Do you need antibiotics with your pellet insertion?

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If you are receiving testosterone or estradiol hormone pellet therapy, BioBalance Health wants to know if you have any of the following medical conditions that may require you to take antibiotics before any medical or dental procedure that breaks the skin, including pellet insertions and dental cleanings. BioBalance Health is dedicated to providing safe and effective hormone replacement with pellets for both men and women, and we want to ensure your health and safety throughout the process. We use sterile procedure guidelines, but certain conditions still require antibiotics to prevent local infections.

Conditions That May Require Pre-Procedure Antibiotics:

1. If You Have Had a Joint Replacement.Some orthopedic surgeons recommend that patients take antibiotics before dental procedures to prevent infection in the joint that was replaced, while others may not. It is important that you follow the advice of YOUR orthopedic surgeon regarding antibiotics before any procedure. If your orthopedic surgeon has advised you to take antibiotics, please let us know. We can provide you with an antibiotic injection or a prescription to take the day of your pellet insertion that will prevent infection.

1. If You Have Uncontrolled Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. If your blood sugar is not well-controlled, you may need antibiotics before your pellet insertion to prevent infection of the pellet insertion area. If you are treated and keep your sugars in good control you may not need antibiotics, however if your diabetes is in poor control, you are more likely to get an infection. It is important that you take antibiotics before your pellet insertion.

The following blood sugar levels are considered indicators of poor diabetes control:

• HbA1c > 9.0
• Fasting blood sugar > 150 mg/dL

If your blood sugar exceeds these levels, or if your primary care doctor has recommended that you take antibiotics before dental cleanings or procedures, you should also take antibiotics before your pellet insertion to reduce the risk of infection.

1. If You Have an Autoimmune Disease and are on Immunosuppressive Treatment. If you are receiving treatment for an autoimmune condition that suppresses your immune system, you may be at higher risk for infection at the insertion site. In this case, you will need to take antibiotics before each pellet insertion. If your Rheumatologist does not believe antibiotics are necessary for you, you may proceed without them.

1. If You Are Receiving Cancer Treatment. Certain cancer treatments, especially those that suppress white blood cell production, can compromise your immune system. If you are undergoing such treatment, you should take antibiotics before or with your pellet insertion to prevent infection.

In Summary: If a doctor has advised you to take antibiotics for procedures, such as dental cleanings, you should also take antibiotics before your pellet insertion. Please inform us of any conditions or treatments that may require this precaution, and we will ensure you are properly prepared for your procedure.