Vaccines & Home Nebulizer Machines for Edmonton

VaccineS

As we age, our immune system weakens and may increase the risk of us developing shingles. Shingles is a virus which is also called varicella zoster virus. Shingles enters the body if the person is affected by chickenpox. This virus is hidden in the immune system even after the person is cured from chickenpox. Once the immune system starts to weaken the virus reactivates.The pain from shingles can be severe enough to interfere with our normal day-to-day activities such as walking and sleeping as well as participating in social activities. Other complications such as long-lasting nerve pain which is also called PHN arises, burning, numbness, tingling, fever, vision problem, headache, hearing loss and touch sensitivity are some of the other symptoms of the shingles virus. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 3 people will experience shingles in their lifetime - this risk increases after the age of 50. ZOSTAVAX® and SHINGRIX vaccines can help prevent shingles in older individuals.

ZOSTAVAX®

ZOSTAVAX® is the first vaccine indicated to help prevent shingles in individuals 50 years of age or older. For more information on ZOSTAVAX®, including potential side effects and other risks, please visit the ZOSTAVAX® website or speak to your healthcare professional.

SHINGRIX

SHINGRIX is another vaccine developed to prevent shingles. This vaccine is approved by FDA. But SHINGRIX doesn’t work against prevention of chicken pox. SHINGRIX was shown to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles in people 50 years of age and older in clinical trials.

PARI Vios® Home Nebulizer Machines

A nebulizer changes medication from a liquid into a mist, allowing it to be more easily inhaled into the user's lungs. These machines can be particularly effective in the delivery of asthma medications to infants and small children, or anybody else who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler. We carry PARI Vios® machines to help you maintain your health with ease. 

For more information on any of the products we carry or to speak to a member of our pharmacy team, give us a call at one of our locations today. Stop by today!

Pharmacogenomic Testing (PGx Testing)

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is the study of how YOUR genes impact YOUR response to medications. Many individuals have gene variations that cause certain medications to have levels that are too high (increased risk of side effects) or too low (no treatment effect) in the body. Through pharmacogenomic testing, your healthcare team can help you decide which medications and what doses are best for you!

Pharmacogenomics testing is especially beneficial for:

• Individuals with a history of medication intolerance and side effects
• Individuals taking multiple medications
• Individuals who frequently have little or no benefit from the medications they are prescribed
• Individuals with any of the following conditions:
  • Chronic Pain
  • Mental Health (anxiety, depression)
  • Cardiovascular Disease (hypertension, heart failure)

Medi-Drugs is pleased to offer the RightMed PGx test by Oneome. Oneome is a spin-off from the Mayo Clinic and was ranked among the 50 Most Innovative Companies in the world in 2018. Pharmacogenomic testing requires only a cheek swab (no needles, no blood). 

Ask your Medi-Drugs pharmacist about PGx testing today! Come in to see us today at either of our locations.