by Aaron La Borde
Glaucoma, a condition of increased pressure within the eye is treated successfully with eye drops. These drops must be used regularly. Researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver are combining a hydrogel containing very small amounts of a cannabis compound, which forms a thin cover over the eye that dissolves slowly through the night when dropped in the eyes before bedtime. It is still in the experimental stage but looks promising.
New migraine drug
A new drug designed to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches has been developed. It’s the first of its kind. Current drug therapy is used once the headache begins. This new one prevents it from occurring. Migraines are very debilitating for many Canadians. This new drug (erenumab) is currently under review at Health Canada but has been released in the U.S.
Talk to your pharmacist
Everyone forgets to take their prescribed medications now and then but it happens less often when people truly understand what the benefits of the medications are and how they work in the body. For example, if you know the daily cholesterol lowering drug you’re taking will reduce the risk of life-threatening heart disease, you might be more likely to take it regularly. Pharmacists can help in your understanding of the drugs you are taking.