Cheaper Plavix?

Plavix and Statins are probably two of the most expensive medicines that patients with heart disease have to take on a regular basis. Plavix is a blood thinner.
Medco Health Solutions, Inc., according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), has declared that Plavix may become available in generic form as early as this month. This could be music to the ears of those who have to spend a lot of money to buy this drug every month.
A spokesperson for Bristol-Myers, according to WSJ, said that they along with their partner Sanofi-Aventis intend to defend their intellectual-property rights, and hence make a case against release of generic Palvix.
It will be interesting to see how the story unfolds.
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Heat Stroke

A severe heat wave is sweeping the country. If you are old, sick, or are not careful, heat stroke can be a real threat. The time is of the essence in treatment of heat stroke. The chance of a vicitm dying is more than 70% if treatment is delayed by more than two hours. Here are some safety tips:
- Avoid exercising in a very hot weather
- Wear clothes that breathe well and keep yourself well hydrated
- Be aware of symptoms of heat stroke which can be in the form of very high temperature, diorientation, seizures and/or loss of consciousness. The victims of heat stroke may sometimes just show bizarre behavior along with high temperature as an important clue to this potentially fatal condition. If you see a likely victim of heat stroke, call for expert help, get him or her out of the heat, and help cool the victim down while help is on the way.
- Be aware of conditions that can put you at a high risk for heat stroke, namely: taking medicines like beta blockers, water pills, lithium etc., medical conditions like Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and (skin condition) Scleroderma.
- Alcohol intake can increase chances of heat stroke too. So avoid alcohol, for example, if you are out Golfing in the hot Sun.
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