breast cancer

Source: iStock Laryngitis definition and facts Laryngitis is an inflammation of the voice cords in the voice box (larynx). Causes of laryngitis include upper respiratory infection or the common cold; overuse of the vocal cords by talking, singing, or shouting; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causing reflux laryngitis; smoking; exposure to secondhand smoke; or exposure to …

What should you know about STDS in men? Sexually transmitted diseases often have specific symptoms in men.  What are the types of STDs? Common types of STDs in men include Chlamydia, gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. Some of the most common STDs in men may not produce signs or symptoms. What are the early signs symptoms of STDs in men? …

What is shoulder and neck pain? Shoulder pain may be an issue with joints or muscle, or could indicate another systemic problem. Your neck and shoulders contain muscles, bones, nerves, arteries, and veins, as well as many ligaments and other supporting structures. Many conditions can cause pain in the neck and shoulder area. Some are life-threatening (such as heart attack …

Niemann-Pick disease facts* *Niemann-Pick disease facts medical author: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR Niemann-Pick disease is classified into types based upon symptoms and genetic causes. Niemann-Pick disease is a genetic disease that leads to the accumulation of fatty products in cells, eventually causing their death. Symptoms of Niemann-Pick disease are related to the type of fatty products that …

What is terconazole? What is terconazole used for? Terconazole is an anti-fungal cream and suppository used for treating vaginal yeast infections (Candida). It is related to several other anti-fungal drugs including fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), miconazole (Micatin, Monistat), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin). It prevents growth of yeast by preventing production of the membranes that surround the yeast cells. The …

What is intravenous dobutamine? What is dobutamine used for? Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine. Dobutamine injection is indicated when parenteral therapy is necessary for inotropic support in the short-term treatment of adults with cardiac decompensation due to depressed contractility resulting either from organic heart disease or from cardiac surgical procedures. In patients who have atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, …

What is tacrolimus? What are the uses for tacrolimus? Tacrolimus, previously known as FK506, is a macrolide immunosuppressant produced by the bacteria Streptomyces tsukubaensis. Tacrolimus is used for the prevention of rejection of transplanted kidneys, liver, or heart. It can be combined with steroids, azathioprine (Imuran Azasan) or mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept). What brand names are available for tacrolimus? Prograf, Astagraf …

What is pravastatin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pravastatin is an oral drug for lowering the cholesterol in the blood that contributes to the formation of plaques in the walls of arteries that obstruct the flow of blood, known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease. Obstruction of the flow of blood to the heart causes heart attacks. Obstruction of …

What is bimatoprost, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Bimatoprost is a synthetic (man-made) drug that resembles and mimics the effects of natural chemicals (prostaglandins) produced by the body and is used for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) and increasing the growth of eyelashes. The exact mechanism of action is unknown. Bimatoprost may reduce IOP by increasing the outflow …

What is the fentanyl patch? What is the fentanyl patch used for? The fentanyl patch is indicated for the management of pain in opioid-tolerant patients, severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. Patients considered opioid-tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, at least 60 mg of …