What is carvedilol? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Carvedilol is used for treating high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It is related to labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate). Carvedilol blocks receptors of the adrenergic nervous system, the system of nerves in which adrenalin (epinephrine) is active. Nerves from the adrenergic system enter the heart …

What is lorazepam (Ativan)? How does it work? Lorazepam (Ativan) is thought that excessive activity of nerves in the brain may cause anxiety and other psychological disorders. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that nerves in the brain use to send messages to one another that reduces the activity of nerves in the brain. It is thought that …

What is Vicodin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hydrocodone is a narcotic pain-reliever and a cough suppressant, similar to codeine. Hydrocodone blocks the receptors on nerve cells in the brain that give rise to the sensation of pain. Acetaminophen is a non-narcotic analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). Acetaminophen works by elevating the threshold to pain, …

What is sodium oxybate (Xyrem), and how does it work? Limitations of Use Xyrem may only be dispensed to patients enrolled in the Xyrem Success Program Cataplexy in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy in narcolepsy. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of excessive …

What is interferon beta-1b (Betaseron, Extavia), and how is it used? Betaseron (interferon beta-1b) is indicated for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Patients with multiple sclerosis in whom efficacy has been demonstrated include patients who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with multiple sclerosis What …

Leishmaniasis facts Leishmaniasis is on the World Health Organization's list of "neglected tropical diseases." A parasite that spreads to humans through the bite of infected Phlebotomus sand flies causes leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis occurs in several temperate and tropical countries of Central and South America (New World), the Middle East, East Africa, and East Asia (Old World). In other regions, such as …

What is Xofluza (baloxavir marboxil), and what is it used for? Xofluza is indicated for the treatment of acute uncomplicated influenza in patients 12 years of age and older who have been symptomatic for no more than 48 hours. Limitations of Use: Influenza viruses change over time, and factors such as the virus type or subtype, emergence of resistance, or …

What is Technivie (ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir), and what is it used for? Technivie is a prescription medicine used with ribavirin to treat adults with genotype 4 chronic (lasting a long time) hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection without cirrhosis or with a certain type of cirrhosis (compensated). You should also read the Medication Guide for ribavirin. Technivie can be used …

What is lapatinib (Tykerb), and how is it used? Tykerb is indicated in combination with: capecitabine for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors overexpress human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and who have received prior therapy including an anthracycline, a taxane, and trastuzumab. Limitation of Use: Patients should have disease progression on trastuzumab …

What is etravirine (Intelence), and what is it used for? Intelence, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, is indicated for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in antiretroviral treatment-experienced patients ages 2 years and older, who have evidence of viral replication and HIV-1 strains resistant to a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) and other antiretroviral agents. …