breast cancer

What is metformin? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood glucose (sugar) by influencing the body's sensitivity to insulin and is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that controls glucose levels in blood by reducing the amount of glucose …

What is magnesium citrate? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Magnesium citrate is supplied as an oral tablet or liquid saline laxative. Magnesium citrate retains water in the intestines by osmosis. Increasing water in the bowel aids motility, usually producing a bowel movement within one-half to six hours. What are the uses for magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate is used …

What is losartan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Losartan is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Other ARBs include irbesartan (Avapro), valsartan (Diovan), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin formed in the blood by the action of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a powerful chemical that attaches to angiotensin receptors …

What is Lipitor (atorvastatin)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Lipitor (atorvastatin) is type of statin that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood. All statins, including atorvastatin, prevent the production of cholesterol in the liver by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that makes cholesterol. Statins reduce total cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol in blood. LDL cholesterol …

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and pregnancy definitions and facts Share Your Story Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune condition that results in a disruption of information signals between the body and the brain that can cause neurological symptoms. MS is more prevalent in women of childbearing age than in any other group. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis include: Pain Bladder and bowel …

Tommy John surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction) facts Share Your Story The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is the major stabilizer of the elbow. UCL injury is an overuse injury, most often caused by the repetitive motion of throwing. Symptoms include pain over the medial part of the elbow that worsens with throwing and gets better with rest. Usually, health care …

What is acetaminophen? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Acetaminophen belongs to a class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers). The exact mechanism of action of acetaminophen is not known. It may reduce the production of prostaglandins in the brain. Prostaglandins are chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. Acetaminophen relieves pain by elevating the pain …

What is Diflucan (fluconazole)? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Diflucan (fluconazole) is an anti-fungal medication related to clotrimazole (Lotrimin), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). Fluconazole prevents growth of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. What are the uses for Diflucan (fluconazole)? Diflucan is used for treating vaginal, oral, and esophageal …

What is proton beam therapy and for what is it used? Proton beam therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays (photons) and can be used for the treatment of various solid tumors, including liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC). Protons are positively charged particles that, produced with high energy, can destroy cancer cells. Proton …

Tips for trying to conceive* Readers Comments 10 Share Your Story *Trying to conceive facts medically edited by: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD If you are trying to get pregnant (conceive), you have the best chance of success if you are aware of your menstrual cycle and changes that happen to your body during that time. It helps to know when …