Ask The Pharmacist: Drugs of the year

Dear Readers, this year, the FDA approved and launched many prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) products that may help you or someone you know.

Thank you for making this past year so good with your terrific questions, sweet comments and support of my books. May good health shine upon you in 2009. Love, Suzy.

Tapentadol (Rx, oral): This drug is so new that a brand name has yet to be determined. The FDA just approved it and because it is so fast-acting, it will be prescribed for moderate to severe acute forms of pain.

Simcor (Rx, oral): This combination pill lowers both total cholesterol and bad LDLs. It is the marriage of simvastatin (Zocor) to the B vitamin, niacin. Visit simcortablets.com.

NutraMist Sleep Now (OTC, liquid): This is a natural blend of melatonin and restium which you spray into your mouth. It helps you fall asleep within 30 minutes. The product is all natural and not habit-forming. With the exception of an artificial sweetener (sucralose) it looks good. Sold at most pharmacies.

Pristiq (Rx, oral): A new anti-depressant and hot flash remedy, it is derived from it’s parent drug Effexor which has been available for years. When Effexor (venlafaxine) undergoes a chemical reaction in your body, it’s child is born, Pristiq (des-venlafaxine). Is Pristiq better? Only if you have inadequate amounts of healthy flora (probiotics) or you take acid blockers/antacids routinely.

Relistor (Rx, injection): Painkillers like hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine and fentanyl are often used in people with advanced stages of cancer, heart failure, emphysema, HIV or other severe forms of pain. Constipation is a side effect of these analgesics and Relistor is used to restore normal bowel movement.

Skin Stem Cell Serum (OTC, serum): A unique skin serum by Life Extension, this anti-aging formula contains seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid and stem cells derived from a rare Swiss apple. It improves your own skin’s stem cells and could erase years of stress from your face naturally — it’s definitely on my wish list to buy. Visit lef.com.

Digestive Advantage (OTC, oral): This is a line of products for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or colitis. The products primarily contain beneficial bacteria. Visit digestiveadvantage.com.

SCE-A (Rx, vaginal): A plant-derived cream that contains estrogens and is applied vaginally. It helps women who suffer with vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse. This product just got FDA approval so menopausal ladies can expect it’s arrival on pharmacy shelves by March 2009.

PrimaVu Herbal Eye Wash (OTC, drops): Eyedrops that contain natural herbs like eyebright and chamomile to provide relief from tired or strained eyes, the result of air pollution, flying, dust, smoke, chlorine and computer strain. Visit primavu.com.

Nitoman (Rx, oral): This medication is used in the treatment of movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, Huntington’s chorea and Tourette syndrome.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist. This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Always consult your physician. To contact her, go to dearpharmacist.com.

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