The Costco Connection

To learn more about Costco Pharmacy, click on the “Pharmacy”
link at Costco.com or call toll-free 1-800-607-6861.

COSTCO PHARMACISTS ARE able to provide more than just a great value on your prescriptions. They are an important part of your health-care team, offering a wealth of medication information, and can be an essential partner to help keep your health on track.

One beneficial service your Costco pharmacist can provide is reviewing your medications with you at your local warehouse. Your pharmacist can help you understand how, why and when to take your medications to optimize your treatment plan. This is key to ensure proper medication dosing, manage side effects, avoid unnecessary medications and

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CHILDHOOD VACCINES
PET MEDICATION

Cosequin DS
UPDATE
Pharmacy

identify drug allergies and any potential harmful drug interactions.

This is especially important after any hospitalization, medication change or new diagnosis in order to integrate these changes into your medication regimen.

Our pharmacists will consult with your doctor in order to make sure your prescription medication is right for you. In addition, our pharmacists are always available to answer your questions, suggest more affordable treatments, make vaccination recommendations and give advice on prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements.

CURRENT MEDIA COVERAGE on childhood vaccinations has shown that parents should be looking at vaccines as a health issue, one that affects not only their children, but also the entire community. According to the Centers for Disease Control and

Build up
child immunity

Prevention (CDC; cdc.gov), it is better to prevent diseases in children through vaccination than to treat the diseases after they occur.

A child’s body naturally prevents disease through the immune system: The immune system recognizes germs called antigens that enter the body, and then produces proteins called antibodies to fight them.

The first time a child is infected with an
antigen, the immune system produces anti-
bodies designed to fight it, but the immune
system can’t work fast enough to prevent the
antigen from causing disease, so the child
usually becomes ill with the disease. However,
the immune system can recall that antigen
after many years, and if it enters the body
again the immune system can produce anti-
bodies fast enough to keep it from causing
THEY SLEEP ON our
beds. They share our
meals. They are our
four-legged family.

So when those family
members don’t move
like they used to
because of aging, we
become concerned
and want to make sure
our pets are receiving
the medications that they need.

Just like people, when dogs age, the cartilage that serves as a shock absorber to their joints becomes stiff, loses its elasticity and wears away. As the cartilage becomes more susceptible to damage, the tendons and ligaments shorten and become less flexible, which can contribute to joint discomfort.

Cosequin DS Plus MSM (Item #512752) joint health supplement is formulated to help manage joint health and wellness in dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds.

Cosequin comes in a tasty, scored, chewable tablet that contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. The 180-count two-pack is available on Costco.com at more than a 17 percent savings compared with other online retailers’ prices.

Costco Pharmacy also carries more than 100 pet prescription medications, including leading name brands and generics at Costco prices. Ask your veterinarian to fax or call in your pet’s prescription to your Costco Pharmacy, or stop by to fill your pet’s prescription, and take your pet’s meds home the same day.

COSTCO

disease a second time, creating an immunity.

Vaccines contain the same antigens or partial antigens that cause diseases, although the antigens in vaccines are weakened to the point that they don’t cause disease but are still strong enough to make the immune system produce antibodies that lead to immunity. Vaccines are a safer substitute for a child’s first exposure to a disease, because the child acquires protection without having to become ill.

Talk to your health-care provider about childhood vaccines. Costco offers limited vaccinations for children age 9 and older, but the service varies by state, so check with your local pharmacy. For more information on childhood vaccinations or a vaccination schedule, visit the CDC website ( cdc.gov/ vaccines/parents).