By pH health care professionals

By now, you’ve likely heard about the pharmaceutical company that raised the price of the drug Daraprim from $13.50 per pill to $750 per pill, sparking widespread outrage and a media firestorm. In response, the CEO has gone on record to say the pill price will indeed be lowered, but just how much is still yet to be seen. Drug companies understand supply and demand, but as a consumer, you’re the one left with the bill. So let’s look at some ways you can be proactive.

What is the drug Daraprim used for?

Daraprim is used to treat toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, which can be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems.

Are there ways you can prevent toxoplasmosis in the first place?

You may become infected when you come into contact with cat feces that contain the parasite, eat or drink contaminated food or water, use contaminated kitchen utensils, eat unwashed produce that contains the parasite, or receive an infected organ transplant or blood.

The following strategies may help you avert some of those scenarios:

• Be vigilant with cat care. Be sure not to feed your cat raw meat, and wash hands thoroughly after cleaning the litter box.
• Double check your meat. It’s possible that some raw or undercooked meats may be infected with the parasite. Check that your meat is completely cooked all the way through before eating it – and that means no taste-testing while it’s still cooking!
• Clean your utensils. Speaking of raw meat, make sure any knives and cutting boards that touched raw meat are thoroughly cleansed with hot, soapy water. And of course, wash your hands too!
• Wash your produce. Give your fruits and veggies a scrub just to be safe.

If you are worried that you may have toxoplasmosis, talk to a knowledgeable health care professional who can recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests. Be proactive.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.