Morning-after-pill NorLevo® and oral contraceptives in Japan

Oral contraceptive (levonorgestrel) NorLevo® was released for prescription in Japan in April 2016. It is better known as Plan B (morning after pill) in the United States. This pill is a single pill you take by mouth. It must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex or birth control failure to help prevent pregnancy. The sooner you take it, the better it will work for you.

When used as directed, oral contraceptives are generally safe and effective. But it shouldn’t be used as regular birth control because it’s not as effective. Some may experience side effects, such as Nausea, Abdominal cramps, Fatigue, Headache, Dizziness, Breast tenderness, Vomiting, and a period that is lighter, heavier, early, or late. It is used for emergency contraception only and not during pregnancy. Please note that his pill will not protect you against HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You will know it worked when you get your next period, which should come at the expected time. If your period is more than a week late, it is possible you may be pregnant. You should get a pregnancy test and follow up with your doctor. If you have questions, call us at 03-4405-6210 and talk with one of our nurses.

2016-2017 Influenza Vaccines available now

It’s this time of the year again. The flu vaccine has arrived and we are ready to vaccinate. Please consider placing an appointment with us when you are ready.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), also known as the “nasal spray” flu vaccine, should not be used during the 2016-2017 flu season. Therefore, we will not be administering FLUMIST this year. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites

3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent was developed to provide long lasting protection against mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. It repels mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats, fleas and deer flies. It contains 34% DEET and is very easy to apply. Please contact our office for yours today.

Zika_prevent-mosquito-bites

More information of inset repellents can be found on this link below. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-insect-repellent-right-you

Ready to Travel? Prepare yourself and your family now!

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi which affects 21.5 million people each year. Most cases are acquired while traveling internationally in the developing world. You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been contaminated. The infection is common in areas of the world where water is likely to be contaminated with sewage. If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you should consider being vaccinated against typhoid.

TyphoidDistribution

It is recommended to vaccinate 1-2 weeks prior to possible exposure. The vaccine will last for approximately 3 years.

You can receive your Typhoid vaccine here at the American Clinic Tokyo. Currently, the following product is in stock: SANOFI PASTEUR’S TYPHOID VACCINE, TYPHIM VI®

 

Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of respiratory infections, including “walking pneumonia.” There has been an outbreak in Tokyo and a large number of patients have been observed this season. This outbreak can continue and can also be recurrent. Common symptoms are, cough, throat pain, nasal discharge, ear pain and breathing difficulty. Diagnostic testing (rapid immunochromatographic antigen test) is not routinely performed so many patients can go unrecognized for long periods of time. Commonly used antibiotics may not be effective. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections can be difficult to diagnose and treat, so be sure to discuss treatment strategies with your physician.