What is lixisenatide, and how does it work? Lixisenatide is an injectable drug that reduces the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is used for the treatment type 2 diabetes and is similar to exenatide (Byetta), liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and abliglutide (Tanzeum). Lixisenatide belongs in a class of drugs called incretin mimetics …

What are the differences between metolazone and thiazide diuretics? Metolazone and thiazide diuretics are diuretics ("water pills") used to treat high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. Brand names for metolazone include Zaroxolyn, Mykrox, and Diulo. Side effects of metolazone and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, and increased …

What is oral fluphenazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluphenazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Fluphenazine is one of the older, first-generation piperazine phenothiazine antipsychotic medications. Examples of other phenothiazines include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp), chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine), perphenazine, trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and thioridazine (Mellaril). Although the exact mechanism of phenothiazine antipsychotics …

What is metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER), and how does it work? Flagyl is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that thrive in environments in which there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments). Anaerobic bacteria can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and …

What brand names are available for evening primrose oil? Evening primrose oil, Common Evening Primrose, Fever plant, Sun drops Is evening primrose oil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for evening primrose oil? No What are the side effects of evening primrose oil? Side effects of Oenothera include: headache, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side …

What are the uses for lamivudine? Lamivudine is used for the treatment of HIV infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It also is used off-label for prevention of HIV among individuals accidentally exposed to HIV. What brand names are available for lamivudine? Epivir, Epivir HBV Is lamivudine available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for …

What is collagenase clostridium histolyticum, and what is it used for? Xiaflex is an injectable formulation of purified collagenase derived from the bacterium, clostridium histolyticum. It is used for treating Dupuytren’s contracture. A Dupuytren’s contraction is caused by an abnormal accumulation of collagen (scar) in the tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. The collagen binds the …

Steroid drug withdrawal facts Discontinuing steroidal drug use can produce withdrawal symptoms like fatigue. Synthetic cortisone medications (corticosteroids) simulate cortisol, a naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Such drugs (for example, prednisone) have since benefited many, but are not without potential side effects. The two major problems related to continuous steroid treatment are drug side effects and …

What is a stroke? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story FAST is an acronym to help you quickly recognize the warning signs and symptoms of stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is cut off. The symptoms depend upon the region of the brain that is affected by the loss of blood supply …

Facts you should know about postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) PHN is a painful complication that occurs after a shingles infection. PHN is caused by viral damage to nerve cells. PHN is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical exam. Treatment often requires more than one agent to reduce pain. PHN may last one to two months, but some patients have PHN …