What is alemtuzumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alemtuzumab is an injectable drug used for the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). People with CLL have too many of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow. Alemtuzumab is an antibody that targets a protein …
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What is didanosine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Didanosine is an oral medication that is used for the treatment of infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called reverse transcriptase inhibitors which also includes zalcitabine (Hivid), zidovudine (Retrovir), stavudine (Zerit), and lamivudine (Epivir). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus …
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What is Plegridy? What is Plegridy used for? Peginterferon beta-1a (Plegridy) is a protein produced by recombinant DNA technology using genetically engineered Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells into which the human interferon beta genes have been introduced. It is used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). It differs from interferon beta-1a by having polyethylene glycol attached to the interferon molecules (peglated) that …
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Blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes facts Readers Comments 12 Share Your Story Chart Showing Normal, Low, and Elevated (High) Blood Sugar Levels Diabetes is defined as a disease in which the body has an impaired ability to either produce or respond to the hormone insulin. People with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas …
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What is thioridazine? What is thioridazine used for? Thioridazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Thioridazine is one of the older, first-generation antipsychotic medications. Examples of other first-generation antipsychotics include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp) chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine) perphenazine (Trilafon) trifluoperazine (Stelazine) Although the exact mechanism of antipsychotics is unknown, scientists believe that they may work …
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What is fingolimod? What is fingolimod used for? Fingolimod is an oral medication used for treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Its mechanism of action is unknown, although it may work by reducing the number of circulating lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), leading to reduced migration of white blood cells into the central nervous system. White blood cells cause inflammation …
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What is secukinumab? What is secukinumab used for? Secukinumab is an injectable biologic drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment of psoriasis. It is an antibody that binds to interleukin 17A (IL-17A), a chemical produced by cells in the body that stimulates immune reactions. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by an increase in the …
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What is atropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Atropine occurs naturally and is extracted from belladonna alkaloids contained in plants. Atropine blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that causes the contraction of two types of muscle, smooth and cardiac muscles. It also has other neurological effects. Ophthalmic atropine is used during eye examinations to dilate the …
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What is lorcaserin (Belviq)? What is it used for? Lorcaserin is an orally administered medication that promotes weight loss. It is used with diet and exercise in overweight adults with a weight-related medical problem or obese adults to lose weight and keep it off. Lorcaserin is a serotonin 2C (5-HT2C) receptor agonist. Although the exact mechanism of action is not …
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What is cangrelor, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cangrelor is an anti-platelet drug, that is, a drug that inhibits the ability of platelets to clump together as part of a blood clot. Cangrelor prevents blood clots by reversibly binding to the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, preventing adenosine diphosphate (ADP) from activating platelets. It belongs to a class …
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