Frequently Asked Questions

Sun Safety

Although summer months are the primary time we think of sun safety, it’s important to remember to take precautions throughout the entire year.

• 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child
• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every 2 hours thereafter.
• Although sunscreen typically does not list an expiration date, it DOES lose the protective benefits – replace sunscreen yearly!
• Some medications can cause an increased sensitivity to the sun. Among these are many antihistamines, blood pressure medications, statin drugs for cholesterol, anti-seizure medications, antidepressants, hormones, diabetic medications, sleep aids, vitamins, and dietary supplements.

Children and OTC Medications

With active lifestyles and busy kids, we can’t always get to the pediatrician for minor health issues. For this reason many parents will turn to the local pharmacy for solutions. While there are many over-the-counter options to treat pain, skin irritations, and symptoms for allergies or colds, it helps to remember that children are not “little adults” when it pertains to selecting medications.

• Follow the guidelines on the formulations specifically designed for children.
• Do not give smaller portions of products designed for adults.
• Be aware of products that contain acetaminophen – this is often in many over-the-county products, as well as in prescription medications. Too much can cause liver damage or death.
• Many products safe for adults can be deadly in children when used improperly!
• Your pharmacist can help in determining an appropriate product or dose, or refer you to your pediatrician when an over-the-counter product is not the best option for your child.

Diabetes

Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans is at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Nearly 6 million people in the United States have undiagnosed diabetes; therefore it is untreated.

• With this disease, you may or may not show signs or symptoms (such as increased hunger, thirst, urination, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, or sores that do not heal).
• If you have a family history of the disease, you are also at a greater risk for developing diabetes yourself.
• Diabetes can lead to increased risk if severe infections and complications such as blindness, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
• If diagnosed and managed early through lifestyle and possibly medication, someone with diabetes can continue a long, healthy, enjoyable life.
• At United, we can help with blood glucose testing, diabetic testing supplies, medication management, and being available to answer questions you may have about the disease.

Immunization Awareness

August is National Immunization Awareness Month!

• By staying up-to-date on the recommended vaccines, individuals can protect themselves, their families and friends and their communities from serious, life-threatening infections.
• School age children are required to have specific vaccinations to remain in the public school system, so make sure they are up to date BEFORE registration for the upcoming school year.
• Adults also need to be aware of not only annual flu vaccines, but also a tetanus booster every 10 years and preventative pneumonia & shingles vaccines.
• Many of our pharmacies offer full travel vaccinations for vacations or mission trips out of the United States.
• Check with your local United Pharmacy for vaccines and times available. Select stores participate in the Texas Vaccines for Children Program.

Flu Prevention

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from seasonal flu complications each year in the United States.

• The Centers for Disease Control has made it easier to determine who needs the flu vaccine this year: anyone six months and older who doesn’t have contraindications to the vaccine.
• Get vaccinated early & take everyday precautions such as frequent hand washing, use of alcohol hand gels, and coughing into your upper sleeve or elbow.
• United conveniently offers the injectable and intranasal form of the vaccine. For businesses, consult with your local United pharmacy about flu shot clinics to protect your employees and eliminate time lost from work.
• The vaccine is fully covered once annually for Medicare Part B members.

Medication Therapy Management

Did you know the average senior citizen will fill approximately 40 prescriptions this year? That involves a lot of time, money, doctor’s visits, and doses to keep up with! Factor in daily vitamins, supplements, dietary concerns, and any disease states each person may have, and that’s a tremendous task for anyone to take on.

• Your pharmacists at United can help address medication concerns, questions about interactions, duplicate therapies, and other potential options through medication therapy management.
• Many of our pharmacies will hold “Brown Bag Sessions” to allow you to come in with your medications and discuss your needs, or you can call to make an appointment.
• For many individuals with Medicare drug coverage (Part D), your plan may offer this service to you as part of your coverage.

Asthma

Did you know that nearly 22 million Americans have asthma, and nearly 6 million of these are children?

• Asthma can't be cured, but it can be managed with little to no symptoms through medication and preventative activities.
• With the wind and frequent climate changes in our area, asthma can be even more of a problem here and more complicated to control.
• To help prevent flare ups of asthma, stay current on vaccinations, get the annual flu vaccine, seek treatment for even minor respiratory infections, and keep using maintenance treatments for asthma – even if you feel fine.
• At United, we can help manage your asthma with the appropriate medications, vaccinations, counseling, monitoring use of medications, and addressing any questions you may have about the disease.

Hypertension

About 1 in 3 adults (roughly 72 million people) in the United States have hypertension, or high blood pressure. Unfortunately, most people don’t know they have a problem until they see symptoms resulting from the disease such as a heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke.

• Have your blood pressure checked routinely – starting in children as early as 3 years old.
• A family history of hypertension puts you at risk for the same, so be more vigilant about monitoring for the disease.
• If you have hypertension, it can be managed through lifestyle changes and medications, and continued monitoring by your physician.
• At United, we can help by offering blood pressure testing, management of medications, counseling, and answering any questions or concerns you may have about the disease.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Meningitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Even when treated with antibiotics for the infection, death or permanent disability due to nerve impairment can result. Fortunately, at United we do offer a vaccination for bacterial meningitis that can help prevent the complications of this disease.

• The dose is ideally given at 11-12 years of age, but anyone from age 2 and up who has an increased risk of contracting the disease is encouraged to get vaccinated.
• College freshmen living in dormitories, military recruits, and individuals traveling outside of the country are encouraged to learn more about need for the vaccine.

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles is a painful skin rash that is caused by the same virus as chicken pox and can occur at any age.

• The virus remains in the body after having recovered from chicken pox.
• Individuals with lowered immune function (from illness, stress, chemotherapy, steroids, etc.) are more prone to get shingles.
• Very rarely, shingles can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis) or death.
• For about 1 person in 5, severe pain can continue even after the rash clears up (called post-herpetic neuralgia).

Fortunately, at United we can offer a vaccine to help prevent or reduce the severity of shingles. The vaccine is a one-time dose given at age 60 or older. All Medicare Part D plans will cover the vaccine with minimal expense to the member.

Pneumonia Vaccine

Most people know they need a flu shot every year, but it’s also a good time to consider getting a pneumonia shot as well.

• Pneumonia is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in the United States.
• Combined with the flu, it is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Most children will get their first dose of pneumonia vaccine before age 2, but some people are urged to get a second dose as well.
• It is important for anyone over age 65 to get the pneumonia vaccine.
• Regardless of age, anyone with a weakened immune system, heart disease, asthma or COPD, or diabetes, is recommended to get the vaccine.
• If you are over age 65 and had your first dose before turning 65, and more than five years have passed since receiving the vaccine, you will need a second dose.
• The pneumonia vaccine is covered fully by Medicare Part B once every five years for members.

Heartburn

Despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It's actually a digestive problem that occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation.

• About 20% of all adults will have heartburn at least once a month, but many have symptoms more frequently than this.
• These uncomfortable episodes can be managed and often eliminated with some changes in diet, medication, and weight loss.
• Surprisingly, heartburn can actually be caused by some medications (aspirin, pain relievers, antibiotics, etc.)
• More severe episodes of heartburn should be evaluated by a physician for any underlying problems.
• At United, we can offer a variety of over-the-counter products to help relieve symptoms. There are also a number of prescription products available to treat more severe heartburn.
• The best approach to dealing with heartburn occurring more often than once weekly is to determine the possible cause and find a treatment that works.
• Consult with your pharmacist at United for help in managing heartburn safely and effectively.

Cholesterol/coronary Artery Disease

Busy lifestyles and family often lead us to grab the easiest, fastest options for mealtime. Unfortunately, these options aren’t always the best for our health and can contribute to high cholesterol in the blood.

• Coronary artery disease occurs when the main vessels that feed the heart muscle become coated and blocked with cholesterol.
• Every year, coronary artery disease causes 1.2 million heart attacks, and 40 percent of those people will die.
• Many people don’t realize they have a problem until they suffer a heart attack, and this may be too late.
• At United, we can help keep you heart healthy! Our pharmacy can monitor your cholesterol (HDL, LDL, triglycerides) and blood glucose with just one finger stick and have your results, all in less than five minutes.
• The test results are as accurate as a physician’s office, cost less than many standard office co-payments, and are much quicker and more convenient to fit into your busy schedule!
• In addition, we can help explain the different results and how to best optimize each through diet, lifestyle, supplements, or medications if necessary.

Celiac Disease (Sprue)

Celiac disease, or Sprue, is an inherited autoimmune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats.

• Affected individuals can present with a wide array of gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, constipation, cramping) and other nonintestinal issues, so a diagnosis is often difficult.
• Treatment consists of following a gluten-free diet – meaning not only foods, but beverages and medication as well.
• Vitamins and mineral supplements are critical to prevent nutritional deficiencies, and steroids may be used in flare-ups of the disease.
• At United, we offer a wide variety of gluten-free options to accommodate your diet. Our Pharmacy, in cooperation with our Living Well department, can help educate on the appropriate use of medications and selection of supplements to maintain optimal health.

Acetaminophen Awareness

Acetaminophen is a common component of many different over-the-counter and prescription medications to relieve pain. Although it is available without a prescription, it should not be used without careful consideration. You may unknowingly be taking too much acetaminophen from several medications, which can lead to liver damage.

• Look at the ingredients and amounts of acetaminophen in all medications you are taking.
• Consult your pharmacist or doctor for recommendations on the appropriate products and amount of acetaminophen that is right for you.
• When in doubt about the contents or identity of any medication, we encourage you to contact your pharmacy at United for information.

Seasonal Allergies

It’s a sniffle, then a sneeze, then comes the itchy, watery eyes and congestion. Is it a cold? Possibly, but during this time of year, the more likely culprit would be seasonal allergies.

• Seasonal allergies affect more than 40 million people in the United States annually, costing more than $1 billion for treatment.
• While these allergies are not harmful, they can cause a great deal of discomfort and disrupt daily activities.
• Fortunately, a wide range of medications are available over the counter and by prescription to help relieve allergy symptoms.
• Products are formulated for oral, topical, ophthalmic, and nasal administration, and are tailored for use in children and adults.
• Several non-drowsy products are available to provide relief without the concern of sedation and sleepiness.
• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist for help in selecting the best medications to treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

BHRT - Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Help for Nausea and Vomiting (compounding)

When you or your child suffers from nausea or vomiting, the last thing you want to think about is using an oral or rectal medication to try and get relief.

• At United, we offer specially compounded topical gels for children and adults that can help relieve the discomfort associated with nausea and vomiting. We can also help expectant mothers enduring bouts of morning sickness.
• A small amount of the medicated gel is applied to the wrists using a convenient, unit dose applicator – no measuring or unwrapping, or risk of incorrect dosing.
• A prescription is required for the topical gels, and we can provide assistance in insurance reimbursement and billing.

Let us help you recover from a stomach upset faster with these specially compounded gels.

Discontinued or unavailable Medication? (compounding)

All too often we find a medication we’ve come to rely on is either no longer manufactured, or is unavailable to us for some reason. The situation is worsened in deciding how to obtain your medication without the hassle or uncertainty of switching to an alternative. At United, we have a solution that can help you continue taking your trusted medication. Through United’s own compounding pharmacy, we can work with your doctor and provide an equivalent version of your medication. Your medication can be conveniently shipped directly to your local pharmacy or to your home, and counseling by a pharmacist is still available to you.