Recently, I posted (here) about bleeding deaths from synthetic cannabinoids, better knowns a Spice, or K2. Now, more than 220 people have been reported as having serious bleeding from a contaminant, Brodifacoum, in the synthetic cannabinoid. What is Brodifacoum? Basically a rat poison that causes hemorrhage and death. What is Spice? How bad is the... Continue Reading →
Spice, K2- Cases of Severe Bleeding and Death
Spice (K2, or Fake Marijuana) is the center of focus again, with 2 people dead in the Chicago area, and another 56 suffering from severe bleeding after using Spice. What is 'Spice'? This is a synthetic marijuana that can mimic the 'high' from marijuana. It can be sprinkled into other smoke-ables (such as cigarettes) or... Continue Reading →
The Second Wave- a quick look at what the new increase in the B-strain of Flu means for you this season
Cases of flu nationwide are on a downturn, though we are still well above the number of cases that would be typical for this time of year. Hospitalizations last week continued to go up with people that had already been exposed and become ill. However, most of the lab samples now are showing a different flu bug. Up... Continue Reading →
Kratom- not a new miracle opioid. Plus, Salmonella poisonings reported
As a pharmacist, I am always hearing about how manufactured drugs are bad and 'all natural plant derived' drugs are wonderful. Pharmaceuticals have gotten a really bad rap. Folks tend to forget the entire reason for pharmacology in the first place was to find plant derived medicinals and, when necessary, figure out a way to... Continue Reading →
Flu- Not Quite Gone Yet (Hang In There)…
It's getting better, bit by bit. But better is relative. With the huge wave of flu that hit the USA this year, the decrease in numbers leaves us still well above the epidemic thresholds for deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza, and with 9 more children dying this past week. Our hospital beds still have... Continue Reading →
Flu Update- Yeah, I’m Sick of it, Too (no pun intended). But, Don’t Let Your Guard Down Yet…
The flu cases have come way down in the last couple of weeks. And that is great news! What's NOT so great is that the flu is no longer the fear-rocket that it was, so the media isn't really headlining much about it anymore. There are more glamorous, sexy stories for them to attract viewers.... Continue Reading →