Expires 08/01/2021

Specialty Pharmacy

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Alto Pharmacy Technician

Alto Pharmacist

At Alto, we’re obsessed withour missionto improve quality of life for everyone who needs the help of medicine. Our mission guides us in all we do and every decision we make. 

Services that reduce travel and encourage social distancing are now more essential than ever, not only for vulnerable populations but all of us as members of our communities. Alto’s free same-day doorstep delivery ensures you have safe and reliable access to medications in this time of uncertainty. 

Hear first-hand from members of the Alto technology teams.

Alto / Blog

Managing your fertility medications can be stressful but learning more about their purposes and side effects can help with peace of mind. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of fertility medications.

Fertility Medications 101

There are many paths to parenthood. For some, the journey includes fertility treatments like egg freezing or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which help millions of individuals preserve their fertility options or conceive. And while these procedures can help you start the family you’ve always dreamt of, the process can sometimes feel like an overload of information and new things to learn.

Fertility medications are often one of the more overwhelming parts of the journey as they are prescribed on a tightly-timed schedule with specific doses based on hormone levels. Your doctor may decide to change your prescriptions throughout the process based on ultrasounds and bloodwork.

Managing your medications, which are often taken as nightly injections, can be stressful and may take some getting used to. However, learning more about the purposes and side effects of your fertility medications can help with peace of mind. Let’s take a closer look at the main types of fertility medications used for egg freezing and IVF.

The main goal of egg freezing is to retrieve as many mature eggs as possible from your ovaries: the more eggs you have, the higher your chances are of fertilizing one or more eggs and becoming pregnant as a result of IVF. This process involves ovary stimulation to induce follicle growth and egg production.

Stimulation medications used in egg freezing contain three important hormones that cause the ovaries to mature and release eggs: follicle stimulation hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Your doctor may prescribe some of the following commonly used stimulation medications:

These oral medications are mainly used during ovulation induction (OI) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments to induce the ovary to produce and release eggs. Both Clomid and Letrozole work by reducing estrogen levels, which then signals the body to generate more FSH.  

Created in a lab, these medications are biosimilar to natural hormones and mimic FSH in your body. They are taken at the beginning of an egg freezing or IVF cycle to help your body produce many follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs in your ovaries that potentially contain an egg.

This medication contains LH and FSH. Like Gonal-f or Follistim, it is introduced early on in an egg freezing or IVF cycle to stimulate follicle production.

Novarel/Pregnyl are both a urinary extracted form of hCG (compared to Ovidrel which is a recombinant, or created in the lab). These hCG medications stimulate the body’s natural LH surge, inducing the final maturation of your eggs and triggering ovulation within 36 hours. They are usually the last injection of your IVF treatment.

This medication also contains hCG but in a recombinant, or lab-made, form. Similar to Novarel/Pregnyl, it is used to promote the eggs' final growth spurt and trigger ovulation.

If you have a decreased ovarian reserve, or if your body doesn’t respond well to the stimulation medications listed above, your doctor may also prescribe omnitrope, a growth hormone whose main purpose is to improve the quality of your eggs. 

Stimulation medications are usually taken as nightly injections. If you have questions about how to self-administer, Alto’s pharmacists are available to walk you through the process via in-app messaging or over the phone. You can also view our step-by-step guides on fertility injections.

When taking stimulation medications, you may experience some of the following known side effects:

Soreness, redness, or mild bruising at the site of injection

Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about your side effects.

Once eggs are released from the ovaries — known as ovulation — they cannot be retrieved by your doctor and used for the fertilization process, so ovulation suppression medications are critical to completing an IVF cycle. If your fertility journey involves an egg donor or gestational carrier, this type of medication may also be used to coordinate cycles.

These fertility medications work against a hormone called GnRH — which helps produce the ovary-stimulating hormones LH and FSH — to help prevent premature ovulation. Some of the common side effects are abdominal discomfort, headaches, and soreness at the site of injection.

This fertility medication stimulates an initial surge in LH and FSH but ultimately causes the body to stop production of these hormones during a process called downregulation. Common side effects include hot flashes, headaches, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Once ovulation suppression medications are added to the schedule on top of the stimulators, some people develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OSH). In this condition, overproduction of follicles causes extreme swelling or pain in the ovaries. Your doctor may recommend taking medication to help control symptoms or canceling treatment until a future cycle.

In IVF, after your doctor has completed the egg retrieval, the eggs are fertilized and then transferred to your uterus through a quick, non-surgical procedure. In this stage of the process, your doctor may prescribe progesterone and/or estrogen supplements.

Progesterone is a natural hormone produced by your ovaries after ovulation. It supports the lining of the uterus, making it easier for an embryo to become implanted. You might take vaginal, oral, or injectable progesterone, or a combination of different forms. These are some common progesterone medications:

Progesterone capsules, suppositories, lozenges

Watch out for the following common progesterone side effects:

Soreness or swelling at the site of injection, if taking progesterone injections

Vaginal itching or burning and yeast infection, if taking suppositories

Progesterone injections may also cause hard welts at the site of injection, though this is a less common side effect.

Estrogen is also a natural hormone that thickens the uterine lining. In IVF, estrogen is used to help the body prepare for implantation, often in the form of estradiol topical patches. The following side effects may occur. Consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.

Redness or irritation in the skin covered by the patch

Constipation, bloating, or stomach cramps  

Cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sinus pain, or sore throat) 

The IVF medication schedule is precisely timed. To learn more about how these medications will be used in the context of your cycle, read our blog on the sequence of fertility medications in the IVF process: IVF Medications: Schedule and Side Effects Explained

Prenatal vitamins can help put your mind at ease even before pregnancy

Taking simple prenatal vitamins is one of the most effective ways to ensure that you have the nutrients you need to nourish your baby throughout your pregnancy. It’s never too early to start taking them, and by beginning early, you can ensure that your body has the key vitamins and minerals needed during the earliest stages of fetal development. 

Read What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin to learn more.

We’re with you at every step of your fertility journey

Starting fertility medications may feel stressful, but you’re never alone in your journey. Alto’s dedicated fertility team will work with your physician to ensure your treatment plan is followed properly. And our fertility pharmacists are always available to answer any questions or walk you through your first injections. To learn more, visit us at alto.com/fertility or reach out via phone, text or the app.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

Five COPD Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Life

Breathing is central to so many parts of our day that life inevitably changes after a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs airflow from the lungs. If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities, which can feel discouraging. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition, and simple lifestyle changes can vastly improve your quality of life. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

There’s a reason it’s first on the list. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85-90% of all COPD cases and as many as 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. Smoking cessation is the most important thing you can do to maintain a good quality of life and slow the progression of this lung disease.

Quitting can be challenging, so ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources to help make it easier. They may be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Secondhand smoke exposure also contributes to COPD. Up to 1 in 4 people living with this lung disease have never smoked cigarettes. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, avoiding secondhand smoke at home or at work is critical to managing COPD.

Watch our recent webinar for more on the role of smoking cessation in COPD treatment.

Living with COPD and asthma: healthy lifestyle tips

Believe it or not, exercising when you are short of breath actually makes it easier to breathe because it strengthens your respiratory muscles. With frequent physical activity, the body learns how to use oxygen more efficiently. For people living with a lung disease like COPD, moderate exercise improves all of the following:

As you plan your new exercise routine, consider gentle exercises that don’t overexert the lungs like gardening, golfing, and slow walks. Your doctor can offer guidance on the best activities for your needs.

If you’re on supplemental oxygen, you’ll use it while exercising. Work with your doctor to adjust your oxygen flow rate as needed. Bring a rescue inhaler with you too in case symptoms flare up.

Our diet can greatly impact our breathing. Various nutrients produce different levels of carbon dioxide as you metabolize them. Carbohydrates produce more while fat produces the least. For that reason, many people with COPD have found that a low-carb, high-fat diet leads to easier breathing. Here are three additional tips:

Being too full makes it difficult to breathe. Opt for 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of heavier meals.

It’s important to stay hydrated, but limit the amount of liquids you consume with meals, since they can also make you feel full.

Cleaner air naturally makes for easier breathing. Beyond keeping your home a smoke-free zone, avoid perfumes, cleaning products, and personal care and hygiene products with strong odors. Instead, look for natural, non-toxic products. Air purifiers and vacuum cleaners with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will also help clear the air.

Living with a serious lung disease brings emotional challenges in addition to physical ones. It’s understandable to experience sadness, anxiety, or fear — sometimes all three at once. Do small things to take good care of yourself. Staying active, even on the days when exercise doesn’t seem appealing, can clear your mind. Journaling, breathing exercises, and meditation are great strategies to manage stress.

We’re here to support your COPD treatment plan

It’s important to have a strong support network, which looks different for each person. Whether sharing your experiences with close friends and family, joining a support group, or talking to a mental health professional, make sure you’re never alone in navigating life with COPD.

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to get the COPD medications you need. We offer same-day delivery and user-friendly medication management in our app. And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat, and will even remind you when your inhaler or other medications are due for a refill. 

Reach out via text or phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan.

In this post we’ll take you on a tour of our app including how to transfer and pay for a prescription, schedule upcoming deliveries, and message a pharmacist, all from your device. 

How to Make the Most of the Alto Pharmacy App

The Alto app puts pharmacy at your fingertips. With a nearly perfect customer rating, it’s one more way we make managing your medications easier and convenient. In this post we’ll take you on a tour of our app including how to transfer and pay for a prescription, schedule upcoming deliveries, and message a pharmacist, all from your device. 

Download the Alto Pharmacy app today to get started. 

Have prescriptions at other pharmacies? It’s now even easier to transfer your prescriptions to Alto -  just take a photo of your current medication’s label and we’ll do the rest! Select “Add medications” from the main page in the app and upload a photo that clearly shows: 

Our team will coordinate the transfer, search for any savings on your medications, and reach out when it’s time to schedule your free delivery.

At the doctor’s office? Tell them your pharmacy of choice is Alto and show the staff our handy pharmacy info card. It’s available in the top left corner (click the Info Card icon) and pick the Alto location closest to you.  

As soon as your prescription is ready, we’ll send a text or give you a call to schedule your free delivery. It’s really that simple.

With our latest iOS app release, you can now check out with Apple Pay. This feature allows you to make contactless, secure purchases. To set up Apple Pay on your device, follow these instructions. 

You can also manage other payment options (including FSA/HSA, debit and credit cards, and automatic funds transfer) in the Payment Methods menu in your Account settings. And Android users - we didn’t forget you. We're working to integrate Google Pay in the near future. 

Our free, same-day courier delivery model means you’ll never need to go to the pharmacy again. Pick the day and delivery window that works best and let us know if we should deliver to your home or office. You can designate a safe place for packages to be left if you won’t be home. We also offer contact-free signature capture for those expensive medications. 

Your medications will be hand-delivered by a member of our local courier team. Not sure if we deliver to your neighborhood? View our full list of locations here.

Busy schedules mean it can be hard to remember when to take your medications. With custom medication reminders, it’s easier to stay on top of your prescriptions. Head to “Reminders,” select the prescription you’d like to set a reminder for and input the specifics of your medication’s schedule: day(s) of the week, time(s) of day, amounts.

You’ll receive a push notification at the scheduled time and once you've taken your medication, you can check off the dose in the app to track your progress. To turn on push notifications select “Settings” on your phone, tap “Notifications,” and select “Allow notifications” for the Alto app.

Future You will thank you when you turn on Auto Refills for recurring medications to automatically receive refill deliveries right on schedule. Plans change? We’ll confirm the delivery ahead of time in case there’s anything you need to update. 

From your Meds list: open an active prescription to view medication details, your last copay and next available delivery date. Turn on Auto Refills to receive your next delivery a few days before your current supply runs out.

From your cart: turn on Auto Refills during checkout so your next delivery is automatically scheduled.

From your Account settings: view and edit details for all active eligible medications, enroll eligible medications,* and schedule deliveries in the Auto Refill menu.

Questions about coverage, copays or medication side effects? First time taking an injectable medication? Our pharmacists are available to provide advice via in-app secure messaging. 

We take your privacy seriously - our in-app messaging is built with industry-standard encryption and data security practices. Our pharmacists and care team are just a text, chat, or an email away: Monday through Friday 6 am - 9 pm PT ( 9 am - 12 midnight ET) and Saturday and Sunday from 7 am - 6 pm PT (10 am - 9 pm ET).

We’re here to support you with exceptional pharmacy care every step of the way. Our team will look for any available savings to help you get the lowest price, and we’ll deliver your medications to your home for free. 

You can also switch to Alto in minutes by going online at alto.com or by calling us at 1(800) 874-5881. For more information on how to transfer a prescription to Alto visit here.

*Automatic refills are only available for prescription medications that have refills remaining on the prescription and are not available for controlled substances. Some insurance plans may also limit automatic refills.

How to Make the Most of the Alto Pharmacy App 

Here at Alto we’re proud to support RESOLVE and National Infertility Awareness Week 2021. Learn more about who infertility actually affects and available family building resources.

National Infertility Awareness Week 2021

Here at Alto we’re proud to support RESOLVE and National Infertility Awareness Week 2021. This annual week of education and events seeks to increase awareness and acceptance of a disease often misunderstood. The truth is, infertility can affect anyone, regardless of age, race or gender.

If you are struggling with infertility, know that you are not alone. Alto’s dedicated fertility pharmacy team is here to support you. Together with RESOLVE we aim to reduce the stigma around infertility and increase awareness of available family building resources.

Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex. It’s often assumed to only affect women, but let's take a look at some of the surprising truths of infertility:

Studies suggest that Black women are twice as likely to face infertility as white women.

One-third of infertility cases stem from male factors — including low sperm production, chronic health problems, and lifestyle choices.

Approximately 25% of infertile couples have more than one contributing cause.

Knowing where to begin when exploring family building options can feel overwhelming. Consider finding a support group and learning about other’s journeys. Every path is unique but a solid support system is equally beneficial.

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

IVF & Egg Freezing: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Rev. Dr. Stacey L. Edwards-Dunn on Her Mission To Improve Black Fertility Care

What to Consider When Selecting a Fertility Pharmacy 

Your Choice of Fertility Pharmacy Matters	

We are committed to providing exceptional fertility pharmacy care and doing our part to reduce the stigma around infertility. Our dedicated fertility pharmacy team understands the concerns of those affected by infertility. We've supported over 30,000 fertility patients with their medication needs, providing personalized support and cost-effective access to prescriptions that are key to treatment plans.

We work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to provide a better pharmacy experience, with pharmacist-led injection training, thoughtfully packaged supplies and ancillaries, insurance benefits coordination, and financing support.

Choosing the right fertility pharmacy can make all the difference. Learn more about our individualized approach and commitment to providing exceptional fertility pharmacy care.

National Infertility Awareness Week 2021 

In recognition of Women’s History Month, we highlight four women at Alto shaping the future of pharmacy. These leaders share their advice for women in the workplace, their unique super powers, and what they appreciate most about Alto's culture.

Celebrating Women at Alto Pharmacy

Liz Kelly, National Sales Manager Fertility 

I'm responsible for hiring, coaching and supporting the needs of the national fertility sales team. I also work closely with fertility business and operations teams to deliver on our clinic and customer promises.

Before joining Alto, I was finishing up a sabbatical where I spent my time volunteering on the board of a non-profit called ServeHAITI. Prior to that, I was the West Coast Area Business Director at EMD Serono and worked with Matt and Jaime [Alto’s co-founders] to secure a contract to distribute fertility meds when they were still working out of AG Pharmacy!

What do you appreciate the most about Alto's culture? 

Hands down my favorite part of being on the Alto team is that the patient is truly at the center of every decision we make. I value that we make business decisions with our mission in mind.

What do you like doing outside of work?  

Of late, my favorite pastime is heading to the dog beach with my rescue, Bodhi, who has been the best medicine to ease some of the COVID-19 isolation I experienced over the past year. Before the pandemic, I made sure to travel to at least one new international spot a year. I love the experience of getting exposed to all things about another culture: cuisine, culture, belief systems, language.

I like to think that my super power is seeing the greatness in others, sometimes before they see it in themselves.

I aspire to live by the motto "be the change you wish to see in the world." I encourage women to speak up for what they believe is right, even if nobody else agrees. That includes planning for your own career path and making it a priority to develop your skill sets so that you are prepared to climb the ladder that serves your own greatness.

I graduated from pharmacy school in May of 1979 and started working at AG Pharmacy after passing my boards later that year. I bought AG in 1998 when the previous owner wanted to retire - he had been with AG since it first opened in the early 60's.

My family moved to San Francisco from Hong Kong when I was five years old. Our story is one similar to those of many immigrant families who came to America looking for a better life in search of the American dream: own a home, have a car, raise children safely and give them the opportunity of a good education and a chance to have a better life. My parents raised their children here, emphasizing family, hard work and education. They lived their American dream, and I have them to thank for all that I am today.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside of work? 

I love to travel. There are so many unique places to visit in this world. With the different cultures, the food, and the amazing sceneries/landscapes, there are endless things to see and experience! 

The thing I appreciate most about Alto's culture is that everyone works so hard together to bring about the best pharmacy experience for all our customers. You can feel the energy and the motivation of all the Altoids. I cannot emphasize how amazing it is to be a part of this team and to watch Alto grow and evolve into the pharmacy of the future and the pharmacy of our dreams!

What’s your favorite memory thus far at Alto? 

In the very early days, when Alto was still Scriptdash Pharmacy, a customer needed to get her trigger shot [as part of a fertility protocol] within the next few hours. It was close to rush hour, and we had no couriers available to deliver to the South Bay. Our CEO Matt came to the rescue on his motorcycle, and off he went to make the delivery. It was such a wonderful and warm feeling to watch and cheer him on together. That is truly what Alto love is all about!

I manage our amazing IT Support team, helping all Altoids get the technology support they need, when they need it. 

For the better part of the last decade I have been managing IT Support teams. From Facebook and Twitter to Lyft and Uber, I’ve seen it all (or at least most of it!).

Our incredible dedication to our mission. In my short time here, I truly see us putting patients first, and it’s moving to see. 

What do you like doing outside of work? 

I’m a big traveler, but since COVID-19 has put a damper on that, I enjoy flying around Colorado with my partner in our vintage Beechcraft Bonanza. I also love hopping on my motorcycle and just exploring! 

I’m in love with Central and Eastern Europe. Some of my favorite places are Prague, Vienna and Budapest. 

Elnaz Moshfeghian, Senior Engineering Manager

I’m originally from Iran but moved a lot growing up, including Oklahoma, Australia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Chicago. I have been in San Francisco for the last six years. I stumbled across software engineering in college and found a passion for building products and teams. I joined Alto as the third engineer and this is now the largest company I’ve ever worked at. 

I lead a group of 20 engineers across three teams. Two teams are focused on getting prescriptions ready to schedule quickly and accurately, and one is focused on enabling faster, higher quality, and more enjoyable product development across the broader product and technology organization. My work involves a lot of collaboration, creativity, transparency, and flexibility. 

I was an early software engineer at a small startup; before that I was a hybrid software engineer and product manager at a design and development studio. 

I like how passionate everyone is about what they do. 

I’m at my best managing a crisis or finding a path through conflicting strong opinions. 

I want to start with some advice for our allies: get more curious about the experience of the women you work with and learn about ways you can support and amplify the work of the women around you. Diversity, equality and inclusion is a team sport and, even if we win a game or two, it’s about the continuous pursuit of excellence. 

For my fellow women at Alto, I wish I knew earlier to focus more on improving my craft and impact so I can get a seat at the table, rather than trying to juggle advocacy and my own work. Once you’re at the table, you can really advocate for hiring, growing, and retaining women. 

To learn more about the work of our six employee resource groups (ERG’s) focused on building community - including Umoja (Black), Auténtico (LatinX/Hispanic), Women (WOAA), Proud (LGBTQIA+), Asian/Pacific Islander, and Working Parents - read our 2020 Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Report. 

Are you passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy? Join us as we deliver our industry-leading pharmacy care to millions of Americans. 

If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later.

Béquet Confections: The Story Behind Alto Pharmacy’s Caramel

If you have received a prescription delivery from Alto, chances are high that you’ve noticed a caramel sitting alongside your medications. Alto’s co-founders knew early on that they wanted to include an unexpected moment of delight in each delivery: “We wanted to put a smile on our customers' faces, knowing that taking medicine may not always be the most pleasant experience,” shared Matt Gamache-Asselin, Alto’s CEO and co-founder. “After tasting Béquet’s caramel, we knew we found a winner.”

Read on to learn more about Béquet Confection’s start and how this female-founded business remains successful twenty years later. 

Béquet Confections was founded in 2001 by Robin Béquet and is now one of the largest gourmet caramel manufacturers in the U.S. Robin transformed her hobby into a full-fledged entrepreneurial endeavor at the encouragement of friends and family who couldn’t get enough of her gourmet caramel.

Twenty years later, Béquet Confections continues to delight customers across the nation with varieties such as Celtic Sea Salt®, Salt-Chocolate, and Butterscotch. They’ve received numerous accolades including the sofi™ award, presented by the Specialty Food Association, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the gourmet food industry. 

So what sets Béquet Gourmet Caramel apart from the competition? It’s about having a passion for doing something better than anyone else, and that starts with using high quality ingredients. 

The entire process takes place at a facility in Bozeman, Montana, the town where Robin originally started the business. Each batch of Bequet’s Celtic Sea Salt® caramel is hand-crafted under the watchful eye of a master caramel chef, and includes non-GMO sugar, antibiotic-free milk and, of course, authentic Celtic Sea Salt®. This particular grey salt is harvested from the north of France and undergoes a thorough sifting process. 

The raw ingredients are poured into small stainless steel kettles and slow-simmered to a very specific temperature. This a key component of the process as temperature dictates both the flavor and color profile of the finished sweets. Once the caramel is cooked to perfection, it is poured onto a cooling table and cut into strips. The staff then completes a quality control check to ensure the salt is evenly distributed  for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. 

Robin credits the community of Bozeman for supporting her dream and helping the business grow. Without the local assistance of retailers who took a chance on stocking the product, neighbors who championed for her, and even landlords who offered reduced rent, Béquet Confections wouldn’t be where it is today. 

Two years ago, Life is Sweet purchased Béquet Confections. “We’re proud to be a part of the Life is Sweet family of brands and look forward to continuing Robin’s legacy of producing the most exquisite gourmet caramel,” shared Lyndsey Althans, Director of Finance & Administration at Béquet Confections.

To learn more about Béquet Confections and find a local retailer near you, visit their site. Use the code ALTO20* to save 20% off your next online purchase. 

*Limit one use per customer, shipping fees are excluded. Not valid in stores or on previous orders; may not be combined with other offers. Béquet Confections reserves the right to terminate special offers without notice at any time.

Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect.

How to Manage Your Child’s Asthma

Of the over 19 million people who have asthma in the United States, nearly 6 million of them are children. This chronic disease makes it hard to breathe and thus can affect every aspect of your child’s life, from school to play. And with allergy season just around the corner, you might hear extra coughing and sneezing around the house. Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect, and the impact COVID-19 could have on those with asthma.

What are the signs my child might have asthma?

The signs and symptoms of asthma can vary by child but, in general, some common signs your child might have the disease include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. The severity of these will also vary, with some cases being mild and manageable and more severe cases requiring emergency care.

Symptoms appear when your child is exposed to triggers like pollen or smoke. Triggers cause the airways to become inflamed, which causes swelling and mucus production, and leads to an overall narrowing of the air passageway making it harder to breathe and leading to the above symptoms. 

Since symptoms of asthma can be signs of other ailments as well, it can be difficult to always know if what your child is experiencing is asthma. Coughing, for example, can also be a symptom of a cold or the flu. Another asthmatic symptom—wheezing—could also be caused by bronchitis or another respiratory problem. 

This is where other asthmatic signs like your child saying “I’m always coughing” or “My chest feels funny,” can be helpful. Either way, if your child shows any of these symptoms, it can be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor so your child can start getting treatment if needed.

Your doctor will likely use a few different methods to test if your child has asthma. First, they’ll ask for your child’s medical history, where they can share symptoms and any triggers they may have noticed. Then the doctor will conduct a physical exam which will look at your child’s nose and throat, their breathing, and skin for any signs of allergic conditions. They may also conduct a series of lung function tests and a chest or sinus X-ray.

The doctor will then look at the results of these tests to discern if your child has asthma and what type. From there, they will develop a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your child’s symptoms.

A quick-relief inhaler may be enough to keep symptoms under control for mild cases of asthma. Depending on how your child is doing, more treatments can be added if needed. Maintenance treatments can help reduce the need for quick-relief inhalers. In fact, how often these inhalers are used is an indicator of asthma control for doctors and can help them determine the proper treatment plan. 

The second main aspect of treatment is avoiding triggers. The most common triggers include irritants such as air pollution, cold air, odors or smoke, as well as mold, dust mites, and pollen. Other triggers include sinus infections, exercise, heartburn, and allergic reactions.

Since the world is unpredictable, you can’t always control triggers, but you can take certain measures to help keep them in check, such as changing your diet when food reactions occur, minimizing smoking, and requesting an indoor air assessment. A variety of virtual asthma education classes and workshops are also offered online to help you learn best practices when it comes to prevention and treatment. 

What effect does COVID-19 have on my child’s asthma?

According to the CDC, those with moderate to severe asthma may be at an increased risk for more severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. To help reduce your risk, it’s recommended that you continue taking your current medicines, including any inhalers with corticosteroids in them. The CDC also recommends that you keep a 30-day supply of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t risk running out if you fall sick, need to quarantine, or otherwise can’t make it to the pharmacy.

In addition to these asthma-specific strategies, the everyday COVID-19 protocols of wearing a mask, socially distancing, and avoiding large crowds should be followed. If you’re worried that wearing a mask might affect asthma symptoms, research that came out last month showed that wearing a mask did not affect oxygen levels, regardless of whether the wearer had asthma or not. 

If you have concerns about your condition or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should call your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a provider, you can contact your nearest community health center or health department. 

Many people live normal lives with proper asthma management. A good treatment plan, guidance from your doctor, and a reliable pharmacy can help you manage your child’s symptoms so they can keep doing most of those everyday activities they enjoy. 

We’re here to help your child breathe easier

Whether you need to get your child’s first inhaler or obtain prescription refills, Alto is here every step of the way. Our pharmacists are on hand to answer any questions and our pharmacies around the country are fully stocked with asthma medications. We’re prepared and ready to deliver your medicines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure safety, we offer free, contactless drop-offs for every prescription, so you can get your refills on time in the comfort of your home. Reach out any time via text, phone call (1-800-874-5881), or in-app messaging.

Despite its reputation, cholesterol is not inherently bad. Our pharmacists explain what is meant by good and bad cholesterol and how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol 101: The Good vs. The Bad (And What to Do About It)

Despite its reputation, cholesterol is not inherently bad. In fact, some cholesterol is not only good but necessary for our health. Your body needs cholesterol to build cells, help with digestion, and produce hormones. The problem comes when you have too much of the bad type of cholesterol. This can put you at risk for coronary heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your cholesterol levels in check and healthy. 

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your bloodstream and in your cells. Since it doesn’t dissolve in the blood, proteins—called lipoproteins—carry cholesterol to where it is needed in the body. Lipoproteins are made up of cholesterol and triglycerides, which are a type of fat the body uses as an energy source, just like carbohydrates. 

Cholesterol comes from two sources: your liver and certain foods you eat, like meat, poultry, and dairy. Your liver, however, makes all the cholesterol your body needs for your cells, digestion, and hormones.

What is meant by good and bad cholesterol?

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is also called “bad cholesterol” because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. HDL, on the other hand, is considered “good cholesterol” because it can help clear these buildups by removing the bad cholesterol from your body.

Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. So, in general, you want to have higher HDL levels and lower LDL levels to keep your heart healthy. A blood test can measure the amount of each type of cholesterol in your blood. In general, the Cleveland Clinic recommends that you keep your total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL, your LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL and your HDL cholesterol over 50 mg/DL for women and under 40 mg/dL for men.

How can I maintain healthy cholesterol levels?

Keeping your cholesterol levels in check and maintaining good heart health primarily comes down to your diet and lifestyle. Here are the American Heart Association’s (AHA) recommendations for what to load up on and what to avoid. 

Whole-grain foods (bread, pasta, brown rice)

Lean meats and poultry without skin. If you choose red meat and pork, select “loin” and “round” options to help minimize the amount of fat. 

Fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines

Unsalted nuts, seeds, and legumes (dried beans or peas)

Non-tropical vegetable oils like olive, corn, canola, or safflower oils

Full-fat dairy products (whole milk, cream, ice cream, butter, and cheese)

Baked goods made with saturated and trans fats like donuts, cakes, and cookies

Foods with “hydrogenated oils” in the ingredients

Tropical oils like coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils

Solid fats like shortening, stick margarine, and lard

What other lifestyle choices can help improve my heart health?

Fortunately, the go-to practices for keeping your heart healthy are a lot of the same ones that are recommended for keeping the rest of your body (and brain) tuned up. Here are four lifestyle choices to consider to support your heart health.

Studies show lacing up those sneakers is key to a healthy heart. Frequent exercise has been associated with a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as low blood pressure and higher insulin sensitivity. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week like taking a brisk walk in the neighborhood, going for a bike ride, or doing yard work.

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