CBD -- fad or miracle drug?

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CBD - What You Need to Know

CBD is the new “health” fad for 2019. It is exploding in popularity and seems to be in everything. It’s almost getting to the point that it’s hard to find food, personal care products and supplements without it. (OK, that’s an exaggeration.)

So, what do you need to know?

Pieter Cohen, MD, CHA Internist, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School and Monica Akus, PharmD, BCPS, DPLA, Director of Pharmacotherapy answer that question for you.

Drug Alert – Ranitidine or “Zantac”

Are you taking ranitidine or “Zantac” to treat heartburn or stomach problems? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found out that some ranitidine has a small amount of a chemical called “NDMA”. Small amounts of NDMA are in many foods like vegetables, dairy products and grilled meat. NDMA in very large amounts may increase the long-term risk of cancer in animal s.

To be careful, some companies that make ranitidine have stopped selling it. But some companies are still making ranitidine because they have not found NDMA in their product.

What should you do?

The FDA is not recommending stopping ranitidine at this time.
If you need ranitidine, call your pharmacy to find out if your medicine is affected. You can find the pharmacy phone number on your medicine bottle.
If your medicine is affected, the pharmacy may be able to give you a new supply of ranitidine from a different company that is selling it.
If the pharmacy cannot give you a new supply of ranitidine, ask the pharmacy to call your doctor. Your doctor can choose a different medicine for you to try that does the same thing as ranitidine.

Breast Feeding Support

You know that breastfeeding is best for your baby, but sometimes it’s harder than it looks to get started. Most women (90%) who breastfeed for the first time report difficulty in the first three weeks. CHA can help. “Many breastfeeding problems can be solved with the right support,” said Lauryl Ramakrishnan, CPNP-PC. Lauryl is an internationally board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) and a certified pediatric nurse practitioner. As long as your baby has a CHA provider, Ms. Ramakrishnan can give you the support you need to get your breastfeeding on track. Call Lauryl at 617-665-1264.

BabySteps Savings Plan

Are you having or adopting a baby in 2020? If so, you can get $50 from the state to start your child’s college savings. Find out more .

Check out all your health information on MyCHArt !