Can IV Therapy Help With Anti-Aging?

anti-aging hands

What is IV Nutrient Therapy?

IV nutrient therapy (also known as IV therapy or intravenous therapy) is becoming more popular for its many health benefits. But what is it exactly? Simply put, IV nutrient therapy is performed by injecting a mixture of potent vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream. The administration of the IV is done conveniently within a physician’s office. Although this method was originally designed to enhance drug treatments for cancer patients, today it is commonly used for a variety of purposes—including age management. Learn more about the basics of IV therapy.

Symptoms of Aging

aging couple

At some point in life, the signs of aging become more apparent—whether it be a matter of appearance or feeling of physical or mental wellness. While aging is inevitable, the symptoms can be relatively manageable if treated regularly. Some common symptoms of aging include:

  • – Lack of energy
  • – Dehydrated skin, nails and hair
  • – Increased appearance of wrinkles
  • – Increased susceptibility to infection
  • – Weakened muscle tissue
  • – Decreased eyesight
  • – Constipation

How IV Therapy Can Help Anti-Aging

anti-aging couple

When it comes to age management efforts, all bodies are different and have specific, personalized needs. IV nutrient therapy can be customized to include the right blend of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants to target an individual’s anti-aging priorities. There are countless anti-aging creams, oral medications and home remedies, but IV therapy is often regarded by physicians as a quick and potent treatment that goes straight to the source—the vein. Many patients claim that IV therapy has helped manage their aging symptoms in the following ways:

  • – Boosts energy
  • – Hydrates skin, nails and hair
  • – Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
  • – Helps prevent illness
  • – Enhances muscle recovery
  • – Improves eyesight
  • – Remedies constipation

As an IV pharmacy, Olympia Pharmacy has a variety of IV therapy treatment options for those looking for dramatic results.

Want to learn more about IV therapy solutions available at Olympia? Contact us today!

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IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits: 7 Examples for Improving Your Well-Being

Medical Professional Checking IV Bag — IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits

IV nutrition (or IV nutritional therapy) is a popular type of therapy used today for improving a person’s health and overall well-being through an IV drip. Although traditionally used for aiding patients undergoing cancer treatment, it’s used more commonly now for supplementing nutrients directly into the bloodstream—providing quick and efficient results.

There are many types of IV vitamin therapy benefits that can result from this type of therapy. Here are some of the top reasons patients choose IV vitamin therapy:

1. Boosts Energy

When vital nutrients like amino acids, ascorbic acids, glutathione, B vitamins and more are injected directly into the bloodstream, the results can be both immediate and effective. Because IV drip therapy can be customized to provide 100% of the vitamins and nutrients needed per individual, many patients of IV nutrient therapy experience a significant, sudden boost in energy. This reduces the need for other (often unhealthy) energy enhancers such as coffee, soda, energy drinks, etc.

2. Helps with Age Management

Closeup of Woman with Glowing Skin After Receiving IV Nutrient Therapy – IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits

Another major reason patients use IV nutrition is for its age-management benefits. With the right blend of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants, IV nutrient therapy can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, mend damage caused by UV rays and remove free radicals that contribute to tissue damage. In fact, many patients claim to experience stronger hair and nails, clearer skin and improved eyesight as a result of IV nutrition.

3. Reduces Symptoms of Migraines

Anyone who experiences frequent migraines knows how miserable their symptoms can be if not treated quickly. IV nutrient therapy can help with many of these common symptoms, such as:

  • – Steady or pulsating pain throughout the head
  • – Sensitivity to light and/or sound
  • – Diarrhea or constipation
  • – Chills and/or hot flashes
  • – Dizziness
  • – Vomiting
  • – Nausea

4. Helps to Prevent Illness

Woman Feeling Great from IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits While Smiling and Stretching Outdoors

Many patients choose IV nutritional therapy to boost their immune systems in an effort to get sick less often. With an influx of vital nutrients, it’s not uncommon for IV nutrition patients to bypass the current flu virus and have more energy throughout the day.

5. Minimizes Anxiety

Another one of the many IV vitamin therapy benefits patients may experience is reduced anxiety. Anxiety disorders can often take over an individual’s life, making it very difficult to get through the day or sleep at night. IV nutrient therapy that’s designed for anxiety can help remedy those symptoms and can be a quicker, more natural treatment option than other medication alternatives.

6. Improves Athletic Performance

young athletic man jogging outside — IV Vitamin Therapy Benefits

IV nutrient therapy can also be used to enhance athletic performance and improve recovery. IV drips for athletes can offer a variety of exercise-related benefits, such as:

  • – Quick muscle recovery and hydration
  • – Reduced recovery time
  • – Eliminated toxins
  • – Boosted endurance

The number one reason a person experiences the symptoms of a hangover after drinking a lot of alcohol is that they haven’t replenished the fluids and nutrients that have consequently been removed.

7. Helps with Reversing Symptoms of Hangovers

The list of IV vitamin therapy benefits doesn’t stop with improving overall well-being—it can even help reverse many common symptoms of hangovers, including:

  • – Dizziness
  • – Headaches
  • – Nausea and vomiting
  • – Muscle and stomach pain
  • – Fatigue and loss of energy
  • – Sudden mood changes

Conclusion

When it comes to IV nutrition, there is a wide range of IV vitamin therapy benefits people can experience after treatment. IV treatment is administered directly into the veins, which means that the results may be achieved much more quickly than oral or other traditional medicines. When offered by an IV pharmacy, many physicians believe this form of therapy can be safe and effective, and can be custom-made to meet the unique health needs or desires of each patient.

 

Want to learn more about IV nutrition solutions available at Olympia? Contact us today!

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10 Benefits of Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Female doctor reviewing benefits of medically supervised weight loss with patient

Medically supervised weight loss can be beneficial for obese individuals seeking safe and effective weight loss. By having a medical professional monitor the individual’s weight loss, the patient’s overall health and well-being may also be closely supervised in order to help produce the safest, most effective results.

In addition to each plan being personalized to suit individual needs, some of the main benefits of medically supervised weight loss can include:

1. Lower Blood Pressure

According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many are undiagnosed. By supervising the health of an individual during their weight-loss journey, high blood pressure is just one of the vital measurements that are used to benchmark progress and could prevent a major hypertensive crisis.

2. Healthier Heart

Heart disease is an umbrella term for a number of problems that can be fatal, but many of them can be improved by losing weight. Obesity can increase chances of developing high cholesterol and diabetes—two critical risk factors for heart disease. One of the most important benefits of medically supervised weight loss is that it provides a clear path to a healthier heart.

3. Less Strain on Joints and Lower Back

A study of overweight and obese adults found that losing one pound of weight resulted in four pounds of pressure being removed from the knees. This means that losing even 10 pounds could remove more than 40 pounds of pressure (and pain) from just one part of an individual’s anatomy.

4. Improved Sex Life

Increasing blood flow to the pelvic area through exercise is an important step to improving libido and sexual performance. Stimulation of sexual hormones can take effect rapidly when beginning weight loss.

5. Higher Self-Confidence

Often, weight-loss issues correlate with self-esteem issues. Beginning to see and feel a physical improvement early on in the weight loss process can boost self-confidence and even motivate the individual to take more action toward their goals.

6. Better Eating and Exercise Habits

It can be challenging to find credible nutritional information to create a healthy diet plan, and difference exercises have varying results depending on the individual. With medically supervised weight loss, the patient has the resources of a certified professional to help them develop a healthier lifestyle that will last.

7. Better Sleep

According to Harvard Health, excess weight and body fat increases chances of developing sleep apnea. This can considerably affect the quality and quantity of sleep for an individual. Physical activity not only aids weight loss but also increases the time spent in deep sleep.

8. Enhanced Mobility

Weight loss and exercise cuts the risk of losing mobility in obese adults with diabetes by 50%, according to a study from the National Institutes of Health. When individuals lose mobility, it becomes difficult for them to live alone and can lead to serious health problems and higher costs of healthcare. Being medically supervised during the weight loss process can ensure greater standards safety for individuals who are already dealing with decreased mobility.

9. Reduced Stress

Dealing with stress-related health problems can seem like a catch-22. Stress can often result in indulgence in unhealthy habits and cause additional weight gain, resulting in even more stress. It’s an endless cycle. One of the benefits of medically supervised weight loss is that it can help break that cycle and keep the patient on track with mental health management.

10. Long-Term Health Improvements

Starting with a focus on weight loss can be an efficient way to positively affect many areas of health. As stated previously, a patient’s weight can affect their blood pressure, heart health and joint pain, among many other factors that contribute to overall well-being. By tackling weight-loss issues with a medical mindset and professional support, many life-threatening diseases and disorders (like diabetes and heart disease) can be prevented and possibly even reversed.

You can learn more in our guide to medically supervised weight loss.

Want to find out more about how medically supervised weight loss can benefit you? Contact a weight-loss specialist at Olympia Pharmacy today!

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Why Choose Olympia Compounding Pharmacy?

Doctor Showing Patient Information Online

Our Compliance

Pharmacist Creating Medication at Olympia Compounding Pharmacy

Although we do offer patient-specific medications through our 503A facility, we also offer an FDA outsourcing facility (also known as a 503B facility, which refers to the filling of “office-use” or “office-administered” medications). Because the FDA created this new designation of compounding pharmacy to establish a new level of patient care and safety, outsourcing facilities like Olympia are required to comply with strict cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) guidelines, which have the same standards that pharmaceutical manufacturers follow. Olympia Compounding Pharmacy is the only outsourcing facility in Central Florida.

 

Our Industry Expertise

The national leader in compounded medications with more than 35 years of expertise, our team at Olympia Compounding Pharmacy is a trusted referral source for patients seeking specialty therapies. Our team is made up of Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacists, MicroBiologists and Engineers, creating a diverse and wide-reaching level of expertise.

 

Our Variety of Services and Products

Man Looking Through Microscope

We are a full-service pharmacy offering traditional, OTC and compounded medications with an extensive inventory of compounded chemicals and traditional medications. Our staff is educated and experienced in all facets of pharmacy and our buying power results in lower prices on retail and compounded medications.

Our specialties include:

 

Our Accessibility

Shipping is offered directly to your patients or your office. We offer next-day delivery to most of Florida and the majority of our compounded prescriptions are available the same day. We also offer an automated prescription refill service as well as a “Meet or Beat” price policy with free shipping to the U.S.

Plus, of the nearly 56,000 community-based pharmacies in the nation, only around 7,500 specialize in compounding services. Of those, less than 80 are FDA approved. As one of the few 503B compounders, Olympia is an essential resource for bridging the gap during a drug shortage.

 

Our Partnership

Man on Computer with Headphones

Olympia offers many opportunities and programs for physicians to develop and grow their patient base. During an online meeting, one of our specialists can explain Olympia’s programs and walk you through a visual tutorial on your computer.

If you’re looking for patient-specific medications, our 503A facility offers:

  • – Individualized and patient-specific medications
  • – Precision, customized formulations
  • – Enhanced patient care
  • – Multiple dosage forms

We are committed to providing the best in compounded medications to both providers and patients alike. Learn more about our 503A and 503B facilities and what they have to offer you.

 

Ready to talk to a specialist? Contact us now!

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Understanding FDA’s 503B Outsourcing Facility Requirements

FDA Outsourcing Pharmacy Compounding Pharmacists at a 503B outsourcing facility

What Is an FDA Outsourcing Facility?

In 2013, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration signed into law The Drug Quality and Security Act, which created a new section called 503B in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). This act enables a compounding pharmacy to become a 503B outsourcing facility.

The legal definition of a 503B outsourcing facility is: a facility at one geographic location or address that is engaged in the compounding of sterile drugs; has elected to register as an outsourcing facility; and complies with all of the requirements of section 503B.

A compounding pharmacy must elect to register as a 503B outsourcing facility, pay an annual registration fee and meet specific conditions in order to qualify as exempt from the FDCA.

 

What Does an FDA 503B Outsourcing Facility Do?

According to the FDA, an 503B outsourcing facility is one that:

  • – Compounds sterile drugs (although it may also compound non-sterile drugs as well)
  • – Has chosen to register itself as an outsourcing facility
  • – Has complied with all of the regulations required within section 503B
  • – Must conduct all compounding by or under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, although it’s not mandatory for the facility to be a licensed pharmacy
  • – May or may not obtain prescriptions for identified individual patients

 

FDA 503B Outsourcing Facility Requirements

FDA Outsourcing Pharmacy Pharmacist Checking Medications

  • – An outsourcing facility must comply with current good manufacturing practice (CGMP) requirements
  • – All compounded drugs must be compounded under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist within the facility
  • – All compounded drugs must be inspected by the FDA

503B outsourcing facilities must also report on information about all products compounded on location, including:

    • * A list of all products compounded in the past six months
    • * The source of the ingredients of those products
    • * Adverse events that occur

 

What Are the Benefits of a 503B Outsourcing Facility?

  • Good for Office Use: 503A compounding pharmacies are designed to dispense for home use, while 503B outsourcing facilities may manufacture for office use.
  • Frequent Monitoring: Environmental monitoring must be performed per production shift in primary compounding areas and weekly in secondary compounding areas.
  • Quality Control: 503B outsourcing facilities are required to maintain their own quality department as its own autonomous entity to conduct investigations.

 

How Can I Find Public Info About 503B Outsourcing Facilities?

For additional information about outsourcing facilities that’s been reported to the FDA over the past two years, visit the Outsourcing Facility Product Report searchable database.

 

Key Takeaways

  • FDA Outsourcing Definition: An FDA 503B outsourcing facility is a facility at one geographic location or address that is engaged in the compounding of sterile drugs; has elected to register as an outsourcing facility; and complies with all of the requirements of section 503B.
  • FDA Requirements for 503B Outsourcing Facilities: An outsourcing facility must compound drugs under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist within the facility, have their compounded drugs inspected by the FDA and comply with (CGMP) requirements.
  • Benefits of a 503B Outsourcing Facility: they are good for office use, and require frequent monitoring and quality control.

 

Are you a provider looking to learn more about how our facility can help grow your practice? Contact us today to get started.

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What Is a 503B Pharmacy?

Compounding Pharmacist in Lab

Understanding 503B Pharmacies

Close-up of lab worker writing down medication information

Olympia Compounding Pharmacy understands the importance of providing both patient-specific and office-use needs across the country. That’s why we’re equipped with two separate, state-of-the-art facilities — one to fulfill 503A compounding pharmacy needs and the other for 503B.

But let’s explore more of what a 503B FDA outsourcing facility actually is. Here are the main distinctions:

  • 503B pharmacies are the only compounding pharmacies that are able to provide office-use (or “office-administered”) medications. Outsourcing facilities are sometimes referred to as 503B facilities.
  • A 503B pharmacy is a designation created by the FDA that establishes a new level of patient care and safety.
  • 503B pharmacies must comply with strict CGMP (current good manufacturing practices) guidelines, the same standards pharmaceutical manufacturers are held to.

These 503B outsourcing facilities are the only pharmacies permitted to provide compounded medications for use in physicians’ offices, clinics and hospitals.

 

What Is a 503B Pharmacy?

The FDA carefully regulates the quality of compounded pharmaceuticals. The Compounding Quality Act, passed in 2013, defined a new designation of compounding pharmacy, called a 503B Pharmacy.

A 503B pharmacy is directly regulated by the FDA using CGMP regulations. CGMP regulations are the same ones followed by pharmaceutical manufacturers. Therefore, a 503B pharmacy is a compounding pharmacy that operates under CGMP guidelines, which are very stringent.

Additional benefits of 503B pharmacies include:

  • – 503Bs test every batch of medication for endotoxin, sterility and potency
  • – 503Bs can offer extended beyond-use dates because of the rigorous testing performed under CGMP

For TriMix injections, see why it’s important to obtain your medication from an FDA-approved 503B compounding pharmacy like Olympia.

 

What Are the Benefits of a Compounding Pharmacy?

Pharmacist customizing medication in compounding facility

Of the approximate 56,000 community-based pharmacies in the U.S., about 7,500 pharmacies specialize in compounding services, and of those, less than 80 are FDA-approved. This means the pharmacists in 503B compounding facilities are fully dedicated to compounding special preparations for patients and have made the investment in equipment and training to do so safely and efficiently.

The preparations offered by compounding pharmacies can be non-sterile (ointments, creams, liquids or capsules that are used in areas of the body where absolute sterility is not necessary) or sterile (intramuscular injection, intravenous and eye drops).

 

How Are Compounded Medications Used?

Your healthcare provider will prescribe a compounded drug only when commercially available drug products do not meet your needs. Many specialties utilize compounding for more individualized patient care. Some of the specialties Olympia compounds medication for include medical weight loss, HRT for men and womenerectile dysfunction, female sexual health, vein care and IV nutrition.

At Olympia Pharmacy, we know that every patient has unique health and wellness needs. All bodies are different and when it comes to your medications, we have customized solutions to suit all types of patients. Our foundation is built on providing the right solutions for your unique body chemistry.

 

What Are Olympia’s Quality Assurance Procedures?

As an outsourcing facility, Olympia adheres to detailed safety requirements before compounding even begins, making us an industry leader in safety, compliance, quality and customer satisfaction. Each day, air and surface samples are taken in each clean room. Each technician is fully gowned and participates in fingertip testing before entering the compounding environment.

When a batch of medication is completed, it’s placed in a special quarantine area while samples from the batch are sent off for independent, third-party laboratory testing. Independent lab tests are performed for sterility, endotoxins and potency. This testing normally takes 14 days to complete. When the tests come back satisfactory, the medications are then released from quarantine and are available to be dispensed to patients or physician/clinic offices.

The procedures and guidelines we follow make an outsourcing facility, by far, the safest place to obtain medications from. Because these rules are so stringent, only a handful of compounders in the United States have elevated their pharmacies’ to the new FDA outsourcing facility designation. Olympia Compounding Pharmacy is currently the only outsourcing facility in Central Florida.

 

Key Takeaways

  • – 503B pharmacies were created as a result of the Compounding Quality Act with the main purpose of offering safe compounded medications that would otherwise be commercially unavailable.
  • A 503B pharmacy is a designation created by the FDA that establishes a new level of patient care and safety.
  • 503B pharmacies are the only compounding pharmacies that are able to provide office-use (or “office-administered”) medications.
  • 503B pharmacies must comply with strict CGMP (current good manufacturing practices) guidelines, the same standards pharmaceutical manufacturers are held to.
  • – 503Bs test every batch of medication for endotoxin, sterility and potency.
  • – 503Bs can offer extended beyond-use dates because of the rigorous testing performed under CGMP.

 

Now that you know more about 503B pharmacies, learn more about the other half of our business: our 503A pharmacy and how Olympia uses both designations to help our customers comply with all national and state regulatory requirements while using a single-source pharmacy partner.

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What Is Vitamin IV Therapy?

saline IV drip for patient and Infusion pump in hospital – What Is Vitamin IV Therapy?

Vitamin IV Therapy: The Basics

Patient making heart with hands over belly button filled with a small flower

If you’ve recently wondered “What is vitamin IV therapy anyway?”, here’s your source for information. Vitamin IV therapy (a.k.a. IV therapy, IV nutritional therapy, IV nutrient therapy, IV nutrition and intravenous therapy) is a popular type of therapy used for a variety of health benefits. Traditionally, this type of IV therapy has been used to complement patients undergoing cancer care, which was designed to help enhance their health during treatment.

 

What Is Vitamin IV Therapy Used For Today?

Today, it’s used more commonly for patients striving for improved health, whether that be to help avoid the next flu virus or simply to have more energy throughout the day. It’s believed to be completely safe, effective and restorative. In a perfect world, we’d all drink enough fluids and get the appropriate nutrients we need every day. However, that’s not always an attainable goal to achieve. Because of this, many people depend on a solution that can help complement a good diet and proper hydration for living as our healthiest selves.

IV vitamin therapy can be very helpful in supporting a healthy, nourished body. Common uses for vitamin IV nutritional therapy include:

  • Age Management
  • – Immune System Enhancement
  • – Illness Prevention
  • – Energy Boost
  • – Detoxification
  • – Artery Cleansing
  • – And More

 

Possible Benefits of IV Nutrition:

  • – Boosts energy
  • – Detoxifies the body
  • – Enhances the immune system
  • – Helps prevent illness
  • – Decreases artery plaque
  • – Combats chronic fatigue
  • – Improves the effects of hangovers
  • – Reverses symptoms of malnutrition
  • – Assists with age management
  • – Helps treat Parkinson’s disease

 

What Nutrients Are Administered?

IV nutrition consists of a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that work together to produce significant results. The process involves a customized drip of intravenous vitamin therapy treatment designed to suit each patient’s unique needs.

Some common infusions used include:

At Olympia Pharmacy, we offer several IV nutrient therapy solutions to choose from, which can be customized to help boost energy, prevent illness, enhance the immune system, reverse chronic fatigue, reverse the effects of malnutrition and much more. As an IV pharmacy, Olympia also offers pre-formulated kits to make getting started with IV therapy easier.

 

How Is IV Nutritional Therapy Performed?

Doctor administering IV on a senior woman patient – Understanding What Is Vitamin IV Therapy?

Vitamin IV therapy is performed by injecting a mixture of potent vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream—providing quick, effective results. Therapy is administered at a medical office under the supervision of a trained medical professional. IV nutrition can also be specially customized to fit the unique needs of each individual patient and should be discussed with a physician prior to receiving treatment.

At Olympia, we offer a variety of IV kits that are designed to address different things. We offer:

  • Brainstorm: May improve overall brain function, increase memory recall and certain aspects of learning
  • – Immunity: May strengthen your immune system and feel better faster
  • Myer’s Cocktail: May reduce seasonal allergies, fatigue, and inflammation, and restore natural balance
  • Inner Beauty: May reduce appearance of wrinkles, acne and tired skin
  • Recovery & Performance: May decrease recovery time and enhance your athletic performance
  • Get-Up-And-Go: May burn fat, feel energized and boost your metabolism
  • Alleviate: May reduce bloating, irritability, abdominal discomfort and more
  • Quench: May help hydrate and combat fatigue
  • RebootMay help combat hangover-related symptoms like dehydration, headache and nausea

In addition to prepared kits, we also offer IV nutritional therapy medications that can be purchased and customized separately.

 

How to Get Started with IV Nutritional Therapy

To learn how to offer this service at your medical practice, choose Olympia to be the IV pharmacy to get you started. Contact us today to learn more.

Contact an IV Nutrient Therapy Expert

How to Get Rid of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins on a female legs

For nearly 20–25 million Americans, varicose veins are a common condition—especially for those who spend an excessive amount of time sitting or standing, or for those who are obese, elderly, smokers or pregnant.

Thankfully, symptoms of varicose veins are usually very mild. Although there is some swelling and aching, these veins are mostly just an eyesore with little to no real health threat associated with it.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

When we sit or stand for too long over an extended period of time, it becomes harder for our veins to fight back gravity to get blood flowing back up to the heart. This can cause valves to malfunction and create a backflow of blood—typically the ones located in legs and feet. That’s how the appearance of these superficial varicosities begins to surface.

At-Home Remedies

Here are some quick fixes that may help with the appearance of varicose veins:

  • Elevate legs to heart level (multiple times per day)
  • Wear compression socks (knee-high stockings are best)
  • Exercise (walking, swimming, ankle flexion, etc.)

Vein Sclerotherapy

varicose veins

For those who are looking for a more immediate solution to treat the symptoms of varicose veins (as well as spider or reticular veins), a minimally invasive option is sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy can be an effective treatment and can be performed within a physician’s office in just a few minutes. It’s a common procedure that involves sclerosing agents like Polidocanol and Sodium Tetradecyl, which are injected into the affected veins. Most patients are able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Here are some of the main reasons why sclerotherapy is a good option for treating varicose veins:

  • Safe
  • Effective
  • Procedure can be done quickly at a physician’s office
  • Very little downtime required

Learn more about sclerotherapy online or contact us today to find the vein therapy solution that best suits you.

Contact a Sclerotherapy Expert

What is Sclerotherapy?

Treatment of varicose veins via syringe

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a type of vein therapy used to help treat varicose, spider and reticular veins that can occur in the body, often in the legs. It’s a very common, effective and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed quickly in a physician’s office.

The process is quick, easy and does not typically prevent patients from carrying out normal activities. Once a physician has located the affected vein, they will inject a sclerosing solution into it using a syringe. The solution helps shrink the vein so it collapses, absorbs into the body and appears less visible. Learn more about how to get rid of varicose veins today.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Painful varicose veins

According to Medical News Today, nearly a quarter of all adults in the U.S. are affected by varicose veins. These are swollen, twisted veins visible just under the surface of the skin that can cause blood clots, skin ulcers and mild to moderate pain.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The veins in our bodies have one-way valves in them that keep blood circulating throughout the body and toward the heart. When valves are damaged or become weak, blood may start to pool and build up within these veins. When that happens, veins swell up and become varicose veins.

Signs & Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:

  • Abnormally large veins that are visible just beneath the skin
  • Pain and aching
  • Throbbing and cramping
  • Itchiness
  • Discoloration
  • Mild swelling

Many of theses symptoms occur in the legs, ankles and feet.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

varicose veins closeup

Individuals who most at risk for developing varicose veins are those who are overweight, physically inactive, older, pregnant or prone to the condition due to genetics. Those who have experienced a leg trauma may also be more susceptible.

Benefits of Sclerotherapy

If an individual doesn’t experience discomfort and is not bothered by the sight of their varicose veins, treatment might not be necessary. However, if there is discomfort, pain or other visible symptoms a person may want to get rid of, sclerotherapy is a safe (and minimally invasive) option.

Sclerotherapy can also help with spidery, clustered veins, as well as reticular veins.

How to Get Started with Sclerotherapy Treatment

No matter if you’re experiencing symptoms of varicose, spider or reticular veins, Olympia Compounding Pharmacy is here to help. Fill out this form to get started today, or contact us with questions at sales@olympiapharmacy.com or 407-673-2222.

Contact a Sclerotherapy Expert

What Is Oxytocin?

middle-aged woman laying on bed and smiling at camera

Have you heard people talking about the “love hormone”? Wondering if and how it could benefit you? What is oxytocin?

According to the Hormone Health Network, oxytocin is “a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and secreted by the pituitary gland.” So how does oxytocin influence the female body?

Through a positive feedback mechanism, oxytocin is released in response to a bodily trigger. Then the hormone sparks another action in the body as a result. As the action occurs, it signals to the body to continue producing oxytocin until the action is complete. Research is discovering new ways the body uses oxytocin in this mechanism. Here are some uses of oxytocin:

Oxytocin in Childbirth

Oxytocin is sometimes referred to as the maternal hormone because of its functions during childbirth. It’s role in the birth process is to tell the uterine muscles to contract, so that a woman will go into labor. Throughout labor, oxytocin increases the level of prostaglandins, ensuring that the process moves along and contractions increase. Sometimes, if a woman cannot enter labor naturally, pitocin, a synthetic form of oxytocin is given to induce labor.

Oxytocin further aids the female body even after childbirth is complete. Oxytocin is crucial in the baby feeding and lactation process, as it’s responsible for moving milk into the breast and causing the milk to release.

Recent research has shown that oxytocin may have many other far-reaching effects, particularly when it comes to relationships and emotional involvement.

Oxytocin for Female Arousal

Oxytocin plays a huge role in female arousal. It can be prescribed to help treat Female Orgasmic Disorder, Female Arousal Disorder or for those women who just desire a more powerful or multiple orgasms.

Oxytocin is released in response to environmental stimuli like skin-to-skin contact and cervical stimulation experienced during sex. At normal levels, oxytocin encourages a mild desire to be kissed and cuddled. Physical touch leads to a rise in oxytocin levels. This causes a cascade of reactions within the body, including the release of endorphins which results in both biological and psychological arousal.

Research has shown that for women, not only is oxytocin released during orgasm, it appears to be responsible for causing orgasms in the first place. It can cause genital nerves to fire spontaneously, leading to powerful orgasms. With an ability to generate deep emotional connection, fuel feelings of sexual intimacy and culminate powerful orgasms, oxytocin is often referred to as the love drug.

Oxytocin for Postpartum Depression

Through the two uses above, it’s clear to see that oxytocin acts as a chemical messenger in the body as it relates to human behaviors. Recent research has shown that oxytocin may have many other far-reaching effects, particularly when it comes to relationships and emotional involvement.

As many as 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression in the year after giving birth. In recent studies, women with lower oxytocin levels after childbirth were found at risk to postpartum depression. The relationship between postpartum depression and oxytocin levels is a very new topic, but is rapidly developing. As research is being conducted, it is hypothesized that dosage of oxytocin may help to aid in relief from postpartum depression.

 

Contact an Oxytocin Expert