Is it Allergies or COVID-19? How to Tell the Difference

allergy cough

Now that the warmer temperatures are coming up, you may notice your seasonal allergies start to pop up again.

Yet, in today's uncertain times, there's always the possibility that it could be something more. Luckily there are ways to tell the difference without having to rush to the hospital.

Every time we hear someone cough these days, we all panic a little bit inside. Is this a regular allergy cough or is it the Coronavirus? Continue reading to discover the difference between allergies and Coronavirus.

Is It An Allergy Cough?

Many of us who have years of experience suffering from allergies are all too familiar with the symptoms involved. They can include red eyes, itchy eyes, a tickle in your throat, runny nose and sneezing.

Allergies can also cause you to cough and be fatigued. Although these are similar symptoms to the Coronavirus, there are other noticeable differences to keep an eye on. 

How to Tell if You Have Allergies

Typically with allergies, you won't find that you have a fever or muscle aches. You also won't find yourself to be as severely tired as if you had the virus. The Coronavirus includes these symptoms. It is also known to progress more rapidly.

If you tend to have shortness of breath related to allergies, then rest assured that this symptom, as it relates to coronavirus, is far more severe.

Coronavirus has also been shown to cause intestinal problems such as diarrhea and stomach aches. However, these symptoms are less common.

Dry coughing, postnasal drip, and a runny nose are all to be expected with allergies. But it is rare that you would have a fever or experience such extreme shortness of breath that the coronavirus causes. 

No Fever, No Problem?

Fevers running 100 degrees or higher are found in many of the documented cases of COVID-19. However, having a high temperature is not a symptom of allergies. It is also worth noting that allergies can not be spread from person to person the way the coronavirus can be.

Another sign that it is allergies and not coronavirus is that they tend to show up as more itchy symptoms such as itchy eyes, nose, and throat. You may even have some facial pain. This is not seen with the coronavirus.

Ease Your Nerves

One way to further confirm that you have allergies and not the coronavirus is to reflect on your past experiences with allergies. Do you typically suffer from spring allergies?

If you have had problems in the past, and have a known allergy pattern, then you can expect that you would begin to have symptoms. Allergies are chronic and the symptoms of allergies can occur on and off over the course of weeks, months, or even years.

Allergies can also be affected by your location, time of year, day, and the weather. Whereas symptoms of the coronavirus will occur regardless of the time or where you are (indoors or outdoors).

How to Stay Safe

Now that you know the most common symptoms of the coronavirus are fever, tiredness, and dry cough, you may be wondering how you can stay safe.

If you are prone to respiratory health issues, then it's especially important for you to follow the recommendations of specialists. Typically taking an antihistamine or decongestant can help with annoying allergy symptoms.

Social distancing is still important even if you feel your symptoms are most likely allergies. People who suffer from respiratory and lung conditions including asthma are at a higher risk of getting more sick with the virus.

Therefore asthma caused by allergies can make you more vulnerable if you were to be exposed. 

Keeping your distance from others by self-isolating at home and avoiding leaving your house are all strongly recommended. You should maintain at least six feet of distance from others if you are required to go outside. 

You should also wash your hands more often and thoroughly. Avoid touching your face and eyes as much as possible.

If you know of someone who is sick or who has traveled recently, you should avoid spending time with them.

Have a Fever?

If you are struggling with shortness of breath and/or a fever, it doesn't necessarily mean you have the coronavirus.

The coronavirus also shares symptoms with the cold and flu. These are also caused by viruses so they have some similarities. However, there are still ways you can differentiate these illnesses.

With the cold and flu, you may have a fever, however, shortness of breath is not typically one of the symptoms. Although, it could be a symptom of when the flu has progressed to pneumonia.

If this is the case, then whether you have pneumonia or potentially the coronavirus, you will need to contact your healthcare provider for help.

Stay Updated

Although these symptoms have been documented for the majority of COVID-19 cases, it's important to keep in mind that there is still a lot we don't know about the virus. 

That means that new information is being shared every day. It's important to stay notified of any changes or new insights that are discovered concerning the coronavirus.

Put Your Mind At Ease

If you are still concerned that your symptoms may be something more, you should contact your personal healthcare provider for assistance.

Whether or not your symptoms are in fact being caused by the coronavirus, if you are feeling under the weather it's important to take care of your health.

We hope these common signs and symptoms of if you have an allergy cough or something more will help guide you to the right course of action for you! 

If you need to stock up on supplies to get you through this allergy-season check out our amazing prices on medications that can help you.

The Importance of Handwashing: How to Prevent Catching the Coronavirus

The coronavirus has been hitting headlines, scaring people into their homes or into their local stores to deplete the shelves. 

More people catch this disease every day, and the death toll continues to rise. 

However, there are a few things you can do to lower your risk of getting this disease. We've put together this guide to show you the importance of handwashing and other prevention tips that will help you protect yourself from the coronavirus. 

Let's get started. 

Understanding the Facts About Coronavirus

There is a lot of misinformation about the coronavirus out there, so before you start putting together a disaster plan, make sure you understand the actual facts about this disease. 

Don't trust everything you read on the internet. Make sure you get your information from reputable sources, such as the CDC or your doctor.

Check for updates often. Diseases like the coronavirus change quickly, but that doesn't mean it changes for the worst. Medical professionals are currently working on a coronavirus vaccine and testing potential treatments. 

You might even hear more good news than bad news. 

Before we show you how to protect yourself from catching the coronavirus, there are some facts you should understand. Here's what you need to know.  

The Risk of Catching the Coronavirus Is Low 

While the coronavirus is spreading in the U.S., the risk of catching it is still low.

At this point, there is a good chance you won't catch the coronavirus at all. You only have to be concerned if you were exposed to a person (or people) who already have the coronavirus. 

In this case, you should go see your doctor right away. You may not have the disease yourself, but your doctor will be able to recommend medications and/or treatments just in case. 

The Coronavirus Isn't as Serious as You Think 

If you do catch the coronavirus, it probably won't kill you. 

In fact, you might not even realize you have the coronavirus if you catch it. You might just think you have a normal cold or flu. That said, you should still get medical attention right away if you think you have the coronavirus or are displaying symptoms, such as:

  • Cough 
  • Fever
  • Shortness of Breath 

You might not even experience shortness of breath unless your case is serious.

So, don't let yourself panic. The coronavirus, as it stands right now, isn't as dangerous as you might have thought. 

How to Protect Yourself from the Coronavirus  

Just because the coronavirus might not be as threatening as you previously thought doesn't mean you shouldn't take measures to protect yourself. 

Here are a few things you should be doing every day to avoid contracting the coronavirus. 

The Importance of Handwashing

This is one of your best defenses against the coronavirus. 

Make sure you wash your hands with soap and warm water several times a day. You should especially do this every time you get home from being outside the house, after you blow your nose or sneeze, or before you eat a meal. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to ensure you remove any germs. 

If you are out and about, you should also carry a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. This shouldn't replace washing your hands, but it can help keep your hands clean in a pinch. 

Stay Away from Other People, Especially Those Who Are Sick

You should keep at least a 3-foot distance between yourself and other people, especially if they are couching or sneezing. 

But this doesn't mean you can't leave the house. 

You can still go to work, school, or grocery shopping like normal, but you should avoid large crowds if possible. Of course, if you want to lower your risk even more, staying inside will reduce your likelihood of coming in contact with this disease. 

However, you don't need to quarantine yourself to your house at this moment, unless it's recommended in your area. 

Stop Touching Your Face

You touch a lot of things with your hands, so if any part of your body is likely to come in contact with the coronavirus, it's your hands. If you touch your face, you can pass the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth. This gives the virus a way to enter your body. 

So, this simple solution is to stop touching your face. 

This is another reason why it's so important to wash your hands. If you do need to touch your face, such as to wash your face or put on makeup, always wash your hands first. 

Cover Your Nose When You Sneeze 

You should practice healthy habits when you sneeze or cough.

Always cover your nose and mouth with your elbow to prevent spreading the virus to others. You should also, again, wash your hands after you couch or sneeze. 

Stop Wearing Facemasks 

If you don't have the coronavirus yourself or you aren't in contact with someone who has the virus, you shouldn't wear a facemask. Wearing one won't protect you more than washing your hands and following the other prevention tips on this list. 

Save the facemasks for the people who really need them, such as healthcare workers. 

The Best Way to Prevent Catching the Coronavirus

Don't underestimate the importance of handwashing. This is your best weapon against the coronavirus—at least right now. 

If you think you have the coronavirus, you should visit a doctor right away. They may recommend picking up medications from your local pharmacy to help with the treatment. 

Not sure where to get this medication? 

Make sure you take a look at some of our options!

Respiratory Infection Symptoms: How to Treat the Coronavirus

Many people worldwide have been infected with the new coronavirus. It’s so widespread that to date China, South Korea, Italy, France, the US, and the Caribbean have all reported cases.

Is there a way to contain this rapidly spreading and highly contagious virus?

Experts believe that preventative measures as well as identifying the symptoms early could help.

If you suffering from respiratory infection symptoms that you think might be the coronavirus, you need to know what to do to stop the infection. Read on to find out.

What Exactly Is the Coronavirus? 

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronaviruses causing respiratory illness in those infected. With the first case being identified in Wuhan, China which has now been declared the epicenter of the virus, the virus is one out of a group of common viruses. 

These viruses are so named because of the crown-like spikes found on their surface. While some coronaviruses only affect animals there are cases where they can be transmitted to humans. These diseases normally provoke mild to moderate respiratory infection symptoms in those affected but they can also trigger severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Respiratory Infection Symptoms and the Corona Virus

Transmission of the infection is done from an infected person to another individual via respiratory droplets. So when someone who has the virus coughs or sneezes and you inhale it, you are highly likely to get infected. Experts believe though that this only happens once you are within six feet of the infected person.

Experts also state that you can get infected by touching a surface or an object that is filled with the virus and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes. However, this is not the main means of transmission. Touching and shaking hands with an infected person and then touching your eyes, face, and the nose is also a means of transmission.

Are You Among Those at Risk for the Virus?

Those who bear a higher risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus are young children, the elderly and pregnant women. Symptoms normally appear in a cold or flu-like from as early as two to four days after getting infected. They are usually mild to moderate. These include:

  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Headache

However, the virus can cause severe symptoms that may lead you to develop bronchitis and pneumonia. Some of these more severe symptoms are:

  • Coughing up mucus
  • Chest pain and tightness
  • High fever
  • Shortness of breath

Severe symptoms tend to be particularly common in those affected by heart and lung disease and have weak immune systems.

How Can the Coronavirus Be Diagnosed and Treated?

To diagnose you with the virus, your doctor will first listen to your medical history and then ask about your symptoms.

They will move on to conduct a physical examination as well as get some blood tests done. Lastly, they’ll get some labwork done for any respiratory specimen.

It is important for you to know that there is no vaccine for the virus and so there is no specified treatment. However, to alleviate your symptoms you can take over the counter medications for fever, cough and pain relief. Experts advise that you stay inside, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids and use a room humidifier or hot showers to ease coughing and sore throat.

For children exhibiting symptoms please remember that you shouldn’t give them any aspirin or give children younger than four years old any cough medicine.

If you require more help with your symptoms, visit your doctor.

How Can You Prevent the Coronavirus?

Again there is no designated vaccine for COVID-19. That’s not to say that there aren’t some measures that you can take to limit the transmission of the virus.

First, always wash your hands with soap and water often for at least twenty seconds. If there is no soap then substitute with a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Do not use your unwashed hand to touch your face, mouth or nose and stay away from sick people. Clean surfaces that you touch frequently with disinfectant.

More importantly when you cough or sneeze use a tissue. Then get rid of it in the rubbish and wash your hands. If you are sick, stay home.

What Are Experts Doing to Fight Against Coronavirus?

Scientists tasked with creating a drug to fight the virus are now looking into repurposing existing antiviral drugs.

Repurposing means that the scientists will create additional value from an existing antiviral drug by going after diseases for which the drug was not originally intended to treat.

The benefits are that they will have a higher chance of success, lower cost and a shorter timeframe for availability. From their research, the scientists have specified a few drugs that possess the potential to treat the virus. These are teicoplanin, emetine, monensin, oritavancin, and dalbavancin.

They are doing the necessary research as quickly as they can to develop a potential treatment for the COVID-19 virus.

Prevention is Better than Cure

If you are having respiratory infection symptoms, don’t take any chances, get checked out as soon as possible to ensure that it’s not coronavirus.

Given the quick transmission of the virus, you don’t want to take any chances. If you have a runny nose, fever, sore throat or difficulty breathing, these are just a few COVID-19 symptoms.

While there is no vaccine to treat or prevent the virus, knowing how it is spread and the preventative measures to reduce getting infected can make a huge difference.

It is important to wash your hands, disinfect surfaces, stay away from sick people and stay inside if you’re feeling sick. There are no specified medicines or treatment but over the counter medications can go a long way in easing pain, cold and fever. So too does warm showers and a room humidifier.

If you would like to order medications online then feel free to contact us. We specialize in making it easy for you to purchase your medications online.

Does Hair Loss Medication Really Work? Everything You Need to Know

hair loss medication

You may be starting to realize that you’re never going to have thick, luscious locks again all over your head.

If your hair has started to thin, it likely will continue to get worse.

The good news is that there are things that you can do to stop or slow down hair loss. You may even be able to grow back some of the hair that has been lost.

If you’re interested in learning about hair loss medication, keep reading to learn more about how it works, if it’ll work for you, and where you can get it.

How Does Hair Loss Medication Work?

There are 2 government-approved types of hair loss medications out there today and each of them works in different ways.

This doesn’t necessarily that they are all going to work for you, however, so it is wise to speak with your doctor about your concerns. The best time to use these types of medications is before you have lost most of your hair.

While there is no cure for male/female pattern baldness, these medications may help.

Propecia

This is a drug that lowers the levels of a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. That hormone is called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This results in less conversion of testosterone to DHT, so there is less hair loss because there is less DHT.

Propecia, or generic finasteride, can slow hair loss and regrow hair in 90% of men. It requires a doctor’s prescription and you take it every day.

It may take as long as 6 months for you to see your results because loss and growth of hair happens at a slow rate.

There are some side effects with this drug, such as a lower sex drive. DHT is important for sexual function, so you may see some issues in this area after taking Propecia.

Propecia is generally not as effective in women.

In addition to this, pregnant women should not come into contact with this drug (especially if it is broken or crushed) as it can cause birth defects.

Rogaine

This may be the hair loss medication that you have heard of before because it has been popular for several years. Also known as generic minoxidil, Rogaine is a foam or a liquid that you will rub into your scalp.

Rogaine works by dilating the blood vessels in your scalp. This increases blood flow and promotes growth and hair follicle health.

Some studies show that it can help you regrow hair, but it will also help you keep the hair you still have. If you start using this earlier in your hair loss journey, it will be more effective.

Generic minoxidil is clinically proven to regrow hair by 35% and significantly halt hair loss.

A great thing about Rogaine is that you do not need a prescription for it and it has fewer side effects than some of the other options. The main issue people see is scalp irritation.

You will need to use this medication for at least 4 months or even as long as a year before you can see results. You must be consistent with application as well.

Rogaine is generally an effective treatment for both men and women.

This medication is applied to your dry hair on your scalp two times per day, but it comes with applicators that make it easier and less messy.

Do These Treatments Work for Everyone?

It is important to speak with your doctor before doing so, especially if you are a woman that is pregnant, have pre-existing health conditions, or are under the age of 18.

Just like with other medications, these will not be effective in halting hair loss or regrowing hair for every person.

Part of the reason that a medication may not work for you is the reason you are balding. For instance, Rogaine is designed to work on hereditary hair loss or male/female pattern baldness.

Pattern hair loss is usually caused by genetic factors and high levels of DHT in your scalp. Genes from both parents are generally important for someone to develop this condition.

It also can likely be related to poor blood circulation in the scalp tissue.

Visit with your doctor to have them inspect your scalp and determine if male/female pattern baldness is what you are dealing with. If not, they may be able to order blood tests to rule out other conditions that can be a factor in hair loss.

There are other factors that impact the effectiveness of medications as well. It is important to understand that even though you are using one of the government-approved hair loss treatments, it may not work.

Get Your Hair Loss Treatment Today

If you want to get your hair loss medication quickly, the best way to do it is to use an online pharmacy.

You can get what you need online and have it delivered directly to your home. No longer do you have to go to the pharmacy and wait in line like everyone else!

We ship all over the United States and can get you the medication you need at a discounted rate. Price Pro Pharmacy dispenses medication through an affiliated, licensed, and certified Canadian pharmacy.

Once you have your prescription ready to go (if needed), head to our website to find the medication you are looking for.

Shop our selection of medications now and get your hair back on track. We are able to offer Propecia and Rogaine to you at discounted prices, so don’t wait!

How to Save Money on Prescription Medications

save money on prescriptions

Americans spend on average around $1,200 each year for prescription medications.

Plenty of people are unable to afford the cost and as a result, go without the medications that their doctor told them they need.

How can you get the medicine you need without spending more money than you can afford?

If you want to save money on prescriptions that you need to be healthy, keep reading to learn about how you can make that happen.

Why Are Prescriptions So Expensive?

Pharmaceutical companies used to claim that their high prices were due to innovating new products. They argued that the new and improved drug options on the market were more expensive because they were better.

A 2019 study is suggesting that the main reason for the rising costs is that companies are raising the price of drugs that have already been on the market. This is especially true for name-brand drugs.

Rising costs are being driven by pharmaceutical manufacturers and not by the increase of new products on the market.

The study found that between 2008 and 2016, the price of name-brand oral drugs went up by 9% each year. Injectable drugs cost went up by 15% each year.

Some of the increases appear to come from the entry of new medications that do similar things to the market, but generally, that’s not the case.

Americans that don’t have insurance are more likely to skip getting a prescription filled at all because they are not able to afford these rising costs. Even some Americans that do have insurance are unable to afford their prescriptions.

How to Save Money on Prescriptions

With all of the expenses attached to getting prescription medications in the United States, many people are looking for a way to get well without breaking the bank.

1. Ask for the Cash Price

When you have insurance, you probably don’t think about how much medication would cost if you don’t use it. It makes sense that insurance would decrease the cost, right?

In some instances, you actually pay more when you attach it to your insurance. You can ask the pharmacy how much the cost of the medication is with insurance and how much it costs without it.

2. Patient Assistance Programs

If you use a search engine to look up patient assistance and the medication you need, you may find that the manufacturer offers help with purchasing their medication.

It may be a program or a coupon that you can use from the company itself or from the umbrella group the company belongs to.

This is not always the best method to use because there are some stipulations. For instance, you may only be able to get an amount to cover a couple of months of the medication. You may not be able to qualify if you get government assistance.

Using these programs allows manufacturers to write off this assistance on taxes, so there may be higher insurance premiums nationwide to cover the cost of the aid.

3. Talk to Your Doctor

If you are unable to afford your medication, you should speak with your doctor about this. They are well aware of the cost of medications and want you to be able to afford what they prescribe whenever possible.

Speaking with your doctor about your insurance and getting it to work for you as best as possible is a great idea. You can tell them that you prefer to have lower copay drugs or generic drugs whenever it is possible.

4. Use an Online Pharmacy

Shopping online is one of the best and quickest ways to compare the prices of prescription medications. You can save a lot of money this way.

Many online pharmacies offer big discounts, especially if you are buying a lot of one drug or buy a drug often for maintaining a condition.

You are able to fax, mail, or upload your prescription to the online pharmacy and order online. The medication will then be delivered right to you or a local store, depending on the pharmacy you choose.

Price Pro Pharmacy is a great option if you live in the United States and want to get discounted medications shipped to you from a certified and licensed Canadian pharmacy.

5. Look for a Generic Option

If you know you will be taking a medication and that there is a generic option for it, request that your prescription be made out in the generic name instead. These cost much less than name-brands and do the same thing.

There are rules that specify if a name-brand drug can be manufactured and then sold in its generic form later. These rules may change the price and status of the medication.

You also want to look out for over the counter options that may work for you. Some of the allergy medications that used to be prescription-only, such as Claritin, can not be bought over the counter.

There are also medications that are both over the counter and prescription depending on the dosage.

It is important to do your research about this and find the solution that works best for your wallet. Generic and over the counter medications can save you a lot of money in the long run.

6. Ask for Samples

Your doctor may have some full-size or small-size samples available to give you if you ask. They won’t usually offer them up unless they know that you are interested in them.

For maintenance medications, like an inhaler or blood pressure medication, your doctor is likely to have something on hand to give you.

Even if they give you a name-brand to sample, you can still ask for a generic prescription if it is available for that medication.

Ready to Fill Those Prescriptions for Less?

It is easier to save money on prescriptions now than it was in the past with the use of online pharmacies.

You need your medication and shouldn’t have to wait for it because it is too expensive for you to have right now. Use an online pharmacy to get the medication you need and save money at the same time.

If you want to check out Price Pro Pharmacy, read more about us online. It’s easy to search for your needed prescription medication when you’re ready to order!

Types of Blood Pressure Medications

types of blood pressure medications

Hypertension aka high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer.” Why? It can cause significant damage to your heart and arteries—without you knowing!

This can lead to various complications, including death. In fact, it causes up to 60,000 deaths every year in the United States.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can treat the condition. For one thing, there are medications that you can take to keep your blood pressure under control. Certain lifestyle changes can also help.

Want to know what the different types of blood pressure medications are? If so, you’re on the right page! We’ll be going over everything that you need to know below.

Keep reading to learn more!

What is High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which there’s too much pressure in your blood vessels. That is, there’s too much force against your artery walls.

Left untreated, it can lead to various health problems such as heart disease. That’s why early detection is so important.

How common is it? More common than you think. According to the ACC, nearly half of all Americans have the condition.

Symptoms of Hypertension 

Hypertension causes no obvious symptoms. It’s not uncommon for people to go for many years without realizing that they have the condition.

In severe cases, however, it can lead to headaches, dizziness, chest pain, nosebleeds, and visual changes. Visit the doctor immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. 

The last thing that you want is to wait until there's significant damage to the body!

What Causes High Blood Pressure? 

There are two main types of hypertension—primary and secondary. 

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension is the most common type of hypertension. It generally develops over time with no identifiable cause.

However, researchers believe that it might have something to do with genes. That is, some people may be genetically predisposed to having high blood pressure.

Physical changes may play a part as well. For example, changes in kidney function can disrupt the body’s balance of salts and fluid, which can elevate blood pressure.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition. More often than not, it will occur quickly.

For example, it might be due to kidney disease, congenital heart defects, obstructive sleep apnea, alcohol abuse, or adrenal gland problems. Certain medications may also increase blood pressure as a side effect.

Diagnosing High Blood Pressure 

High blood pressure is relatively easy to diagnose. A doctor will take a reading, usually as part of a routine visit.

If your blood pressure is elevated, your doctor will request that you have more readings done over the next few days. This will let them know whether or not it’s a sustained problem.

If your blood pressure remains high, they’ll likely conduct more tests (e.g. urine test, ultrasound, EKG) to rule out other conditions.

Understanding Blood Pressure Readings 

A blood pressure reading consists of two numbers. The first, or top number, represents systolic pressure. That’s the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart pumps out blood.

The second, or bottom number, represents diastolic pressure. That’s the pressure in your arteries when your heart is filling with blood.

A healthy blood pressure reading is anything below 120/80 mm Hg. Generally speaking, anything above 130/80 will require treatment.

5 Types of Blood Pressure Medications

There are several types of medications that you can take for hypertension. Here are some of them:

1. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers are a type of drug that makes your heart beat more slowly with less force. This reduces the amount of pressure in your arteries.

In addition to that, it also helps open up your arteries and veins, which improves blood flow. Common side effects include fatigue and weight gain.

Keep in mind, however, that it’s not suitable for those with asthma as it can increase airway reactivity.

2. Diuretics 

Diuretics are drugs that promote sodium excretion. They do this by increasing urine production in the kidney.

In doing so, there will be less fluid in your body, which will reduce blood pressure. Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.

3. ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are often used for hypertension and heart failure. They prevent an enzyme from producing a substance that narrows your blood vessels.

This helps to relax your arteries and veins, which lowers blood pressure. Not only that, but they also reduce your heart’s workload by increasing blood flow.

4. ARBs 

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) block the actions of a specific hormone that narrows your blood vessels. This allows your arteries and veins to relax, which lowers blood pressure.

Aside from hypertension, they are also effective in treating chronic kidney disease and heart failure. Possible side effects include dizziness, hyperkalemia, and angioedema.

5. Calcium Channel Blockers  

Calcium channel blockers work by slowing the movement of calcium into the heart muscle. This not only widens your arteries, but it also makes it easier for the heart to pump blood.

As a result, your heart won’t have to work as hard, which will lower your blood pressure. Common side effects include drowsiness, constipation, and lightheadedness.

Treating Hypertension 

Hopefully, that gives you a better idea of how to treat hypertension. As you can see, there are various types of blood pressure medications that you can take to keep things under control!

Looking for a place to fill your prescription? Feel free to make an order through our site! 

Canadian Drug Prices Have You Excited? 14 Pros and Cons of Canadian Imports

Medical bills are the number-one cause of bankruptcy in the United States today. People get sick, get diagnosed with a chronic condition, get diagnosed with cancer, and suddenly their whole life’s savings is gone down the drain. One of the biggest culprits of this financial hardship is drug prices.

If you haven’t already heard about the insulin fiasco, you’re probably still aware that U.S. drug prices are outrageously high. Many people are turning to Canada to get medicines at prices they can afford. Read on to learn more about Canadian drug prices and the pros and cons of buying drugs from our friendly neighbors to the north.

1. Similar Regulations

One of the big questions about buying medications from Canada is if they’ll be as highly regulated as those in the United States. Canada does have very strict standards for their drug companies, overseen by Health Canada. These regulations are very similar to those in the U.S., so there’s a good chance any meds you get from Canada will have undergone the same rigorous testing as American drugs.

2. No FDA Rules

It is true, though, that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate drugs imported from Canada. As the FDA regulates drugs in the USA, so does Health Canada for Canadians. You’ll need to do your research to check the regulations from each body on the drug you’re planning on buying.

3. Free Trade

There are many who argue that the reason drug prices are so out of control right now is that American companies operate in a bubble. When consumers have the choice to get their products from a variety of sources, it forces companies to sell their products at competitive prices. Buying imported medicines from Canada helps encourage free trade and get fairer prices for all.

4. Online Drugstores Aren’t as Regulated

Unfortunately, people are the worst, and there are a lot of people who are trying to take advantage of the Canadian med import trend. They set up online pharmacies where they can sell any number of substances that may or may not be actual medications. It’s important to buy from a reputable pharmacy if you go the online route.

5. It Provides Access to Affordable Meds

While the drug industry may be a free market, healthcare is not. People can’t choose what medicines they need, and their life could literally depend on their finding affordable medications. Buying medicines from Canada gives people access to the medicine they need at a price they can manage.

 6. It Pulls Profits from Evil Companies

It’s really not overstating the matter to say that most drug companies are evil. They profit off of people being sick and desperate, and they fight to make sure they retain their right to charge any amount for the medicines they produce, no matter how much it hurts their customer base. By buying elsewhere, you keep money out of the pockets of companies looking to take every dollar you have.

7. Labeling Differences

One of the big risks of buying drugs internationally is difference in labeling. In the United States, medication bottles have to have certain information on them stated in certain ways. When you buy from Canada, you may risk running into information presented in unfamiliar ways that you can’t understand or even in French.

8. Delivery Is Quick

A major benefit of buying drugs from Canada specifically is that the delivery is quick. When we’re talking about getting drugs in, waiting can be painful or even life-threatening. But most drugs from Canada will get delivered seven to ten days, as opposed to ten to eighteen days from other parts of the world.

9. Risk of Unsupervised Use

You should only ever use medications that your doctor has prescribed or recommended to you; failing to do so can expose you to serious health risks. But when you buy medicine online, you don’t always have to have a doctor’s approval. This can lead to misuse, addiction, serious side effects, and even death.

10. It’s Relatively Low Risk

Buying drugs from certain countries that have very few regulations and lots of illegal drug use is a risky prospect. But because Canada has such high standards for their drug companies, buying from them is relatively low-risk. In fact, it may be less risk to buy from Canada than to wager your life’s savings buying in the U.S.

11. It’s an Easy Solution

The problem of how to tackle the outrageous drug prices in America is a sticky one made even more complicated by lobbyists. But buying medicine from Canada is a quick, easy solution. It lets people get the medicine they need without going bankrupt or waiting a few decades for laws to change.

12. It Could Be Fake

When you’re buying online, it’s very hard to tell if a company is who they say they are. They can look like they’re operating out of Canada and instead be producing drugs in a country where regulations are very much lower. This is why it’s crucial that you buy only from reputable companies.

Learn More About Canadian Drug Prices

The healthcare situation in the United States is out of control, and far too many people find themselves unable to afford the medications they need. Buying medicine at Canadian drug prices can provide an avenue for these people to get treatment without going bankrupt. The trick is to be careful and buy only from reputable companies.

If you’d like to learn more about Canadian drug prices, check out the rest of our site at PricePro Pharmacy. We are your trusted online Canadian pharmacy, and we provide a 100% money back guarantee if you aren’t happy with our products. Check out our complete catalogue of Canadian drugs and discover the steep discounts we can offer you on the medicines you need.

Do You Need a Prescription to Order Meds Online?

do you need a prescription

Americans spend roughly $1200 per year per person on pharmaceutical drugs. Some families spend that much per month alone on certain drugs, especially those that they need to stay alive.

Fortunately, there is a cheaper alternative: by buying pharmaceuticals from registered pharmacies in Canada.

Those who have never done so before may be wary of the whole process. Is it real? Are the drugs counterfeit? Do you need a prescription in order to purchase the drugs?

In this blog post, we'll go over what you need to buy prescription drugs from a pharmacy in Canada, saving yourself both time and money.

Why Buy from a Canadian Pharmacy Online?

One of the biggest reasons to purchase from an online pharmacy is convenience. No matter where you're ordering the prescription drugs from, they'll arrive at your door safe and sound in a matter of days. While this may not help you if you need medication for an acute condition, those who need on-going pharmaceuticals can definitely benefit.

We all live busy lives, and picking up a prescription can just be one extra hassle we're not looking forward to. If this can save you even a few extra minutes, it's absolutely worth it.

Why Buy from a Canadian Pharmacy Online? Money-Saving Opportunities

Americans spent over $330 billion on pharmaceuticals in 2017, more than any other country in the world. It is well known that their Canadian neighbors often sell their medication for a much cheaper price, especially since Canadians who don't have private insurance are expected to pay out of pocket.

As such, buying from a Canadian pharmacy can mean that you'll save a pocketful of money that you can use on almost anything else. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your, or your children's, well-being in order to afford medication. Shopping abroad makes that a reality.

Do You Need a Prescription to Order Drugs Online?

Absolutely. In order to get any prescription drugs online from a reputable pharmacy, you'll need to get a prescription first. You can then either mail in the prescription or allow the pharmacy to contact your doctor's office with permission to dispense the medication.

Any reputable online pharmacy will have this requirement. While it's likely you can find online pharmacies that don't make you show a prescription, these are likely illegal. Additionally, you should not trust a pharmacy that does not require you to give them your prescription.

Without a prescription, you could, conceivably, get any drug they wish to give you. If you're not a scientist yourself, you have no guarantee of knowing that what you're getting is the real deal. As such, you should always go with a pharmacy that requires a prescription over one that doesn't. And yes, that even goes if your great-aunt Margaret says she's used the pharmacy. Recommendations do not equal legitimacy.

Other Things to Be Aware of When Ordering Drugs Online

When ordering pharmaceuticals online, especially from Canada, it is important that you know what you're doing. As such, we've listed a few considerations you'll need to make before you enter your credit card information.

While a pharmacy that doesn't require a prescription is a huge red flag, we've got a few others you need to be aware of.

The Pharmacy Isn't Verified

Any pharmacy you order from should be verified via Pharmacy Checker. This is an independent way to ensure that the pharmacy you're ordering from is actually what it claims to be. You can find a pharmacy with a nice looking site that requires you to send a prescription but still isn't verified. Don't let yourself be taken for a ride and end up parting with your money for either no product or fake medication.

They Won't Speak to Your Doctor

A real pharmacy that operates with genuine pharmaceuticals has no problem contacting your doctor. In some cases, doctors can even send prescriptions to pharmacies without your intervention, meaning you'll be able to get the medication when you need it without having to be a go-between.

PricePro Pharmacy will always speak to your doctor about a medication and will allow them to phone in your prescriptions. This is because they're a legitimate pharmacy who cares about its customers.

They Won't Speak to You Over the Phone

Another way to verify a pharmacy is to speak to them over the phone. A genuine pharmacy will have someone available and will have no issues answering your questions. From enquiries about how to order your medication to side effects the medication can cause, they should answer your questions during business hours.

A pharmacy that has no one manning their phones is a huge red flag. This is especially the case if they have established hours on their site, but never pick up or will not return any messages you have left them.

Use Caution When Ordering Medication Online

So, do you need a prescription when ordering medication online? The resounding answer is yes if the pharmacy is legitimate. If the pharmacy is not legitimate, they may not require that you provide anything. In that case, it's a good idea to cancel your order or to not go with them in the first place.

If you're looking for a genuine Canadian pharmacy to order from, try PricePro. We have virtually every medication you could possibly need at a reasonable price. If you're ready to make the leap and order from us, contact us today. We have staff waiting for your call.

Here Are The Differences Between The Different Types Of Antidepressants

best antidepressants

Depression is a crippling condition. It's also one that can make it difficult to get through the simplest of tasks. But, you're not alone.

In fact, over 16.2 million adults have been diagnosed with depression in the US alone. Fortunately, there's help.

By working with your doctor, you can get the right diagnosis and find relief from your symptoms. After being diagnosed with depression, priority one is finding the best antidepressants. Here’s a guide to the different types of antidepressants.

4 Different Types of Antidepressants

When using a medicinal route to treat depression, antidepressants are the most popular choice. While they do not provide a cure for depression, symptoms of depression can be drastically reduced.

There are many different classes of medications that fall under the antidepressant heading. Each type works and impacts people in different ways. All antidepressants work by affecting different chemicals or pathways (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs)

The medication groups labeled reuptake inhibitors make up the most prescribed antidepressants. As such, they are seen by many as the best antidepressants currently available. Reuptake inhibitors block the uptake of specific neurotransmitters excreted from nerve cells.   

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used antidepressants. Drugs such as Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, and Trintellix help reduce depression symptoms. These medications work by acting on the serotonin levels in your brain. As a result, your mood is better regulated. These are popular thanks to the lower occurrences of severe side effects. 

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) also impact serotonin. They also affect the norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Some examples include Effexor and Cymbalta. This class of antidepressants is effective in regulating the mood. In addition to depression, SNRIs commonly are used in the treatment of anxiety.

Tetracyclics

Another antidepressant is known as tetracyclics. Tetracyclics also impact neurotransmitters. However, they do not prevent reuptake, as SSRIs and SNRIs do.

This class of drugs prevents the binding between neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain.

Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor (SARIs)

The impact of SARIs is two-fold. First, like other reuptake inhibitors, it prevents the reuptake of the chemical serotonin. However, it also redirects serotonin to specific receptors. This helps proper firing of the nerve cells that are responsible for mood.

Older Antidepressants

Though they were the first antidepressants on the market, older antidepressants are not frequently prescribed.

The risk of addiction, overdose, and severe side effects means that they are now only used as a last resort.

Most doctors and patients only turn to these when the newer antidepressants have failed. However, they have proven to be helpful to patients with specific symptoms.

Tricyclic antidepressants work similarly to the reuptake inhibitors. This medication works on the chemicals serotonin and epinephrine. This class of drug, which includes Elavil and Tofranil, can impact blood pressure and your heart rate.

The original antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), blocks monoamine oxidase. It breaks down chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin. As a result of this blockage, the levels of these chemicals are raised.

MAOIs can result in higher blood pressure. They can also reduce the ability of the body to process some stimulants or medications. Also, MAOIs can negatively interact when certain foods are consumed, such as aged cheese and fermented soy foods.

Here’s How to Find the Best Type of Antidepressants for You

When finding the best type of antidepressant for you, there are many factors for both you and your doctor to consider.

First, you should openly discuss your symptoms and current medications with your doctor. Since antidepressants can interact with prescribed drugs and over the counter drugs your doctor must know about them.

If a sibling or parent has taken an antidepressant with great results, you should tell your doctor. The same goes for any medications for depression that worked for you in the past! This information can give your doctor a good idea of what may or may not work for you.

Your doctor and pharmacist can also guide and educate you about the potential side effects that can come with each medication. For many, side effects make it difficult or even impossible to continue with treatment. By knowing the potential risks, you can decide, as a team, which ones are least troublesome.

Best Antidepressants for Depression Treatment

It would help if you also discuss your lifestyle with your doctor to find the best antidepressants. Women should inform their doctor if they are pregnant. They should also discuss if they are planning on becoming pregnant or are breast-feeding.

Some classes of antidepressants should not be used when pregnant due to the potential for birth defects. Finally, certain lifestyle choices can impact how antidepressants work. 

The cost and dosage prescribed can be a huge determining factor for deciding which medication to take. First, you should check with your insurance regarding which prescription medications are covered. There are also many discount programs for medications that can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Second, your doctor can also look into generic versions of the medication, which may be just as effective as the name brand. 

Be sure to follow up with your doctor and mental health professional throughout your treatment. Do not alter your dosage schedule or stop treatment without discussing it with them first!

Antidepressants are just one tool in your arsenal to combat depression. Ready to fulfill your prescription for antidepressants? Contact us for quality care and customer service. 

 

A Basic Guide To Medications For Anxiety and Their Side Effects

medication to stop racing thoughts

Racing thoughts and anxiety can disrupt life, making it both challenging and scary at times. However, doctors can both diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. Receiving an anxiety diagnosis is both a relief and an anxiety trigger. If you’re looking for medication to stop racing thoughts, this guide is here to help.

A Guide for Medication to Stop Racing Thoughts and Treat Anxiety

Before undergoing any treatment, you should consult a qualified medical professional. Since there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to the treatment of anxiety, they can help you find what works best for you. Also, they will be there to help if you experience any side effects.

Medical doctors and mental health professionals will work through a treatment plan with you. This includes any other treatment types such as therapy, counseling, and lifestyle changes. When discussing what medications are best for you, be sure to be upfront with your doctor. Tell them about any current drugs (both prescribed and over the counter), vitamins, and supplements you take. Several medications can have severe interactions, putting your health at risk.

Medication to stop racing thoughts and anxiety help manage the symptoms you are experiencing. While they are unable to cure anxiety disorders fully, it can at least reduce your symptoms. There are a wide variety of anti-anxiety medications available, depending on your health and needs.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a group of medications meant for short-term period treatment. This group includes Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Xanax (alprazolam). This medication is used for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Some doctors will sometimes prescribe it for panic and social anxiety disorders.

Along with the effects of the brain, Benzodiazepines also contains a muscle relaxer. This helps to alleviate some other anxiety symptoms

Side Effects

Benzodiazepines can be highly addictive, hence why they are only used for short-term treatments. Use these only under the guidance of a medical professional.

Beta-Blockers

When mentioning beta-blockers, many think of their everyday use of treating heart disease. However, some doctors will also use it to help control some of the more physical anxiety symptoms, like sweating and trembling.

Beta-blockers include medications like Inderal LA (propranolol), Sectral (acebutolol), and Tenormin (atenolol). This class of medicine works by reducing the heart rate and lowing blood pressure. This is done by blocking the effects of a naturally occurring stimulant in your body- epinephrine.

Side Effects

The common side effects associated with beta-blockers include fatigue, weight gain, and cold hands and feed. If you have either asthma or diabetes, be sure to alert your doctor or mental health professional.

Buspirone

Buspar (buspirone) is used in the long-term treatment of anxiety,both chronic and generalized anxiety. Increasing action at serotonin receptors in your brain, it helps to improve your mood while reducing anxiety. When dealing with racing thoughts, this helps reduce the number of racing thoughts and makes you able to calm your mind easier.

Since Buspar is meant for the long-term treatment of anxiety and racing thoughts, you must take it consistently. It does take some time, sometimes up to two weeks, for any changes to begin to take effect. For the full effects to take place, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks of consistently taking the medication.

For many, Buspar is a preferred medication of choice as it is non-addictive and does not have any sedating side effects.

Side Effects

Patients taking buspirone have reported side effects like dizziness, trouble sleeping, and headaches.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are the original antidepressants. When other antidepressants fail, many will turn to MAOIs. This class of medicine includes Marplan (isocarboxazid) and Parnate (tranylcypromine).

MAOIs work by blocking the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This breaks down the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.

Side Effects

MAOIs have several side effects, including Insomnia, drowsiness, headaches, and dry mouth. With MAOIs, you also need to keep an eye on the foods you eat as they can interact with those containing higher levels of tyramine.

Tyramine, an amino acid regulating blood pressure, is found in aged cheeses, cured meats, draft beer, and fermented soy foods like miso and tofu. This interaction causes severely high blood pressure. Your doctor can provide a more comprehensive list for you.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a preferred treatment for anxiety disorders. Some of the more commonly known SSRIs include:

  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Paxil (paroxetine),
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Zoloft (sertraline)

SSRIs are actually considered an antidepressant. Though, they can be useful in treating anxiety and racing thoughts by increasing serotonin in your brain, improving your mood.

Side Effects

Side effects with SSRIs include:

  • increased headaches
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • sexual dysfunction or diminished sexual drive
  • weight gain

Increased suicidal ideations have been reported with the use of SSRIs, especially in younger patients. Be sure to contact a doctor immediately if someone taking an SSRI is exhibiting any signs of having suicidal ideations.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are yet another commonly used category of medication to treat racing thoughts and anxiety. Cymbalta (duloxetine), Effexor (venlafaxine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) are all SNRIs. SNRIs work by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, boosting your mood. In fact, SNRIs are very similar to SSRIs.

Side Effects

Side effects with SNRIs are the same as SSRIs:

  • increased headaches
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • sexual dysfunction or diminished sexual drive
  • weight gain
  • increased suicidal ideations

Tricyclic Antidepressants

Tricyclic Antidepressants are a category in the treatment of anxiety and racing thoughts. Medications that block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine include:

  • Anafranil (clomipramine)
  • Elavil (amitriptyline)
  • Pamelor (nortriptyline)
  • Tofranil (imipramine)

These medications block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Side Effects

Side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Lowered blood pressure upon standing
  • Hives
  • Constipation
  • Increased heart rate

A Basic Guide to Medications for Anxiety and Their Side Effects

While SSRIs and SNRIs are the most common medication to stop racing thoughts and anxiety, only your doctor and mental health professionals can decide if they are right for you. With all of the medicines available, with time and a comprehensive treatment approach, you can find help for your racing thoughts and anxiety.

Need help finding the right medication for your condition? Contact us today so we can be of assistance.