Spend TEN DOLLARS trying to save a PENNY ?

profits2

 

Watched my 80 year old neighbor in congestive heart failure be forced to change pharmacies after 20 years because his insurance no longer would cover his old grocery store pharmacy. He hand delivered new scripts to the CVS across the street where we live. They filled everything but his pain meds and said they didn’t have them. This was a Friday. By Sunday night he was forced to call an ambulance. He was in so much pain, his body so swollen his blood pressure was well over 200/100. He was treated at the ER for BP and pain and released. The next day, Monday he talked with his docs office who promptly called the local CVS and sure enough, his pain meds were filled that day.
I felt awful for this man being forced to suffer even more than normal. The cost of the ambulance and ER visit and additional stress almost killed him.
As a chronic pain patient with RSD and pulmonary sarcoidosis, I can’t even begin to tell of the horror stories in support groups about being cut off from meds, blacklisted because not enough med was in their system. It’s not unusual to not take a dose if not needed in chronic pain as flare ups come and go. Now we are forced to take it if we need it or not?? The suicides I have seen in each of these support groups is heartbreaking. You will never find a true chronic pain patient taking any med they don’t need. We don’t enjoy taking meds or giving up our lives to pain. We don’t enjoy being discriminated against in our communities. We don’t enjoy the countless side effects of medication. We don’t enjoy being alienated by friends and family. This cruelty is beyond words and is a crime against humanity.

A comment that should not be missed

Down here in Hammond Louisiana the Pharmacists deliberately and carelessly choosing to fill a prescription is not just because its early but discrimination based on religious preference and artists of religious genres are be discriminated against. My husband is an international and demanded portrait sculptor with media and exposure and mtiple press ops.

In the ever-expanding world of weight loss supplements, LivPure has gained significant attention. Promoted as a revolutionary product for shedding pounds effortlessly, LivPure has sparked curiosity among those seeking effective weight management solutions. However, the flood of LivPure reviews and claims has raised suspicions about the authenticity and safety of this supplement. In this article, we will dissect LivPure’s reputation, examining both the hype and skepticism, while striving to provide clarity on whether LivPure is a safe and reliable choice for weight loss.

The LivPure Hype

LivPure’s rise to fame can be attributed to its marketing campaigns and the enthusiastic testimonials of its users. It boasts a natural formula that supposedly accelerates weight loss by enhancing metabolism and suppressing appetite. The promise of shedding excess fat without resorting to strenuous workouts and restrictive diets is certainly alluring, making LivPure a go-to option for many individuals struggling with weight issues.

Fake Reviews and Unsubstantiated Claims

However, not everything that glitters is gold, and this applies to LivPure as well. A closer look at LivPure’s online presence reveals an alarming number of fake reviews and over-the-top testimonials. Numerous websites and social media accounts are saturated with glowing LivPure reviews that often lack authenticity and credibility. These reviews usually read like marketing scripts rather than genuine user experiences, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the claims.

Consumer Reports Investigation

Consumer Reports, a renowned source for unbiased product evaluations, recently initiated an investigation into LivPure’s claims and effectiveness. Their comprehensive analysis sought to separate fact from fiction by conducting rigorous tests and surveys among LivPure users.

The results of the Consumer Reports investigation are eye-opening. While LivPure did show some potential benefits for weight loss, these benefits were far from the miraculous transformations depicted in the fake reviews. LivPure was found to have a mild effect on metabolism and appetite suppression, which, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, could aid in weight loss.

However, Consumer Reports also emphasized that LivPure is not a magic pill for instant weight loss. To achieve meaningful results, users must incorporate LivPure into a broader regimen of proper diet and exercise. This is a critical point to note, as the hype surrounding LivPure often portrays it as a stand-alone solution.

Safety Concerns

Another aspect that cannot be overlooked is the safety of LivPure. Many weight loss supplements on the market have been associated with adverse side effects, some of which can be severe. LivPure, in its marketing materials, claims to be safe due to its natural ingredients. However, it’s essential to remember that “natural” does not necessarily equate to “safe” or “effective.”

Consumer Reports found no major safety concerns with LivPure when used as directed. However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

Conclusion

The LivPure weight loss supplement has garnered significant attention due to its marketing hype and enthusiastic reviews. However, as the Consumer Reports investigation has revealed, the reality falls short of the extravagant claims made by many promoters. LivPure does have some potential benefits for weight management when used alongside a healthy lifestyle, but it is not a miraculous solution for shedding pounds effortlessly.

Moreover, the prevalence of fake reviews and unsubstantiated claims raises concerns about the transparency and credibility of the LivPure marketing campaign. In the world of weight loss supplements, skepticism is healthy, and it is crucial to approach such products with caution.

In conclusion, if you are considering LivPure or any similar weight loss supplement, it is essential to maintain realistic expectations, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, and rely on reputable sources of information like Consumer Reports to make informed decisions about your weight loss journey. Remember that there are no shortcuts to achieving a healthy weight; it requires dedication, consistency, and a balanced approach to diet and exercise.

He in short is a famous world renowned portrait sculptor. The issue stated when he dropped his prescription for an anti convulsant medicine off and the CVS and , needless to say on other occasions this was done to him…he dropped it off and the pharmacy said they were not in stock. They would call him as he was dropping it off knowing he’s had a few to last the next few months. On or about 2 days later he returned thinking it was back in stock. They said it would be another week. He complied until the next month the exact date of the original prescription and was told he was early due to the out of stock ant seizure meds , he suffers epileptic seizures and although he’s due to thier late standard of protocols. He has been declining in health, having more seizure attacks and health declining the blame on my husband by saying he’s 7 days early due to the last fill. The insurance company and his doctor agree that they are being in contempt of the doctors appointment orders and fear the coverup of not ordering the medications for life threatening conditions. Instead of billing his insurance on the drop off date they did so on the late stock date. Wavering He is early but according to his doctor and insurance company they are in violation because its not a schedule drug that is of addiction or dependent quality but an overall life threatening dispensory drug. These pharmacist in the southeastern portion of Louisiana are breaching the doctor and insurance company orders but she me thing has them thinking they aren’t responsible if my husband dies behind the wheel of a car because a pharmacist is trying to cover up discrimination and or incompetence and mostly describe mating because he has a semi private insurance. This must be looked into in the tangipahoa parish Louisiana area. What is at stake is not a license but a good man treated like a disposable care less. As a portrait sculptor that’s been recognised we also believe a little hatred due to all he’s accomplished since his medication was adjusted for survival, he’s achieved much of the American dream. The pharmacy seems to be paranoid and the care lies in their personal interest instead of the patient…going so far as to deny doctors and insurance orders. Where 10 years ago these were the abuses by patients not the pharmacist. He is going to use his media publicised image to bring light to the many as he is that suffer. Thank you and please intervention on a scheduled 4 drug like blood pressure meds. Sincerely , concerned family

Things have changed – not out of choice

Apparently the theme that I was using for my blog was UPDATED… and when the update redisplayed… to me . it was more F-uped .. so I was forced to abruptly change themes…  hopefully the author of the original theme will get things back to normal soon

OK BOP member doesn’t care if chronic pain gets treated ?

Hydrocodone no longer Oklahoma’s top prescribed drug

http://www.koco.com/news/hydrocodone-no-longer-oklahomas-top-prescribed-drug/31475146

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) —Hydrocodone is no longer the top drug prescribed to Oklahoma Medicaid patients.

The Oklahoman reports that according to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority, the painkiller hydrocodone has held the top spot for more than five years but has been replaced by an allergy medication.

Authority officials the drop is due to the changes in state and federal guidelines that reclassified hydrocodone as a more restrictive drug, which makes it more burdensome to prescribe.

Oklahoma law bans prescription drugs containing hydrocodone from being refilled by a pharmacy, which forces patients to visit doctors every time they want prescriptions.

Pharmacist Eric Winegardner, who serves on the state board that analyzes the drugs Medicaid members receive, has been bothered for years by the high rate at which hydrocodone is prescribed.

“I’ve brought it up several times in the meetings,” said Winegardner, a longtime Drug Utilization Review board member. “It’s preposterous for the health care authority to be feeding this problem and for it to be our highest prescribed medication for the class of people we serve, and I’m very happy to see this knocked out of the top spot.

The state has seen the number of overdose deaths from prescription drugs more than double in the past 12 years, according to officials. Deaths due to hydrocodone and oxycodone have more than quadrupled in number.

“I haven’t gotten really excited about it dropping off the No. 1 prescribed medication because it shouldn’t have ever been there to begin with,” Winegardner said. “I’m interested to see how it will do going forward. I’m interested in what it’s going to look like five years from now. Hopefully we can get it out of the top 10 and just have it being used for acute pain, rather than chronic pain.”

In November, cetirizine hydrochloride, also known as Zyrtec, became the most prescribed drug.

The consequences of this court ruling could be very interesting

rockhardplace

Pharmacy faces negligence lawsuit after painkiller overdose

http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/managed-healthcare-executive/news/pharmacy-faces-negligence-lawsuit-after-painkiller-overdose?page=0,0

Should a pharmacy or pharmacist be liable for filling valid and legal prescriptions written by a doctor? Pharmacy industry observers are watching closely as that answer is likely to be provided in a Florida court.

An appeals court recently ruled that Daytona Discount Pharmacy and its owner, Manish Patel, should stand trial for the overdose death of a patient who filled his anti-anxiety and painkiller prescriptions at that pharmacy.

Doctors writing fewer painkiller Rxs

According to an article in the Daytona Beach News Journal, 34-year-old Steven Porter died in 2011 after taking a combination of Xanax and hydrocodone. His mother filed a negligence lawsuit against her son’s doctor, the pharmacy, and the pharmacy’s owner. The doctor settled.

The pharmacy was accused of filling at least 30 prescriptions in a two-year span, even though it should have known that the previous prescriptions had not been depleted.

Lawyers for the pharmacy argued that it had no duty to Porter other than filling “valid and lawful prescriptions.” Circuit Judge William A Parsons agreed with the pharmacy and dismissed the case. 

However, a three-judge appellate court in Daytona Beach overturned that ruling. In its opinion, the judges wrote: “A pharmacist’s duty to use due and proper care in filling a prescription extends beyond simply following the prescribing physician’s direction…. Pharmacists are required to exercise that degree of care that an ordinarily prudent pharmacist would under the same or similar circumstances.”

At least one legal analyst called the appellate court decision questionable. “Do not forget that this pharmacy did nothing more than fill valid and lawful prescriptions, which the patient’s doctor kept writing over a period of years,” attorney Steven Boranian wrote on Lexology. “We can see imposing a duty to avoid mistakes in dispensing and compounding products, and one of the cases that the court cited provides a possible example….But the duty imposed in [this case] is considerably broader and somewhat nebulous.”

Boranian added: “Does a pharmacist have a duty to suggest different dosage based on what he or she knows about the patient? Does a pharmacist have a duty to suggest alternate drugs or otherwise second guess physicians? Does a pharmacist have a duty to question a patient about other medications he or she may be getting from other pharmacies, which is common drug-seeking behavior? Does a pharmacist have a duty to warn of a prescription drug’s known and reasonably knowable risks? The answer to all these questions clearly is No.” 

Like all other things that are put out there.. the facts that are presented typically reflects only the tip of the iceberg of the entire set of facts. We know the medications involved… but not the strengths or the number of doses/mgs that the pt was taking per day. We all know that docs are notorious for not truthful with Pharmacists in what they tell the pt or allow the pt in how many doses they can take per day.

The bottom line is that any patient getting controlled meds, that they have on hand enough to OD when they first get a Rx filled… if they are so inclined to.

If the courts rule in favor of the Pharmacy/Pharmacist, IMO… it could blow all those Pharmacist out of the water that are just “not comfortable” filling controlled meds for Rxs that have been written by a properly licensed prescriber and otherwise the medication(s) are on time and most likely medically necessary. Could this ruling set into motion that a Pharmacist could be equally liable for denying, reducing or otherwise changing what the prescriber has prescribed… as they would be for filling too many/too early Rxs and/or dispensing the wrong medication or dose ?

Another non-epidemic .. epidemic ? 29 K die mostly Seniors

bacteria

Dangerous infections now spreading outside hospitals

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/02/25/clostridium-difficile-infections-grow/23942147/

Life-threatening infections caused by bacteria called Clostridium difficile now sicken nearly half a million Americans a year, health officials said Wednesday.

The number of these infections — which can cause “deadly diarrhea” and damage to the colon — doubled between 2000 and 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2011, about 29,000 patients with the bacteria, also known as C. difficile or C. diff, died within a month of becoming sick, according to a CDC study published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine. One out of three of these infections occurs in people 65 and older. People 65 and older also account for most deaths.

“C. difficile infections cause immense suffering and death for thousands of Americans each year,” CDC Director Tom Frieden said in a statement.

Post TWO THOUSAND (2000)

walmarted-300x198

This little blog of mine started in Feb 2011 and for the first year.. it just kind of “bounced around” until one year later when I finally got my act together and posting on a regular basis..  Three years ago.. a “good day” is when I got 30 page views.. yesterday my PEAK HR of page views was 301 and page views for this year (2015) has already surpassed the page views for the entire year (2013)

Almost every week .. when I have thought that I had seen/heard just about everything and that brick wall that I seem to beating my head against… is like trying to walk forward against hurricane strength wind… just a single “crumb” of there is still hope of making progress..

This may be a shocker to many of my readers but I tend to lean toward conservative/libertarian political beliefs..  Last night.. I was on the computer any my TV is on over my shoulder.. so I am “listening” to TV..  There is this new program on Fox Business called KENNEDY…   This 42 y/o woman… born in Indianapolis, raised in Oregon and went to UCLA … IMO.. she is both a very intelligent and has a quick mind, wit, and “tongue”.

Last week she was talking about MJJ, Heroin and the war on drugs and her Libertarian point of view mandates less governmental control/intervention. After last weeks show.. I sent out a tweet to her suggesting that she look at the Harrison Narcotic Act and how she should look into the motivation behind this law ( bigotry & racism).

Last night, she is debating MMJ with a – IMO – “left leaning socialist”…  Keep in mind I am “listening to the show” while working on my laptop.. and I hear Kennedy… mention why/how the war on drugs started – RACISM, Chinese, and the N-word..  Luckily I have a TIVO with a “rewind” button.. I literally stopped in my tracks..  She didn’t mention the Harrison Narcotic Act but did mention a article or two from the NEW YORK TIMES in 1914.

I have been able to get the show off of the TIVO and on to my IPAD.. but.. haven’t yet figured out how to get it off the IPAD..  so I can share my “shock”. BTW… poor person debating Kennedy was only able to reference a 63 page report from the DEA and www.whitehouse.gov as sources of rebuttal… He… He… He…. The woman she was debating was still smiling as time ran out.. but .. I would bet she wasn’t smiling after the camera had been turned off

Today, the producer for a investigative reporter at Channel 13 (ABC) in Las Vegas… with a link to a piece that was done two days ago on “I’m not comfortable” This investigative reporter had already done 5 other pieces over the past year and I had exchanged emails with this producer. But that is a first that a producer has sent me a link to their piece…

Thanks to all my readers, those that make comments and all those that forward me emails of interesting – or damning – material…  Collectively, we are being recognized…. progress/success will follow….

A Pharmacy robbed every 3 days in Indianapolis

 

Police looking for suspect in recent pharmacy robbery

 http://fox59.com/2015/02/25/police-looking-for-suspect-in-recent-pharmacy-robbery/

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (Feb. 25, 2015) – Police have responded to 21 pharmacy robberies since the beginning of this year, including one earlier this week. On Monday, police say a man walked into the CVS at 3425 W. 16th Street and demanded prescription drugs. According to Crime Stoppers bulletin, the man handed the clerk a note that stating: “This is a robbery. Narco 10mg in the bag. I have a gun.”

He was spotted leaving the scene in a grey Suburban or Yukon.

“They know exactly what kind of drug they are abusing, the know the milligrams and they will tell the pharmacy exactly what they want,” said Steve Dubois with Central Indiana Crime Stoppers.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reported 68 pharmacy robberies in central Indiana last year.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in the numbers over recent months I think that there’s been an increase in prescription narcotic use,” said Lt. Craig McCartt.

Anyone with information about these robberies is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.

Indiana’s AG Zoeller’s BITTER PILL program… only a pharmacy robbery every 3 days in Indianapolis alone..  Success compares to the 45 yr DEA’s war on drugs ?

http://www.in.gov/bitterpill/

When moral compasses are in conflict.. the cost to our society

WISH File Photo

 

HIV outbreak in 5 Indiana counties linked to needle-sharing

http://wlfi.com/2015/02/25/indiana-reports-hiv-outbreak-tied-to-powerful-painkiller/

INDIANAPOLIS (AP/WLFI) — A top state health official says an HIV outbreak that’s infected more than two dozen people in five southern Indiana counties is being largely driven by needle-sharing among drug users.

Deputy Health Commissioner Jennifer Walthall said Wednesday that 26 people have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS since mid-December and another four have preliminary HIV-positive status.

Health Commissioner Jerome Adams says most of the cases are linked to people injecting the prescription painkiller Opana, while a small number are tied to sexual transmission of the HIV virus. Officials said Opana is a powerful opioid painkiller containing oxymorphone, which is more potent per milligram than Oxycontin.

Adams says disease specialists are interviewing those infected about their needle-sharing habits and sexual partners. Health officials also are working “to identify, contact and test individuals who may have been exposed.”

The State Health Department said avoid the following to help reduce the risk of HIV infection:

  • Injection drug use
  • sharing or re-using needles
  • engaging in unprotected sex
  • engaging in sex with commercial sex workers

Adams is urging southeastern Indiana residents who’ve engaged in needle-sharing and unprotected sex to get tested. For HIV testing locations or further information about HIV, please call the HIV Services Hotline at 866-588-4948.

Walthall says the HIV cases have been confirmed in Clark, Jackson, Perry, Scott and Washington counties. Five of those infected are prostitutes and 10 others are inmates in local jails or prisons.

All too many pharmacies refuse to sell syringe/needles to someone they “think” has no legit need for them.  It is as if they believe that denying them the ability to purchase clean needles that they will some how have an epiphany at the Rx dept cash register and change their ways.  I wonder how many of these people many not have become HIV + .. nothing mentioned of Hep-C.

Since 60% of this group are being “taken care of ” on the tax payers of Indiana “dime”..  I just wonder how many $$$ our society is having to pay out to treat all of these people who failed to have that epiphany at the Rx dept cash register and the “moral compass” of those in the Rx dept is continuing to add untold number of people to these groups?

 

exporting American jobs ?

DEA: Surge in meth border seizures sign of Mexican cartels boosting production

http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2015/02/dea-surge-in-meth-seizures-at-border-sign-of-mexican-cartels-boosting-production/

A recent increase in methamphetamine seizures at the border suggests that Mexican cartels are seeking to meet demand with meth-making ingredients more difficult to obtain in the U.S., the top drug-enforcement official in Arizona said Wednesday.

In the last two years, Arizona has seen a 40 percent increase in meth seizures, with about 5,500 pounds seized last year, according to Douglas Coleman, Drug Enforcement Administration special agent in charge for Phoenix.

Most of that methamphetamine came from Mexico, he said. listen

“We see very little that’s actually manufactured here,” Coleman said. “Those labs that we do have here, which are eight or nine a year, produce minimal amounts. So that is the stuff that’s coming across the border.”

Comparing Arizona to another major access point for drug trafficking, the DEA reported 5,124 pounds of meth seized last year in San Diego, which used to be a main production hub for meth.

Only marijuana is trafficked more than meth in Arizona, Coleman said. listen

The federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 restricted over-the-counter sales of products containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine, all used in the production of methamphetamine.

The number of meth labs in Arizona has dropped dramatically since, with the DEA reporting five clandestine meth lab incidents fiscal 2014 versus 133 in calendar 2005.

The dropoff in domestic production hasn’t reduced demand for meth in Arizona or the rest of the country, however. And cartels in Mexico, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, which controls most of the meth production in Mexico, are meeting that demand by sending more of the drug across the border, Coleman said.