What is Sclerotherapy?

Treatment of varicose veins via syringe

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a type of vein therapy used to help manage varicose, spider and reticular veins that can occur in the body, often in the legs. It’s a very common, 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 isn’t experiencing discomfort and isn’t concerned about the appearance of their varicose veins, no action may be necessary. However, for those dealing with pain, discomfort, or visible symptoms they wish to improve, sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive option that is commonly used to reduce the appearance of veins.

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

How to Get Started with Sclerotherapy

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.

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 for 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

 

Lidocaine Injectable

Physician holding needle

One important role of 503B pharmacies, such as Olympia Compounding Pharmacy, is to compound products on the FDA’s drug shortage list when a national shortage of that product occurs. This is in accordance with section 503B of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Olympia Pharmacy is currently compounding lidocaine injectable, which is currently on the national drug shortage list. Learn more about why 503B pharmacies are indispensable during drug shortages

What is Lidocaine?

Lidocaine hydrochloride (Xylocaine) is a local anesthetic used as a numbing agent for minor outpatient medical procedures. Lidocaine works by blocking nerve signals inside the body for a period of time. Prior to outpatient procedures, such as sclerotherapy, physicians will administer a lidocaine injectable to numb the area they’ll be working on and help prevent pain or discomfort for the patient. After administration, lidocaine is fast-acting and will continue to provide relief for 1 to 1.5 hours.

Olympia Pharmacy and Lidocaine

While Lidocaine remains on the FDA drug shortage list, Olympia Pharmacy is compounding 1% and 2% lidocaine injections.

Lidocaine Injectable Uses

The most common use for lidocaine is to prepare an area of the body prior to an invasive medical procedure. It helps block the nerve signals and soothe any pain that would accompany the following procedures:

  • Sclerotherapy
  • Minor Surgery
  • Needle Punctures
  • Stitching
  • Insertion of a Catheter
  • Insertion of a Breathing Tube

In addition to lidocaine injectable offerings, Olympia also carries various strengths of lidocaine topical gel. This gel is used prior to less invasive procedures, such as botox.

Other uses for lidocaine include managing severe joint pain from arthritis, preparation for an epidural, and controlling irregular heartbeats and seizures.

Side Effects

With the use of lidocaine, side effects similar to those of other amide local anesthetic agents may occur. More common side effects include redness, itchiness and warmth of the skin. Less common effects include bruising, bleeding, burning or swelling at the site of the injection. Remaining under the supervision of a medical physician is advised.

How To Get Started with Lidocaine

Olympia Pharmacy is currently compounding both lidocaine 1% and lidocaine 2% injectables, as well as various strengths of topical gel. For more information and to order lidocaine injectable through Olympia, please fill out our contact form and we’ll send you the necessary paperwork to get started.

Contact Olympia Pharmacy

What Is Medically Supervised Weight Loss?

Female Doctor Holding Up an Orange

More than 93 million American adults were affected by obesity in 2015 and 2016 — averaging at nearly 40% of the nation’s total population. And with numbers continuing to trend upward, many physicians and clinics have started offering medically supervised weight-loss options to help combat this growing issue.

What Is It?

Let’s start by answering an initial question: What is medically supervised weight loss? The main answer is that it can vary depending on the physician or clinic, but generally speaking, it’s a physician-monitored program that includes a custom diet plan and exercise schedule designed to help patients lose weight, motivate them, and promote healthier lifestyles. It’s typically coupled with a metabolism enhancer or vitamin consumable that complements their weight-loss plan.

Who Is It Right for?

Doctor measuring obese man's stomach as part of medically supervised weight loss

If you’re unsure if you suffer from obesity, ask your physician. In the meantime, you can also assess any symptoms related to obesity that you may be experiencing, such as extreme daily exhaustion, increased sweating, inability to handle sudden physical activity, back or joint pain, loss of breath, etc.

Medically Supervised Weight Loss Treatments

In addition to diet and exercise, a physician or clinic may prescribe a compounded medication like B12 or another similar fat-burning injectable that helps to further encourage weight loss.

At Olympia, we offer several options, including:

Benefits of Treatment

Now for the answer to another important question many people ask when considering treatment: What is medically supervised weight loss going to do to benefit my health?

After a physician has prescribed a medically supervised weight-loss treatment that’s right for you, you should notice significant health benefits, including:

  • – Lowered blood pressure
  • – Decreased joint and back pain
  • – Improved heart health
  • – Improved sex life
  • – Increased self-confidence
  • – And more

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

How To Get Started

Whether you’re a patient or a physician interested in a weight-loss program, Olympia has options for you. To learn more about our weight management solutions, contact a weight-loss specialist today.

Contact a Weight-Loss Specialist

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Most Common Andropause Symptoms: What They Are and How to Treat Them

Older Man Sitting on Couch and Thinking

What Is Andropause?

Some men entering their 50s (or older) experience a noticeable drop in their testosterone levels—something called andropause, or more commonly: “male menopause”.

Andropause is a condition unlike female menopause in that it happens more gradually and it doesn’t affect all men—about 30% are affected by it by the time they reach their 50s. It can cause many different symptoms—not just sexual, but physical and psychological ones as well.

What Causes Andropause?

Any case of andropause is caused by one main factor: lack of testosterone. As men get older, the testes start producing less and less testosterone, causing a gradual drop in overall testosterone levels. This is caused by a decrease in the hormones that actually alert the testes to produce testosterone, as well as an increase in the amount of testosterone that’s converted into other hormones like estrogen and dihydrotestosterone.

Another factor can be due to an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is a protein that testosterone clings very tightly to. It’s a protein that becomes more prevalent in men as they age.

Symptoms of Andropause

Older Man in Dark with Head in His Hands

Although symptoms of andropause can vary in type and severity, the most common are:

  • Problems with achieving and/or maintaining erections
  • Lower sex drive
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Decreased motivation and energy
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Moodiness and irritability
  • Lowered self-confidence
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Depression
  • Weight gain
  • Gynecomastia
  • Infertility

How Is Andropause Diagnosed?

First, a doctor will assess the person’s symptoms to see if they match with common symptoms of andropause. Then, once a blood test is taken to check their testosterone levels, a diagnosis can be made if the results are below normal.

Treatment Options for Andropause Symptoms

Elderly Couple Playing and Laughing on the Ground at the Park

The first recommendation for treating symptoms of andropause is making changes to improve your lifestyle choices. This may include:

  • Eating healthier foods
  • Exercising more regularly
  • Getting more hours of sleep each night
  • Finding ways to reduce current stresses

If these are not applicable or are not currently an issue, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be a viable option to consider. This type of therapy does require a prescription and monitoring by a licensed physician, but if your doctor believes testosterone replacement therapy is right for you, Olympia Pharmacy offers several great options, including:

  • Intramuscular testosterone injections
  • Transdermal cream in a convenient pump or Topi-CLICK® delivery system
  • Sublingual tablets that dissolve quickly under the tongue  

To learn more about Olympia Pharmacy’s testosterone replacement therapy options, fill out our testosterone therapy request form and our team will contact you shortly.

Fill Out Form

 

What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?

Family laughing and enjoying the beach on a sunny day.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

As men grow older, their bodies produce less and less testosterone. And as testosterone declines in the male body, there are several changes that may occur. These changes can happen suddenly or slowly over a period of time. Lack of testosterone is known and referred to as andropause, “Low-T” or “male menopause.” Although most common in middle-aged men, andropause can begin to affect men as young as 30 and the body’s production of testosterone can even drop by 1 to 2 percent each year. Many men assume their lack of testosterone is just a normal symptom of aging. Symptoms of andropause can include feeling tired, weakened or irritable and struggling with a lower sex drive, osteoporosis, lack of concentration, heart disease, erectile dysfunction or insomnia.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps to restore the body’s testosterone to a more youthful level. Symptoms of andropause can be reduced or even eliminated through TRT.

Benefits of TRT

If you’re experiencing andropause symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy is a great option. Benefits of TRT include:

  • Increased strength and energy
  • Improvement of well being and mood
  • Better concentration and cognitive function
  • Improvement in libido
  • Improvement in erectile dysfunction
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Preservation of bone mass
  • Decrease in cardiovascular risk

How Olympia Pharmacy Can Help

When hormones are replaced or restored back to physiological levels considered normal for younger males, many men experience a dramatic reversal of these changes. At Olympia Pharmacy, we compound testosterone in several different forms and strengths to cater to our patients’ specific needs. We offer:

  • Transdermal cream in a convenient pump or Topi-CLICK® delivery system
  • Sublingual tablets that dissolve quickly and easily under the tongue
  • Injectables

Contact us to learn more about Olympia Pharmacy’s testosterone replacement therapy options or request treatment information.

Contact Us

What Is Andropause?

Senior couple outside relaxing in hammock

Andropause is often referred to as “male menopause” or “Low-T” in the industry, but for those who are unfamiliar with the term — what actually is it and could it be affecting you? As men age, their bodies produce less and less testosterone. This lack of testosterone can lead to a number of symptoms that many men assume is just the normal process of aging.

As testosterone declines in the male body, numerous changes occur. Men can go through these changes quickly, with a sudden change, or more typically, slowly over a period of time. What’s not well-known, though, is that this decline can begin in men as young as their 30s. At this time, the body’s production of testosterone starts to drop by 1 to 2 percent each year.

 

Andropause Symptoms

  • – Fatigue and irritability
  • – Inability to concentrate
  • – Loss of muscle strength
  • – Reduced sex drive
  • – Osteoporosis
  • – Heart disease
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • – Insomnia

 

Who Does Andropause Affect?

There are more than 25 million American men between the ages of 40 and 55 that experience symptoms of andropause. In the next 20 years, that number is expected to increase to more than 57 million. The good news? Symptoms of andropause can be reduced or even eliminated through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

 

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

 

If you’re experiencing andropause symptoms, testosterone replacement therapy is a great therapy option. The goal is simply to restore the body’s testosterone to a more youthful level. Benefits include:

  • – Increased strength and energy
  • – Improvement of well-being and mood
  • – Better concentration and cognitive function
  • – Improvement in libido & ED symptoms
  • – Increased muscle mass
  • – Preservation of bone mass
  • – Decreased risk of cardiovascular issues

 

Olympia Compounding Pharmacy Can Help

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Olympia PharmacyThe good news is, when hormones are replaced or restored back to physiological levels considered normal for younger males, many men experience a dramatic reversal of these changes. Olympia Pharmacy compounds testosterone in several different forms and strengths for your convenience. We offer:

  • – Transdermal cream in a convenient pump or topi-click delivery system
  • – Sublingual tablets that dissolve quickly and easily under the tongue
  • – Injectables

For more information, contact us about Olympia’s testosterone therapy solutions for a free consultation with a trusted expert.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation

 

TriMix Injection Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Needle Inserting into Bottles of B12 njections

With fewer side effects than oral ED drugs, Trimix injections are a highly reliable solution for erectile dysfunction (also referred to as ED or impotence). As men age, ED becomes more prevalent, but it can impact men at any age for a variety of reasons.

Benefits of Trimix Injections Include:

  • — 90% Success Rate
  • — Fast-Acting, Enduring Results
  • — Cost-Effectiveness
  • — No Impact from Alcohol Consumption

At Olympia Pharmaceuticals, we specialize in Trimix, a popular ED medication. Below, we address possible side effects and provide essential information about penile injections.

Trimix Side Effects

Trimix is generally well-tolerated due to its localized application. However, like any medication, it can have side effects. Before using Trimix, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you aren’t allergic to any of its ingredients. Some possible side effects include:

  • Priapism: The most serious side effect is priapism, an erection that lasts over four hours. This condition is not exclusive to Trimix but can occur with any ED medication, including Viagra®, Levitra® and Cialis®. Priapism is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
  • Pain or Bruising: Some men may experience pain or minor bruising at the injection site. This is usually mild and improves with time as you become more proficient with the injection technique.
  • Lightheadedness: Although less common, some men might experience lightheadedness or fainting. This happens due to a drop in blood pressure. If you feel dizzy or faint after taking the medication, lie down until the symptoms pass and seek medical advice.
  • Hematoma: Rarely, a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels) can occur if a blood vessel is punctured during the injection.
  • Fibrosis: Long-term use of penile injections like Trimix can lead to fibrosis, the development of excess fibrous connective tissue, causing a curvature of the penis. This is a rare occurrence, and changing the injection site can help avoid it.
  • Infection: Proper hygiene during administration can largely eliminate this risk.

Despite the potential side effects, it’s important to remember that Trimix is considered a reliable method to address symptoms of ED. Always use the medication as directed by your healthcare provider and promptly report any persistent side effects.

smiling man who is happy about not having any trimix side effects

Will Trimix Increase Size?

No. Trimix is designed to help men with ED symptoms maintain a longer-lasting, full erection, not to increase penis size.

Trimix Risks

Trimix has been endorsed by the American Urological Association since 1983 as a non-surgical method for addressing symptoms of ED. As a local injection, it has little to no side effects, unlike oral medications, which can cause headaches, nausea or vomiting.

Administering the Trimix Injections

When using ED injections like Trimix, it’s important to understand the proper administration techniques.

Trimix Dosage

The dosages will vary among patients depending on their individual level of ED. The initial dose should be 0.05 cc to 0.2 cc. Patients should wait a full 48 hours before increasing their dosage and increase by 0.025 cc to 0.050 cc until a satisfactory dose is reached. The maximum dose is 0.50 cc. Patients should not be discouraged by a poor result with the first few erectile dysfunction injections, as the initial dose should be kept low to avoid a prolonged erection.

Injecting Trimix

Wash your hands and the injection area before injecting into the penis shaft at a 90-degree angle, avoiding veins and the midline. Aim for the 10 or 2 o’clock position to prevent damage to the urethra or penile arteries. Inject the medication (takes about 4 seconds), withdraw the needle, and apply pressure to the site for a minute to prevent bleeding. For more detailed instructions about preparing and administering Trimix, please read our Trimix self-injections instructions.

Storing Trimix

All vials should be stored in the freezer (at a temperature between 0 and 31°F), with the exception of the one active vial currently being used. The active vial should be refrigerated at a temperature between 32 and 39°F. When the active vial starts running low, a vial from the freezer should be removed and placed in the refrigerator. This will replace the current active vial when it runs out.

happy couple rejoicing over having no TriMix Side Effects

Obtaining a Trimix Prescription

Ready to buy Trimix ED injections online? We can help. Olympia Pharmacy requires a prescription from a licensed physician. There are two easy options:

Option 1

If you have a doctor who can prescribe Trimix, download our online prescription form and present the form to your physician. Your physician should fax the complete form to Olympia Pharmacy at (888) 766-4894. We process the payment and ship the medication directly.

Option 2

If you don’t have a doctor, use our telemedicine option by completing a simple online form. After submission, we’ll schedule a phone consultation with a licensed telemedicine physician, which costs an additional $75. Learn more and get started here.

Even though Trimix penile injections are quick-acting and long-lasting, many men still have hesitations. And that’s OK! Explore even more detailed information in our Trimix Guide now, or contact us today for a free consultation.

 

Read our Trimix Guide