Vicodin and Percocet could be on the way out

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met last week to discuss the concern of two powerful medications used for pain control. The two painkillers are Percocet and Vicodin. A panel was put together to vote on these medications and possibly determine if they should be pulled from the market.

The real concern is the drug Acetaminophen [Tylenol] which is found in high doses in both Vicodin and Percocet. Acetaminophenis a widely used medication and under normal doses it rarely may cause serious concern. But when this medication is taken in high doses – severe liver damage and acute liver failure could be the result.

According to the FDA more than 200 million drugs combined with Tylenol were prescribe last year alone.

The panel voted 20 – 17 that medications such as painkillers that are combined with acetaminophen should be taken of the market. This panel was to help determine the outcome of the medications in concern, but no absolute decision has been made.

Many panelists were concerned about an outright removal from the market and a separate vote took place regarding a black box warning placed on the medications combine with acetaminophen. This vote took in the assumption that these medications will be allowed to stay on the market. A 36 – 1 vote in affirmation for a black box warning.

Several additional issues regarding acetaminophen were discussed including:

1.) Lower the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen
- it is currently at 4 grams per day
- 4 grams = 8 x 500mg extra strength Tylenol
- another recommendation amount was not discussed

2.) 1,000 mg tablets should only be available by prescription

3.) Maximum single dose to be 650mg

4.) Tylenol cough and cold will not be pulled from the market

***An important final note is that the FDA organized the group of panelists but that the decision to pull medications combined with acetaminophen has not yet been finalized. More often than not the FDA will agree with its panel for the changes in Acetaminophen overall.

***  This blog was first posted on Interactive Health website

Marathon – The running that actually will set you free

May 2009 – 5 months ago I decided to get back to into running. I am not a great runner and have only ran a half dozen 5k races over the past few years. I have always wanted to enjoy running but I believed that to learning to love running would be impossible. However, a friend asked if I had ever considered running a marathon. Running a marathon had always been a goal but time seemed to get into my way. We made a goal to run daily and see where it would take us.

I finalized my goal for running: “I wanted to run my first marathon and if no setbacks to run at least 2 marathons this year and if all went well then 4“

As I look back…that was a pretty intense goal to make. However, setting such a high goal pushed me to run when I didn’t want to. Just this last week I finished my first marathon and have learned to love running. Running has become addicting and I am only 1/4th of the way to my goal.

I wanted to finish the marathon in under 6 hours. I actually finished around the 5 hour 20 minute mark.

I am not a 3 hour marathon runner and probably never will be, but to have finished was amazing. Running allows you to burn calories, stress, boredom, and laziness.

June 2009

I recently finished by second marathon. It was a killer!!! What an experience. My training has been rather consistent but this race seemed much more difficult.

I finished just under 6 hours. Cramping in my legs seemed to be the worst part of the race. The sites through the mountains and the time to exercise, think, and listen to music was perfect.

Two down and now two to go!!!

September 2009

Family, work, and pain in both knees will prevent me from finishing my two marathons this year. I have continued to run but my long distance running has decreased. I have targeted a few marathons for next year and will continue training through the fall and winter months.

My running

I had never ran more then 6 miles previously. When I started running recently I hadn’t ran in over 6 months. I was scared and out of shape.

I started running the day after Christmas. I made a goal and started running/walking 3 miles a day 5 or 6 times a week

I then forced myself to run 3 miles without stopping for 2 weeks. I then ran a 5 mile “long run”. From there I went to 4 miles a day for 3 weeks and another long run of 7.5 miles. I soon bumped it up to 5 miles a day and running a “long run” every 2 weeks. I went to 10 miles, then 12 miles, then 15, 18 and finally 20 miles.

There was not 1 day while training that I loved running — it wasn’t until the marathon itself — and then I really only loved the first 20 miles. I hated the last 6 and then loved the last .2 miles or so.

To finish and accomplish a goal is truly amazing.

11 marathon Hints

1.) Time – running is about putting in the time. That is all it is. If it takes you 15 minutes or 4 minutes to run
a mile – put in the time.

2.) Get good equipment – Shoes, shorts, socks, food, water – get the good stuff [not always the expensive stuff].

3.) Run inside and out – Running everyday can get boring…and often excuses are made according to weather – running inside and outside
to change tempo and the view can be refreshing.

4.) Travel to run – Try out new places and new courses…when you know how far you have run [or how far you have to go] it can make
running more difficult..try a new place.

5.) Stretch – I have never stretched before a run [though I should] but we all need to stretch after a run. It allows your body to heal or recuperate better and more fully.

6.) Have a running partner – Run with someone or train with someone – the difference is that they may not be with you every day or even ever…but you can still share goals and stories. Get a friend or find a new one!!!

7.) Plenty of fluids and food – Find good and healthy training foods – They will prevent injury, fatigue, nausea, and dehydration.

8.) Music – Get a play-list of music and run the miles away while listening to your favorite band or songs. If you love to think rather then listen – this one is not for you.

9.) Set a goal – Start today…make the plans…then make it happen.

10.) Be mindful of the outhouses – You evolve into a runner when a potty break occurs regularly while running…but be careful…you don’t want to be somewhere unprepared!!

11.) Run for a reason – whether for yourself or another – running for a purpose can be fun and powerful.

Healthy running

Shedding the weight or even improving your health can be obtained by running. To start running today can have dramatic and life long
benefits to your appearance, emotions, and your overall physical and mental health.

Often your Nutrition will improve because by running often you want to put better foods into your body.

Exercise is always a first line of treatment to several medical conditions. Diabetes, Heart Diease, Obesity, High Cholesterol and Heart Attack are just a few disease that can be improved and often prevented by getting a bit of exercise.

A marathon may not be attainable for everyone. Try to incorporate some sort of activity into your daily life , even if it’s just walking to spend less time on the couch.

Good luck!!!

Some key websites to take a look at:

Runners World – http://www.runnersworld.com/

Marathon Guide – http://www.marathonguide.com/

Cool Running – http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/1/1_18/7420.shtml

Susan G. Komen for the Cure http://ww5.komen.org/

and many others!!

Originally seen at Marathon running

Drugs from the Ocean

An amazing and puzzling area of study is the depths of oceans. This research would expand our understanding of the creatures of the deep as well as the organisms unseen. New research for medical purposes may be starting or advancing within the oceans of the world.

This advancing science is referred to as “Marine Bioprospecting” which may give hope for new found cures for cancer, disease, and new antibiotics.

Currently there may be as many as 20+ medications being reviewed and researched that have a base from this salty mine.

Many ask…why the ocean??

Really, comparatively, little is known with regards to the ocean. This vast landscape underwater is home to thousands of large and small animals and bacteria. Many still escape our grasp and knowledge. Many organisms of the ocean must be able to overcome a vast amount of changes and extreme temperature changes.

Several harsh conditions exist within the ocean from depth to pressure to temperature to location. The vastness of the ocean with its several ecosystems is beyond amazing.

Research in caves, rain forests, lakes, warm springs, and other specific locations have given hope for new medical advances.

William Fenical, a professor at the University of California in oceanography and pharmaceutical science had this to say “It would be difficult to overlook such a massive resource for chemical diversity and drug discovery.”

Some in opposition however may fear that damage or potential harm to the ecosystem may be in the near future.   Those involved in such research believe that relatively little impact will be made on the ocean and its’ environment.

The biggest apparent obstacle that impedes the research road currently is cost benefit. Although several possible findings may be “just around the corner”. The funding appears to currently lag behind. One thing will really kick things into gear would be a new and effective drug success.

I guess we will see what the secrets and treasures the deep ocean can bring in the near future.

An article was also seen on National Geographic at http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/05/090514-marine-drugs_2.html