Patients are More Likely to Take Asthma Medications if Doctors are Engaged in Monitoring Use
New Jersey Urged to Continue Funding Anti-Tobacco Programs
U.S. Cigarette Brands Can Put Smokers at Higher Risk
Is it a Food Allergy or Food Intolerance?
It’s very important to know that a positive allergy skin or blood test (both detect food specific IgE levels) does not always mean you’re allergic to a food. Many times you can eat a food without symptoms despite a positive test. In addition, a positive test does not tell you how severe an allergy is. That’s why it’s very important to be seen by an allergist who can skillfully put together the clinical history of food reactions with appropriate testing to obtain an accurate diagnosis and minimize false positive results.
Need Help in Paying for Drugs?
With the economy in the state it is, many patients are having a difficult time paying for expensive drugs. The pharmaceutical industry has long provided free or low-cost medicines provided that strict financial requirements are met. Many companies have different rules, so it is not a “one size fits all.”
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Patient-assistance programs
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Discount drug cards
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Obtaining low-cost generic
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www.needymeds.org. Patients can search and download applications etc.
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www.togetherrxaccess.com or1-800-444-4106 Nine major drug companies free card:20%-40% for more than 300 drugs.
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www.rxoutreach.com or1-800-769-3880. Offers more than 350 generic meds at $20-$95 for 180 day supplies.
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www.pparx.org or 1-888-477-2669. Helps to match patients with more than 475 programs.
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Discounts range from 15%-50%
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www.xubex.com or 1-800-699-8239. Over 250 generic drugs 90 day supply most for $20-$30
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www.rxassist.org. Allows patients to search online for tip sheets on getting low-cost meds and other information.
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Discounts range from 15%-50%
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Wal-Mart, Target, Safeway and other chains at $4. Several have reduced costs of generic drugs to $10-$15.
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Could Higher Vitamin D Levels Improve Asthma Symptoms?
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Infants 0–12 months
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200 IU
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Children 1–18 years
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200 IU
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Adults 19–50 years
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200 IU
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Adults 51–70 years
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400 IU
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Adults 71 years and older
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600 IU
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Pregnant and lactating women
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200 IU
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H1N1 Update
Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are now stable and relatively low nationally. However, the majority of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir, with rare exception. It is still recommended that persons get vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine, if they have not already done so, should another wave of flu activity occur.

What does a black box warning mean?
The FDA places a “black box” warning on the package insert of prescription drugs that might cause serious adverse effects. Recently, long-acting bronchodilators such as Foradil (formoterol) and Serevent (salmeterol) have appeared on this list. The FDA is concerned about the safety of these drugs when used alone.
Dr. Permaul Settling In
My first six months at Two River Allergy and Asthma Group have been wonderful. Thank you all for being so welcoming! As time goes on, I look forward to fostering relationships with each of you. You will soon see that one of my basic tenets for excellent patient care is education. Understanding your allergic and/or immunologic condition is the first step in treatment. I also encourage questions and love to be challenged. I trust that my educational and medical training will speak for itself.
I want to thank our fantastic staff, including Dr. Picone, for being so warm and accommodating. It has really made my transition to private practice very smooth. I was born in New York City and have lived in major cities such as Philadelphia and Boston, so moving to Red Bank has been an exciting change. I welcome any suggestions for things to do in and around Monmouth County!
H1N1 Vaccination Update
On January 15, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that “about 11,000 Americans have died of swine flu as of last month.” The World Health Organization’s Executive Board recently reported that although the H1N1 flu virus remains active in many countries, “the overall pattern is decreasing.”
Whether there will be a third wave of H1N1 infections during the late winter and spring months remains to be seen. It is also not clear whether the H1N1 strain will replace other seasonal influenza viruses. To date, about 1 in 5 Americans have been vaccinated against H1N1, according to the government’s first detailed estimates of vaccination rates against this pandemic.
Winter Months Bring Indoor Asthma Triggers
While many people think of allergies as being seasonal (spring and fall), the winter months can wreak havoc for many allergic asthma sufferers. Some asthma patients are very sensitive to indoor allergens, especially when spending more time indoors during the winter and increasing exposure.
Common indoor allergens are dust mites, pets (saliva, hair and dander), molds and cockroach droppings. When inhaled, these allergens can trigger inflammation and obstruction of the airways, making it hard to breathe.
You can help prevent allergy-induced asthma symptoms in the home by implementing a few simple measures. Your asthma medication may also need to be adjusted during the winter months. If you fit this description, we can discuss these steps at your next visit.
Shortage of Pediatric Subspecialists
NJVoices Guest Blog recently reported on a disheartening topic regarding pediatric subspecialists. The American Association of Medical Colleges predicts that by the year 2025, the United States will face a shortage of at least 125,000 physicians for all medical specialties.
Hitting a little closer to home, a recent analysis by the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals already shows critical shortages for most pediatric specialties in New Jersey, including pediatric allergists. This will undoubtedly affect children with allergies and asthma. Over the next decade, the shortages are expected to worsen. For more details, please visit http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/01/shortage_of_pediatric_speciali.html. A statewide Physician Workforce Policy Task Force convened by the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals has called for the creation of a state Center for Medical and Health Workforce Planning to track and address the shortage.
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