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 …
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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 paliperidone palmitate? What is paliperidone palmitate used for? Invega trinza (paliperidone palmitate) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. It is a longer acting form of Invega sustenna and Invega. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), asenapine (Saphris), iloperidone (Fanapt) and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause …
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What is botulinum toxin type A, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? OnabotulinumtoxinA is an injectable neuro-toxin, that is, a toxic chemical that blocks the ability of nerves to make muscles contract. In other words, it paralyzes muscles. To cause muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical, acetylcholine, where they meet muscle cells. The acetylcholine attaches to receptors …
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What is indinavir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Indinavir is an oral medication that is used for treating infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is in a class of drugs called protease inhibitors which also includes ritonavir (Norvir), nelfinavir (Viracept) and saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase). During infection with HIV, the HIV virus multiplies within the body's …
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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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