News

AFMed Website Updates

November 1, 2010 -- Our website is dynamic, that is we will be adding and revising content. Your comments on improving content is appreciated. Additions and updates will occur periodically, which may be once a week or less often. Updates will be shown here.

Immunization Updates

November 24, 2010 -- Two new immunization updates were recommended this winter.

Meningitis vaccine booster is recommended if the vaccine was given between ages 11-13 and it has been five or more years since the first vaccine. We administer the Menactra brand meningitis vaccine.

Tetanus vaccine, TDaP was approved to use as a booster for adults over age 65. The previous recommendation was to use the dT booster for adults over age 65. The new recommendation rovids extra protection against pertussis (whooping cough).

Scheduling with Dr. Quintos-Gomez

November 1, 2010 -- Dr. Quintos is now scheduling patients Monday – Friday mornings only. Please contact the office to schedule an appointment.

Influenza Vaccines (updated)

September 26, 2011 -- We are offering influenza vaccines to all our patients. We are offering a new "enhanced" Influenza vaccine to our patients over age 65.  The new vaccine is designed to give a stronger immunity reaction because it is recognized the immune system becomes less efficient as we age. If you are over age 65, please ask about the enhanced influenza vaccine. The vaccines we received provides immunity to the H1N1 (swine) flu and the current Influenza A and Influenza B strains. Vaccines can be given at the time of an appointment, or on a walk in basis. We avoid giving the vaccine if there is a fever or acute illness. The vaccine we are using may be given to infants over 6 months ( two half doses 6 months to three years, single dose from age three forward). If the vaccine is the only reason for the visit, a co-pay will be collected.

Actos and Bladder Cancer (new)

September 30, 2011 -- The Food and Drug Administration has reviewed the data on the diabetes drug Actos and bladder cancer. The FDA now has warnings that all persons on Actos with blood in the urine should be evaluated for bladder cancer. (This is true regardless of medication status.) The FDA also cautions about using Actos in persons with a history of bladder cancer. The drug has not been removed from the market. For comparison purposes, the data shows the risk of bladder cancer in the general population as 7/10,000, for persons on Actos 10/10,000 and for  smokers 25/10,000. If you have continued questions about diabetes management and bladder cancer, please call for an appointment with your physician.

Genetics and Medication (new)

September 30, 2011 -- We have started working with the comnpany Genelex to offer testing on genetic that effect how the liver will clear medications. The test uses cells obtained from a cheek swab to evaluate four different liver enzymes. The Genelex website allows us to enter your medications and look for interactions that are a result of genetic metabolism. This test is particularly useful for persons on the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). Ask your clinician about the tests for more information.

United Healthcare (Update)

December 31, 2011 -- Our existing contracts with United Healthcare have been renewed to our mutual agreement. We look forward to providing uninterrupted care to our United Healthcare patients.


Tekturna (new)

   

January 26, 2012 -- Tekturna is used to control high blood pressure. Earlier this month, Novartis discontinued a large study on Tekturna. Novartis has recommended that patients not stop taking this medication on their own.  What happened?  The study (ALTITUDE) recruited diabetic patients with kidney disease whose blood pressure was already well controlled, but had high risk of “fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular and renal events.”  The goal was to recruit 8600 patients and follow them for four years, to see if adding Tekturna to an existing blood pressure treatment program would be helpful. The study was stopped after two years before reaching enrollment targets. Novartis reports “On the basis of preliminary interim analyses, the (review committee) concluded the study patients were unlikely to benefit from aliskiren (Tekturna).”  The review committee also reported on adverse effects. There were more non-fatal strokes in the group on Tekturna than the control group (2.6% vs 2.3%) which was reported to be statistically significant (p=0.044; a p value of 0.05 or less is considered statistically significant).  All the other adverse effects that were compared were no different in the Tekturna group than the controls.  The final report is not available. What should you do?  Do not stop the medicine. If you are diabetic, you should at least talk to your doctor if this study is applicable to you.