Hives, or urticaria, are a common allergic reaction that affects at least 20% of individuals at some point in their lives. You’re not alone in this. They consist of slightly raised rashes, usually red but sometimes skin-colored, which may itch or burn. But what causes hives, and how can a medication like prednisone help you beat them?
What Are the Symptoms of Hives?
- Raised, red, or skin-colored rashes
- Itching or burning sensation
What Causes Hives?
Many allergens, such as medications, foods, or environmental triggers, can cause hives. Often, the exact triggers are not easily identified, but some common causes include:
- Medications: Penicillin, blood pressure medications (especially ACE inhibitors)
- Foods: Shellfish, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish
- Environmental Triggers: Latex, pollen
- Infections: Strep throat, urinary tract infections
How Are Hives Treated?
Fortunately, hives usually go away on their own, often within 24 hours, bringing a sense of relief. If the hives continue to cause discomfort, corticosteroids can be used to treat them.
Prednisone is one such corticosteroid, which is taken orally at 40 to 60 mg daily for five days. Common side effects include:
- Agitation
- Decreased urine
- Dizziness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headache
- Numbness and tingling in limbs
- Blurred vision
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
How Much Does Prednisone Cost?
The cost of prednisone ranges from $5 to $9 for a bottle of 10 tablets, strength 20 mg. To find the least expensive pharmacy near you and to get a coupon, visit the GoodRx Prednisone page.
How Can I Get a Prescription for Prednisone?
Prednisone is a prescription medication that requires an order from a physician or other licensed prescriber. QuickMD can prescribe prednisone online and send it electronically to the pharmacy of your choice. Set up a visit with a QuickMD provider today.
Get Professional Advice on Prednisone and Hives with QuickMD
For personalized advice and treatment for hives, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to empower you. Consult with a QuickMD provider today for expert guidance and a prescription for prednisone if needed, all from the comfort of your home.
Are you experiencing hives? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance on treating hives and managing symptoms effectively.
Itchy rash and blisters—could it be scabies? In this article, we’ll cover what causes scabies, how it is diagnosed, and how it can be treated. If you’re wondering, ‘Do I have scabies?’ wonder no more. Let’s dive in.
What Causes Scabies?
An infestation of a microscopic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, causes scabies. The mite burrows into the skin and lays eggs, which hatch into new populations of mites, causing red, blistering rashes. The rash is extremely itchy, and scratching can lead to bacterial infections. The blisters can crust over. Scabies can be passed on to others by skin-to-skin contact. Older individuals and patients with poorly functioning immune systems are particularly at risk.
Do I Have Scabies? How Is Scabies Diagnosed?
When scabies are suspected, a dermatologist can scrape off a skin sample and examine it under a light microscope for mites.
How Is Scabies Treated?
Scabies can be treated topically or with oral medications. Creams and lotions are applied from the neck down, left on for 8 to 14 hours, then washed off. Topical medications include:
- Elimite (permethrin) cream, 5%: The most popular treatment, permethrin, is used for patients at least two months of age.
- Crotamiton cream, 10%
- Benzyl benzoate lotion, 25%
- Sulfur ointment, 5% to 10%: May be used in infants.
- Lindane lotion, 1%
When topical medications are ineffective, as can happen in AIDS patients or cases of widespread infestation, Stromectol (ivermectin), an oral medication, may be used. The number of doses given depends upon the severity of the case. It may be given on days 1, 2, and 8, days 1, 2, 8, 9, and 15, or on days 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 22, and 29. Safety has not been established in children or pregnant women.
A 60-gram tube of 5% permethrin cream costs around $20. Visit the GoodRx permethrin page to find the least expensive pharmacy near you and obtain a coupon.
Where Can I Get Treated for Scabies?
QuickMD can treat you for scabies remotely via telemedicine. Our doctors can prescribe permethrin or any other treatments directly to your pharmacy online. Get in touch with a QuickMD provider to get your treatment started.
Get Professional Advice on Treating Scabies with Permethrin at QuickMD
For personalized advice and treatment for scabies, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to explore your options for managing and treating scabies effectively.
Suspect you have scabies? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance on diagnosing and treating scabies.
Getting yearly flu shots is not just about lowering your own risk of illness, hospitalization, and death—it’s also a powerful way to protect those you care about, keeping them safe and healthy.
Are Flu (Influenza) Vaccinations Really Effective?
While flu vaccine effectiveness can vary from year to year, it’s important to note that in some years, the effectiveness is as high as 40% to 60%. This variation is due to factors such as the types of influenza virus that are most prominent during the flu season and how well the vaccine matches those virus types. Rest assured, the vaccine is designed to provide the best possible protection.
The virologists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) work tirelessly to predict which virus type is likely to be most prevalent in any given year. This proactive approach allows them to distribute the most effective vaccine, significantly reducing the incidence of infection and the severity of any infections that do occur.
During the 2018 to 2019 influenza season, the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented:
- 29 million flu illnesses
- 13 million flu-related medical visits
- 380,000 flu-related hospitalizations
- 28,000 flu deaths
Studies have shown that among influenza patients admitted to the hospital, those who were immunized were less likely to be admitted to intensive care units (ICUs).
The Flu Shot for Different Populations
Patients with Heart Disease:
- Vaccination lowers the risk of heart attacks during flu season.
Patients with Chronic Lung Disease:
- Vaccination reduces the risk of worsening lung disease.
Diabetic Patients:
- Vaccination lowers the risk of hospitalization and worsening of diabetes.
Pregnant Women:
- Vaccination reduces the chance of being hospitalized with the flu by half.
- Babies of vaccinated mothers are protected against the disease for the first few months after birth before they are eligible for vaccination.
Older Adults:
- Vaccination lowers the chance of complications from hospitalization and reduces the risk of death.
Flu Shots: The Bottom Line
For optimal protection, the CDC advises all age groups to get their annual influenza vaccination. The ideal time to do so is around September or October each year. However, even if the new year has already begun, the influenza vaccine remains effective, as flu cases often persist until March.
Get Professional Advice on Flue Shot Effectiveness with QuickMD
For personalized advice and flu vaccinations, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to explore your options for staying protected during flu season.
Stay protected from the flu! Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get your flu shot to stay healthy this flu season.
When hemorrhoids are suspected, it is crucial to be seen by an in-person healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions such as colon cancer or ulcerative colitis. Once hemorrhoids are diagnosed, the extent of the problem dictates the appropriate treatment. Before we learn how to treat hemorrhoids, let’s look at ways to deal with these nuisances.
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
For mild cases without bleeding:
- High Fiber Diet: Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep stools soft and prevent irritation.
- Exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, or biking can help prevent constipation and reduce straining during bowel movements.
- Warm Baths: Warm baths (sitz baths) can be soothing and provide relief.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help with discomfort.
Topical Treatments to Treat Hemorrhoids
- Cortisone Creams: These anti-inflammatory creams can reduce swelling and pain but should be used temporarily as long-term use can thin the skin.
- Witch Hazel: This plant extract contains tannins that can shrink swollen tissue.
- Phenylephrine (Preparation H): This medication helps shrink blood vessels and hemorrhoidal tissue.
Medical Procedures
For more severe cases, doctors might recommend:
- Rubber Band Ligation: Rubber bands are placed around hemorrhoids to cut off circulation, causing them to die and fall off.
- Sclerotherapy: Injections into hemorrhoids to shrink them.
- Coagulation: Hemorrhoids can be treated with lasers, heat, or infrared light.
Surgical Options
In extreme cases of bleeding hemorrhoids, surgery might be necessary to remove them.
Get Professional Advice on Treating Hemorrhoids with QuickMD
For personalized advice and treatment options for hemorrhoids, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to explore your options for managing and treating hemorrhoids effectively.
Are you experiencing hemorrhoid symptoms? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance on diagnosing and treating hemorrhoids.
People with major depressive disorder (depression) often feel sad and hopeless, losing interest in activities they once enjoyed. In contrast, people with bipolar disorder experience both depressive episodes and periods of high energy and optimism. Let’s explore the main differences between bipolar disorder vs. depression.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)?
- Prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Changes in appetite (either loss of appetite or overeating)
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Tiredness
- Poor concentration
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Poor memory
- Irritability
- Vague pains or physical complaints that do not respond to treatment
How Is Depression Treated?
Treatment for depression usually includes antidepressants and talk therapy. Common medications include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Increase serotonin levels in the brain to help cells communicate.
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Effexor (venlafaxine)
Atypical Antidepressants
Work in unique ways. For example, Trazodone increases serotonin levels and blocks certain brain receptors. It is used to treat insomnia and stabilize mood.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive disorder, includes periods of depression and episodes of extreme energy, optimism, and elevated mood called mania or hypomania. Symptoms include:
- Feeling abnormally happy or “high” for long periods
- Getting little sleep
- Racing thoughts and talking fast
- Impulsivity
- Distractibility
- Overconfidence
- Risky behavior such as gambling or overspending
How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated?
Bipolar disorder is treated with medications that stabilize mood. Sometimes antidepressants are used, but they must be combined with other medications to prevent triggering manic episodes.
Mood Stabilizers:
- Lithium: Effective for some patients but requires careful monitoring. It can worsen psoriasis and is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Anticonvulsants:
- Depakene (valproic acid)
- Depakote (divalproex)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Lamictal (lamotrigine)
Antipsychotics:
- Zyprexa (olanzapine)
- Risperdal (risperidone)
- Seroquel (quetiapine)
- Abilify (aripiprazole)
- Geodon (ziprasidone)
- Latuda (lurasidone)
- Saphris (asenapine)
Antidepressant-Antipsychotic Combination:
- Symbyax: Combines fluoxetine and olanzapine to treat depression and stabilize mood.
Anti-Anxiety Medications:
- Benzodiazepines like Valium can improve sleep short-term but should generally be avoided.
Managing Depression vs. Bipolar Disorder with QuickMD
QuickMD can help you manage depression or bipolar disorder remotely through telemedicine. Our services include counseling and prescription refills. To get started, contact a QuickMD provider today.
Need help managing depression or bipolar disorder? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance and treatment.
Although annoying and messy, a nosebleed (epistaxis) is rarely a serious medical concern. Let’s see how to stop a nosebleed and, if it’s more serious when to seek medical help for your condition.
What Causes a Nosebleed?
If you are in good health, your nosebleed might be caused by:
- Dry weather
- Nose picking
- Irritation from allergies
- Nose blowing
- Infection
- A blow to the nose
What Should I Do When My Nose Is Bleeding?
- Lean Forward: This prevents the blood from flowing down your throat and helps it clot in your nose.
- Pinch Your Nose: Gently pinch the soft part of your nose and breathe through your mouth. Hold continuous pressure for 10 minutes without checking if the bleeding has stopped.
- Apply Ice: To constrict blood vessels, use ice cubes packed in a washcloth or a small plastic bag. A bag of frozen vegetables will also work.
Remember, if the bleeding persists beyond 10 to 15 minutes, it’s time to seek medical help. Your physician or the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility is there to ensure your safety and well-being.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Nosebleed
- The bleeding continues for more than 20 minutes despite holding pressure.
- You are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, fish oil, Coumadin (warfarin), or clopidogrel.
- You feel dizzy or light-headed.
- You have chest pain or palpitations.
- You lose what feels like a significant amount of blood (if possible, measure it in a cup).
- You are anemic, and the bleeding is significant.
- You have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia.
- You have received a blow to the head or ear.
Get Professional Advice on How to Stop a Nosebleed with QuickMD
For personalized advice and treatment options for nosebleeds, QuickMD’s telemedicine urgent care services are here to help. Consult with a QuickMD provider today to explore your options for managing nosebleeds and other health concerns.
Are you experiencing frequent nosebleeds? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance on treating and preventing nosebleeds.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a prevalent and potentially severe condition that can lead to heart disease and other health complications. It’s crucial to understand that there are effective ways to lower your blood pressure and keep it under control. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your blood pressure effectively.What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and written as two numbers, such as 120/80. The top number (systolic) measures the pressure when your heart beats, and the bottom number (diastolic) measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.What is Normal Blood Pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading for adults is below 120/80. Here’s a guide to understand blood pressure levels:- Normal: Below 120/80
- Prehypertension: Systolic 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
- High Blood Pressure Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89
- High Blood Pressure Stage 2: Systolic 140+ or diastolic 90+
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic 180+ and/or diastolic 120+ (seek emergency care)
Are Blood Pressure and Weight-Related?
Yes, they are. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of high blood pressure. Body mass index (BMI) is a common way to assess whether you are overweight. A BMI between 25 and 30 is considered overweight, and over 30 is considered obese. You can calculate your BMI using an online calculator.How to Lower Blood Pressure with Diet and Exercise
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Reduce your intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sugar.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking, most days of the week. Physical activity helps lower blood pressure and manage weight.
- Reduce Sodium Intake: Too much salt can raise blood pressure. Aim for no more than 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
- Limit Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Limit it to no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking raises your blood pressure and damages your blood vessels. Quitting can improve your heart health.
Medications for High Blood Pressure
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication. Common types include:- Diuretics: Help your kidneys remove excess salt and water from your body.
- Examples: Esidrix (hydrochlorothiazide), Lasix (furosemide)
- Beta Blockers: Reduce your heart rate and the force of your heartbeat.
- Examples: Tenormin (atenolol), Lopressor (metoprolol)
- ACE Inhibitors: Relax your blood vessels.
- Examples: Lotensin (benazepril), Zestril (lisinopril)
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers: Help relax blood vessels.
- Examples: Cozaar (losartan), Diovan (valsartan)
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Prevent calcium from entering the heart and blood vessel cells.
- Examples: Norvasc (amlodipine), Cardizem (diltiazem)
How Can I Get a Prescription for High Blood Pressure Medicine?
These medications require a prescription from a healthcare provider. QuickMD can help you manage your hypertension through telemedicine, offering remote consultations and prescriptions.Managing Hypertension with QuickMD
QuickMD can help you manage your hypertension remotely through telemedicine. Our services include counseling and prescription refills. To get started, contact a QuickMD provider today. Need help managing high blood pressure? Visit QuickMD today to schedule your telemedicine appointment and get expert guidance and treatment.What you’ll learn
We’ll walk through how Suboxone® works during pregnancy, how it compares to Subutex®, what to expect after delivery, and why getting treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) is one of the healthiest decisions you can make for yourself and your baby.
If you’re pregnant and managing opioid use disorder (OUD), you might be wondering what’s safest for you and your baby. It’s a big question, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. The good news is that sobriety is absolutely possible, and with the right support, you can have a healthy pregnancy.
Suboxone®, which contains buprenorphine, is a medication that’s widely used to treat opioid use disorder. It’s considered a safe and effective option during pregnancy when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Getting stable on medication can protect both you and your baby by reducing the risks that come with untreated opioid use.
In this article, we’ll walk through what you need to know about Suboxone’s safety, how it compares to similar medications, and why treating OUD during pregnancy matters for both you and your child.
What is Suboxone, and how does it support OUD recovery during pregnancy?
Suboxone combines two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone.
- Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Naloxone is included to discourage misuse.
During pregnancy, stability matters more than anything else. Untreated opioid use can cause repeated cycles of intoxication and withdrawal. Those ups and downs can stress both your body and your baby. Suboxone helps maintain steady medication levels. This consistency is especially important for your developing baby, who relies on steady blood flow and nutrients through the placenta.
Studies have shown that pregnant women who receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) are much more likely to stay on top of their prenatal health and less likely to experience complications related to relapse after giving birth.
How does Subutex compare to Suboxone during pregnancy?
Subutex contains buprenorphine alone, without the added ingredient of naloxone. However, both Subutex and Suboxone provide the same core benefit: they reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal.
In the past, some doctors preferred buprenorphine-only products during pregnancy out of caution about naloxone. However, current evidence shows that both buprenorphine alone (Subutex) and the buprenorphine-naloxone combination (Suboxone) are generally considered safe during pregnancy when taken as prescribed.
In fact, several recent studies compared buprenorphine‑naloxone with buprenorphine alone for treating opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy. These studies found no meaningful differences in pregnancy or newborn outcomes between the two groups, and in some cases, concluded that buprenorphine‑naloxone was just as safe and perhaps even safer in pregnancy. This means buprenorphine‑naloxone is considered a safe and effective treatment option for OUD in pregnancy, and these findings support the use of buprenorphine-naloxone as the best treatment for OUD in pregnancy.
It’s also important to note that consistency matters. During pregnancy, you’re dealing with a lot of physical and emotional changes. If a woman has been stable on Suboxone before pregnancy, staying on Suboxone during pregnancy is the safest option, and Suboxone should be continued throughout her pregnancy.
The best choice depends on your personal health history, your stability on medication, and a thoughtful conversation with your doctor. The most important thing is that you are receiving consistent, supervised treatment from a knowledgeable, caring doctor who listens to your concerns without judgment.
Why treating opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy is important
Treating opioid use disorder during pregnancy helps protect both you and your baby. One of the key reasons is that it can reduce the risk of severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition where newborns experience withdrawal symptoms.
While NAS can still occur with medications like Suboxone or Subutex, it’s often milder and easier to manage than withdrawal from opioids like fentanyl or methadone. A study conducted by Stanford Medicine and Harvard University found that MAT with buprenorphine offered better outcomes for newborns than methadone. Getting treatment means you’re giving your baby a more stable start.
Symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
If a baby has been exposed to opioids during pregnancy, they might show signs of NAS after birth. These can include:
- Abnormally fast breathing
- Jitteriness
- Abnormal sensitivity to surroundings
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
It’s important to know that many cases of NAS are treatable. Early monitoring allows care teams to respond quickly and keep babies comfortable.
Is Suboxone safe during the first trimester?
If you’re pregnant and taking Suboxone, it’s completely normal to worry about your baby’s safety. Knowing the facts can help put you more at ease. A Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, including Suboxone, is widely recognized as the safest approach for managing opioid use disorder during pregnancy, even in the first trimester. Continuing treatment under medical guidance is much safer than stopping abruptly or using street opioids, which carry much higher risks for you and your baby.
Potential benefits of Suboxone use during pregnancy
Suboxone can make a meaningful difference in your recovery journey during pregnancy. Here’s how:
- It helps reduce risk of relapse. Cravings can feel overwhelming, but Suboxone works to quiet them, making it easier to stay on track.
- It provides steady medication levels. This creates a stable environment for your baby’s development, free from the extreme highs and lows of illicit opioid use.
- It supports consistent prenatal care. People on Suboxone treatment are more likely to attend regular prenatal visits, which means better care for both you and your baby.
- It’s a regulated medication. Suboxone’s composition is consistent and free from dangerous additives or contaminants.
Research backs this up. Studies show improved birth weights, fewer premature births, and shorter hospital stays for babies born to mothers on Medication-Assisted Treatment compared to those with untreated opioid use disorder.
Potential risks of Suboxone use during pregnancy
It’s important to be aware of potential risks, but keep in mind that Suboxone is much safer than continuing to use opioids like heroin or fentanyl. Here’s what to focus on and why it’s worth sticking with MAT during pregnancy:
- Less severe instances of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy can experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, but these are typically milder and more manageable than all other opioids.
- Long-term research is ongoing. Scientists continue to study whether there are any subtle developmental effects as children grow, but current evidence supports the safety of MAT during pregnancy.
- Medication interactions are possible. Suboxone can interact with other medications sometimes prescribed during pregnancy, which is why coordination between your obstetrician and OUD specialist is so important.
- Stigma can add stress. Unfortunately, some people may judge or offer unsolicited advice about MAT. That judgment, whether it’s from strangers, loved ones, or even healthcare providers, can add to the already long list of physical and emotional challenges that come with pregnancy. This social pressure can make an already challenging time feel heavier. Having supportive doctors in your corner can help you make the best and most medically informed choice for your health and your baby.
Breastfeeding while taking Suboxone
If you’re considering breastfeeding while on Suboxone, it’s a decision worth discussing with your doctor. According to the NIH (National Institutes of Health) Drug and Lactation Database, “Naloxone is excreted into milk in very small amounts and is not detectable in the plasma of breastfed infants because of its very poor oral bioavailability. Routine use of naloxone in combination products (Suboxone) is of no concern during breastfeeding.” Many mothers on Suboxone breastfeed successfully with proper monitoring and support.
When breastfeeding might not be a good idea
There are some situations where breastfeeding while on Suboxone may not be recommended:
- If you’re actively using other substances or medications that could affect your baby.
- If you or your baby has specific health conditions that make breastfeeding unsafe.
This is a personal decision, and your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your unique situation. With the right guidance, breastfeeding can be a healthy and rewarding experience for both you and your baby.
Important risk factors and precautions for pregnant patients on Suboxone
Taking Suboxone during pregnancy works best when you have a supportive care team guiding you. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Never adjust your dose on your own. Changes should only happen under medical supervision. Even small adjustments can have big effects, and your doctor’s expertise matters.
- Build a care team that communicates. Ideally, this includes both an OUD specialist and an obstetric doctor working together. They bring different skills to your care, creating a more complete picture of your health.
- Expect regular check-ins. Your body changes throughout pregnancy. Your metabolism speeds up, blood volume increases, and hormone levels shift. These changes can affect how medications work, so regular monitoring helps your provider adjust your dose if needed.
- Be prepared for possible adjustments later in pregnancy. As you approach your third trimester, some doctors may recommend dose changes or split dosing to maintain steady medication levels.
Liver conditions and Suboxone treatment
During pregnancy, the liver plays a key role in processing nutrients and how they’re delivered to you and your baby. If you have an existing liver condition and are taking Suboxone during pregnancy, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- Avoid mixing substances. Using other drugs or alcohol alongside Suboxone increases risks and can be unpredictable.
- Talk to your doctor about liver health. If you have a liver condition, it may affect how your body processes Suboxone. Your liver is your body’s main processing center for medications, so it’s important your care team knows your full health history.
Mental health and Suboxone
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or past trauma may arise in those with substance use disorders. These deserve their own attention and treatment, which can work alongside your Suboxone plan. Pregnancy can be an emotional time, with a lot of different feelings bubbling up to the surface. Let your doctor know how you’re feeling. Addressing your mental health is part of caring for your whole self.
Previous pregnancy complications
If you’ve had complications in past pregnancies, share that history with your care team. It can help them tailor your treatment to support the healthiest possible outcome this time.
Planning ahead for delivery also makes a difference. Make sure your delivery team knows you’re on Suboxone so they can provide the best care for you and your baby during and after birth.
Will your baby experience withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone?
After birth, your baby will be monitored for signs of withdrawal. This is a standard precaution. It’s not because something is wrong, but because it helps ensure your baby gets the gentlest start possible. Many babies don’t experience severe symptoms, and if they do, the medical team is prepared to help them make their earliest days in the world more comfortable.
Follow-up care
Your pediatrician may recommend a little extra follow-up care in your baby’s first few months. Think of it like added reassurance. Most likely, everything will be just fine, but regular check-ins help catch any small concerns early, so you can both feel supported.
Postpartum Suboxone treatment: adjusting to motherhood and recovery
And don’t forget about your own needs after delivery. Between midnight feedings, hormone shifts, and the beautiful chaos of caring for a newborn, the postpartum period brings new layers to recovery. Your treatment plan might need some adjustments to support you through this transition, and that’s completely normal. Your health matters just as much now.
What to expect when using Suboxone during pregnancy
If you’re taking Suboxone during pregnancy, you might wonder what the journey looks like. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and confident. Here’s a look at what many women experience during their sobriety journey during pregnancy.
1. Regular monitoring
You’ll work closely with your doctor to make sure your Suboxone dose is just right for you and your baby. Routine prenatal visits help ensure you’re both thriving, and adjustments can be made along the way as your body changes.
2. Possible Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Some babies exposed to Suboxone during pregnancy may experience mild withdrawal symptoms after birth. It’s important to know that these symptoms are typically much milder than those caused by other opioids, and they’re manageable with supportive medical care. Your baby’s care team will be ready to help if needed.
3. A comprehensive care plan
While Suboxone is a helpful tool that offers greater stability in your recovery, this medication works best when it’s part of a bigger picture of care. That often includes counseling, peer support, and attention to your overall health. It’s about supporting you as a whole person.
Get expert care and MAT during your pregnancy with QuickMD
Both Suboxone and Subutex are considered safe, effective options during pregnancy. Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) under the care and guidance of a licensed doctor can be life-changing for you and your baby.
At QuickMD, we’re here to support you at every step of your sobriety journey. Our caring, compassionate doctors are experienced in helping you manage OUD during pregnancy so you can stay healthy, feel supported, and look forward to meeting your little one. With our telemedicine services, you can get the care you need from the comfort of home, without added stress or travel.
Breast cancer is highly treatable if detected early, so women must follow simple steps each month to check for unusual breast tissue. Regular self-exams can help catch breast cancer in its early stages, making treatment more effective. Here’s a step-by-step guide on performing a breast self-exam.
How Do I Do a Breast Self-Exam?
- Choose the Right Time: Examine your breasts after your menstrual period or on a regular day each month if you are postmenopausal. Familiarity with your breasts’ normal appearance and feel is key.
- Visual Inspection: Stand in front of a mirror with your hands on your hips to tense your muscles. Lean forward and look for any dimpling (skin resembling an orange peel), lumps, spots, or painful areas. Some women find that doing this in soapy water can make differences more visible.
- Physical Examination: Lie down and use the opposite hand to feel each breast. Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge or blood. Use the tips of three fingers to move around the breast in a circular motion, feeling for lumps, sensitive spots, or unusual warmth. Be sure to examine the entire breast, including the underarm area.
- Report Findings: If you notice anything unusual, immediately report it to your physician.
How Often Should I Get a Clinical Breast Exam?
Many family doctors and gynecologists recommend manual examinations every 1 to 2 years during routine check-ups or pap smears.
What Happens During a Mammogram?
Physicians often recommend mammograms for women aged 40 and over every 1 to 2 years until at least the age of 75. Mammograms are performed at imaging centers, similar to X-rays. During the procedure, your breast is placed between two pieces of plastic and slightly squeezed to take an internal picture.
Although there might be some short-lived discomfort, you can help minimize it by avoiding caffeine that morning and not using deodorants or skin creams, which can blur the image.
Breast Cancer Early Detection: The Bottom Line
Prevention is key. Perform self-exams and visit your doctor regularly for check-ups. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Do it for yourself and your loved ones.
Get Expert Breast Cancer Detection Tips With QuickMD
QuickMD offers remote consultations to help you manage your health. Our telemedicine services ensure you get the care you need from the comfort of your home. Contact QuickMD today to speak with a provider about your breast health and routine check-ups.
“Surely, there’s a better way to take care of myself.” Practically every woman has thought this at some point, frustrated by the hurdles of scheduling appointments, navigating healthcare systems, and waiting for treatments. Good news: thanks to telemedicine, those hassles can now be a thing of the past.
This revolutionary approach to women’s health offers an easier, more convenient way to achieve health goals, whether you’re managing a business, a household, or both.
Why Is Quality Women’s Healthcare So Challenging to Access?
For some women in America, the struggle is simply finding a healthcare provider. They live in healthcare deserts with limited access to physicians. While much focus is on the lack of maternity care, even non-pregnant women face difficulties finding convenient gynecological care.
For those not in healthcare deserts, the challenges lie in fitting medical care into busy schedules. Just because many doctors are available doesn’t mean the right one is easy to see.
Women deserve doctors who prioritize their health, not ones rushing from patient to patient to manage expensive brick-and-mortar practices.
The Benefits of Telemedicine for Women’s Health
QuickMD is thrilled to announce a better way for women to manage their health: telemedicine. Here’s how QuickMD helps women avoid common healthcare pitfalls and non-patient-centered care:
- Broader Selection of Doctors: Telemedicine allows women to choose from a wider range of doctors, not just local providers.
- Convenient Scheduling: Patients can schedule appointments at convenient times or join a virtual waiting room to see a doctor immediately.
- Flexible Exam Locations: The “exam room” can be any private space with an internet connection, not an inconvenient office across town.
Comprehensive Telehealth Services for Women
QuickMD can treat a variety of women’s health concerns through telemedicine.
Our services include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Vaginal Infections: Including yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Contraception Concerns: Including oral contraceptive pill (OCP) refills
- Coordinated Lab Services: Comprehensive labs for tests required to confirm diagnoses
QuickMD doctors also provide guidance on when in-person treatment is necessary, ensuring patients don’t waste time on unnecessary doctor visits.
A Patient Story: How QuickMD Can Help
Consider Susan, a mid-30s marketing professional raising two kids. Recognizing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, she worries about taking time off work to see a doctor. Her coworker suggests QuickMD.
The next day, Susan logs into the virtual waiting room and quickly consults with a QuickMD physician. After discussing her symptoms and history, the doctor diagnoses her UTI and prescribes medication to her nearest pharmacy. Susan feels better the next day, having avoided unnecessary stress and at a much lower cost than traditional healthcare providers.
Celebrating Women’s Health and Empowering Female Physicians
QuickMD is dedicated to providing world-class care that fits into women’s lives. We also support our growing pool of female physicians in achieving meaningful career success with a healthier work-life balance. If you face a health issue and want to learn how telemedicine can help without adding stress, talk to a QuickMD telemedicine doctor today.
If you’re a physician interested in joining QuickMD and the telemedicine women’s healthcare revolution, start your journey here.