About Dr. Tatiana Yatsenko, PharmD Expertise I can provide very useful information on a variety of different topics, however, my specialty lies in Home Infusion Therapy.
1. Nutrition therapies: parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition and hydration.
2. Anti-infectives (antibiotics)
3. Chemotherapy
4. Pain management and miscellaneous therapies
Experience Initially, I worked as a pharmacy technician while doing undergraduate work. I then went on to receive my Doctor of Pharmacy degree and now specialize in Home Infusion Pharmacy.
Education/Credentials Biochemistry (University of California Riverside)
Doctor of Pharmacy (Western University of Health Sciences)
Question I got bit by a spider a few days ago, and now the are has become very red and swollen. I scratched it so i have a little scabbing, but to the moment I have no pus. I wanted to take some Augmentin just in case of an infection. I have some but just realized it says to discard after june 28, o7. Is it bad for me to take this? the pills seem to be cracked \.
Answer Hi Nancy,
Thanks for your question. Let me start off by telling you a bit about spider bites.
Spider Bite
1. Wash the bite with soap and water.
2. Apply a cool compress.
3. If necessary, take over-the-counter medication to control pain or itching.
4. Antibiotics are not helpful unless the wound becomes infected.
5. Do not cut or apply suction to the wound.
6. Monitor the bite for redness, swelling, pain, or signs of infection.
7. If redness, swelling or pain does not subside or there are signs of infection consult your physician.
To relieve pain, itching, and swelling of the bite:
Apply an ice pack to a bite or sting for 15 to 20 minutes once an hour for the first 6 hours. When not using ice, keep a cool, wet cloth on the bite or sting for up to 6 hours. Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack, and press firmly against all the curves of the affected area. Do not apply ice for longer than 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and do not fall asleep with the ice on your skin.
Elevate the area of the bite or sting to decrease swelling.
Try a nonprescription medicine for the relief of itching, redness, and swelling. Be sure to follow the nonprescription medication precautions.
An antihistamine taken by mouth, such as Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton, may help relieve itching, redness, and swelling. A spray of local anesthetic containing benzocaine, such as Solarcaine, may help relieve pain. If your skin reacts to the spray, stop using it.
Hydrocortisone 1% cream or calamine lotion applied to the skin may help relieve itching and redness.
TO prevent a skin infection:
Wash the area with soap and water.
After washing, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or first-aid antiseptic.
Trim fingernails to prevent scratching, which can lead to infection.
Do not break any blisters that develop.
If a bite becomes irritated, apply an antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin or polymyxin B sulfate, and cover it with an adhesive bandage. The ointment will keep the bite from sticking to the bandage. Note: Stop using the ointment if the skin under the bandage begins to itch or a rash develops. The ointment may be causing a skin reaction.
As far as the Augmentin...It is not unusual for a pharmacist to give a shorter expiration date than the actual expiration date of the drug. Pharmacist has the discretion to do so since every drug is given for a certain "indication" and outside of that indication it is not "legal" to dispense such drug. One suggestion would be to call the pharmacy and see if that pharmacist writes the "actual" date of expiration or another date. As far as the cracking, tablets should not crack.
Please feel free to follow-up with any further questions.
