all compression socks (excluding insurance sales) through April 15th.  Our certified fitters will make sure you find just the right style and size to meet your lifestyle needs (dressy/casual/athletic performance) and maximize your DVT prophylaxis.  Mention “DVT Awareness Month” at the register and receive:

• 10% off one pair
• 15% off 2 pairs
• 20% off 3+ pairs

Serena Williams’ recent scare with a pulmonary embolism inadvertently brought attention to this dangerous condition and its ability to affect anyone, including athletes!  In fact, athletes are often at a higher risk of developing a DVT because of their lower resting heart rates and slower blood flow rates, especially when they are traveling long distances.  Williams’ ankle injury combined with immobilization in a walking boot and a long airline flight across the country most likely caused the DVT, resulting in a pulmonary embolism. 

Warning signs of a DVT include swelling (usually of one leg), leg pain/tenderness, leg warm to touch, and/or reddish or bluish skin discoloration.

Warning signs of  PE include sudden shortness of breath, sharp chest pain that may worsen with a deep breath, rapid heart rate, and/or unexplained cough, sometimes with bloody mucus.

To help prevent blood clots:

• When traveling or sitting/standing for long periods, wear compression socks, take breaks, and stretch your legs often
• Stay well hydrated
• Move around as soon as possible after surgery/illness/injury – compression socks will help in these times as well
• As always, exercise regularly, eat healthy, and don’t smoke
• Know the risk factors for blood clots and the signs and symptoms of DVTs and PEs

As we noted last year around this time, risk factors include:

• Major surgery
• Recent trauma (fall, broken bone)
• Family history of blood clots
• Sit or stand for long periods of time
• Overweight or obese
• Pregnancy
• Varicose veins
• Oral contraceptives
• Confined to a bed

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about DVT prophylactic measures, especially if you have a family history of blood clots, following major surgery, or if you exhibit any of the above risk factors and will be traveling long distances.

Please feel free to call us at 815-758-0911 or email info@lehandrugs.com if you have any questions at all!  We are always more than happy to help.

OTC’s requires Prescription : If you use your FSA to pay for over the counter medications (any cold medicine, allergies, motion sickness) then you are in for some significant changes beginning January 1, 2011. Your over the counter (OTC) drugs now require a prescription to be reimbursed from your FSA.  There are a few exceptions to this (like insulin, contact lens solution) which are listed below.

Know your documentation :  According to the IRS, you should be able to provide proof of purchase and proof of prescription. For example you can provide either

1. A customer receipt issued by Lehan Drugs that reflects the date of sale and the amount of the charge, along with a copy of the prescription OR
2. A customer receipt that identifies the name of the purchaser (or the name of the person for whom the prescription applies), the date and amount of the purchase and an Rx number

What about grace periods? Some companies provide a grace period to use up all the money, so if your grace period extends into 2011, you would have to follow the new rule for whatever you are buying after Jan 1, 2011. Even if the money comes from 2010 fund. For example, if your company provides a 2 ½ month grace period to use your 2010 fund, the cost of over-the-counter medicines and drugs purchased without a prescription during the first 2 ½ months of 2011 will not be eligible to be reimbursed by a health FSA.

List of eligible medications that do not require a prescription

This change impacts only medication. This means any medical equipment and other medical supplies that are covered by your plan will not require any extra documentation. Here is a sample of stuff that doesn’t require any prescription.

List of eligible medications that require prescription

Unfortunately a lot of medications, over the counter medications, now require a prescription. Some examples include -

List of eligible medications that will require a prescription and a letter of necessity

There is no change in this category. Some medications always required an extra letter of necessity from the doctor, like the following.

Now you have to get a prescription too.

What can you do to prepare and use your money wisely

All the changes are going into effect only on Jan 1, 2011. So there is plenty of time to prepare and plan.

Stock up now : You can still buy OTC medications without a prescription until Dec 2010. So stop by Lehan Drugs and stock up on things you might need before the changes take place on 1/1/2011!

*Compression socks/stockings will not require a prescription going forward but a letter of medical necessity will be needed to purchase compression products with FSA funds! 

Set aside the correct amount : When planning how much money to set aside for your 2011 health spending, you should take the new changes into account. If you don’t spend the entire amount because you didn’t get a prescription for over-the-counter medicine you figured into your reimbursements, then you’ll most likely lose the money left at the end of the plan year, or pay a penalty depending on the type of account.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a Lehan Drugs pharmacist!