Familiar with the dapper television celebrity physician wearing his signature white lab coat while promoting a “medication kit” — a very expensive kit? His name is Dr. Drew Pinsky, of podcast and talk show fame.
“Dr. Drew” has ventured into selling medications in a kit through his own “Wellness Company” delivered to your door without a medical professional examining the patient or running medical tests. It is mind boggling to me that our ever-diligent FDA allows this and that the kit is advertised as FDA approved when it is not.
There are several medication kits for sale on the Wellness Company site, and the prices range from $299.99 for a Medical Emergency Kit to $1,199.99 for a Field Emergency Kit.
For purposes of this article, I am going to focus on the Medical Emergency Kit and its contents with their side effects. The “prescribed” medications are:
Amoxicillin – a penicillin antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as ear infections, strep throat, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Precautions – Amoxicillin can cause severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions and rapid heartbeat. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms occur.
Azithromycin (Z-Pak) is used to treat certain bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. This medicine may mask or delay the symptoms of syphilis. It is not effective against syphilis infections.
Azithromycin belongs to the class of drugs known as macrolide antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Precautions – This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Doxycycline is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to treat pimples and abscesses (usually on the face) that are caused by rosacea, also known as acne rosacea or adult acne.
Doxycycline belongs to the class of medicines known as tetracycline antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Precautions -This medicine may cause increased pressure inside the head. This is more likely to occur in women of childbearing age who are overweight or have a history of intracranial hypertension.
Metronidazole is used to treat bacterial infections in different areas of the body. It is also used to treat infections caused by protozoa (eg, trichomoniasis and amebiasis) and infections caused by bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive. The extended-release tablets are used to treat women with vaginal infections (bacterial vaginosis).
Metronidazole belongs to the class of medicines known as antibiotics. It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Precautions:
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- heartburn
- sensation of spinning
- stomach cramps
- trouble sleeping
- weight loss
Trimethoprim is used to treat infections of the urinary tract. It may also be used for other problems as determined by your doctor. It will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections.
Precautions – If this medicine causes anemia, your doctor may want you to take folic acid (a vitamin) every day to help clear up the anemia. If so, it is important to take folic acid every day along with this medicine; do not miss any doses.
Trimethoprim may cause blood problems. These problems may result in a greater chance of certain infections, slow healing, and bleeding of the gums.
Ivermectin is commonly used for the following infections caused by parasites. Parasites are things such as worms that live off of a person.
Ivermectin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Precautions – Brain or Central Nervous System (CNS) Problems. Ivermectin can affect your brain or central nervous system, or CNS.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ivermectin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking ivermectin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
Fluconazole is used to treat various yeast and fungal infection. Due to its potential drug interactions and effects on heart and liver function, it requires medical supervision.
Precautions – Fluconazole may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking fluconazole and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
Zofran is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by surgery, cancer chemotherapy, or radiation treatment. It works by blocking the actions of chemicals in the body that trigger these symptoms.
Precautions – This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including Anaphylaxis – It can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, hoarseness, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or any swelling of your hands, face, or mouth while you are using this medicine.
Contact your doctor right away if you have any changes to your heart rhythm. You might feel dizzy or faint, or you might have a fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat. Make sure your doctor knows if you or anyone in your family has ever had a heart rhythm problem including QT prolongation.
Ondansetron is used to prevent nausea and vomiting that is caused by cancer medicines (chemotherapy) or radiation therapy. It is also used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Ondansetron works in the stomach to block the signals to the brain that cause nausea and vomiting.
Precautions – Serious side effects: confusion, fast heartbeat and breathing problems.
Here are some reviews on Dr. Drew’s “Wellness Company” — The Wellness Company Reviews | Read Customer Service Reviews of twc.health
One of my favorite reviews of Dr. Drew’s Wellness Company scam read, “Does the kit come with ether so I can perform an appendectomy?”
My review is how are prescribed medications with life-threatening side effects allowed to be mailed to an unsuspecting and naive recipient without a medical professional’s “hands-on” medical examination, bloodwork and urinalysis.
Sorry, Dr. Drew, I’m not buying into this scam of putting people’s lives at risks, and I question why the FDA and medical associations do not question it.
My hope is that Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services brings Dr. Drew’s scam to a screeching halt.
