Understanding the Benefits of a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

When it comes to healthcare, personalized treatment is crucial. Every individual has unique health needs, and sometimes, standard medications may not provide the ideal solution. This is where compounding pharmacies come in. 

Learn all about the benefits of a compounding pharmacy in Calgary and how it offers customized medications tailored to meet individual needs.

What is a Compounding Pharmacy?

A compounding pharmacy is a specialized pharmacy that creates customized medications by combining different pharmaceutical ingredients in precise dosages and forms. These pharmacies work closely with healthcare providers to develop medications that are specific to each patient’s needs, taking into account factors such as allergies, dosage requirements, and preferred delivery methods.

Enhanced Medication Customization

One of the primary benefits of a compounding pharmacy is the ability to customize medications. Standard medications often come in limited dosage forms or strengths, which may not be suitable for all patients. Compounding pharmacies can formulate medications in various forms, including capsules, creams, gels, lozenges, suppositories, and even flavoured suspensions for pediatric patients. This level of customization ensures that patients receive medications that are easier to administer and more comfortable to use.

Allergy-Friendly Alternatives

Another advantage of compounding pharmacies is their ability to create allergy-friendly alternatives. Many commercially available medications contain fillers, preservatives, or dyes that can cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Compounding pharmacies can formulate medications without these allergens, making them a safer and more suitable option for patients with specific sensitivities or allergies.

Pediatric Medications

Children often pose unique challenges when it comes to medication administration. They may resist taking medications due to taste, texture, or difficulty swallowing pills. Compounding pharmacies can create customized pediatric medications in various flavours and forms that make them more palatable and easier to administer. This ensures that children receive the necessary medications without struggle or resistance.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances or menopause symptoms. However, not everyone responds the same way to standard HRT medications. Compounding pharmacies can prepare customized hormone formulations that match the specific needs of each patient. This personalized approach to HRT allows for more precise hormone balance, better symptom management, and improved overall well-being.

Dermatological Solutions

Compounding pharmacies play a significant role in dermatology by providing customized topical medications. These pharmacies can combine specific active ingredients to address various skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. By tailoring the medication to the individual’s unique needs, compounding pharmacies offer effective treatment options that may not be available in commercially manufactured products.

Pain Management

Chronic pain conditions often require a tailored approach to medication. Compounding pharmacies can prepare specialized pain medications that combine multiple active ingredients in precise dosages. These compounded medications can be formulated as topical creams, transdermal patches, or oral capsules, providing targeted pain relief and minimizing potential side effects.

Conclusion

Compounding pharmacies in Calgary offer numerous benefits by providing customized medications tailored to individual needs. From enhanced medication customization and allergy-friendly alternatives to pediatric formulations, hormone replacement therapy, dermatological solutions, and pain management, compounding pharmacies play a vital role in meeting the unique requirements of patients. By working closely with healthcare providers, compounding pharmacies ensure that individuals receive medications that are safe, effective, and well-suited to their specific circumstances. If you’re seeking a more personalized approach to medication, consider consulting with a compounding pharmacy to explore the possibilities of customized medications.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. All our programs and services will be tailored to the needs of our consumers. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113. 

A tick bite can be one of the most painful things you’ll ever experience. If a tick bites you, you must know how to treat it and prevent further infection. Identify the symptoms of a tick bite, so you know what to do and seek help from a compounding pharmacy in Calgary.

Symptoms That Warrant a Visit to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Redness

The most common symptom of a tick bite is redness, which can signify an allergic reaction. Other symptoms include itching, swelling, and pain at the bite site. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention immediately.

Swelling

The next most common symptom is swelling around the site of the bite. It can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by itching or tenderness. If your skin feels swollen following a tick bite, you must see a doctor as soon as possible to receive appropriate treatment for any accompanying symptoms.

Pain

Tick bites are often accompanied by pain and other symptoms, such as redness or swelling around the bite area. Don’t ignore pain if it occurs after a tick bite. However, it’s important not to self-diagnose since this could lead to unnecessary antibiotics being prescribed by your doctor (which could potentially cause more harm than good).

Fever & Chills

A fever is more common after being bitten by a hard-bodied tick (Ixodes species). This type of tick bites deep into the skin. It may cause severe swelling in areas away from where it was attached to your skin (such as your eyelid). An infection causes the fever – often Lyme disease – caused by bacteria found in these ticks’ saliva when they feed on you while attached to your body.

Itching

The first symptom of a tick bite is usually an itching sensation that spreads from the site of the bite, over the body, and into areas where you cannot see it. The itching may be so intense that it feels like a slight burning sensation on your skin.

Rash

A rash is the most common symptom of a tick bite, which can appear two to three days after the bite. The rash will look like a net of red dots and is often described as itchy and itchy-burning. Sometimes, people experience the inflammation later in the day and at other times, but it’s most common on the site where you’ve been bitten.

Bruising Around the Bite

It is one of the most common symptoms of a tick bite. As soon as you feel the tick attached to your skin, it will inject a small amount of saliva into your skin. The saliva contains an anticoagulant that causes a clot to form around the tick, preventing blood from entering or leaving your body.

Visit a compounding pharmacy or see your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms after being bitten by a tick. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, contact your doctor or visit your local hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

How heat can affect your body and tips on staying cool this summer

With the summer here many Calgarians take full advantage of the festivities, outdoor fun and of course, the sunshine. Summer brings a lot of additional things with it, but not all are always positive. Things such as common illnesses, allergies and heat can all affect your health in a negative way if certain precautions aren’t taken. In order to help  keep you safe this summer here’s everything you need about how the heat can affect your body and some tips on keeping cool

How heat and hot weather can affect your body

When the weather is hot, this can affect our bodies in many ways. The combination of heat from the environment in tandem with our naturally produced internal body heat can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can cause common illnesses such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and more. This only exacerbates the importance of being cautious with what activities you are doing and how long you are staying outside. 

One of the reactive responses to heat your body will take is sweating. This is your body’s natural cooling system, as sweat is pushed out onto the surface of your skin, it will evaporate into the air to draw heat away and attempt to cool your body down. 

But this response can have a negative effect if you aren’t hydrated enough. When it’s especially hot and you begin to sweat profusely, you can actually sweat away too much fluid and essential minerals like sodium and potassium. Dehydration and prolonged heat exposure can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion so it’s important to aid your body in cooling off by something that is balanced with salt and sugar, heading to a cool place and resting. 

Tips for staying cool in hot weather

Drink plenty of water

Since dehydration is a major risk and can act like a catalyst for other heat related illnesses. It’s important to make sure that you’re drinking water or something that can replace some of the nutrients your body needs. 

Eat small meals, avoid foods that are high in protein

Salty and protein rich foods can produce metabolic heat when being digested and cause water loss. Smaller meals throughout the day will help keep you cooler.

Dress appropriately and wear sunscreen

Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing to help your body cool off. Wearing sunscreen will help you avoid sunburn while also helping you remain cool when in direct sunlight and heat. 

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

Ticks are nasty creatures that love to latch onto you and drink your blood. Passing on all sorts of diseases and illnesses along the way, such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Q fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia, and more. Luckily there are several ways you can protect yourself against ticks and reduce your chances of contracting an illness from them. One way is by going to a compounding pharmacy in Calgary for help. However, prevention is key, so here are some tips on how to protect yourself against ticks.

Prevention Before Going to a Compounding Pharmacy in Calgary

Keep to Footpaths & Avoid Long Grass When Out Walking

Ticks are not as big of a problem in urban areas as in rural areas, but they can still be found. If you live in a forested place, avoid trails that lead into woods and dense, long grass where ticks tend to hide. Try to take the difficult way around when possible.

Wear a Long-Sleeved Shirt

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and is spread through ticks. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of a tick. Lyme disease is diagnosed through a blood test, but it can take up to several months to diagnose if you are bitten by a tick carrying the disease.

Tuck Your Trousers Into Your Socks

Ticks love to cling onto trousers and socks, so always tuck your pants into your socks. Tuck your trousers into your socks and wear sneakers that cover the length of your socks.

Use Repellent

Use repellent on exposed skin and clothes if you know you will be out walking in grassy areas. Try to avoid synthetic perfumes, as they attract ticks (one of the reasons why dogs often get bitten more frequently than humans).

Wear Light-Coloured Clothes 

Wear light-coloured, tight-fitting clothing to make it easier to spot ticks on the skin. A tight weave on apparel is also best because it makes it harder for ticks to penetrate. The hair around your ankles and wrists should be kept short.

Check Yourself for Ticks & Remove Any at Once

Check yourself for ticks every hour or so when you are out walking. Remove ticks immediately with fine-tipped tweezers. If you wear glasses, remove your glasses so you can see them properly.

Check Your Children & Pets for Ticks

Pets often get ticks and show no signs of them. You should check your children if they are out in the garden too. The tick can attach for around 36 hours before passing on the disease it is carrying. 

Use a Tick Exterminator on Your Yard & Garden

If you live in an area with thick grass and woods, you should talk to a pest controller to use a tick exterminator in your garden and yard. These devices take out families of ticks hiding under grass or around garden plants. They are used to exterminate fleas from pets too.

Ticks are an unpleasant experience if you find one attached to your skin. If you are out in the woods, on a park walk or on a forest trail, and see a lot of grass and leaves, it is best to avoid them. If you don’t have that option and still need to go in that area, try using some tick repellent. Also, use precautions like wearing dark colours, tucking your trousers into your socks and even wearing gloves when working in the garden.

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

The past two years have accumulated into a constant stream of information about COVID, vaccines, and the varying levels of restrictions. With restrictions being extended or reduced both provincially and nationally, it can be challenging to gauge what is permissible—especially if you have pending travel plans. 

Here is everything you need to know about COVID, the vaccines, and travelling.

Vaccinate beforehand

To adequately prevent catching COVID, or passing the virus to someone else, the government of Canada strongly recommends getting two COVID vaccines and a booster shot if able. According to the government of Canada involving vaccines, travelling outside of the country will garner various restrictions depending on the country you enter and your vaccine status. You are also strongly advised to take precautions before leaving, like receiving the appropriate number of vaccinations at least two weeks before you jet off. Most airlines will not allow you if you are unvaccinated and travelling internationally or domestically. Few vaccine exemptions are permitted on a flight, but such exceptions should be researched carefully if they apply to you. 

Precautions to take

When you are at your destination, make sure to wear a well-fitted mask in every public place you visit and bring your proof of vaccination. If you feel sick before you leave or after, isolating yourself away from others is another strong recommendation from the Canadian Government–even if you’re vaccinated. Constantly monitoring your general health and wellbeing as you travel can help identify if something feels off so you can isolate and take a COVID test. 

While you monitor your own health, understanding the ongoing COVID situation within your destination as you plan your travels can determine whether or not it is safe and viable to proceed with your plans. The Canadian Government guidelines advise locating the medical services within your destination, along with the Canadian embassy, and looking into acquiring travellers insurance, all of which can make for the safest possible trip. 

 Returning to Canada

Much like before you travel to your destination, travelling back to Canada is unadvised if you feel ill and actively experience COVID symptoms or have been in close contact with someone else who has symptoms. If you are on the flight back to Canada and begin to experience symptoms, you are required under Canada’s quarantine act to contact a quarantine officer as soon as you’re able.

ArriveCAN

The government of Canada has mandated the use of ArriveCAN, an online resource that can be used on a laptop and smartphone. AriveCAN applies to anyone who is not vaccinated, and for those who are, an exception can be made if you have proof of vaccination on hand. If not, information must be provided to ArriveCAN within 72 hours of arriving in Canada. Without using ArriveCAN, unvaccinated Canadians can be subjected to border delays and fines. 

Safe Travelling

There is no confirmed way to be spared from COVID, but taking necessary precautions can surely help. Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and most importantly, getting your vaccinations can relieve worry before you begin to travel. Learning more about the COVID vaccination and how it can prevent COVID can ensure your safe travels in the future. 

Springborough Pharmasave is your health professional committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

It is wintertime, and people are starting to get sick. They are getting colds, the flu, sinus infections, respiratory problems, allergies and more. It’s not surprising that people are getting sick during winter; this is usually when there is a drop in temperature and more precipitation (rain or snow), which are both factors that give rise to many of these illnesses. People may feel like they need to ‘power through’ their seasonality symptoms with medications, but compounding pharmacies in Calgary offer another alternative: customized medication.


Compounding pharmacies make personalized medicines for patients who can’t take the medication in traditional form. Calgary compounding pharmacies work closely with doctors to provide the best course of treatment. If your cold or allergy symptoms are persistent, compounding pharmacies can make medications in small, effective doses. These compounding chemists work closely with doctors to evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend the most personalized treatment possible.


9 Reasons People Get Sick in Winter


1) Lower Temperatures

Lowering temperatures can cause people’s immune systems to weaken, making it easier for the common cold and flu viruses to take over. Lower temperatures can also decrease blood flow, affecting your body’s ability to fight off illness. Low temperatures deactivate enzymes responsible for protecting your immune system, allowing viruses to invade your body. This is one reason why people often get sick in the winter.

2) More Precipitation

There is more precipitation in rain or snow in the colder winter months. This can cause respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, sinus infections and allergies. Allergens like pollen are also more prevalent in the winter.

3) Indoor Activities

People spend more time indoors in the winter, which can increase the spread of germs. Indoors, there is less air circulation and humidity, weakening your immune system. When people are inside, they are also more likely to contact other sick people. For example, teachers may spread germs to students, co-workers to coworkers, etc.

4) Vitamin D Deficiency

When the sun is not shining brightly in the winter months, many people’s bodies are not getting enough vitamin D. Without proper calcium and vitamin D levels in your system; it has been found that asthma attacks increase. Vitamin D deficiency can also lead to a weakened immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.

5) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

The seasonal affective disorder is typically experienced by individuals living in cold climates between the fall and spring when there isn’t much sunlight during these months. The human body needs exposure to ultraviolet light because it helps convert serotonin into melatonin; without this process, individuals can experience depressive symptoms.

6) Increased Stress Levels

In the winter, people are often under more stress because there is more to do and less daylight in which to do it. This increase in stress can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to getting sick.

7) Hot Drinks and Foods

Many people like to drink warm drinks and eat warm foods in the winter. However, hot drinks and foods can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. When you drink something warm, your body has to work harder to cool down the liquid, taking energy away from your immune system. Similarly, eating hot foods can cause your internal temperature to rise, weakening your immune system.

8) Dry Air

Heating systems in winter can create very dry air, which can cause your throat to become irritated and make you more susceptible to infection. The lack of humidity in the air can also cause your skin to become dry, cracked, and itchy. In addition, when heated air passes over your mucous membranes, it can strip away their protective layer, making you more susceptible to infection.

9) Cold Weather Clothing

Wearing thick, warm clothing in the winter can prevent your body from cooling down properly and weaken your immune system. When your body cannot cool down, it has to use more energy to do so, which takes away resources from your immune system. Additionally, many people wear hats and scarves, which can cover their nose and mouth and prevent them from breathing properly. This can also lead to a weakened immune system.


When it comes to staying healthy in the winter, everyone should take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating well, and drinking lots of water. Try not to get too run down at work or school so that your immune system can fight off any germs you might be exposed to. Take extra care when you are around sick people and if you do get ill, try to stay home so that others can’t catch what you have.


How Calgary Compounding Pharmacies Can Help

calgary-compounding-pharmacy

Compounding pharmacies combine or alter ingredients to create the perfect formula for your individual needs. Many people may think that prescriptions are created equal, but there can be major differences in the way drugs affect people because everyone has different body chemistry and sensitivities. If you’re having trouble finding relief from your current medications, ask your doctor about compounding pharmacies as an alternative treatment option.


Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

Unfortunately, you can get sick any time of the year. Summer is a particularly crummy time to be ill, as it can take away from any vacation or relaxation plans you may have. However, if you know what to look out for, you can perhaps decrease your chances of getting sick.

 

Let’s take a look at some of the more common summer illnesses.

 

4 Common Summer Illnesses

 

Heat-Related Illnesses

The sun often feels like a rare commodity in Canada, so we often take full advantage of it during those sunny summer months. However, too much sun can be hard on the body. If your body loses the ability to cool itself off, you may notice yourself feeling dizzy, tired, achy, or thirsty. Heatstroke and dehydration are two of the more common illnesses that result from the heat, but fortunately, they can be prevented by ensuring you’re not pushing your limits and stepping into the shade when needed.

 

Recreational Water Illnesses

Taking a dip in the local pool can feel incredibly refreshing on a hot summer day, but try your best to prevent any of the water from entering your body, whether that’s by accidentally swallowing a mouthful or having some get trapped in your ear. 

big mosquito bite

Swimming pools, hot tubs, and even lakes are carriers of various types of bacteria. While your immune system can handle most of them, there can be the odd one that your body isn’t prepared for. Swimming can also cause water to be trapped in the ear canal and grow bacteria, thus resulting in swimmer’s ear, a type of ear infection. If you do develop an ear infection, consult your local physician and pharmacy as soon as possible.

 

Food Poisoning

Warm summer temperatures are the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive on your food. Therefore, when bringing food with you for a family picnic or day at the lake, ensure any foods that need to be refrigerated are kept in a cooler and meats are properly cooked.

 

Bug Bites

Generally, bug bites are more irritating than a cause for concern. However, it’s important to know that bites can be more than simply itchy. Bugs such as mosquitos and spiders can carry diseases, so if you develop a rash or fever following a bite, it’s recommended you visit the nearest pharmacy.

 

With all that said, don’t be afraid to enjoy the outdoors this summer! Simply know how to stay safe so that those common summer illnesses don’t dampen your fun. And if you do end up getting sick, just turn to your nearest compounding pharmacy in Calgary for assistance.

 


Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113.

We pride ourselves on being a compounding pharmacy in Calgary, but sometimes it feels like people don’t realize the beneficial nature of this title. We consider this a shame because we believe that you should know all the options available to achieve your optimal health and wellness. Therefore, today you can learn about the many benefits that compound medication offers, as well as the common uses and benefits of this type of drug administration. 


What are Compound Medications?

Compound medications are a specific mix of two or more ingredients for the use of an individual patient. These mixtures must be prescribed by a doctor and mixed by a Calgary compounding pharmacy.


Why Do People Use Compound Medications?

There are several reasons for your doctor to prescribe a compound medication. For example, getting children to take large, dry capsules can be difficult, so a compound medication with artificial flavouring or a gel cap might be prescribed to ease the process. Below, we have provided a list of the most common reasons for compounding medications:

  • Allergies to specific dyes or ingredients
  • Difficulty with the dosage or form of medication
  • Flavouring for children or adults to ease digestion
  • Treatment of multiple health concerns
  • Customizing the strength or efficacy
  • Exclusion of an unwanted ingredient (gluten, lactose, etc.)


compounding-pharmacy-calgary

Who Uses the Service of a Calgary Compounding Pharmacy?

Anyone can benefit from the services of a compounding pharmacy. We create formulations for children, adults and the elderly for all sorts of reasons. However, you should always talk with your doctor before investigating compound medications. When you try to forego this critical step, there can be safety, effectiveness and quality concerns. Plus, pharmacies will not formulate compound medications without a prescription.


Can All Pharmacies Combine Medications?

No, not all pharmacies can create compound medications. Typically, any pharmacy can create simple mixtures, such as a prescription mouthwash with an antacid, antihistamine and numbing agent. However, for more complex mixtures, you will require the services of a complete compounding pharmacy. 


Learn More About Calgary Compounding Pharmacies Today

If you would like to learn more about all of the great services available at your local compounding pharmacy, stop by for a visit. We look forward to hearing from you and providing relevant information to help you achieve your best health and wellness!


Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary provides you with all you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave. Further, we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us at (403) 453-6113

A pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) is a position commonly available in the US. Therefore, it is unlikely that a pharmacy in SW Calgary will have much to do with these services, but the contrast between the systems is still interesting to consider. For instance, the lack of a middle-person such as a PBM in Canada allows us much more affordable rates and also, greater clarity about the rates at which medication is sold.


However, perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves. First, a review of what a pharmacy benefit manager actually does:


The Role of a Pharmacy Benefit Manager

The role of a pharmacy benefit manager appears to be, broadly, an intermediary between insurance companies and claimants. Although that doesn’t seem to be enough of a description, that is the broad understanding. They also have their hands in many different parts of the healthcare pot, such as negotiating rates between pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, including discounts and rebates. They also serve a role in processing and paying insurance and drug prescription claims so that insurance companies don’t have to be as involved.

pharmacy-sw-calgary

Interestingly, as a result of PBM’s, the actual net price of prescription drugs is hard to find and can be considered a trade secret. Somewhat related to this strange practice is the fact that, according to Wikipedia, “…in 2017, the largest PBMs had higher revenue than the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers,” and the further down this rabbit hole you go, the direr it appears to be. There have been multiple controversies surrounding PBMs, beginning in 1998 by then Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sheehan. 


How Does This Affect Canadian Pharmacies

Luckily, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) aren’t a part of the Canadian pharmaceutical market. Thankfully, government-managed healthcare gives our citizens good discounts and affordable prices on our prescription drugs, and this provides a higher quality of life for our citizens. 


Furthermore, with new changes coming into effect July of this year, there will be greater protections regarding the cost of patented prescription drugs. It is truly a superior system based on the healthcare of our citizens rather than the profits of a corporation, including at your local pharmacy in SW Calgary.


Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the essential services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary, or call us on (403) 453-6113.

For many Canadians, getting vitamin D is necessary, especially in the wintertime. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that has powerful effects on several systems throughout your body, which is why it is vital to get a healthy dose during the winter. 


What Is Vitamin D? 

According to Osteoporosis Canada, Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” and “is produced when the sun’s rays interact with our skin. It helps build stronger bones by increasing the absorption of calcium. It also improves the function of muscles”. 


Pharmacy calgary

Unfortunately, due to the cold weather and lack of sun, many people struggle to get the vital dosage they need. It can lead to a deficiency, which can lead to symptoms of fatigue, tiredness, bone and muscle pain, depression and an increased risk of bone loss. 


It is, therefore, vital that you look towards getting more vitamin D during the wintertime. 


How Much Vitamin D Should You Have During Winter? 

According to Health Canada, the recommended daily limit for vitamin D varies from person to person, based on their age and if they are pregnant. Children under one under should only have ten micrograms (mcg), children, adults up to 70 and pregnant women should have 15mcg, and those over 70 should have 20mcg. However, it all depends on what your body needs to maintain a healthy system. Speaking to a pharmacy in SW Calgary can help get the information you need. 


What Foods Have Vitamin D? 

Unfortunately, vitamin D doesn’t exist in many foods, as it mainly comes from the sun. But some exclusive foods do contain the vitamin in natural form and some that hold it in fortified form – meaning it is edible and safe to consume. 


In natural form, it can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, fish liver oil, beef and pork liver, and egg yolks. 


In fortified form, you can find vitamin D in regular milk, goat’s milk, some soy milks, margarine, cheese, yogurt and orange juice. 


However, the amount of vitamin D in these foods is minimal, so it will require a vast consumption of these meals or consistency exposure to the sun, which is difficult in wintertime Canada. 


Are Supplements Necessary? 

Due to the long winter months, taking vitamin D supplements is not a bad idea. Your body requires vitamin D to maintain a health system and ensures everything works as necessary. If you do notice any of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, then speak to your local doctor for more information. 


Once you have been provided with the right medical advice, you can visit your compounding pharmacy in Calgary for more information about which supplement will work best for you. 


Springborough Pharmasave is your health professionals committed to serving the Springborough community. Our pharmacy in SW Calgary will provide you with all the important services you need for your health, including healthcare advice and medical products. We offer vaccinations, flu shots, breast pump rentals, and can act as your travel clinic in Calgary. Giving back to the community is a core value at Pharmasave, and we are proud of our work to help the Springborough community. Visit us at 104-30 Springborough Blvd, Southwest Calgary or call us on (403) 453-6113.