womens health

norethindrone (Aygestin): Birth Control Uses & Side Effects

What is oral norethindrone, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Norethindrone is a man-made progestin used for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and related condtions (such as amenorrhea and endometriosis). Progestins are steroid hormones that have the same effect as progesterone. Norethindrone works by stopping gonadotropin production from the pituitary gland, leading to prevention …

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Monistat (miconazole) Side Effects, Warnings, Interactions

What is miconazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Miconazole is an antifungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex). It is used either on the skin or vaginally for fungal infections. Miconazole was approved by the FDA in 1974. What brand names are available for miconazole? Monistat, M-Zole, Micatin Is miconazole …

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ofloxacin Antibiotic Drug Side Effects, Uses, and Dosage

What is ofloxacin? How does it work? Ofloxacin is an antibiotic that is used to treat bacterial infections. It belongs to the fluoroquinolone class of antibiotics which includes levofloxacin (Levaquin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), gatifloxacin (Tequin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trovafloxacin (Trovan) and others. Ofloxacin stops the multiplication of bacteria by inhibiting the reproduction and repair of their genetic material (DNA). The …

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calcitonin (Miacalcin) Hormone Injection & Nasal Spray

What is calcitonin? What is calcitonin used for? Miacalcin nasal spray is a calcitonin, indicated for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women greater than 5 years postmenopause when alternative treatments are not suitable. Fracture reduction efficacy has not been demonstrated. Limitations of Use: Due to the possible association between malignancy and calcitonin use, the need for continued therapy should be …

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Forteo (teriparatide): Osteoporosis Drug Side Effects & Dosage

What is teriparatide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Teriparatide (Forteo) is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis, a bone disease that over time causes bones to become fragile and more likely to break. Teriparatide is similar to human parathyroid hormone (PTH) and is made using recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology. PTH is naturally produced by the body …

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Menstruation Definition, Symptoms, Pain Relief & Remedies

What should I know about menstruation (monthly period)? What is the medical definition it?* Picture of the female reproductive system *Medical section written by: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD Everyone (adolescent boys and girls) who is about to enter puberty (the process of body changes that cause a child’s body to become an adult body capable of reproduction) should be …

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Synarel (nafarelin): Endometriosis Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage

What is nafarelin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Nafarelin is a synthetic (man-made) protein that blocks the effects of the natural gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hormone that regulates the output of gonadotropins (a class of hormones) by the pituitary gland (a small gland located at the base of the brain). Gonadotropins (follicle stimulating hormone or FSH and …

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Progesterone Gel (Crinone, Endometrin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is progesterone vaginal gel? What is progesterone gel used for? Intravaginal progesterone gel is used for supplementing or replacing progesterone in infertile women with progesterone deficiency who are receiving treatment utilizing assisted reproductive technology (ART).Progesterone intravaginal gel is also used for the treatment of secondary amenorrhea (absence of menses). Progesterone is a female hormone and is the principal progestational …

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Etidronate (Didronel) Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, Off-Label Use

What is etidronate, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Etidronate is in a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that is used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease. The bisphosphonate class includes alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate …

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Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate 600) Uses, Side Effects & Formula

What is calcium carbonate? Why is it used? Most people know that calcium is needed for strong bones, but it's also needed to help blood vessels and muscles contract and expand, to send messages through the nervous system, and to secrete hormones and enzymes. This is the most abundant mineral in your body and makes up 1%-2% of adult human …

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