breast cancer

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) testing facts Every adult can benefit from undergoing HIV testing at least once. HIV testing is done to diagnose those who are newly infected, to identify previously unrecognized infections, and to relieve the minds of those who are not infected. New sexual partners should consider getting an HIV test before sex …

What is glyburide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glyburide is an oral, glucose-lowering drug in a class of diabetic drugs called sulfonylureas that is used for treating diabetes. Other sulfonylureas include glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), tolbutamide (Orinase), tolazamide, and chlorpropamide (Diabinese). Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas. When released into the blood, insulin …

What is amantadine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Amantadine is a synthetic (man-made) anti-viral drug that can inhibit the replication of viruses in cells. To prevent a viral infection, the drug should be present before exposure to the virus. Clearly, this is not practical for most viral infections. It was initially used to prevent influenza A during …

What is phentermine and topiramate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Qsymia is a combination product that contains phentermine and topiramate in an extended release form. It helps some obese (body mass index [BMI] = 30 km/m2) adults or some overweight (BMI = 27 km/m2) adults with weight-related medical problems lose weight and keep the weight off. Phentermine …

What is ustekinumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Ustekinumab 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 (IL)-12 and IL-23, two chemicals produced by cells in the body that stimulate immune reactions. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by …

What is certolizumab? What is certolizumab used for? Certolizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the body and blocks the effects of TNFα in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) are two other injectable drugs that block TNFα. Inflammation is the body's reaction to …

Trachoma facts Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is a contagious and potentially blinding infectious eye disease. The World Health Organization classified trachoma as one of the neglected tropical diseases and the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Blindness from trachoma may be preventable by screening and treatment with antibiotics and surgery. …

What is glycerin suppository? What is glycerin used for? Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives. Glycerin suppositories work by increasing water volume in intestines and softening stool, causing the intestines to contract and produce bowel movements. What brand names are available for glycerin suppository? Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository Is glycerin suppository available as a generic drug? Yes Do I …

Diazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference? Valium (diazepam) and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia. Diazepam is primarily used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seizures, for relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases, and for sedation during surgery. Brand names for diazepam include Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol. Diazepam and Ambien belong to different drug …

What is balsalazide disodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Balsalazide disodium is an oral anti-inflammatory drug that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a form of mesalamine (5-aminosalicyclic acid) that is activated by colonic bacteria when it reaches the colon. The exact mechanism of action of mesalamine is not known but is believed …