MedLab Drug Information http://druginfosite.com Prescription and over-the-counter medication information Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:03:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.3 en The main symptoms of depression. http://druginfosite.com/the-main-symptoms-of-depression.html http://druginfosite.com/the-main-symptoms-of-depression.html#comments Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:21:07 +0000 Karl Nui http://druginfosite.com/the-main-symptoms-of-depression.html Depression affects millions of people and it is nothing to be ashamed or feel guilty about. This may be a chemical imbalance or mental dysfunction.

How can we verify that someone is suffering from depression?

Actually there are many signs of depression. Ill tell you the most common of them:

- Sadness which lasts for a long period, loss of interest in life. Depressed person cant take pleasure of things which usually seemed to be enjoyable before, he doesnt look into the future, the person is always in a bad mood, irritated, he feels guilt for everything

- He is not attentive, he has difficulties in concentrating, he may not remember the things which happened to him recently or recent conversations, he feels the lack of energy, always tired.

- A depressed person has eating disorders he can either lose appetite, or eat too much, it can cause the weight loss or weight gain.

- A depressed person may have sleep problems he may suffer from sleeplessness or he may sleep too much.

- Sometimes mental problems may cause physical problems with health, for example headache, stomachache and etc.

- Person in depression has a feeling of worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism, he thinks that he is a victim of circumstances in this severe world. And, as he feels his guilt for everything happening to him and he doesnt see any future it may cause suicidal thoughts (sometimes even suicidal attempts).

Dont forget the most important thing that depression can be treated successfully.

Just make an appointment to your doctor :)

]]> http://druginfosite.com/the-main-symptoms-of-depression.html/feed Celebrity Drug Problems: Talent Equals Tolerance http://druginfosite.com/celebrity-drug-problems-talent-equals-tolerance.html http://druginfosite.com/celebrity-drug-problems-talent-equals-tolerance.html#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:06:35 +0000 admin http://druginfosite.com/celebrity-drug-problems-talent-equals-tolerance.html Thirty years after his death, Elvis Presley still remains one of this country’s most recognized and most revered entertainers. The same can be said of Marilyn Monroe. Both are cultural icons that left us far too soon. Both had well-documented battles with drugs. So, if Lindsay Lohan or Britney Spears were to meet the same tragic fate, would their images remain imprinted on t-shirts and lunch boxes thirty years from now? Some may choose to argue, but my uneducated guess would be NO!

In fact, it appears that the American public is not allowing Lindsay, Britney, Paris, Nicole, and the like to fall from our good graces because they have displayed some sort of substance abuse problem, but rather because they simply lack the talent to back it up. Scott Weiland was arrested and jailed numerous times for heroin use and possession. It cost him his band at the time, Stone Temple Pilots. However, just a few years and a few jail sentences later, he now fronts the very successful Velvet Revolver. If you look closely at most of the bands who sold millions of records in the 80’s, you will find at least one member who has been through rehab. Record sales for Aerosmith, Guns ‘N Roses, and Motley Crue hardly seemed to skip a beat when their members admitted to drug or alcohol problems. Vince Neil was behind the wheel and drunk in an accident that killed a member of the band Hanoi Rocks. Motley Crue’s career grew even bigger years after that incident.

Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix all died in their twenties at the hands of substance abuse. Despite the abrupt and tragic end to their careers, their music stands the test of time. Do any of us believe that high school kids will be eagerly downloading Britney’s music twenty or thirty years from now? Even if she’s still making music at that time, it’s hard to imagine it would be considered cool. The reality is that celebrity substance abuse is acceptable, so long as the celebrity can give us what we want - real talent.

Taking drugs is your choice.

]]> http://druginfosite.com/celebrity-drug-problems-talent-equals-tolerance.html/feed Fresh watermelon yields Viagra-like effects http://druginfosite.com/fresh-watermelon-yields-viagra-like-effects.html http://druginfosite.com/fresh-watermelon-yields-viagra-like-effects.html#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:05:52 +0000 admin http://druginfosite.com/fresh-watermelon-yields-viagra-like-effects.html Watermelons contain an ingredient called citrulline that can trigger production of a compound that helps relax the body’s blood vessels, similar to what happens when a man takes Viagra, said scientists in Texas, one of the nation’s top producers of the seedless variety.

Found in the flesh and rind of watermelons, citrulline reacts with the body’s enzymes when consumed in large quantities and is changed into arginine, an amino acid that benefits the heart and the circulatory and immune systems.

“Arginine boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it,” said Bhimu Patil, a researcher and director of Texas A&M’s Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center. “Watermelon may not be as organ-specific as Viagra, but it’s a great way to relax blood vessels without any drug side effects.”

Todd Wehner, who studies watermelon breeding at North Carolina State University, said anyone taking Viagra shouldn’t expect the same result from watermelon.

“It sounds like it would be an effect that would be interesting but not a substitute for any medical treatment,” Wehner said.

The nitric oxide can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems, according to the study, which was paid for by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More citrulline ????? about 60 percent ????? is found in watermelon rind than in the flesh, Patil said, but that can vary. But scientists may be able to find ways to boost the concentrations in the flesh, he said.

Citrulline is found in all colors of watermelon and is highest in the yellow-fleshed types, said Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a USDA researcher in Lane, Okla.

She said Patil’s research is valid, but with a caveat: One would need to eat about six cups of watermelon to get enough citrulline to boost the body’s arginine level.

“The problem you have when you eat a lot of watermelon is you tend to run to the bathroom more,” Perkins-Veazie said.

Watermelon is a diuretic and was a homeopathic treatment for kidney patients before dialysis became widespread.

Another issue is the amount of sugar that much watermelon would spill into the bloodstream ????? a jolt that could cause cramping, Perkins-Veazie said.

Patil said he would like to do future studies on how to reduce the sugar content in watermelon.

The relationship between citrulline and arginine might also prove helpful to those who are obese or suffer from type-2 diabetes. The beneficial effects ????? among them the ability to relax blood vessels, much like Viagra does ????? are beginning to be revealed in research.

Citrulline is present in other curcubits, like cucumbers and cantaloupe, at very low levels, and in the milk protein casein. The highest concentrations of citrulline are found in walnut seedlings, Perkins-Veazie said.

“But they’re bitter and most people don’t want to eat them,” she said.

By BETSY BLANEY, Associated Press Writer

]]> http://druginfosite.com/fresh-watermelon-yields-viagra-like-effects.html/feed Frequent sexual intercourse may cut down on a man’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction http://druginfosite.com/frequent-sexual-intercourse-may-cut-down-on-a-mans-chances-of-developing-erectile-dysfunction.html http://druginfosite.com/frequent-sexual-intercourse-may-cut-down-on-a-mans-chances-of-developing-erectile-dysfunction.html#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:57:18 +0000 admin http://druginfosite.com/frequent-sexual-intercourse-may-cut-down-on-a-mans-chances-of-developing-erectile-dysfunction.html Frequent sexual intercourse may cut down on a man’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction, Finnish researchers report.

“This is the same as any other part of the body. It’s what we in vascular surgery refer to as the ‘use it or lose it’ concept,” said Dr. Hossein Sadeghi-Nejad, an associate professor of urology at UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School Hackensack University Medical Center. “Sexual activity will promote maintenance of normal erectile function down the line.”

The report was published in the July issue of The American Journal of Medicine.

In the study, led by Dr. Juha Koskimaki, from Tampere University Hospital’s Department of Urology, researchers collected data on 989 Finnish men aged 55 to 75 years old.

The researchers found that men who said they had sexual intercourse less than once a week had twice the risk of developing erectile dysfunction, compared with men reporting having sexual intercourse once a week.

Among men who had sexual intercourse less than once a week, there were 79 cases of erectile dysfunction per 1,000 men. That number dropped to 32 cases per 1,000 among men who said they had sexual intercourse once a week, and it dropped even further, to 16 per 1,000, among men who said they had sexual intercourse three or more times a week, the researchers reported.

The frequency of morning erections was not associated with the incidence of moderate erectile dysfunction, the researchers noted.

However, the development of complete erectile dysfunction could be predicted from the frequency of morning erections. Among men with less than one morning erection a week, the risk of developing erectile dysfunction was 2.5-fold greater than among men who had two to three morning erections per week.

“Regular intercourse has an important role in preserving erectile function among elderly men, whereas morning erection does not exert a similar effect,” Koskimaki said in a statement. “Continued sexual activity decreases the incidence of erectile dysfunction in direct proportion to coital frequency.”

Sadeghi-Nejad said there is a scientific basis for this finding, and it also has implications for rehabilitation of patients after prostate cancer treatment.

“What is very hot these days is what we can do to rehabilitate people who develop erection problems after prostate cancer surgery or radiation therapy,” Sadeghi-Nejad said. “Anything you can do to increase oxygenation in the penis will help get patients back to normal.”

If one can naturally engage in behaviors that increase blood flow to the penis, it will have a positive effect in preventing erectile dysfunction, Sadeghi-Nejad said.

Sadeghi-Nejad noted that the study only addressed intercourse, and not masturbation. “This is essentially the same concept,” Sadeghi-Nejad said. “Anything you can do to bring blood to the penis is beneficial,” he added.

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

]]> http://druginfosite.com/frequent-sexual-intercourse-may-cut-down-on-a-mans-chances-of-developing-erectile-dysfunction.html/feed What’s new in medicine ? http://druginfosite.com/whats-new-in-medicine.html http://druginfosite.com/whats-new-in-medicine.html#comments Wed, 20 Jun 2007 14:28:53 +0000 Grif http://druginfosite.com/whats-new-in-medicine.html Good news :

Aspirin may prevent colorectal cancer .

Big study published in one of the famous medical journal “The New England journal of Medicine ” find that regular use of aspirin could prevent some types of colon ( bowel ) cancer .

Bad news

Rosiglitasone ( AVANDIA tm) could kill .

42 trials included in this meta-analysis - and authors find , that peoples taking rosiglitazone at risk of Myocardial Infarction ( Heart attack ) , and death .

And now - should this drug be removed from the market - FDA( Federal Drug Administration ) saying - not . The recommendations is just weight benefits to risk in each patient .

They also saying , that the patients having high risk of cardiovascular disease should not recieve this medication , as well as patients with heart failure do .

]]> http://druginfosite.com/whats-new-in-medicine.html/feed Apomorphine (Systemic) http://druginfosite.com/500671.html http://druginfosite.com/500671.html#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:17:55 +0000 admin http://druginfo/500671.html Contents of this page:
  • Description
  • Before Using This Medicine
  • Proper Use of This Medicine
  • Precautions While Using This Medicine

  • Side Effects of This Medicine
  • Brand Names
  • Category

    • Description

    Apomorphine (a-poe-MOR-feen) is used to treat Parkinson’s disease, sometimes referred to as *??shaking palsy.*?? By improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, this medicine allows more normal movements of the body as the disease symptoms are reduced.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

      Parenteral
    • Injection (U.S.)

    Before Using This Medicine

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For apomorphine, the following should be considered:

    Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to apomorphine. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sulfites, *??sulfa*?? containing medicines or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

    Pregnancy: Apomorphine has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that apomorphine causes birth defects or other problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

    Breast-feeding: It is not known whether apomorphine passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

    Children: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of apomorphine in children with use in other age groups.

    Older adults: Confusion, hallucinations, falls causing bone and joint injuries, heart, lung, or stomach problems may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the effects of apomorphine.

    Other medicines: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking apomorphine, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

    • Alcohol: Should be avoided while using this medicine; may add to the effects that apomorphine has on blood pressure
    • Alosetron (e.g., Lotronex) or
    • Dolasetron (e.g., Anzemet) or
    • Granisetron (e.g., Kytril) or
    • Ondansetron (e.g., Zofran) or
    • Palonosetron (e.g., Aloxi): Should NOT be used with this medicine; could cause severe low blood pressure and loss of consciousness
    • Antihypertensives (high blood pressure medicines) or
    • Vasodilators (medicines that widen blood vessels which increases blood flow such as diazoxide [e.g., Hyperstat], hydralazine [e.g., Apresoline], nitroprusside [e.g., Nipride]): Extra caution should be used. Using these together with apomorphine may effect blood pressure more than taking apomorphine alone.
    • Dopamine antagonists (drugs used for psychiatric problems such as chlorpromazine [e.g., Thorazine], haloperidol [e.g., Haldol], metoclopramide [e.g., Reglan], thiothixene [e.g., Navane]): May cause apomorphine to not work as well

    Other medical problems: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of apomorphine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
    • Dyskinesia (difficulty performing voluntary movements without tics and spasms): May be worsened by apomorphine
    • Heart disease or problems or
    • Hypokalemia (abnormally low potassium in the blood) or
    • Hypomagnesemia (abnormally low magnesium in the blood)
    • Stroke: Extra caution should be used because heart problems have been reported with apomorphine use.
    • Kidney problems: The starting dose of apomorphine will need to be reduced.
    • Liver problems: Caution should be used because the amount of apomorphine in the blood may be increased.
    • Psychotic disorder: The doctor needs to know if the patient is being treated with an antispsychotic medicine to decide whether or not to use this medicine.
    • Sleeping disorder: This medicine could increase the risk of being drowsy or sleepy during daily activities.

    Proper Use of This Medicine

    Some medicines given by injection may sometimes be given at home to patients who do not need to be in the hospital. If you are using this medicine at home, make sure you clearly understand and carefully follow your doctor’s instructions.

    Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more or less of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increased the chance of side effects.

    This medicine should be injected just under the skin (i.e., subcutaneously), and not into a vein (i.e., intravenously).

    Your doctor will also prescribe another medicine called an antiemetic to take when you are using apomorphine. Antiemetic medicines help reduce nausea and vomiting that can occur with apomorphine use.

    Dosing:

    The dose of apomorphine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

    • For parenteral dosage form (injection):
      • For treatment of Parkinson’s disease
        • Adults: Your doctor will use a test dose of 0.2 mL and base your starting dose on how your body responds to the test dose.
        • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

    Missed dose:

    Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

    Storage:

    To store this medicine:

    • Keep out of the reach of children.
    • Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
    • Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

    Precautions While Using This Medicine

    When you are using apomorphine, you should avoid drinking alcohol.

    Do not take medicines that cause sleepiness while taking apomorphine.

    Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor.

    If you take too much apomorphine, you may experience more side effects or they may be stronger than usual. You should contact your doctor or have someone take you to an emergency room right away.

    Tell your doctor if you are having trouble with drowsiness and sleepiness during the day.

    This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert.

    Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting position. This could cause dizziness and faintness to occur.

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    • More common
      • Chest pain, discomfort, or pressure;  chills; cold sweats; confusion ; dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from lying or sitting position; falling asleep during activity; mood or mental changes; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; swelling; twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs 

    • Less common
      • Arm, back, neck or jaw pain or discomfort;  chest tightness or heaviness; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; nausea ; no blood pressure or pulse;  shortness of breath; stopping of heart; sweating; unconsciousness; vomiting 

    • Rare
      • Irregular heartbeat; recurrent fainting  

    Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

    • More common
      • Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at site; blurred vision; dizziness; drowsiness; runny nose; sleepiness; yawning 

    • Rare
      • Painful or prolonged erection of the penis 

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

    Brand Names

    In the U.S.:

    • Apokyn

    Category

    • Antidyskinetic (dopamine antagonist)

    ]]>     http://druginfosite.com/500671.html/feed     Drospirenone and Estradiol (Systemic) http://druginfosite.com/500667.html http://druginfosite.com/500667.html#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:17:55 +0000 admin http://druginfo/500667.html Contents of this page:
  • Description
  • Before Using This Medicine
  • Proper Use of This Medicine
  • Precautions While Using This Medicine

  • Side Effects of This Medicine
  • Brand Names
  • Category

    • Description

    Drospirenone ( droh-SPYE-re-none) and estradiol (es-tra-DYE-ole ) are female hormones called progestins and estrogens that make up this combination medicine. These female hormones are produced by the body and are necessary for the normal sexual development of the female and for the regulation of the menstrual cycle during the childbearing years.

    The ovaries begin to produce less estrogen after menopause (the change of life). This medicine is prescribed to make up for the lower amount of estrogen in postmenopausal women who still have a uterus. Estrogen helps relieve signs of menopause, such as hot flashes and unusual sweating, chills, faintness, or dizziness. Estrogen can also help to relieve a genital skin condition called vaginal or vulvar atrophy. Progestin helps to regulate the effects of estradiol.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

      Oral
    • Tablets (U.S.)

    Before Using This Medicine

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For drospirenone/estradiol, the following should be considered:

    Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to drospirenone or estradiol. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

    Pregnancy: Drospirenone/estradiol should not be used during pregnancy or right after giving birth. Becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy is not likely to occur around the time of menopause.

    Breast-feeding: Drospirenone/estradiol passes into the breast milk and can change the content or lower the amount of breast milk. Use of this medicine is not recommended in nursing mothers.

    Older adults: Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. However, use of drospirenone/estradiol by postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older may increase the chances of dementia.

    Other medicines: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

    Other medical problems: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of drospirenone/estradiol. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
    • Abnormal genital or vaginal bleeding of unknown causes or
    • Adrenal gland problems or
    • Breast cancer, known, suspected or history of, or
    • Cancer of the uterus or
    • Liver problems or disease: This medicine should NOT be used.
    • Asthma or
    • Diabetes or
    • Endometriosis or
    • Epilepsy (seizures) or
    • High cholesterol or triglycerides (or history of) or
    • Hypocalcemia (too little calcium in the blood) or
    • Hyponatremia (too little sodium in the blood) or
    • Liver tumor, benign, or
    • Lupus or
    • Migraine or
    • Porphyria (problem with metabolism causing stomach pain and mental confusion): This medicine should be used with caution. It can cause these conditions to become worse.
    • Blood clots in deep veins or the pulmonary artery or
    • Heart attack, active or recent (within the past year) or
    • Stroke, active or recent: This medicine should NOT be used.
    • Blood clot risk factors (e.g., obesity, personal or family history of blood clots, or lupus) or
    • Heart disease risk factors (e.g., diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, tobacco use): Your doctor will help you lower your chances of having heart disease.
    • Heart problems or
    • Liver problems: These conditions could be affected by fluid retention (e.g., water weight gain). The patient should be observed when taking this medicine because estradiol may cause some fluid retention.
    • Hypothyroid (too little thyroid hormone): Dose of thyroid medicine may need to be increased.

    Proper Use of This Medicine

    Dosing:

    Read the enclosed patient leaflet carefully before taking this medicine.

    You should not take this medicine if you have had a hysterectomy.

    You should not take this medicine to prevent heart disease or dementia.

    Tell your doctor if you take any medicine or supplement that increases potassium levels. Your doctor may want to prescribe a different medicine for you or have your blood tested to check potassium levels.

    Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew.

    The dose of drospirenone/estradiol will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of drospirenone/estradiol. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

    • For oral dosage forms (tablets)
      • For treating a genital skin condition (vaginal or vulvar atrophy), or vasomotor symptoms of menopause:
        • Adults: Oral, 1 tablet (drospirenone 0.5 mg/ estradiol 1 mg) once a day.

    Missed dose:

    Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

    Storage:

    To store this medicine:

    • Keep out of the reach of children.
    • Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
    • Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

    Precautions While Using This Medicine

    It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visitsevery 3 to 6 months to discuss whether you need to continue taking this medicine.

    If you are going to have surgery or will be on bed rest, you need to inform your doctor. You may need to stop taking drospirenone/estradiol during this time.

    Check with your doctor immediately if vaginal bleeding occurs.

    It is important that you check your breasts by self-examination regularly and have clinical examinations and mammographies as required by your doctor. Report unusual breast lumps or discharge right away.

    If you are scheduled for any lab tests, tell your doctor or lab technician that you are taking this medicine. Certain blood tests are affected by estradiol.

    Tell your doctor about any risk factors for heart disease that you may have, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, high cholesterol, and obesity. It is important that you work with your doctor to lower these risk factors.

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These may include certain types of cancer, such as leukemia or bladder cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    • More common
      • Breast pain; full or bloated feeling ; heavy nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding; pressure in the stomach; surgery; swelling of abdominal or stomach area 

    • Less common
      • Bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, legs, or feet; change in vaginal discharge; increased clear or white vaginal discharge; pain or feeling of pressure in pelvis; rapid weight gain; tingling of hands or feet; unusual weight gain or loss; vaginal bleeding 

    • Incidence not known
      • Abdominal pain; anxiety; blurred vision; change in vision; chest pain or discomfort; clear or bloody discharge from nipple; confusion;  constipation; cough; coughing up blood; depression; difficulty in speaking; dimpling of breast skin; dizziness or lightheadedness; double vision; dry mouth; fainting ; fast heartbeat; headache ; headache, severe and throbbing;  inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles;  inability to speak; incoherent speech; increased urination; inverted nipple ; loss of appetite; lump in breast or under the arm; metallic taste; muscle weakness; nausea and vomiting ; numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body; pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back, or neck; pain or redness in your lower leg (calf); persistent crusting or scaling of nipple ; poor insight and judgment;  problems with memory, vision, speech, or walking;  redness or swelling of breast; seeing double; shortness of breath; slow speech; sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal; sudden or severe headache; sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing; sweating; thirst; trouble recognizing objects ; trouble thinking and planning;  trouble walking; unusual tiredness or weakness; weight loss 

    Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

    • More common
      • Accidental injury; back pain; body aches or pain; chills; diarrhea; difficulty in breathing; ear congestion; fever, sneezing, or sore throat; general feeling of discomfort or illness ; joint pain; loss of voice ; muscle aches and pains;  nasal congestion; pain in arms or legs; pain or tenderness around eyes and cheekbones;  runny nose; shivering;  stuffy or runny nose; sweating;  tightness of chest or wheezing; trouble sleeping  

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

    Brand Names

    In the U.S.:

    • Angeliq

    Category

    • Estrogen-progestin
    • Ovarian hormone therapy agent

    ]]>     http://druginfosite.com/500667.html/feed     Anidulafungin (Systemic) http://druginfosite.com/500663.html http://druginfosite.com/500663.html#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:17:55 +0000 admin http://druginfo/500663.html Contents of this page:
  • Description
  • Before Using This Medicine
  • Proper Use of This Medicine
  • Precautions While Using This Medicine

  • Side Effects of This Medicine
  • Brand Names
  • Category

    • Description

    Anidulafungin (ay-nid-yoo-la-FUN-jin) is an antifungal. It is used to help the body overcome serious fungus infections.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage form:

      Parenteral
    • Injection (U.S.)

    Before Using This Medicine

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For anidulafungin, the following should be considered:

    Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to anidulafungin. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

    Pregnancy: Anidulafungin has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that anidulafungin causes birth defects or other problems. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

    Breast-feeding: It is not known whether anidulafungin passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

    Children: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of anidulafungin in children with use in other age groups.

    Older adults: This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

    Other medicines: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

    Other medical problems: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of anidulafungin. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
    • Allergies to other echinocandin antifungal drugs (Caspofungin [e.g., Cancidas], Micafungin [e.g., Mycamine]): You should not use anidulafungin.
    • Liver problems: This medicine may cause liver problems to become worse.

    Proper Use of This Medicine

    Dosing:

    The dose of anidulafungin will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of anidulafungin.

    • For injection dosage form:
      • Adults: At first, the dose is 200 milligrams (mg) injected into the vein. After that, the dose is 100 mg a day injected into a vein. For a fungal infection of the esophagus, the first dose is 100 mg and after that the dose is 50 mg a day.
      • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

    Precautions While Using This Medicine

    It is important that you adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan for you.

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    • Less common
      • Black, tarry stools; chills; cough; decreased urine; dry mouth; fever;  increased thirst; irregular heartbeat; loss of appetite; lower back or side pain; mood or mental changes;  muscle pain or cramps; nausea or vomiting; numbness or tingling in hands, feet or lips;  painful or difficult urination; pale skin; seizures; shortness of breath; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; unusual bleeding or bruising ; unusual tiredness or weakness 

    • Rare
      • Abdominal or stomach pain; back pain ; bleeding gums; blood in urine or stools; bloody stools;  bluish color of skin; blurred or loss of vision; changes in skin color; chest pain; chest tightness; clay-colored stools ; confusion; constipation ; dark urine; depression ; diarrhea; dizziness; dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly; drowsiness ; extra heartbeats; fainting ; fast heartbeat; fatigue ; flushed, dry skin; flushing ; fruit-like breath odor;  headache; high blood pressure;  hives or welts; incoherent speech;  increased hunger; increased urination; infection of blood; irregular fast heartbeat ; irritability; itching ; large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs; light-colored stools; metallic taste;  muscle spasms (tetany) or twitching; muscle weakness ; nervousness; pain, redness or swelling in arm or leg; pain, tenderness, and swelling of foot or leg; palpitations; pinpoint red spots on skin; pounding in the ears; redness of skin;  restlessness; skin rash;  slow heartbeat; sore mouth or tongue; sweating; swelling of feet or lower legs; swollen glands; trembling ; trouble breathing; unexplained weight loss; unpleasant breath odor; unusually warm skin; vomiting of blood ; weakness; weight loss ; white patches in the mouth or throat or on the tongue; white patches with diaper rash; yellow eyes or skin 

    Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

    • Rare
      • Acid or sour stomach; belching; bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet ; disturbed color perception;  double vision; eye pain;  feeling of warmth; feeling unusually cold; halos around light; hot flushes; indigestion; loss of bowel control; night blindness; over bright appearance of lights; rapid weight gain;  redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest; shivering; stomach discomfort, upset, or pain; tingling of hands or feet; tunnel vision; unusual weight gain or loss; upper stomach pain 

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

    Brand Names

    In the U.S.:

    • Eraxis

    Category

    • Antifungal, systemic

    ]]>     http://druginfosite.com/500663.html/feed     Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (Systemic) http://druginfosite.com/500661.html http://druginfosite.com/500661.html#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:17:55 +0000 admin http://druginfo/500661.html Contents of this page:
  • Description
  • Before Using This Medicine
  • Proper Use of This Medicine
  • Precautions While Using This Medicine

  • Side Effects of This Medicine
  • Brand Names
  • Category

    • Description

    Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate (SOE-dee-um tet-ra-DEK-ul SUL-fate) is a type of medicine called a sclerosing agent. It is used for the treatment of small varicose veins of the lower extremities.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

      Parenteral
    • Injection (U.S.)

    Before Using This Medicine

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of using the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sodium tetradecyl sulfate, the following should be considered:

    Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

    Pregnancy: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate has not been studied in pregnant women or animals.

    Breast-feeding: It is not known whether sodium tetradecyl sulfate passes into the breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

    Children: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate in children with use in other age groups.

    Older adults: Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate in the elderly with use in other age groups.

    Other medicines: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking sodium tetradecyl sulfate, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

    • Antiovulatory drugs: May increase your risk for adverse reactions

    Other medical problems: The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of sodium tetradecyl sulfate. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
    • Allergic conditions or
    • Bedridden or
    • Cellulitis or
    • Deep vein incompetence or
    • Huge superficial veins with connections to deeper veins or
    • Infections or
    • Migrans or
    • Respiratory diseases or
    • Skin diseases or
    • Thrombophlebitis or
    • Valvular vein incompetence or
    • Varicosities caused by abdominal and pelvic tumors (unless the tumor has been removed): Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should not be administered
    • Asthma or
    • Blood dyscrasias or
    • Diabetes or
    • Hyperthyroidism or
    • Neoplasm or
    • Sepsis or
    • Tuberculosis: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate should not be administered
    • Peripheral arteriosclerosis or
    • Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease): Extreme caution should be used; sodium tetradecyl sulfate may make these conditions worse

    Proper Use of This Medicine

    The importance of a preinjection evaluation.

    The importance of slow injections with a small amount (not over 2 milliliters) of sodium tetradecyl sulfate solution.

    Dosing:

    The dose of sodium tetradecyl sulfate will be different for different patients. Your doctor will administer the injections. The following information includes only the average doses of sodium tetradecyl sulfate.

    • For injection dosage form:
      • For varicose veins:
        • Adults: 0.5 to 2 milliliters injected into the vein, depending on the size and degree of varicosity.
        • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

    Precautions While Using This Medicine

    The occurrence of embolism up to 4 weeks following injection of sodium of tetradecyl sulfate.

    The possible development of deep vein thrombosis.

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    • Frequency not known
      • Anxiety; burning;  chest pain; cough; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing;  dizziness or lightheadedness; fast heartbeat; fainting; hayfever;  hives; itching; nausea; noisy breathing; pain, redness, or swelling in arm or leg; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips or tongue; raised red swellings on the skin, lips, tongue, or in the throat ;  redness of skin; skin rash;  sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing;  tightness in chest; unusual tiredness or weakness ; vomiting; wheezing  

    Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

    • Frequency not known
      • Headache; pain, local; pain or redness at site of injection;  pale skin at site of injection; peeling or sloughing of skin; ulceration at site of injection  

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

    Brand Names

    In the U.S.:

    • Sotradecol

    Category

    • Sclerosing agent

    ]]>     http://druginfosite.com/500661.html/feed     Sorafenib (Systemic) http://druginfosite.com/500657.html http://druginfosite.com/500657.html#comments Sun, 25 Feb 2007 09:17:55 +0000 admin http://druginfo/500657.html Contents of this page:
  • Description
  • Before Using This Medicine
  • Proper Use of This Medicine
  • Precautions While Using This Medicine

  • Side Effects of This Medicine
  • Brand Names
  • Category

    • Description

    Sorafenib ( sor-a-FE-nib ) is an anticancer medicine used to treat adults with kidney cancer called advanced renal carcinoma.

    This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription, in the following dosage forms:

      Oral
    • Tablets (U.S.)

    Before Using This Medicine

    In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sorafenib, the following should be considered:

    Allergies: Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sorafenib. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

    Pregnancy: Sorafenib has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in animals have shown that sorafenib may cause unwanted effects in the fetus. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

    Breast-feeding: It is not known whether sorafenib passes into breast milk. However, sorafenib is not recommended during breast-feeding, because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.

    Children: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing use of sorafenib in children with use in other age groups.

    Older adults: This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than is does in younger adults. However, elderly patients are more likely to be sensitive and may require a lower dose.

    Other medicines: Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking sorafenib, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

    • Doxorubicin (e.g., Adriamycin): May increase your chance for side effects from doxorubicin
    • Drugs metabolized by UGT1A1 such as irinotecan (e.g., Camptosar): May increase your chance for side effects from irinotecan

    Proper Use of This Medicine

    Read the patient information leaflet before taking sorafenib and each time the prescription is refilled.

    Take this medicine exactly as prescribed.

    Swallow the tablet whole with water.

    Take on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).

    Use of effective birth control during sorafenib treatment and for at least 2 weeks after stopping treatment for both male and female patients.

    Dosing:

    The dose of sorafenib will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of sorafenib. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

    • For oral dosage form (tablets):
      • Kidney cancer
        • Adults: 400 milligrams (2 x 200 milligram tablets) taken twice daily, without food (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal).
        • Children: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

    Missed dose:

    If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

    Storage:

    To store this medicine:

    • Keep out of the reach of children.
    • Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
    • Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

    Precautions While Using This Medicine

    Regular visits: If you will be taking this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits for high blood pressure that may be caused by this medicine.

    Check with your doctor if any redness, pain, swelling or blisters on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet occur.

    Check with your doctor if any chest pain.

    Report any bleeding.

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Side Effects of This Medicine

    Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

    Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

    • More common
      • Bleeding gums; blurred vision; coughing up blood; difficulty in breathing or swallowing; dizziness;  headache; increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding ; nervousness; nosebleeds ; paralysis; pounding in the ears; prolonged bleeding from cuts; red or black, tarry stools; red or dark brown urine; shortness of breath;  slow or fast heartbeat 

    • Reported during clinical trials
      • Area rash; black, tarry stools; bleeding gums; bloating; blood in urine or stools; bone pain ; chest pain or discomfort;  chills; clay-colored stools;  coma; confusion; continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears;  constipation; convulsions;  cough; dark urine; decreased urine output; depressed mood;  difficulty in moving; dry skin and hair; feeling cold; enlarged pupils; fever; hair loss;  hearing loss; hives; hoarseness or husky voice;  increased sensitivity of eyes to light; increased sweating, possibly with fever or cold; clammy skin;  increased thirst; indigestion; itching;  joint pain; loss of appetite;  lower back or side pain; muscle cramps and stiffness ; muscle pain or cramps;  nausea or vomiting; pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back; pain or discomfort in arms, jaw, back or neck; painful or difficult urination; pale skin;  pinpoint red spots on skin; reddening of the skin, especially around ears; severe chest pain;  severe headache; stiff or sore neck; sore throat; sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth; stomach discomfort upset or pain; sweating; swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose; swelling of face, ankles, or hands; swollen glands;  swollen joints; troubled breathing with exertion ; unpleasant breath odor;  unusual bleeding or bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting of blood;  weight gain; yellow eyes or skin 

    • Symptoms of Overdose

      Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur

      • Diarrhea; flushing;  impaired wound healing; increased sweating; suppressed reaction to skin tests;  thin, fragile skin 

    Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.

    • More Common
      • Blistering, peeling, redness, and/or swelling of palms of hands or bottoms of feet; burning, tingling, numbness or pain in the hands, arms, feet, or legs; diarrhea ; difficulty having a bowel movement (stool); dry skin; numbness, pain, tingling, or unusual sensations in palms of hands or bottoms of feet;  sensation of pins and needles; stabbing pain ; thinning of hair; tightness in chest ; weight loss; wheezing  

    • Reported during clinical trials
      • Acid or sour stomach; acne; belching; blistering, peeling, loosening of skin; bloating; bone pain; burning feeling in chest or stomach; burning, itching, and pain in hairy areas;  cracked lips; cracks in the skin;  decreased appetite; decreased interest in sexual intercourse; decreased urination;  difficulty in moving; discouragement; dry mouth; fainting;  feeling of warmth, redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest; feeling sad or empty;  flushing, redness of skin; gas;  general feeling of discomfort or illness; heartburn ; inability to have or keep an erection; increase in heart rate; irritability ; lack or loss of strength;  lightheadedness; loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance; loss of ability to use or understand speech or language; loss of heat from the body; loss of interest or pleasure; mouth pain; pus at root of hair; rapid breathing; red irritated eyes ; red, swollen skin, scaly skin;  rough, scratchy sound to voice; runny nose; shivering; skin rash encrusted, scaly and oozing; sore throat;  sores, ulcers, or white spots in mouth or on lips;  sunken eye; swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males; swelling or inflammation of the mouth; tenderness in stomach area; thirst; trouble concentrating; trouble sleeping; unusually warm skin ; wrinkled skin 

    Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

    Brand Names

    In the U.S.:

    • Nexavar

    Category

    • Antineoplastic

    ]]>     http://druginfosite.com/500657.html/feed