Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, September 23, 2011,
Are Dollar Store medications safe and effective?
Yes they are but it is always recommended to check the expiration date and follow dosage directions (located on the back of the drug box) just to be in the safe side. Also even if you buy medications at Walgreens, Osco, etc it is still recommended to check expiration date. All retail stores/companies selling medications must adhere to the appropiate FDA regulation in order to be marketed in the U.S. I know you are probably thinking "well why doe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, July 26, 2011,
Just some common inflammation terminology!
>Dermatitis: Skin inflammation
>Hidradentitis: Sweat gland inflammation
>Onychitis: Nail inflammation
>Bursitis: Bursa inflammation (*a bursa lies between a tendon and bone)(*tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone)
>Myelitis: Bone marrow inflammation (*bone marrow is a flexible tissue found in the interior of bones)
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Saturday, July 23, 2011,
Ever wonder what does Pharmacy Technician I,II,III mean? Well you probably often see this in applications so here is a quick review that will help you understand and apply for the right position.
*Pharmacy Tech I - This is basically level 1 and this applies for pharmacy tech beginners. Definitely supervised by pharmacist. They will perform the usual basic duties such as filling medications, cashier.....
*Pharmacy Tech II - This is the second level and pharmacy tech is more experienced, en...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, July 13, 2011,
The difference between Vitamins & Minerals!
First thing first vitamins and minerals help make people's bodies work properly such as boosting the immune system, support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their job. Example> Carrots are full of substances called carotenoids that your body converts into vitamin A, which helps prevent eye problems.
*Okay so vitamins are pretty much organic substances (made by plants or animals). Vitamins fall into 2 categories called fat so... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Saturday, June 11, 2011,
Natural Antibiotics!
We all get tired of taking medication time to time but I found this very interesting and I want to share this information with all of you. These 3 natural antibiotics will be a life saver. Here we go!
Manuka Honey: Comes from the manuka plant in New Zealand. It taste stronger than regular honey, recommended to keep in medicine cabinet only because of the stronger antibiotic components it includes. Manuka honey can be used to treat cuts & wounds. If you come across on a cut ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, May 25, 2011,
Hello pharmacy tech members!
So I want to take this time to give you guys some words of encouragement. I know studying for the PTCB exam can be stressful and confusing but this is something that can be done. I want to give out some studying advice or tips however you take it. I recommend not to crash you brain by studying numerous of hours a day. I usually recommend to study 1 to 2 hours a day, break the hours even such as 1hr in the morning and the other hr in the afternoon, whatever fits in ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, March 30, 2011,
Dangers Of Antibiotics!
There are people who take antibiotics for a sore throat but that does not treat the sore throat so why do people continue to take antibiotics? Probably because they want to avoid getting an infection but if they just treat it how it is normally and intake daily home remedies such as tea with honey they would not need antibiotics. Taking antibiotics when you do not need it can put your life at risk! When you take antibiotics it kills the good bacteria in your colon and l... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, March 25, 2011,
Feel free to attend my online live class:
Where:http://www.wiziq.com/online-class/505237-ptcb When: March 31, 2011 at 7pm Requirements: You will need headphones because this class will be taught with audio, you will also need an wiziq account which it is free.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Sunday, March 20, 2011,
Are your household silverware spoons the proper way to measure medication liquids?
We often hear about this in the news about parents overdosing their children with cold/cough liquid medications. Nowadays parents measure liquid medications with their household silverware spoons, they think it is safe because one small household spoon equals a teaspoon which it is certainly wrong. Parents do not know how serious it is to overdose a child especially when they weigh less than adults and their bod...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, March 18, 2011,
Sorry! I know I have not posted recent blogs, I have been busy updating the site and other things but now I am done and will get back to blogging. Thanks for your patience!
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, January 20, 2011,
Misused OTC drugs!
Pain (NSAID'S) medications: Using too much pain medications can thin stomach lining causing ulcers. Taking NSAID'S (Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs) everyday can increase a stoke, heart attack, and kidney damage.It is recommended to take pain medications with food or milk because NSAID'S
can be harsh in the stomach so by eating or drinking milk with these
medications will avoid an upset stomach. It is also recommended not to take NSAID'S more than 10 days in a row....
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Saturday, January 15, 2011,
Adulterated drugs?
As you know there are many drugs being recalled due to particles in the
drug, or contamination, etc, which would be consider adulterated.
One might think well when will this recalled ever end but the truth is
it would never end because warehouse associates are not perfect human beings and because of that they will make mistakes. I can agree the way they
package drugs should definitely be awared at all times and proceed
carefu... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, January 12, 2011,
Does bread absorb heartburn acid?
First off lets learn a little about heartburn. What is Heartburn? is a painful burning sensation in the chest caused by Gastroesophageal Reflux (backflow from the stomach irritating the esophagus) What Causes Heartburn?
When you swallow food & liquids, the lower esophageal sphincter valve in your esophagus opens/relaxes to allow food and liquids to flow down into
your stomach. Then it closes again.
If this valve relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can f... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, December 30, 2010,
3 Major Food & Drug Interactions
Statins & Grapefruit Juice: Statins are a class of cholesterol lowering drugs that lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol. Statins are broken down by the enzyme cytochrome P450. Grapefruit juice contains a chemical that inhibits the enzyme, so the statin drug doesn't get a chance to clear out making the dose circulating in the blood much higher and more potent than intended leading to affecting the liver and cause painful muscle damage and weakness. Antidepressants & Age...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, December 21, 2010,
Ladies! How to prevent a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Having a UTI can be a stressful situation and as women we have it harder to take care of ourselves. We go through so many changes but here are just a few tips to help prevent it or if you have one!UTI's are caused by bacteria entering in your urinary system.
Tip 1: Drinking cranberry juice and water helps because cranberries have 2 substances called fructose and proanthocyanidins that work together as a antibacterial property that delivers... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, December 21, 2010,
The difference between a stroke, heart attack & cardiac arrest
Reason why I posted this blog was because many people think a heart attack is the same as a stroke which it is clearly not the same.
Stroke: Is a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain. When a clot forms in one of the arteries and stops blood flow, a section of the brain begins to die in other words the brain can not work properly such as having trouble with vision, speaking, balance, etc. Most of the time a stoke af... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Saturday, December 18, 2010,
Antibiotics Taken With Birth Control As most women know, we cannot take antibiotics while on birth control. Why? Well it is possible that antibiotics may increase the break up of the estrogen (therefore you may not be getting the right amount) or because antibiotics can mess with the GI Flora (therefore the amount of estrogen circulating may be reduced) making birth control ineffective. You have a good chance of getting pregnant.
What's GI Flora: GI flora means Gastrointestinal Flora, it's pret... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Saturday, December 18, 2010,
The truth about "Hydrogen Peroxide"
We all been knowing for years that Hydrogen Peroxide can disinfect cuts/wounds. We can all agree that our parents often poured Hydrogen Peroxide on our cuts as a child, but that may all be a myth. Basically what I am trying to say, Hydrogen Peroxide does not disinfect cuts/wounds. If you watch Dr.Oz and The Doctors on TV then you will know what I'm talking about but If you don't here is why Hydrogen Peroxide does not work on cuts.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, December 15, 2010,
Some questions??? to ask yourself, in case you experience these type of situations in the pharmacy.You will definitely encounter these situations! (feel free to contact me for advice towards these type of situations)
When preparing prescriptions for a patient with limited vision, what are some things you can do to help differentiate between his medications?
How would you to communicate with a patient who is hearing impaired?
How would you take action when patients are angry or upset?
My opinion towards this game: is kind of confusing but hey give it a try you might get it. It's all about antibiotics and the game benefits you by learning your antibiotics.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, November 19, 2010,
Tablet/Capsule Counting Machine VS. Counting Tray (Antibiotics Edition)
As
you can see these two methods above can be use to count tablets and
capsules except for one thing some pharmacies do not allow any pharmacy
staff to count antibiotics in a counting machine. It is much safer to
count on a counting tray by 5's. Why? Antibiotics
are the most popular category of drugs to cause allergies in other
words many people are allergic to antibiotics such... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
UPDATE: Hey! My allergy reaction was due to environmental contact so basically I had "contact dermatitis". I was prescribed 2 medications below. I must say I feel and look better. Lets learn from my medication by calculating the day supply!
RX: Benadryl (diphenhydramine) 50mg capsules Sig: Take one capsule by mouth every 6 hours Quantity: 15 capsules Classification: Anti-histamine Treatment: Allergies, common cold, itching, hives, rashes, etc NOTE: May cause drowsiness (which it did for me, I'm all... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, November 9, 2010,
People tend to buy syringes without a prescription at their local pharmacies but each state has certain laws and guidelines when buying these syringes. Lets use Illinois for an example: Ahypodermic needleis a hollow needle commonly used for a syringe to inject substances into the body or extract liquids from it such as people injecting insulin. They may also be used to take liquid samples ex) taking blood from a vein. In Illinois The Hypodermic Syringes and Needles Act waspassed on 1955sta... Continue reading ...
Sneezing Fever Stuffy nose Body aches Sore throat Chest pain Coughing Chills Last for 7 days Last for 14 days Helpful tip provided by Dr. Neil Scha... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, November 5, 2010,
This Blog goes for those upcoming future pharmacy technicians! I know it is difficult to enroll in a pharmacy technician course with this present recession but did you know NPTA, National Pharmacy Technician Association offers "online pharmacy technician certificate program" for an affordable tuition price of $2,299. This is affordable because my tuition was 8,000 and still paying. Good luck on your journeys! And yes this offer is legit! For more information click the provided link: http://www... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, November 2, 2010,
People Check Your Childrens Halloween Candy
Well quess what! I have food allergies and it comes to find out that this occured from the Halloween candy I ate (I pretty much ate lots of chocolate <reeses's cups> OPPPS :). Now my face is all red, warm, rashy, itchy...even my arms, legs..lol...I am taking Benadryl allergy relief and some Cortisone for the itchiness. PLEASE check your candy (throw away any expired candy or open candy)..thank goodness I ended up with the expired chocolate rather th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Monday, November 1, 2010,
INTRODUCING
Hey Techs I want to introduce you guys to this website that offers 3000 + PTCB practice questions for an affordable price. I checked out these questions myself and I have to say they are similar towards the actual exam questions. It is multiple choice and provides a timer to practice managing your time because you will be timed for the actual exam. They also provide quiz categories such as calculations, pharmacology, participating administration, naming, pharmacy law, and finally ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, October 29, 2010,
LEARN CPR(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Here is a helpful step by step link on how to perform CPR on adults, children and infants. Important as well because you never know if your patient will need CPR in the pharmacy or even outside and home. Take a look at this link, I am positive this will benefit you and help you be prepare. ALWAYS STAY CALM
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, October 28, 2010,
What should you do if someone has a seizure! (A must read, this can happen to a patient in the pharmacy line or waiting area)
1) Guide the person on the floor, make sure he/she does not hit head and avoid being around furniture or any hazards 2) Put a cushion or jacket under their head, to avoid head injury while having a seizure on the floor 3) Roll the person onto their side, to avoid them to choke on their own vomit 4) Watch them carefully and keep calm, try to figure the length of time he/she... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, October 28, 2010,
InstyMeds New Medication Dispensing Vending Machine: "Do it yourself machine" Easy to use step by step for patients who need there medications quickly or need medications at night when usually some pharmacies are closed. Its a 24/7 hour machine with a phone attached to it for any help assistance. Accepts any type of insurance including government insurance. Common medications are dispensed in this machine such as antibiotics, antihistamines, inhalers, pain relievers, etc and OTC medications. T... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, October 26, 2010,
LET'S LEARN SOME PHARMACY HISTORY
The term druggist refers to pharmacist
There were soda fountains in almost every pharmacy for people to socialize
Many fountain drinks made by early druggists contained cocaine & caffeine used to cure headaches in the 1850's.
Every drug was over the counter, no soda fountain broke the law towards selling cocaine derived drinks but in 1914 OTC products that contained cocaine & opiates were banned by a law called the "Harrison Narcotic Act".
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, October 22, 2010,
What is the flu (Influenza)? A disease of the lungs that can lead to pneumonia. An infection that causes fever, chills, cough, body ache, headaches, fatigue, earaches at times. The flu has specific strains (bacteria spread around) that may be the cause of people getting ill in the fall seasons.
What is pneumonia? A serious health condition of the lungs that is filled with fluids making it very hard for oxygen in the lungs reach the blood stream, this condition is caused by viruses or bacteria. T... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, October 14, 2010,
Answering Pharmacy Incoming Calls It is very important to answer pharmacy incoming calls in a professional manner. Why? Well because when a pharmacist or technician answers the phone in a rude manner or in a lazy manner, patients will feel like we are not doing our jobs or may feel they are not important to us so they will think "why should I leave my health on their hands". They will also feel uncomfortable and will not ask any questions towards their medications, they will just want to leave... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, October 8, 2010,
Why you should not flush expired medications down the toilet
Flushing medications down the toilet can create a potential public health hazard by allowing drugs to get into the water supply. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proved that such medications can harm the environment and society. Safest place to throw medications is in the trash can. Make sure you put the trash can some where away from children to avoid medical attention especially toddlers since they are curious about t... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, October 7, 2010,
There are many techs wondering what is the difference between the PTCB Exam and the ExCPT Exam. Here is a detail link below with comparisons. Hope this answers your questions!
**A huge difference would be that the ExCPT Exam cost less and it is less required to have in some states. ExCPT is less popular than the PTCB, but that is soon changing. Both tests focuses in pharmacy technician subjects but in a different perspective.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, October 6, 2010,
Pharmacy Techs! Have you guys ever wonder why we ask patients for a state ID or driver's license when purchasing Claritin, Sudafed and other nasal decongestants, antacids, cold symptom relievers, and allergy medications on the shelf behind you (your pharmacy over the counter shelf) which drug and patient information is written in a logbook. Well this matter was made into a law passed by congress signed by President George Bush. That any over the counter drugs that have pseudoephedrine should ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Monday, October 4, 2010,
Hey have you ever wonder if these so called online pharmacies are legit? Yes I know there are many online pharmacies, but here is how to know if this so called legit online pharmacy is valid.
Before buying medications online always look for this banner below, this means it is
Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM (VIPPS®)
A Program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
For more information visit the VIPPS website: www.nabp.net
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, September 29, 2010,
Here is my "How to get fit and healthy" link to read my diet journey article and hopefully it motivates and helps people out there. Health relates to pharmacy <<for those who are curious>> Check it out
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, September 22, 2010,
Pharmaceutical Johnson & Johnson did not mentioned deadly risks of the Ortho Evra Patch that may cause strokes and blood clots..**.for the entire detailed story please click link below**
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, September 9, 2010,
Free Prescription Discount Card
The City of Chicago has launched a new program created to help area
residents with the high cost of prescription medications. Sponsored by
the National League of Cities (NLC), the free Prescription Discount Card
program provides residents with a card that offers an average of 20
percent savings off the retail price of prescription medications.
The card can be used by those who do not have insurance or by those who
have prescriptions not covered by insuranc... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, July 30, 2010,
This topic is interesting to me because obesity is at a high percentage that can lead to a stroke, heart attack, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer, even death. This is serious, some people do not understand how important it is to be healthy. Im sure we all have love ones who are going through this, but we have to get the message across that there are ways to get healthy and motivate them. I was once obese after conceiving my children, I felt depress and just felt ugly wi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, July 21, 2010,
Now featuring PTCB Exam Prep Books for sell on Pharmacy Rxprovided by Amazon!!!!! With specific book details & reviews. Let us make your choice of book a little easier.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, May 14, 2010,
These two youtube videos caught my attention. Its sad at the same time. It was aired on March 30, 2007 but it still applies till this day. Take a look, I was shocked. This is a good example why we need to prevent medication errors and be professional and alert when working in a pharmacy. We have to set a good example and guaranteed our patients safety and trust.
TRY TO DECIPHER THESE PRESCRIPTIONS I FOUND..ANSWERS ARE BELOW..(NO PEEKING)
salmeterol-- meter dose inhaler (MDI) inhale 2 puffs twice a day, quanity 3 noritate--1% 30g, apply twice a day on inflammed lesions (80% positive on sig) ______________________________________________________________ coumadin 2mg-- take 1 tablet by mouth everyday, quanity 30, 12mg ______________________________________________________________ viagra 50mg-- take as directed, quanity 20 _____________________... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, April 23, 2010,
feel free to take the survey..it will give me an idea on what you guys want me to cover about any pharmacy related info..also it will help me post new upcoming information on pharmacy rx in the near future....its important to me and im sure it will help someone out there...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, March 26, 2010,
ITS CRAZY HOW THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE STUDYING FOR THE PTCB EXAM, WHICH ITS A GOOD THING....THE BEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE IS TO STUDY ALL YOU CAN ABOUT ANY SUBJECT IN PHARMACY,,IMPORTANTLY STUDY MATH AND PHARMACOLOGY...AND REALLY READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY AND IF YOU DO NOT KNOW THE ANSWER, MAKE AN EDUCATED QUESS THAT WOULD MAKE SENSE OR THAT WOULD BE COMMON SENSE...ITS REALLY ALL ON YOU IF YOU PASS OR NOT...I STUDIED DIFFERENT PHARMACY SUBJECTS FROM LEFT AND RIGHT AND SURFED THROUGH THE INTERNE... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, March 18, 2010,
HEY PPL
I WILL SOON POST INFO ABOUT COMPOUNDING IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT WHEN INVOLVE IN THE PHARMACY INDUSTRY....ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT TO WORK AT WALGREENS PHARMACY, THEY DEAL WITH ALOT OF COMPOUNDING....
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Wednesday, March 10, 2010,
hey almost done with the ptcb study guide (NOTE: IM NOT ALLOW TO PUT EXACT QUESTIONS FROM THE EXAM, BUT I PUT SOME FAMILIAR INFO TO HELP IN SOME WAY)...Like i said everything in this site comes in handy towards the exam and working in the pharmacy...so make sure you view every link :).
recommendation of the day would be......
A GOOD WAY TO LEARN DRUG TREATMENTS IS TO KNOW YOUR DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS BECAUSE IT CATEGORIZES THE DRUGS TO THEIR SPECIAL TREATMENT...ITS SO MUCH EASIER TO LEARN THEM.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Thursday, March 4, 2010,
HEY PPL
I PASSED THE EXAM. I FEEL SOOO PROUD I ACHIEVED THE EXAM. IT WAS HARD BUT WORTH THE CHALLENGE AS I SAID BEFORE...I WILL HELP OTHERS BUT I CANT GIVE OUT DETAIL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXAM FOR EXAMPLE A CERTAIN QUESTION THEY HAD IN THERE. I WILL HELP OUT IN MAKING A STUDY GUIDE ON WHAT YOU NEED TO STUDY FOR THE EXAM. JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME SO GET ALL MY RESOURCES TOGETHER AND WILL DEFINITLY KEEP YOU POSTED.
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Tuesday, March 2, 2010,
HEY PEOPLE
WELL IM FINALLY GOING TO TAKE THE PTCB EXAM ON THURSDAY...NERVOUS BUT AT THE SAME TIME PREPARED...THIS MEANS ALOT TO ME SO IM GOING TO TRY MY BEST. AT FIRST I DIDNT HAVE THE STRENGTH TO EVEN CONSIDER TAKING THE EXAM BUT I LIKE CHALLENGES AND THIS IS A CHALLENGE, I WANT TO ACCOMPLISH THIS EXAM. IF YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS TO EVEN CONSIDER TAKING THE TEST OR SCARED BECAUSE YOU HEARD IT WAS HARD WHICH I HEARD IT TOO, DONT LET THAT GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR FUTURE. BEING CERTIFIED IS REALLY ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Crystal Zamudio on Friday, February 19, 2010,
STUDY SHOWS WOMEN WHO HAVE BREAST CANCER HAVE A 50% REDUCTION WHEN TAKING ASPIRIN. STUDIES BY Journal of Clinical Oncology SAY ITS THE NUMBER OF DAYS A WEEK TAKING ASPIRIN THAT BOOSTED BREAST CANCER SURVIVAL BUT ITS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR BREAST CANCER TREATMENT. Continue reading ...
Dangers Of Antibiotics!
Tutor search within a few clicks!
$59 for 3 months
1-888-20-teach
Misused OTC drugs!
Thanks!
A 
Pharmacy Techs! Have you guys ever wonder why we ask patients for a state ID or driver's license when purchasing Claritin, Sudafed and other nasal decongestants, antacids, cold symptom relievers, and allergy medications on the shelf behind you (your pharmacy over the counter shelf) which drug and patient information is written in a logbook. Well this matter was made into a law passed by congress signed by President George Bush. That any over the counter drugs that have pseudoephedrine should ... 
For more information visit the VIPPS website: 
STUDY SHOWS WOMEN WHO HAVE BREAST CANCER HAVE A 50% REDUCTION WHEN TAKING ASPIRIN. STUDIES BY 
