Laboratory Activity 13

Quinto, Camille Angelie C.

BS Pharmacy IV-B

Laboratory Activity 13: Writing Dear Doctor Letter

General Instructions:

Each student will be given a case from the list below. Each student should respond to two
(2) queries raised by the doctor through a formal letter.

Scenario 1

Dr. XO, a family medicine physician from Manila Doctors Hospital, is seeking information about
chondroitin in the management of osteoarthritis. He sees a large number of patients in his practice
and is seeking information about efficacy, safety and appropriate dosing of this product.

Dear Dr.XO,

Good day!

Chondroitin sulfate is used for osteoarthritis. It is often used in combination with other ingredients,
including manganese ascorbate, glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, or N-acetyl
glucosamine. It is also taken by mouth for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, heart attack, weak bones
(osteoporosis), joint pain caused by drugs used to treat breast cancer, acid reflux, high cholesterol,
muscle soreness after exercise, a bladder condition called interstitial cystitis, a bone disease called
Kashin-Beck disease, and itchy and scaly skin (psoriasis). Chondroitin sulfate is also used in a
complex with iron for treating iron-deficiency anemia. Chondroitin should not be given to children
or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg
daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to
notice effect.

If you still have questions regarding the information about the drugs, don’t hesitate to message me.
Thankyou! :)

Yours,
Camille Angelie

Scenario 2

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Laboratory Activity 13

A 45-year old resident from St. Luke’s Medical Center requests information about long-term use of
prednisone therapy. He recalls that there are serious long-term adverse events and is curious what
these events are and how they might be managed.

Dear Sir,

Good day!

Before answering your question let me provide some background information first. Prednisone is a
type of medication called a glucocorticoid, or a corticosteroid which were used to treat conditions
that involve inflammation, and they are generally very effective. These drugs are effective in
treating such condition but when they are taken over time by mouth, intravenously, or by injection,
glucocorticoids have significant side effects. Long-term use of prednisone may lead to bone loss
and osteoporosis. It can cause changes in the distribution of body fat which together with fluid
retention and weight gain may give your face a moon-like appearance. Stretch marks, skin
thinning, and excessive facial hair growth are also not uncommon. The side effects can be managed
by decreasing the dose of the drug or you should visit your doctor and tell him/her about the side
effects of the drug to your body. If planning you are planning to stop using prednisone, kindly
consult your doctor first because Withdrawal symptoms and signs including weakness, fatigue,
decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain can mimic many other
medical problems and some of them may be life-threatening.
If you still have questions to ask just message me and I will respond immediately. Thankyou and
Godbless you 
Yours,
Camille Angelie

Scenario 3

Dr. Ngi Nig, well-sought pediatrician, needs to give diazepam to a 7 year-old child who is not able
to swallow pills or capsules. By what other routes of can this drug be given and what dose is
appropriate for this patient?

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