antibiotics Archives | JASE Medical

How do Antibiotics Work? Part 4

The best way to take antibiotics is to never need them. But that isn’t always an option. However, there are some steps you can take to strengthen your immune system so that you and your loved ones can fight off illness. The recent outbreak of deaths from group A strep– which is usually treated with Amoxicillin, is currently in short supply. This highlights the fragility of our nations drug supply. Check this site for current drug shortages- if a medication you are taking is on the list contact your care provider to get your medications refilled, and if available ask for a years supply of your meds.

8 tips to strengthen your immune system

Get good quality sleep

According to the Sleep foundation good quality sleep enhances both the innate and adaptive immune system responses. Non rapid eye movement, known as NREM is deep sleep slows the body’s processes allowing more energy to be directed at healing. Sleep is such an important topic that it really needs its own post.

Cut back on sugar

Professor of immunobiology at Yale, Ruslan Medzhitov performed experiments on mice- after infecting the mice with the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes he fed one group fat and proteins. They lived. The group he fed simple carbohydrates died. Conversely, when the mice were infected with an influenzas virus and fed fats and proteins, they were more likely to die compared to the mice fed simple carbohydrates. In other words, balance is the key. If unsure if you have a viral or bacterial infection it is best to just cut out excess sugar.

Increase fresh fruits and vegetables

Up to 80% of our immune system is housed in lymphoid tissue in your intestines, It is called gut associated lymph tissue (GALT) By eating fiber rich foods the beneficial bacteria help the immune system do its job. In addition, a study found that eating a diverse diet high in fiber rich foods can help combat antibiotic resistance. There needs to be more research in this area of study, however initial results are promising.

In addition, several varieties of mushrooms are known to improve immune system function and are being studied for their cancer fighting properties.

Drink plenty of water

Water helps flush toxins out of the body, both through elimination and mucus membranes.

The bloodstream is comprised mostly of water. To help the body fight infection keeping hydrated helps the white blood cells do their job- fight infections.

Avoid alcohol and smoking–

Both can decrease immunity

Keep your vitamin D levels up

Vitamin D is well known to help fight infections. Be sure that when you take vitamin D (which is really not a vitamin, it is a steroid hormone) be sure to add vitamin K2, also known as MK 7, This is important, because this helps avoid calcium buildup in your arteries.

Reduce and manage stress

Stress raises our cortisol levels which in turn suppresses the immune response to pathogenic invaders.

Exercise to boost immunity

Research shows that 20–40 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day is adequate to provide a positive boost to the immune system. Exercise helps circulate the infection fighting cells in the body.

If you still need an antibiotic Jase has you covered

The 5 antibiotics in the Jase case can cover a wide range of bacterial illnesses. If in doubt contact Jase provider for guidance, part of the outstanding service Jase offers is unlimited follow up for questions about antibiotic use.

Let’s take a look at some of the infections Jase antibiotics cover:

Amoxicillin-clavulanate 875 mg tablets (28 tablets)

When amoxicillin is not available due to current shortages this antibiotic can be substituted. Other uses include group A strep, sinusitis, pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and infections of the skin

Azithromycin 250 mg tablets (6 tablets)

Bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, skin infections, Travelers diarrhea, urinary tract infection

Ciprofloxacin 500 mg tablets (28 tablets)

Bioterrorism infections from anthrax, Tularemia or plague exposure

Travelers diarrhea

Doxycycline 100 mg capsules (120 capsules)

Bioterrorism infections from anthrax, Tularemia, or plague exposure

Skin infection, tetanus, bites (animal or human)

Metronidazole 500 mg tablets (30 tablets)

bacterial vaginosis, diarrhea (caused by giardia and clostridioides difficile), giardiasis, tetanus, and trichomoniasis

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

How do Antibiotics Work? Part 3

In part 1 we reviewed how antibiotics work, part 2 what biofilms are and their role in antibiotic resistance. In part 3 we will review:

When antibiotics are needed and when they aren’t appropriate
Distinguish between an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and the symptoms the infection is treating

When antibiotics are needed and when they aren’t appropriate

Antibiotic stewardship is one of the most pressing health issues of our time. As pathogens mutate and evade antibiotic therapy, we are forced to use more potent antibiotics. The use of antibiotics when not necessary is leading to devastating consequences. Antibiotic resistance, AKA antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria or fungi no longer respond to the drugs designed to kill them. According to the CDC: “About 47 million antibiotic courses are prescribed for infections that don’t need antibiotics, like colds and the flu, in U.S. doctors’ offices and emergency departments each year. That’s about 28% of all antibiotics prescribed in these settings.”

In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. A list of the antimicrobial resistant infections are listed on the CDC website. Some are familiar to the general population such as MRSA- Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and VRE- Vancomycin resistant Enterococci. Some not so familiar-Drug resistant Candida and Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter for example. A full list of CDCs watchlist can be found here.

Antibiotics are indicated when:

A bacteria or fungal infection has taken over the body, either systemically (in the body) or topically-skin and tissues. Entry points can be a break in the skin, respiratory inhalation, eyes. Ears, mouth, urogenital route, or ingestion. They are not needed in all cases, sometimes our body can fight off the infection. If you own a Jase case check with your care provider when in question. They are not appropriate for viral illnesses such as colds, flu, covid, etc. Sometimes a viral infection will lower the body’s immune defenses allowing an opportunistic bacterial or fungal infection to take over as in the case of a viral pneumonia to bacterial pneumonia. At that point an antibiotic may be needed.

Distinguish between an allergic reaction to an antibiotic and the symptoms the infection is treating

Penicillin, the most commonly reported antibiotic allergy is less common than believed to be.

This is a great you tube video on penicillin allergies

According to the CDC: Although 10% of the population in the U.S. reports a penicillin allergy, less than 1% of the population is truly penicillin allergic.

The difference between a side effect and allergy

Side effects to antibiotics

Nausea, vomiting
Diarrhea
Mild rash
Photosensitivity
Vaginal yeast infection
Thrush

Allergic reaction to antibiotics- Seek medical care immediately

Severe rash/hives
Peeling skin
Anaphylactic reactions such as:
Respiratory distress/wheezing
Throat closing/tightness

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

How do Antibiotics Work? Part 2

In part 1 the history of antibiotics and how they work was reviewed. This week we will look at

The role of biofilms in bacteria and why these present a challenge to our modern-day arsenal of antibiotics
Antibiotic resistance challenges

The role of biofilms in bacteria and why these present a challenge to our modern-day arsenal of antibiotics

What are biofilms?

It wasn’t until the 1970s that biofilms were found to play a role in bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Bacterial biofilms are clusters of bacteria that are attached to a surface and/or to each other and embedded in a self-produced matrix of fibrin like proteins or polysaccharides.

The matrix attaches to a surface and manufactures a slimy substance that offers protection that live within the biofilm. This substance is called the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The ECM matrix includes proteins, polysaccharides, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and DNA. There can be more than one bacterium or microbe in the matrix which can transfer genetic material between them. This promotes adaptation of the microbes.

For instance, Staphylococcus aureus can form biofilm in four different ways- from polysaccharides to protein/DNA to fibrin to amyloid biofilms. The biofilm protects the bacterium from penetration of any invasive substances that would kill it. This can make the bacteria highly resistant to antibiotics where it can hide within this matrix and can re emerge after antibiotic therapy to reinfect the host.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) revealed that among all microbial and chronic infections, 65% and 80%, respectively, are associated with biofilm formation. Of note is that biofilms can form on living and nonliving surfaces such as indwelling catheters, implanted medical devices, and protheses.

Common bacteria associated with Biofilm

Staphylococcus aureus

The most common infection associated with implants and medical devices. These devices are very susceptible to biofilm infection. Removal of the implant or device can help bring the infection under control in some instances, however some bacteria are usually dislodged upon removal and take up residence in other parts of the body.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

According to PubMed “Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic human pathogen causing devastating acute and chronic infections in individuals with compromised immune systems. Its highly notorious persistence in clinical settings is attributed to its ability to form antibiotic-resistant biofilms.” It is found in both indwelling medical devices, catheters, ventilators and in humans.

P aeruginosa is also a major cause of hospital acquired infections, ranging from ventilator associated pneumonia to cystic fibrosis patients succumbing to this infection and diabetics with non-healing ulcers.

Escherichia coli

A major cause of urinary tract infections and can be difficult to eradicate.

Biofilm-associated diseases of different body systems and their affected organs.

Some of the more common biofilm associated diseases include:

Otitis media- ear infection
Cardiac valve-Infective endocarditis
Arteries- Atherosclerosis
Salivary glands- Salivary duct stones
Gastrointestinal tract- Inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer
Skin and underlying tissue- Wound infections
Vagina- Bacterial vaginosis
Uterus and fallopian tubes- Chronic endometritis
Mamary glands- Mastitis
Nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses- Chronic rhinosinusitis
Throat, tonsils, adenoids, larynx and vocal cords- Pharyngitis and laryngitis
Respiratory- Upper and lower airways- Cystic fibrosis, pseudomonas pneumonia
Mouth- dental caries

Antibiotic resistance challenges

As we enter a world where antibiotic resistance becomes more commonplace there are a few measures we can take to help alleviate this.

Take antibiotics as instructed

The 4 Rs of home antibiotic therapy:

Right person- don’t share antibiotics
Right route- by mouth, injection or topical
Right time- and how often to take
Right dose- don’t skip or save antibiotics, finish entire course of therapy

Research points to taking low doses of or not completing antibiotic therapy can cause antibiotic resistance- the pathogenic (disease causing) bacteria aren’t all the way eradicated. This, in turn allows the bacteria time to mutate and develop resistance to the antibiotic.

Use antibiotics appropriately

Antibiotics treat bacteria and, in some cases, parasitic and fungal infections. They do not treat viruses. Overuse and not used appropriately has led to antibiotic resistance. This in turn forces the practitioner to use stronger antibiotics with more side effects.

Biofilm disruptors

Combination drug therapies are sometimes used to combat biofilm.

There is a growing body of evidence that some spices and foods can act as biofilm disruptors, allowing antibiotics to reach the pathogenic bacteria. One is turmeric. Others include oil of oregano and cranberry, used in urinary tract infections.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Prepared Equals Peace of Mind

Prepared equals peace of mind

What is labeled “prepping” or being a “prepper” used to be how everyone lived as recent as 50 years
ago. Our just- in- time supply chains weren’t around back then. Amazon, and online shopping didn’t
exist. Back then, if you wanted something you had to either call the company and place an order or mail
a check in.

The Sears catalog, along with many other catalogs would arrive and you and your family would spend
hours poring over the pages. These pages were filled with almost anything you may need or want, from
bed sheets to tools for the shop. In essence, those catalogs were the modern-day equivalent of Amazon.
Sometimes it would take a month or so for the much-awaited order to arrive. This was normal. Back
then, if you wanted something you had to plan for it.

Just in time supply chain

Fast forward to today. With all the wonderful technology, the same day deliveries, and almost any item
at our disposal within a few days, we have become complacent. Don’t get me wrong, we have used this
system to receive much needed items, in some cases almost immediately. This is the wonder of our
technological age. But it comes at a price. We take for granted that these supply chains will always be
running smoothly. Our world economy, for the past several decades has made life more convenient and
opened our lives to new experiences and time saving devices.
Technology- double edged sword

Our global world is a double-edged sword. The convenience we so much rely on, can and has been in the
process of failing over the past few years. The consequences to our healthcare system have been
devastating. Medical supplies such as contrast dye and drugs, have been in short supply or altogether
unavailable with no end in sight. This illustrates how fragile our medical system is. We are only one
natural or manmade disaster, pandemic, political or civil unrest from the complete shutdown of life
saving drugs and medical supplies.

Pharmaceuticals outsourced

The last major pharmaceutical manufacturing operation closed its doors and left the United States in
2004. Since then, nearly all the active ingredients for antibiotics and chronic medications – even
vitamins – are produced overseas, mainly in China and India.
Take, for instance the current amoxicillin shortage.

Across the country many pharmacies have reported a limited or not available supply of amoxicillin.
Amoxicillin is one of the first antibiotics used to treat strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections
and many other infections. The shortage includes amoxicillin in pill form, powder to mix with water to
make a suspension, and chewable tablets.

The American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists maintains a database of drug shortages and
manufacturers. They have listed amoxicillin manufacturers who have reported shortages or no
availability.

• Aurobindo, with facilities located throughout the world, refuses to provide availability
information.
• Hikma, based out of the UK, did not provide a reason for the shortage.
• Rising, based out of New Jersey has amoxicillin capsules and tablets available, but doesn’t state
whether they have amoxicillin powder available
• Sandoz, headquartered in Switzerland did not provide a reason for the shortage.
• Teva, which is based out of Israel did not provide a reason for the shortage.

However, the FDA states the only shortage is amoxicillin in powder form. This is because if even one
manufacturer can supply the necessary drug there is no perceived shortage.

This is very disturbing. All it takes is that one manufacturer to declare either a shortage or the drug
not available at all and the US supply is dried up.

Augmentin, (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is one of the antibiotics included in the Jase Case (see below how
to order a Jase Case). This can be substituted for amoxicillin if amoxicillin isn’t available.

Generics less likely to be manufactured

An analysis conducted by the US Pharmacopeia, a group that sets standards around the world for
medicines, found that antibiotics are 42% more likely to be in shortage in the US compared to other
types of drugs. Most antibiotics are now generic.

According to an analysis by the FDA Report “Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Potential Solutions”
identified three root causes of drug shortages.

1. Lack of incentives for manufacturers to produce less profitable drugs. (Generics aren’t very
profitable)
2. The market does not recognize and reward manufacturers for “mature quality systems” that
focus on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues; and
3. Logistical and regulatory challenges make it difficult for the market to recover from a disruption.
The fragile global supply chains mean that if a pharmaceutical factory is down in China, you may not be
able to find your prescription at the neighborhood pharmacy. Lifesaving antibiotics are at risk of running
out faster than any other medicine. Medicines that are now available could easily run out. This could
lead to dire consequences.

Jase Medical is on a mission

JASE Medical is a telemedicine company with a singular focus to change all of that. This platform offers
access to basic emergency preparedness medications for every family in America.

And how will they do that? Well, it won’t happen overnight. But JASE Medical has done its homework
and established a nationwide network of physicians trained to evaluate individual needs, assess
conditions, and prescribe appropriate prescriptions for emergency preparedness purposes. From there,
licensed pharmacists fill your prescription, and the Jase Case is sent to your home.

These are the medications that will become lifesaving for you and the people you care about. And it’s all
done online through the JASE Medical portal.

How it works

When you log on to the platform and begin your consultation, you will find a simple and user-friendly
experience. The consultation takes little over five minutes to complete. After a licensed Jase healthcare
provider has reviewed your health history and any allergic reactions to medications, your prescriptions
are filled, and your Jase Case is shipped to your front door.

What’s in the JASE Case?
The kit contains the following antibiotic medications:
 Amoxicillin/Clavulanate.
 Azithromycin.
 Ciprofloxacin.
 Doxycycline.
 Metronidazole.
(Substitutions are made if allergic to one of the antibiotics)

All medications carry a level of risk, but these five antibiotics were selected for their effectiveness and
optimal patient safety. Guidance from the CDC says it best: “Antibiotics … save lives, and when a patient
needs antibiotics, the benefits usually outweigh the risks of side effects and antibiotic resistance.”

Some of the infections a Jase Case can treat
 Anthrax, plague and tularemia (resulting from bioterror).
 Bite wounds.
 Cellulitis.
 Diverticulitis.
 Intra-abdominal infections.
 Tooth infections.
 Ear infections.
 Pneumonia.
 Sinusitis.
 Strep throat.
 Urinary tract infection.
 and more.

When access to your healthcare provider isn’t possible (you are on vacation, etc.) your Jase case
includes a symptom and antibiotic use handbook titled the “Emergency Antibiotic Guide “with easy-to-
follow instructions to ensure proper use of the antibiotics if indicated.
What about chronic conditions?

Soon, the JASE Medical platform will provide emergency preparedness medicines for those with chronic
medical conditions (such as blood pressure and other chronic conditions). JASE Medical’s same
physician network will assess your condition and the need for appropriate preparedness medicines.

Ongoing support

As part of its mission to prepare you medically, JASE Medical provides unlimited ongoing support from
their physician network for questions about any of the medications prescribed.

What about shelf life?

The good news about antibiotics is that they last longer than you think. The FDA’s Shelf-Life Extension
Program found that 88% of the drugs studied maintained their potency and safety beyond the published
expiration date. The extended usability of these medications ranged from 5.5 years to as many as 23
years beyond their printed expiration!

The JASE Case antibiotics all carry the FDA’s required expiration dates. JASE Medical endorses those
dates.

Value and peace of mind

At the end of the day, this is all about peace of mind and knowing that you are ready for the
unexpected. Knowing that you have found a solution, priced at a fraction of what it would otherwise
cost you, adds to that peace of mind.

Go to JaseMedical.com and secure your emergency medications, an emergency antibiotic guide,
unlimited physician consultation and a team of professionals who are on a mission to keep you and your
loved ones prepared and safe during these uncertain times.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Is There Really a Shortage of Amoxicillin?

A widespread shortage of a common antibiotic, amoxicillin has swept the country. Amoxicillin is one of the first antibiotics used to treat strep throat, ear infections, urinary tract infections and many more. The shortage includes amoxicillin in pill form, powder to mix with water to make a suspension, and chewable tablets.

The American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists maintains a database of drug shortages and manufacturers. They have listed amoxicillin manufacturers who have reported shortages or no availability.

Aurobindo, with facilities located throughout the world, refuses to provide availability information.
Hikma, based out of the UK, did not provide a reason for the shortage.
Rising, based out of New Jersey has amoxicillin capsules and tablets available, but doesn’t state whether they have amoxicillin powder available
Sandoz, headquartered in Switzerland did not provide a reason for the shortage.
Teva, which is based out of Israel did not provide a reason for the shortage.

However, the FDA states the only shortage is amoxicillin in powder form. This is because if even one manufacturer can supply the necessary drug there is no perceived shortage.

This is very disturbing. All it takes is that one manufacturer to declare either a shortage or the drug not available at all and the US supply is dried up.

Augmentin, (amoxicillin / clavulanate) is one of the antibiotics included in the Jase case. This can be substituted for amoxicillin if amoxicillin isn’t available.

Generics less likely to be manufactured

An analysis conducted by the US Pharmacopeia, a group that sets standards around the world for medicines, antibiotics are 42% more likely to be in shortage in the US compared to other types of drugs. Most antibiotics are now generic.

According to an analysis by the FDA Report “Drug Shortages: Root Causes and Potential Solutions” identified three root causes of drug shortages.

Lack of incentives for manufacturers to produce less profitable drugs;
The market does not recognize and reward manufacturers for “mature quality systems” that focus on continuous improvement and early detection of supply chain issues; and
Logistical and regulatory challenges make it difficult for the market to recover from a disruption.

The world supply chain is in dire straits. Even if medicine is available, the pending diesel shortage and possible rail strike could make getting the lifesaving medication to you. Talk to your care provider and pick up extra medications, both prescription and over the counter. If you haven’t already, get your Jase cases for your family. This winter could prove to be a rough one for those not prepared.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

How do Antibiotics Work? Part 4

- Brooke Lounsbury

Lifesaving Medications

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- Brooke Lounsbury

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Is There Really a Shortage of Amoxicillin?

- Brooke Lounsbury

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