Useful Info (Original Patient Education) JASE Medical - Page 26

A Dementia Diagnosis Can Be Challenging

Rule out other causes of decline first

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. It takes a toll on families and especially caregivers. Holidays and get togethers can be challenging for both families and the patient.

Some symptoms of early onset of dementia are:

  • Confusion
  • Loss of coordination-tripping, unable to hold items
  • Memory loss especially short term
  • Inability to reason complex situations
  • Emotional lability- anger, sadness, depression.

As dementia progresses symptoms become more pronounced, and leads to physical inability to take care of self independently

Risk factors for dementia

  • Genetics
  • Age- older adults are more at risk for a dementia diagnosis
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Smoking
  • Social isolation

Types of dementia

Alzheimer’s dementia

  • Twice as many women as men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s dementia
  • Most are over 65 years.

Alzheimer’s disease leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting nearly all its functions.

Symptoms are mild to start and progress over time. Early symptoms are forgetfulness- of names or items such as keys are, unable to recall family or friends names along with forgetting special dates or appointments

As disease progresses changes in mood, depth perception and inability to organize thoughts and cognition are apparent. In later stages of Alzheimer’s the person experiences hallucinations, delusions and is physically incapable of performing basic hygiene.

Frontotemporal

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), also called Picks disease is one of the less common types of dementia. It covers a range of different conditions that can affect personality, behavior, and language. FTD is mostly diagnosed in people under 65. Average onset is between 40 and 60 years, however it can occur as early as 20 years old.

Dementia with Lewy bodies

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is caused by Lewy body disease. In this disease, tiny

clumps of proteins – known as Lewy bodies – appear in the nerve cells of the brain, and progresses to decline in reasoning, independent function. and cognition. It can be hard to diagnose because it presents similar to many psychiatric symptoms

Vascular Dementia

 This type of dementia- which is sometimes called “Post Stroke Dementia” is different from Alzheimer’s or Lewy Body Dementia. Vascular Dementia is brain damage caused by bleeding or harm in the brain-such as a stroke. Symptoms that identify Vascular Dementia are observed immediately following a stroke and can include:

  • Changes in personality,
  • Depending on the area of the brain that has been affected- thinking short attention span
  • Difficulty reasoning organizing and analyzing thoughts

Correct diagnosis of dementia can be challenging

Many medical conditions, physical and emotional factors, along with medications can mimic dementia.

Medical conditions that can present as dementia like symptoms:

  • Liver and kidney disease– accumulation of toxic metabolic waste products in the blood can cause confusion and inability to form cohesive thoughts.
  • Infections– notably urinary tract infections can cause confusion and personality changes.This is more common in older population, symptoms of urinary tract infection sometimes present with different symptoms than younger population. Other infections should also be ruled out, such as syphilis or Lyme disease.
  • Cancer-especially brain cancer- by tumor pressing on the brain- or an immune response in which antibodies against the brain are formed, producing a “paraneoplastic syndrome”.
  • Endocrine dysregulation– such as thyroid gland (hypo or hyperthyroid) or diabetes- both of these conditions can alter mood, ability to coordinate and concentrate.
  • Head trauma– concussion
  • Depression– which can alter and slow thought processes and cause inability to make decisions along with irritability and mood changes.

Physical conditions that can present as dementia like symptoms

  • Poor vision– resulting in tripping, falling and bumping into furniture, walls, stairs, etc
  • Hearing lossA Lancet Commission report on hearing loss showed a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, leading to a diagnosis of dementia.
  • Lack of sleep– inability to concentrate or pay attention can mimic dementia, however research points to altered sleep patterns , even one nights sleep disruption has been shown to increase the beta amyloid plaque – the protein that causes dementia in the brain.

Medications that can mimic dementia

Some medications can take a long time before symptoms set in, so if you notice any cognitive changes even without a change in medication- either over the counter or prescription review with your care provider your concerns.

  • Anticholinergic medications-such as tolterodine or oxybutynin, often used to treat urinary incontinence, Benadryl used for allergies and for sleep,
  • Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline for example
  • Antipsychotics such as Seroquil
  • Benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax, and Librium
  • Sleep aids such as Sonata and Ambien
  • Corticosteroids such as Prednisone
  • Narcotic pain relievers- such as morphine
  • Anti-Parkinson drugs such as trihexyphenidyl (Artrane)

It is important to make sure all other causes of confusion, memory loss, poor coordination, mood changes and other dementia mimicking signs have been considered before a diagnosis of dementia is made. Many medical conditions, physical conditions and drugs mimic the symptoms of dementia, take the time to review them and discuss with your care provider.

If a definite diagnosis of dementia has been made there are many resources available. One is the Alzheimers.org online support group and help with finding local resources to help with caring for your loved one.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Avian Influenza Adds to Skyrocketing Thanksgiving Meal

Turkey jumps 73% in price over last year

Thanksgiving is a time for families and loved ones to get together and share a meal and give thanks- a longstanding tradition in many households across the U.S. The centerpiece for many of these meals is the turkey. Recent outbreaks of avian influenza has put a dent in available turkeys, sending the price to skyrocket. Over the past year over 6 million turkeys had to be culled due to highly pathogenic avian influenza(HPAI). This resulted in 2.5 percent reduction in turkeys going to market, however the USDA projects the numbers should rebound to pre cull (kill) numbers within a short time.  The CDC has an interactive map reveals where outbreaks are occurring in real time in both commercial and home flocks for each state and county.

Wholesale prices for frozen whole turkey hens: 

  • 2019 average: $0.89 per pound
  • 2020 average: $1.07 per pound
  • 2021 average: $1.23 per pound
  • 2022 average: $1.69 per pound (73% increase over 2021)

Avian flu not the only reason Thanksgiving will be more expensive. Exploding feed prices and energy prices are also contributing to a much more expensive thanksgiving meal. Aceoss the board food prices have risen  Farm Bureau projects that  Thanksgiving dinner will be 14% higher than 2021.

Domestic pets at risk

Bird flu is spread primarily through migratory waterfowl as they travel to their destinations. Bird droppings and sick or dead birds infected with the bird flu can infect pets if consumed or have prolonged contact with an infected bird. It is highly unlikely (but not impossible) for humans to come down with bird flu if you follow these precautions:

Watch for signs of illness in your pet

If your pet shows signs of illness that are indicative of bird flu:

  • Sudden death with no prior signs
  • Low energy or appetite
  • Purple discoloration or swelling of various body parts
  • Reduced egg production, or soft-shelled/misshapen eggs
  • Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing
  • Lack of coordination
  • Diarrhea

Don’t touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source (ponds, waterers, buckets, pans, troughs) that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

What to do if you find a dead or sick bird

If you find a dead bird, don’t touch it with your bare hands. Use a plastic bag or gloved hands and place it in garbage can and dispose of it in your garbage. To report unusual signs in birds you have seen in the wild, call 1-866-536-7593.

Can you get avian flu from eating infected turkey?

Bird flu virus can be passed through bird droppings and saliva on surfaces such as cages, tractors, and other farm equipment. Most people don’t need to worry about getting sick with bird flu virus. You cannot get bird flu from eating fully cooked chicken, turkey, or duck, because heat kills the virus.

Avian flu food safety

Proper food handling will prevent not only avian flu but foodborne illnesses such as E coli and Salmonella (The Jase case contains antibiotics that can handle Salmonella if the need arises) from contaminating you and your cooked food.

USDA Questions and Answers: Food Safety and Avian Influenza

(Excerpts from USDA pdf on avian flu and food safety)

  1. Can I get avian influenza from eating poultry or eggs?
  2. No. Poultry and eggs that are properly prepared and cooked are safe to eat. Proper food

safety practices are important every day. In addition to proper processing, proper handling and

cooking of poultry provides protection from viruses and bacteria, including avian influenza. As

we remind consumers each and everyday, there are four basic food safety steps to follow:

CLEAN, SEPARATE, COOK, and CHILL.

  1. Does proper food handling prevent avian influenza?
  2. Avian influenza is not transmissible by eating properly prepared poultry, so properly

prepared and cooked poultry and eggs are safe to eat. The chance of infected poultry or eggs

entering the food chain is extremely low because of the rapid onset of symptoms in poultry as

well as the safeguards USDA has in place, which include testing of flocks, and Federal

inspection programs.

  1. What does proper food handling mean?
  2. Proper handling and cooking of poultry provides protection against all avian influenza

viruses, as it does against other viruses and bacteria, including Salmonella and E.coli. Safe food

handling and preparation are important at all times. USDA continually reminds consumers to

practice safe food handling and preparation every day.

Cooking poultry, eggs, and other poultry products to the proper temperature and preventing

cross-contamination between raw and cooked food is the key to safety. You should:

  • Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw

poultry and eggs;

  • Prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw poultry and eggs away from other foods;
  • After cutting raw meat, wash cutting board, knife, and countertops with hot, soapy water;
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure poultry has reached the safe internal temperature of at least

165 °F to kill foodborne germs that might be present, including the avian influenza viruses. Sanitize cutting boards by using a solution of 1 tablespoon chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Contact USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline with questions

Consumers with questions about the safe storage, handling, or preparation of meat,

poultry, and egg products, can call the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at: 1-888-MPHotline,

that’s 1-888-674-6854. The hotline is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Also, “Ask Karen” is the FSIS virtual

representative available 24 hours a day to answer your questions at www.fsis.usda.gov.

 

 

 

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Pulse Oximeters – Helpful or Harmful?

Over the counter pulse oximeters saw a surge in use during the pandemic. They are widely available, inexpensive, and easy to use. A panacea- or too good to be true?

What is a pulse oximeter and how does it work?

Pulse oximeters come as either a small unit with a built-in finger/toe clip, or as a small handheld device that has a wire probe with adhesive pads that can be applied to your finger, toe or earlobe.

“The pulse oximeter uses a cold light source that shines a light through the fingertip, making the tip appear to be red. By analyzing the light from the light source that passes through the finger, the device is able to determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell.” Excerpt from the American Lung Association.

There are two categories of pulse oximeters: prescription use and over the counter (OTC).

According to the FDA “Prescription oximeters are reviewed by the FDA, receive 510(k) clearance, and are available only with a prescription. The FDA requires that these pulse oximeters undergo clinical testing to confirm their accuracy. They are most often used in hospitals and doctors’ offices, although they may sometimes be prescribed for home use.

Over-the-counter (OTC) oximeters are sold directly to consumers in stores or online and include smart phone apps developed for the purpose of estimating oxygen saturation. Use of OTC oximeters has increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These products are sold as either general wellness or sporting/aviation products that are not intended for medical purposes, so they do not undergo FDA review. OTC oximeters are not cleared by the FDA and should not be used for medical purposes.”

Limitations of OTC pulse oximeters

  • A study done in November 2021 comparing white, black and Hispanic patients revealed the limitations of over the counter (OTC) pulse oximeters. Skin pigmentation plays a role in how accurate the pulse oximeters are. These devices work by absorbing light in hemoglobin, where oxygen is carried. However, darker pigmented individuals repeatedly had false high oxygen levels (3 times more than white individuals) because the light source from the oximeter can’t tell the difference between the hemoglobin and skin pigmentation. The darker the skin, the less accurate the reading. This prompted the FDA to review and issue a warning to the public on the use of these OTC devices.
  • A program launched March 2020 by Penn University called “Covid Watch” to remotely monitor patients with COVID-19 who were well enough to stay home to recover found that questioning the patients on symptoms, such as shortness of breath or use of pulse oximeters did not change outcomes of patients’ recovery from Covid 19.
  • Smokers read artificially high levels of oxygen -Instead of carrying oxygen on the red blood cells, which the pulse oximeter reads, carbon monoxide- from smoking, cooking over a grill or other forms of smoke- may be attached to the red blood cell receptors. The pulse oximeter cannot tell the difference between oxygen and carbon monoxide. This can produce a false high reading.
  • Other factors can affect accuracy of OTC pulse oximeter such as poor circulation, nail polish on the finger being tested and even skin thickness.

The FDA advises the following:

  • Do not rely only on a pulse oximeter to assess your health condition or oxygen level.
  • If monitoring oxygen levels at home, pay attention to other signs or symptoms of low oxygen levels, such as:
  • Bluish coloring in the face, lips, or nails;
  • Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a cough that gets worse;
  • Restlessness and discomfort.
  • Chest pain or tightness; and
  • Fast or racing pulse rate.
  • Be aware that some patients with low oxygen levels may not show any or all of these symptoms. Only a health care provider can diagnose a medical condition such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels).

Sometimes we rely too heavily on technology to assess and make healthcare decisions. This may be one of those cases. Use these OTC devices only under the supervision and care of your primary care provider. As stated above, physical assessment can tell just as much if not more than the popular OTC pulse oximeters. If you need to use one of these devices, ask for a prescription level device and receive proper instruction in its use.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Bioterrorism at Our Door

The threat of deadly pandemics on US soil from our own Biolabs (either intentional or unintentional) is very real, and more commonplace than you would expect.

Biolab is a term used to refer to 4 levels of biosafety according to the pathogens researched in the labs. The more dangerous and infectious the agent the higher level of lab. For instance, a level 1 BSL has less restrictions on how pathogens are handled.

  • BSL-1 labs are used to study infectious agents or toxins not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults. Handwashing and gloves and other minimal equipment are utilized in this level.
  • BSL-2 labs study moderate-risk infectious agents or toxins that pose a risk if accidentally inhaled, swallowed, or exposed to the skin.
  • BSL-3 laboratories are used to study infectious agents or toxins that may be transmitted through the air and cause potentially lethal infection through inhalation exposure.
  • BSL-4 laboratories are used to study infectious agents or toxins that pose a high risk of aerosol-transmitted laboratory infections and life-threatening disease for which no vaccine or therapy is available. An interactive map provided by by Schar School director of biodefense programs Gregory Koblentz and Filippa Lentzos of King’s College London   shows all the BSL4 level labs around the world.
  • Higher BSL levels can include multiple containment rooms, positive airflow suits, sealed rooms, etc.

The US government recently unveiled a report titled “National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation” focused on countering  the threat of accidental and intentional release of biological agents which result in pandemics. This is all well and good, however there are still  hundreds of accidents in these labs that are not widely reported to the general public, keeping us in the dark about the real and scary reality- that we are one accident away from a total depopulation scenario.

BSL labs around the world- the threat is real

The recent pandemic brought to light the real danger of laboratory accidents. A report released in October titled “An Analysis of the Origins of the COVID-19 Pandemic- an interim report” by the Senate Committee on Health Education, Labor and Pensions Minority Oversight Staff points to multiple biosafety failures at the WIV (Wuhan Institute of Virology). The report concluded that these biosafety failures led to the spread and pandemic of Covid-19, the report concluded.

Intercept, an independent journalism platform obtained documents through the Freedom of Information Act which revealed 18 years of laboratory accidents in biolabs across the United States. Intercept obtained over 5,500 pages of documents pointing to hundreds of accidents in labs. Most were in lower-level security labs, however there were quite a few disturbing numbers of accidents in the BSL3 and 4 labs. According to Intercepts findings these reports ranged from:

  • In 2010 an autoclave leaked steam and water while decontaminating waste from a SARS virus, potentially exposing eight people to the virus, which could spark a pandemic. Luckily ,the machine had already reached a high temperature — likely enough to kill the virus — before malfunctioning.
  • In 2011, a ferret that had been inoculated with the 1918 influenza strain- the strain that had killed an estimated 20-50 million people, bit a researcher, piercing the skin through his double gloved hands. The 1918 flu strain is housed in BSL3 level lab, and because is transmitted through respiratory droplets it is unlikely to cause the flu when bitten. The researcher cleansed the wound and was sent home to quarantine, not referred to a monitored room for isolation or a hospital. Given the deadly nature of the virus, some feel that even experimentation on this virus should be banned.
  • After pricking her finger with a needle, a graduate student at Washington University School of Medicine contracted the debilitating Chikungunya virus. This virus is housed in a BSL3 lab. She washed her hands and hadn’t told anyone of the needle prick until she became ill a few days later.
  • An internal audit on CBRNE exposure-the acronym for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosives- revealed the army is ill equipped to handle emergencies of this type, citing lack of equipment and training. A pathogen, such as Anthrax, one of the most lethal bioweapons known could easily be spread due to personnel not receiving adequate training and lack of hazmat suits, respirators, etc.

The world is getting smaller every day. A virus believed to originate in China spread worldwide despite all the precautions and measures taken. It is just a matter of time before this scenario plays out again, affecting supply chains, overloading hospitals, water supplies , and more.

Be prepared. The JASE Case includes antibiotics effective against anthrax, tularemia, and other infectious agents. Please, this time around be prepared.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Prepared Equals Peace of Mind

Prepared equals peace of mind

Being “prepared” used to be our way of life. Our just- in- time supply chains weren’t around back then. Amazon, and online shopping didn’t
exist. Back then, if you wanted something you had to either call the company and place an order or mail
a check in.

The Sears catalog, along with many other catalogs would arrive and you and your family would spend
hours poring over the pages. These pages were filled with almost anything you may need or want, from
bed sheets to tools for the shop. In essence, those catalogs were the modern-day equivalent of Amazon.
Sometimes it would take a month or so for the much-awaited order to arrive. This was normal. Back
then, if you wanted something you had to plan for it.

Just in time supply chain

Fast forward to today. With all the wonderful technology, the same day deliveries, and almost any item
at our disposal within a few days, we have become complacent. Don’t get me wrong, we have used this
system to receive much needed items, in some cases almost immediately. This is the wonder of our
technological age. But it comes at a price. We take for granted that these supply chains will always be
running smoothly. Our world economy, for the past several decades has made life more convenient and
opened our lives to new experiences and time saving devices.
Technology- double edged sword

Our global world is a double-edged sword. The convenience we so much rely on, can and has been in the
process of failing over the past few years. The consequences to our healthcare system have been
devastating. Medical supplies such as contrast dye and drugs, have been in short supply or altogether
unavailable with no end in sight. This illustrates how fragile our medical system is. We are only one
natural or manmade disaster, pandemic, political or civil unrest from the complete shutdown of life
saving drugs and medical supplies.

Pharmaceuticals outsourced

The last major pharmaceutical manufacturing operation closed its doors and left the United States in
2004. Since then, nearly all the active ingredients for antibiotics and chronic medications – even
vitamins – are produced overseas, mainly in China and India.
Take, for instance the current amoxicillin shortage.

Across the country many pharmacies have reported a limited or not available supply of amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is one of the first antibiotics used to treat strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections
and many other infections. The shortage includes amoxicillin in pill form, powder to mix with water to
make a suspension, and chewable tablets.

The American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists maintains a database of drug shortages and
manufacturers. They have listed amoxicillin manufacturers who have reported shortages or no
availability.

• Aurobindo, with facilities located throughout the world, refuses to provide availability
information.
• Hikma, based out of the UK, did not provide a reason for the shortage.
• Rising, based out of New Jersey has amoxicillin capsules and tablets available, but doesn’t state
whether they have amoxicillin powder available
• Sandoz, headquartered in Switzerland did not provide a reason for the shortage.
• Teva, which is based out of Israel did not provide a reason for the shortage.

However, the FDA states the only shortage is amoxicillin in powder form. This is because if even one
manufacturer can supply the necessary drug there is no perceived shortage.

This is very disturbing. All it takes is that one manufacturer to declare either a shortage or the drug
not available at all and the US supply is dried up.

Augmentin, (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is one of the antibiotics included in the Jase Case (see below how
to order a Jase Case). This can be substituted for amoxicillin if amoxicillin isn’t available.

Generics less likely to be manufactured

An analysis conducted by the US Pharmacopeia, a group that sets standards around the world for
medicines, found that antibiotics are 42% more likely to be in shortage in the US compared to other
types of drugs. Most antibiotics are now generic.

According to an analysis by the FDA Report “Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Potential Solutions”
identified three root causes of drug shortages.

1. Lack of incentives for manufacturers to produce less profitable drugs. (Generics aren’t very
profitable)
2. The market does not recognize and reward manufacturers for “mature quality systems” that
focus on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues; and
3. Logistical and regulatory challenges make it difficult for the market to recover from a disruption.
The fragile global supply chains mean that if a pharmaceutical factory is down in China, you may not be
able to find your prescription at the neighborhood pharmacy. Lifesaving antibiotics are at risk of running
out faster than any other medicine. Medicines that are now available could easily run out. This could
lead to dire consequences.

Jase Medical is on a mission

JASE Medical is a telemedicine company with a singular focus to change all of that. This platform offers
access to basic emergency preparedness medications for every family in America.

And how will they do that? Well, it won’t happen overnight. But JASE Medical has done its homework
and established a nationwide network of physicians trained to evaluate individual needs, assess
conditions, and prescribe appropriate prescriptions for emergency preparedness purposes. From there,
licensed pharmacists fill your prescription, and the Jase Case is sent to your home.

These are the medications that will become lifesaving for you and the people you care about. And it’s all
done online through the JASE Medical portal.

How it works

When you log on to the platform and begin your consultation, you will find a simple and user-friendly
experience. The consultation takes little over five minutes to complete. After a licensed Jase healthcare
provider has reviewed your health history and any allergic reactions to medications, your prescriptions
are filled, and your Jase Case is shipped to your front door.

What’s in the JASE Case?
The kit contains the following antibiotic medications:
 Amoxicillin/Clavulanate.
 Azithromycin.
 Ciprofloxacin.
 Doxycycline.
 Metronidazole.
(Substitutions are made if allergic to one of the antibiotics)

All medications carry a level of risk, but these five antibiotics were selected for their effectiveness and
optimal patient safety. Guidance from the CDC says it best: “Antibiotics … save lives, and when a patient
needs antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance.”

Some of the infections a Jase Case can treat
 Anthrax, plague and tularemia (resulting from bioterror).
 Bite wounds.
 Cellulitis.
 Diverticulitis.
 Intra-abdominal infections.
 Tooth infections.
 Ear infections.
 Pneumonia.
 Sinusitis.
 Strep throat.
 Urinary tract infection.
 and more.

When access to your healthcare provider isn’t possible (you are on vacation, etc.) your Jase case
includes a symptom and antibiotic use handbook titled the “Emergency Antibiotic Guide “with easy-to-
follow instructions to ensure proper use of the antibiotics if indicated.
What about chronic conditions?

Soon, the JASE Medical platform will provide emergency preparedness medicines for those with chronic
medical conditions (such as blood pressure and other chronic conditions). JASE Medical’s same
physician network will assess your condition and the need for appropriate preparedness medicines.

Ongoing support

As part of its mission to prepare you medically, JASE Medical provides unlimited ongoing support from
their physician network for questions about any of the medications prescribed.

What about shelf life?

The good news about antibiotics is that they last longer than you think. The FDA’s Shelf-Life Extension
Program found that 88% of the drugs studied maintained their potency and safety beyond the published
expiration date. The extended usability of these medications ranged from 5.5 years to as many as 23
years beyond their printed expiration!

The JASE Case antibiotics all carry the FDA’s required expiration dates. JASE Medical endorses those
dates.

Value and peace of mind

At the end of the day, this is all about peace of mind and knowing that you are ready for the
unexpected. Knowing that you have found a solution, priced at a fraction of what it would otherwise
cost you, adds to that peace of mind.

Go to JaseMedical.com and secure your emergency medications, an emergency antibiotic guide,
unlimited physician consultation and a team of professionals who are on a mission to keep you and your
loved ones prepared and safe during these uncertain times.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Recent Posts

Keeping you informed and safe.

Are You Happy?  7 Tips to Happiness

Are You Happy? 7 Tips to Happiness

"Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be." – Abraham Lincoln“Happiness Happens Day" ,celebrated on August 8th of each year was founded by Pamela Gail Johnson. She started the Secret Society of Happy People in 1998, “to provide a missing...

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Is There Really a Shortage of Amoxicillin?

A widespread shortage of a common antibiotic, amoxicillin has swept the country. Amoxicillin is one of the first antibiotics used to treat strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections and many more. The shortage includes amoxicillin in pill form, powder to mix with water to make a suspension, and chewable tablets. 

The American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists maintains a database of drug shortages and manufacturers. They have listed amoxicillin manufacturers who have reported shortages or no availability. 

  • Aurobindo, with facilities located throughout the world, refuses to provide availability information.
  • Hikma, based out of the UK, did not provide a reason for the shortage.
  • Rising, based out of New Jersey has amoxicillin capsules and tablets available, but doesn’t state whether they have amoxicillin powder available
  • Sandoz, headquartered in Switzerland did not provide a reason for the shortage.
  • Teva, which is based out of Israel did not provide a reason for the shortage.

However, the FDA states the only shortage is amoxicillin in powder form. This is because if even one manufacturer can supply the necessary drug there is no perceived shortage. 

This is very disturbing. All it takes is that one manufacturer to declare either a shortage or the drug not available at all and the US supply is dried up. 

Augmentin, (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is one of the antibiotics included in the Jase case. This can be substituted for amoxicillin if amoxicillin isn’t available. 

Generics less likely to be manufactured

An analysis conducted by the US Pharmacopeia, a group that sets standards around the world for medicines, antibiotics are 42% more likely to be in shortage in the US compared to other types of drugs. Most antibiotics are now generic.

According to an analysis by the FDA Report  “Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Potential Solutions” identified three root causes of drug shortages.

  1. Lack of incentives for manufacturers to produce less profitable drugs;
  2. The market does not recognize and reward manufacturers for “mature quality systems” that focus on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues; and
  3. Logistical and regulatory challenges make it difficult for the market to recover from a disruption.

The world supply chain is in dire straits. Even if medicine is available, the pending diesel shortage and possible rail strike could make getting the lifesaving medication to you. Talk to your care provider and pick up extra medications, both prescription and over the counter. If you haven’t already, get your Jase cases for your family.  This winter could prove to be a rough one for those not prepared.

 

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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