Blogpost - JASE Medical

Are You Ready for What is Already Here?

(5 tips to build resilience)

Every day that we turn on the news we are hit with something new that could not only destabilize countries across the seas, but can  have serious implications  for our lives in the states.

  • World War 3 is trying to kick off (Some people believe it is already here), food, drug and medical supply shortages are continuing to make headlines.
  • Healthcare workers, transportation and auto makers are striking, have already striked or threatening to strike.
  • Add to this, Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy, citing slumping sales, opioid litigation, and rising shoplifting in stores. Founded in 1962, this longstanding pharmacy chain has 2,000 stores across the country. They plan to restructure the business and close underperforming stores, affecting 47,000 employees. ( This isn’t the only pharmacy chain experiencing trouble- Pharmacy staff from Walgreens, other chains could stage nationwide walkout and rallies in coming weeks).
  • From 2018 to 2022, the all-food Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by a total of 20.4 percent. Food prices increased faster in 2022 than any year since 1979, due in part to a highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak and the conflict in Ukraine.

 The top price increases were felt in transportation, food, housing, and medical care.

The following graphs are an eye-opening account of where consumer dollars were spent from 2018-2022:

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One-third of the U.S. food dollar spent on eating-out services in 2021

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Food expenditures for 2022 were an astounding 56 percent of total food dollars spent.

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What you can do about it

Where inflation is hitting the pocketbook the most and where consumers are spending their money are in necessary purchases.

  1. Learn to cook- you will save money and eat healthier

Eating out isn’t good for you- for both your pocketbook and your overall health. Many restaurants serve prepackaged food that is loaded with salt, fats, and flavor enhancers (I have family in the restaurant industry). Meal planning can be the biggest obstacle to eating at home. Cooking at home revives traditions and recipes handed down through generations. It can be a bonding experience with your children or spouse.

  1. Eating healthier leads to a lesser chance of developing chronic diseases

Research points to a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, colorectal and breast cancer when following a healthy diet. (Low sugar, high fiber and adequate healthy fats and protein. ( Check out the Mediterranean diet) Healthy eating also can help decrease depression and other mental health symptoms. A healthy diet also improves your immune system. Up to 80 percent of our immune system is housed in our gastrointestinal tract.

  1. Living a healthier lifestyle saves money-and frees up cash for other necessities

Money that would go to chronic disease management could be put towards preparing for our uncertain future. Housing and transportation were among the top price increases. Freeing up cash for upcoming increases in gas and home heating (oil could go to $150 a barrel if conflicts across the globe escalate) will put you that much further ahead.

One way to beat the upcoming transportation costs is to walk, cycle (check out e-bikes- they are coming down in price and are gaining popularity) carpooling to grocers and appointments and finding close to home activities.

Audit your present medical supplies and prescriptions. Get them refilled as far in advance as possible. As a reminder, Jase Daily provides a years’ worth of chronic prescription medications if you are unable to obtain an extended supply locally. Given the escalating tensions across the globe and pharmacies experiencing unrest and shortages, this should be a priority.

  1. Set a budget and stick to it.

 Taking control of your finances and budgeting for necessities is necessary in navigating this uncertain world. Start a journal and record all your expenditures for a month. This exercise will reveal a tremendous amount of information as to where your money goes. At the end of the month, analyze your expenditures. You may see a pattern or discover ways of trimming the budget with little effort. There are classes and apps for budgeting you can take from the comfort of your home, if you need guidance.

  1. Reward yourself and family when you have met your goals

Focus on solutions. There is plenty of drama in the media and news reports pulling all of us into the problems (which are real) of the world. Most of what is going on we have no control over. Take a vacation from the computer and phone on a regular basis. Your mental health will thank you for it.

Plan for the future by investing in yourself and those you love. Overcoming obstacles brings families, friends and communities together, creating a more resilient life for all.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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How Long do My Meds Last? A Look at Metronidazole

What is metronidazole?

Metronidazole is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections of the vagina, stomach, liver, skin, joints, brain and spinal cord, lungs, heart, or bloodstream.

In 2020, it was the 222nd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2 million prescriptions. It was discovered in the 1960s by researchers at the pharmaceutical company Rhône-Poulenc. The drug was initially developed as an anti-parasitic agent, but it was later found to be effective against anaerobic bacteria and protozoa.

The antibacterial activity of metronidazole was discovered by accident in 1962 when metronidazole cured a patient of both trichomonad vaginitis and bacterial gingivitis.

How long does metronidazole remain potent?

A recent study (2020) titled, “Long Term Stability Study of Metronidazole Tablets” revealed metronidazole tablets maintain a high rate of stability at 3 years, meaning the potency was still extremely high at that time.  

Metronidazole is listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Medications for the newly released 2023 edition:

FIRST CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • difficile infection (use when first line agents such as oral vancomycin are unavailable)
  • Complicated intraabdominal infections (mild to moderate)
  • Complicated intrabdominal infections (severe)
  • Necrotizing fasciitis
  • Surgical prophylaxis
  • Trichomoniasis

SECOND CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • Complicated intraabdominal infections (mild to moderate)

In addition, metronidazole can be used to treat:

  • Bacterial vaginosis (metronidazole does not treat vaginal yeast infections (candidiasis), in fact, it can cause a yeast infection, if symptoms of yeast infection, consult primary care provider). Sexual partners should also be treated if sexually active during symptoms of bacterial vaginosis (even if no sign of infection).
  • Giardiasis
  • Tetanus

How to take

Take with food to avoid stomach upset.

What To Avoid

  • DO NOT take with alcohol and don’t consume alcohol for 3 days after last dose, as it can cause schizophrenic symptoms.
  • Do not take if you have taken disulfiram (Antabuse) within the past 2 weeks.
  • If you are allergic to metronidazole, secnidazole, or tinidazole.
  • Consumed foods or medicines that contain propylene glycol in the past 3 days.
  • Have Cockayne Syndrome (a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development).

Pregnancy precautions

USDA pregnancy category is not assigned; however, it is advised to consult your care provider for guidance. (The pregnancy categories are being phased out). It is advised to not take it during first trimester of pregnancy unless no other options are available.

In addition, if you are breastfeeding, do not feed the milk to your infant for 24 hours after last dose. Metronidazole is excreted in breast milk.

According to Drugs.com: “AU TGA pregnancy category B2: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals are inadequate or may be lacking, but available data show no evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.”

And: “US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out. “

Before taking, metronidazole, consult with your care provider if you have any of the following:

  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
  • Heart rhythm disorder
  • Stomach or intestinal disease such as Crohn’s disease
  • Blood cell disorder such as anemia (lack of red blood cells) or low white blood cell (WBC) counts
  • Medical problems that affect the brain or a nerve disorder
  • Yeast infection or a fungal infection anywhere in your body
  • Take any medications, especially warfarin, lithium, busulfan, cimetidine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital.
  • Not all uses of metronidazole are approved for treating children and teenagers. Metronidazole is not approved to treat vaginal infections in girls who have not begun having menstrual period.

Common side effects may include:

  • Metallic taste
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Headache
  • Pain in the upper abdomen and abdominal cramping
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation

Discontinue and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, joint pain tingling, fever, blistering skin)
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Nervous system disorders: seizures, brain swelling, aseptic meningitis.
  • Worsening of yeast infection
jase case product

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

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

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The Largest Strike in Healthcare Workers Begins Tomorrow – Are You Ready?

Citing unfair labor practices and overworked staff, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers will be striking for 3 days, starting  Oct. 4 at 6 am through 6 am, Oct. 7, 2023. 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers from California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, and Washington DC will make this the largest healthcare worker strike in U.S. history.

Kaiser Permanente a 39-hospital system with 697 medical offices and nearly 23,000 physicians. The health system supports more than 59,000 nurses and 217,700 employees across nine states: California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Maryland, Colorado, Washington D.C., Virginia, and Georgia.

Another, longer strike is slated for November if demands aren’t met.

According to the union. “This three-day strike will be the initial demonstration of our strength to Kaiser that we will not stand for their unfair labor practices. If Kaiser continues to commit unfair labor practices, we are prepared to engage in another longer, stronger strike in November to protest Kaiser’s unfair labor practices when additional Coalition members in Kaiser’s newest market in Washington state can join us (their contract expires Oct. 31).”

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Add to this a 3-week pharmacists strike that started October 1st

Pharmacy workers represented by UFCW Local 555 at Kaiser Permanente in Oregon and SW Washington walked off the job and started picketing every morning at several Kaiser locations in Oregon.  The union also cites unfair labor practices, staffing issues and employee tampering- reaching out to employees without union representation.

 According to their website” “The number one issue at Kaiser is the lack of staffing. Workers are burning out, patients are having to wait months to receive care, and the problem is only getting worse. We were prepared to work on a deal that’s sustainable for the patients, our healthcare professionals, and the company, but Kaiser has been completely unwilling to accept the real impact of underpaying healthcare professionals and understaffing job sites.” – Dan Clay, President, UFCW Local 555.”

A looming crisis is scheduled for next month. Are you ready?

Kaiser has promised that during the 3-day strike that patient care will not be affected. According to a Kaiser spokesman ““We have contingency plans in place to ensure members continue to receive safe, high-quality care for the duration of the strike.” “Hospitals and emergency departments will stay open”, Kaiser added.

Promises with no realistic backing

How can they make a promise that patient care won’t be affected, given the current healthcare worker shortage? Where are 75,000 healthcare workers coming from that they will haveto replace for 3 days- and even more ominous- where would they come from if the prolonged November strike takes place?

What is YOUR contingency plan in the event of a prolonged strike?

Flu, RSV and covid are making their annual comeback this time of year.

The seasonal rise in influenza, RSV and covid has already begun. The CDC projects this season to have about the same number of hospitalizations as last year.  This points to crowded waiting rooms, multiple hours long waits in the emergency room, understaffed clinics and hospitals, and possible drug and medical supply shortages.

Given the healthcare worker shortages and ongoing and potential strikes, how can any hospital, clinic or facility guarantee patient care won’t be affected?  They cannot.

Become your own first responder and care provider

Almost 1 in five healthcare workers quit during the pandemic. Long hours, demanding jobs, and unrealistic patient to staff ratios were some of the reasons given.

It is apparent living in our post-pandemic world, it is necessary for you to take charge of your family’s health. You can’t rely on a broken system.

Have contingencies in place before it’s too late.

  • Practice prevention. Good quality sleep, reduce unnecessary stress, exercise, and healthy diet.
  • Have your vitamin D level tested and talk with your healthcare provider about supplementation if needed. Research has demonstrated enhanced immunity when vitamin D levels are between 50 nmol/L (20 ng/mL) and 125 nmol/L (50 ng/mL).American College Healthcare Services.
  • Get off sugar- sugar promotes and feeds infection. This includes processed carbohydrates.
  • Know what to do in the event of an accident, severe injury and bleeding, heart attack, head injuries and more. Check out Refuge Training for classes starting at basic CPR and AED to responder modules. You and your family’s life depend on it. In addition, check out local first aid and AED classes offered in your area. All able bodied persons in your family should know what to do in the event of a health emergency.
  • Purchase and learn to use an AED. These lifesaving devices save an estimated 1,700 lives each year. They are portable and can travel in your car.
  • Check your prescription and over-the-counter medications monthly. Make sure you have enough for at least a month. Jase Daily can take care of your prescription medications with a years’ worth delivered to your door.
  • For infections the Jase Case, with 5 different antibiotics can help you avoid the dreaded trip to the ER or clinic during an outbreak- from urinary tract, strep throat, and others, along with addons ivermectin (off label and lice), fluconazole (yeast infection) and ondansetron (for nausea), you are fairly well covered for almost any medical emergency.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

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

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Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

How Prepared are You for a Modern-Day Carrington Event?

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(Part 1 of 2)

What was the Carrington Event of 1859?

Named after amateur astronomer Richard Carrington, who discovered a coronal mass ejection (CME) headed for earth in the early morning hours of September 1, 1859. On that fateful morning, telegraph communications fell silent, telegraph operators received shocks from sparks emitting from their machines, and the bright light emitted from this storm prompted laborers to go to work early, believing it was later in the day than it was. Even birds chirped in the bright pre-dawn light- but it was the massive glow from the largest solar storm ever recorded.

What is a coronal mass ejection (CME)?

As one of the most powerful events that can take place in our solar system, CMEs occur as an ejection of a massive amount of charged particles and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. The corona is the sun’s outermost layer.

A CME with as much power as the Carrington event only takes between 17-24 hours to reach earth once ejected- leaving very little time to prepare. There are many CMEs and solar flares that occur throughout the year. Luckily, many do not reach the earth’s surface but are aimed away from earth.

(As of this writing, NOAA has issued a strong geomagnetic storm alert for today, check out their site here for more information).

How likely is another CME in the near future?

Solar storms like the Carrington event  happen only about every 500 years—thankfully. But smaller storms happen frequently, and storms half as intense as the 1859 storm happen about every 50 years. It has been estimated that a Carrington-class event today would result in between $0.6 and $2.6 trillion in damages to the U.S. alone.

Approximately every 11 years, our sun enters a sun cycle where increased geomagnetic activity takes place. This is called a solar maximum. During a solar maximum, CMEs are more likely to occur. Our next solar maximum is scheduled for 2025 however; increased activity on the sun have astronomers predicting a peak solar cycle sooner, as early as the end of this year.

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If a Carrington-class event took place today, we would experience complete devastation

Our lives are so dependent on the electrical infrastructure that we may not realize how many systems are dependent on the grid. The far-reaching and potentially catastrophic effects on our lives is almost impossible to realize. No matter where you live in the world- off grid or not- life would dramatically change.

Restoring systems would be highly variable- depending on where in the world the CME hit, time of year and infrastructure affected.  Resource allocation to the most vital parts of our everyday life would be a priority. Having the materials to repair or replace damaged parts would be a priority. If the materials weren’t readily available, procuring needed materials could be delayed due to the collapse of the highway infrastructure. Lives would be lost; medications would not be available once local supply ran out. People dependent on oxygen and medical devices may find themselves without lifesaving equipment. Life as we know it would dramatically change.

Some of the critical infrastructure and systems that could be affected include:

Power Grids: Widespread power outages that could last for weeks or months. Grocery stores, refrigeration units, and gas pumps, are just a few of the immediate infrastructure failures. Even with backup generators, eventually the world would go completely dark. Heating and air conditioning systems would stop working. Elevators and any electronic locks would fail. Subways would go dark. Buses would stop running.

Emergency Services: 911 calls may be disrupted, leading to communication breakdown. Police and fire departments could be overwhelmed with fires and explosions from transformers and electrical lines that became supercharged from the electromagnetic pulse. Water to put out these fires may be in short supply from pump failure.

Healthcare: Hospitals and healthcare facilities rely on electronic equipment and communication systems. Patient care would be limited or nonexistent. In some instances, hospitals and clinics may be forced to shut down completely. Medications and medical supplies would be rationed.

Communication Networks: GPS systems could stop working or be inaccurate, affecting navigation systems in aviation, maritime and land. Cellphones would not work; satellites and telecommunications would be disrupted by the powerful geomagnetic storm. In fact satellites could lose orbit and plummet to the ground.

Agriculture: Modern agriculture relies on technology for irrigation, crop monitoring, and logistics. Modern tractors and farm equipment have computerized systems that would cease to work, leaving this equipment stranded in the field and inoperable.

Water and Sewage Systems: City water pumps would fail. Sewage treatment plants would be unable to function. Toilets would back up and become a health hazard. All forms of modern plumbing would come to a halt after a few days.  

Financial Systems: ATMs would stop working immediately. You would be unable to access money from your bank, with a credit/debit card. All transactions would cease to work.

Oil and Gas Pipelines: The monitoring and control systems for oil and gas pipelines could be affected, potentially leading to leaks or other safety hazards. If gas pumps did work at your local station, supply could be limited or unavailable because of pipeline shut downs.

Solutions

While there is no easy solution, being prepared and stocking up for any outcome is your best defence until systems return and life as you know it is back to normal. Part 2 of this article will provide solutions and possible scenarios to help equip you and your family if an EMP takes down our modern way of life.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

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

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Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

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Fall travel abroad offers an opportunity for cooler weather, more affordable airfares, and less crowded venues. This is an ideal time to head to distant continents and enjoy fall festivals and activities this time of year before winter sets in. Whether hiking in the Alps, shopping in a boutique in France, or enjoying authentic Asian cuisine while visiting Taiwan, you don’t want your much anticipated travel plans to be interrupted by a medical emergency.

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5 tips to avoid a medical emergency disrupting your travel

The vast majority of medical emergencies are unavoidable. With a little planning you can enjoy your trip without interruptions to a clinic or hospital.

  1. Plan your activities and make a list.

As you plan your activities, check travel advisories for any recommended or required vaccinations, insect or waterborne diseases, extreme weather events, and overall safety in areas you plan to travel.

As you plan your itinerary, download apps on your phone to make your travel experience easier. From checking in on your airline app, to weather updates for the area that you will be visiting, local eateries, and events, these apps are a useful tool to help streamline your travelling experience.

  1. Enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP will help the U.S. embassy contact you and provide assistance during an emergency overseas. And, if your family or friends in the U.S. are having difficulty contacting you with urgent news while you’re traveling, they can use the information in STEP to reach you.
  2. Carry an adequate supply of your prescription medications.

 Make sure that you have at least two extra weeks’ worth (a month extra is even better, if the country allows) in case of emergency where you may be delayed returning home. Medications should be clearly labeled, with your name, what they are for(diagnosis) and include a written prescription from your health care provider. To avoid confiscation, check with the countries embassy for a list of medications allowed. If your medication isn’t allowed, talk with your healthcare provider about alternative medications that are allowed. Also, if you have a prescription for a narcotic based medication, check the International Narcotics Control Board for a regulations when traveling with controlled substances.

 If you use medical cannabis, it is advised you leave it at home. There are many international laws that could land you in jail, even if you have a prescription for it. For more information, speak with your health care provider and check out this site on laws regarding medical cannabis and travel.

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 The Jase Case is insurance against infections that would otherwise interrupt your travel plans and require a trip to an unfamiliar clinic or hospital. The case covers over 50 different infections including food poisoning, water borne diseases, urinary tract infections, strep throat, and malaria.  Round out your Jase Case with add-ons: fluconazole, for yeast infections, ondansetron for nausea, and now ivermectin, which is FDA approved for parasitic infections- common in many countries- (and it’s purported off label use), make these valuable additions to your medication stockpile.

In addition to the Jase case, carry a supply of over-the-counter medications, including antidiarrheal, laxatives, pain relievers, allergy medications, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit for minor emergencies.

Check with your insurance provider (or check this site out for travel insurance ratings) for out of country medical coverage. Just in case you do have an emergency that can’t be handled with antibiotics or a first aid kit, you will need to have adequate insurance coverage for doctors and hospital stays.

  1. Dress appropriately for the weather, activity and climate you will encounter.

 Include appropriate footwear. It is impossible to plan for every type of weather on your way to your destination or once you arrive, but careful planning will definitely help!  If you plan on doing a lot of walking, or are venturing into the mountains for a hike, be sure to break in your shoes or hiking boots before your trip. Moleskin can really be a lifesaver, have some readily available in case of blisters or sore areas on feet. And be sure to remember your hat, it can protect you from sun and rain.

  1. Carry a dependable water bottle and filter.

(Check out this highly rated bottle and filter) And use it even at water fountains. Many stomach illnesses can be avoided by using a filtered water bottle. At restaurants in an area known for contaminated water, use your water bottle. Avoid ice cubes in these areas as these are an often-overlooked way of contamination.

Lastly, have fun, take lots of pictures and make memories! Being medically prepared will enable you to avoid unnecessary time away from your plans.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

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.

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5 Ways to Prepare For Medical Emergencies

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Massive Cyberattack Takes Down Pharmacies Worldwide

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Next time we may not be so lucky.United Health group learned Wednesday of a cyber security threat  that had accessed some of their information technology systems. Change Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest health-care technology companies and a subsidiary of...

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

How Long Do My Meds Last? A Look at Doxycycline

(Amazingly long shelf life)

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Patented in 1957 and released for commercial use in in 1967, doxycycline is a semisynthetic tetracycline.

It is one of the most widely used antibiotics due to its ability to treat both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. With more than 11 million prescriptions filled yearly, doxycycline is one of the most widely prescribed antibiotics in the United States. Along with its known anti-inflammatory properties, doxycycline is an important antibiotic during a biological warfare attack, namely anthrax or tularemia.

How long does doxycycline remain potent?

When stored in a cool, dry, and dark area away from sunlight and capped, doxycycline can retain much of its potency well past expiration date.

Expiration dates reflect the time during which the product is expected to remain stable, or retain its identity, strength, quality, and purity, when it is properly stored according to its labeled storage conditions. According to the Shelf-Life Extension Program, a joint initiative of the FDA and Department of Defense that tested 122 drugs for potency after their expiration date revealed doxycycline maintained its potency well past 66 months- over 5.5 years. In fact, doxycycline potency has proven well beyond its testing.

A report dated January 2006 titled “Stability Profiles of Drug Products Extended” states as of the date of the report (testing initially started in 1986) that “Of the extended lots, 81 lots (of the tested medications in that group)are now dormant and 175 lots are currently active (primarily 159 lots of doxycycline hyclate tablets).” (See pg. 5 of the report)That represents a 20 year extension past expiration date of potency for doxycycline!

Doxycycline is listed in the World Health Organization Model List of Medications for the newly released 2023 edition:

FIRST CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • Cholera
  • Sexually transmitted infection due to
  • Chlamydia trachomatis

SECOND CHOICE (From WHO 2023 list)

  • Cholera
  • Community acquired pneumonia (mild to
  • moderate)
  • Exacerbations of COPD

In addition, doxycycline can be used to treat:

  • Anthrax
  • Animal and human bites
  • Plague
  • Tetanus
  • Tularemia
  • Prevent malaria when taken before exposure
  • Infections caused by mites, ticks or lice
  • Lyme disease

How to take

Best if taken on an empty stomach. If stomach upset is a concern, doxycycline can be taken with food although absorption will be affected. Be sure to take with plenty of water and remain hydrated throughout the course of taking doxycycline.

If taking as a prophylaxis for malaria,(Per CDC):

Adults: 100 mg daily. 1-2 days before traveling to an area where malaria transmission occurs.

Note- check with health authorities in Florida, Texas and Maryland as locally acquired cases of Malaria have been recently diagnosed.

Before taking doxycycline, consult with your care provider if you are taking any of the following:

(Below are major drug interactions, for a full list check out this doxycycline interaction checker)

  • Acitretin
  • Aminolevulinic acid
  • Bcg
  • Cholera vaccine, live
  • Etretinate
  • Isotretinoin
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lomitapide
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Methoxyflurane
  • Mipomersen
  • Pexidartinib
  • Tretinoin
  • Typhoid vaccine, live
  • Vitamin A

What To Avoid

  • Do not take supplements containing calcium or iron within 2 hours of taking doxycycline. Taking these could limit absorption.
  • Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Doxycycline can make your skin sun sensitive. There have been reports of severe sunburn while on this medication. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
  • Allergy to any tetracycline antibiotic.
  • Consult primary care provider if pregnant or nursing. Doxycycline is present in breast milk but in concentrations generally considered safe. It is classified by the FDA as a pregnancy risk category B drug “Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.”

Common side effects may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea (mild)
  • Skin rash or itching

Discontinue and seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe stomach pain
  • Watery or bloody diarrhea
  • Trouble swallowing/itchy throat
  • Chest pain, and/or irregular heart rhythm
  • Short of breath
  • Unable to urinate or urinating very little
  • Dark urine (darker than normal)
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the sclera or skin)
  • Fever, chills, swollen glands, body aches
  • Bruising or bleeding
  • Severe headaches, ringing in your ears
  • Upper stomach pain (that may spread to your back)
  • Overwhelming fatigue

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

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

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