What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis is a vaginal infection due to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Factors that may cause an imbalance for BV include sexual activity, douching, and scented soaps. The body’s natural balance is important in keeping people with vaginas comfortable and healthy. Usually, the vagina has …
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What is Krintafel (tafenoquine), and how is it used? Krintafel is a prescription medicine used to treat malaria caused by a parasite called Plasmodium vivax in patients aged 16 years and older who are also receiving chloroquine to treat acute Plasmodium vivax malaria. Malaria is a serious disease of the blood that is spread by infected mosquitos. Krintafel does not …
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What is the flu? The flu in seniors will last about a week, while others may be affected for much longer. In severe cases, it can lead to death. The flu (influenza) is a seasonal virus that can lead to symptoms ranging from mild to severe. It’s a respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Some …
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What is low blood pressure? Low blood pressure in pregnancy is normal. However, there may be other conditions that contribute to low blood pressure, including heart conditions, anemia, allergic reactions, dehydration, and more. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. When blood pressure is too low, also called hypotension, blood doesn’t reach the entire body. …
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What is Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine), and how is it used? Clariscan (gadoterate meglumine) is a prescription medicine called a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Clariscan, like other GBCAs, is injected into your vein and used with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. An MRI exam with a GBCA, including Clariscan, helps your doctor to see problems better than an MRI exam …
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What is raxibacumab, and how is it used? raxibacumab is a prescription medicine used along with antibiotic medicines to treat people with inhalational anthrax. Raxibacumab can also be used to prevent anthrax disease when there are no other treatment options. The effectiveness of raxibacumab has been studied only in animals with inhalational anthrax. There have been no studies in people …
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What are hemorrhoids? Minor blood spots can be a symptom of hemorrhoids, but if there's more consistent blood appearing during bowel movements, it could be a sign of colon cancer, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis. Hemorrhoids are itchy, painful, and sometimes bleeding masses of swollen tissues located in the anus and rectum. Hemorrhoid symptoms can be either internal, located above …
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What is bronchitis? Acute bronchitis, which is sometimes called a chest cold, can develop after your baby has a cold or upper respiratory infection. Acute bronchitis, which is sometimes called a chest cold, can develop after your baby has a cold or upper respiratory infection. Bronchitis occurs when the bronchi, the airways that carry air to the lungs, become irritated …
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What is Imcivree (setmelanotide), and how is it used? Imcivree (setmelanotide) is a prescription medicine used in adults and children 6 years of age and older with obesity due to the genetic conditions proopiomelanocortin (POMC), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 1 (PCSK1), or leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency, to help them lose weight and keep the weight off. Your healthcare provider should …
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What is Parkinson’s disease? How you get Parkinson's disease is not known, though scientists believe it's a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects a person’s physical and mental abilities. As the disease slowly progresses, people begin to develop difficulties walking and talking. They will also experience behavioral changes, depression, loss of memory, …
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