Tiny bit of VapoRub in nostril not likely to harm

October 7, 2007 at 2:00a.m.

Q. I was rubbing some Vicks VapoRub on my daughter, and by accident I touched my nose after sneezing. A minuscule amount of it went into my nostril. Will this be harmful to me? For a few hours I could taste it even though I rinsed my mouth out immediately.

A. We have warned in the past about keeping Vicks VapoRub out of the nostrils, where it could be inhaled. The petrolatum base might then accumulate in the lungs and cause inflammation called chemical pneumonitis.

This caution is directed at the practice of deliberately daubing Vicks in the nose, as some people do. We doubt the minuscule amount that got into your nostril will cause you any harm.

Q. The story about the person who became depressed on Chantix caught my eye. My husband and I were both on Chantix to quit smoking back in June. Neither of us has a history of depression, but after he was on it he tried (with no warning) to take his own life.

I tell everyone thinking about taking Chantix to make sure he or she talks to the doctor about ALL of the possible side effects. In rare instances, suicidal ideation and psychotic episodes may happen. That is stated in the prescribing information, which also says that depression and anxiety are frequent side effects.

A. Chantix (varenicline) is a relatively new oral prescription medicine to help people quit smoking. Separating drug side effects from nicotine withdrawal can be tricky.

When people quit smoking, it is not unusual to feel angry and irritable. Other symptoms may include anxiety, depression, impatience and problems concentrating.

Some readers have noted similar experiences to yours, though. One person reported: “Two weeks after being on Chantix, my emotions have been off the scale: from crying to yelling to feeling totally helpless. I have, twice before, quit smoking cold turkey and NEVER felt so depressed.

“After 48 hours without Chantix, I am full of energy and ready to fulfill my responsibilities. I think, for me, that the depression must be a side effect and not just the nicotine withdrawal, based on my cold-turkey experiences.”

Q. I have reached the doughnut hole in my Medicare Part D plan, and my medications are costing me a fortune. I would like to know what online pharmacies could help me with the cost so I can afford my medications. At this point, I have had to quit taking three of my medications. Can you help me locate a reliable online pharmacy?

A. Not taking prescribed medicines could be dangerous to your health, so we suggest you discuss this problem with your doctor. Ask if your state or county provides assistance for senior citizens who can’t afford their drugs.

Another possible option is to ask your doctor to help you apply for financial assistance from the drug manufacturer. You can find out more about these pharmaceutical-industry programs at www.helpingpatients.org.

We are sending you our Guide to Saving Money on Medicine, which describes these and other approaches, including guidelines for buying less-expensive medicines online.

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.