What is hepatitis C (HCV, hep C)? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Hepatitis C (HCV, hep C) is one of several viruses that cause hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). It Is hard for the human immune system to eliminate the virus from the body, and 85% of infections with hep C become chronic. Over …
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Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease (NTM, rare lung infections) definition and facts Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM ) are bacteria that are found widespread in water, soil, and the air that we breathe. There have been more than 150 species of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) identified. The signs and symptoms of NTM lung infection depend on upon the …
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Why do people need vaccines? What is immunization? What is immunity? Share Your Story Vaccines are medications that boost our ability to fight off certain diseases. Many of the vaccine-preventable diseases are highly contagious and even fatal in non-immunized individuals (Table 1). Prior to the development of vaccines, these diseases disabled or killed millions of people. Many people living in …
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What are the differences between Tazorac and isotretinoin? Tazorac (tazarotene) and isotretinoin are medications used to treat acne. Tazorac is also used to treat psoriasis. A difference is that Tazorac is a topical medication (applied to the skin) and isotretinoin is taken orally. Tazorac was withdrawn from the U.S. market, but it is available on a very limited basis for …
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Skelaxin vs. Baclofen Skelaxin (metaxalone) and baclofen are skeletal muscle relaxants. A main difference is that Skelaxin is used mostly for short-term painful muscle and skeletal conditions, while baclofen may be used long-term for spasms of skeletal muscles, muscle rigidity, muscle clonus, and pain caused by disorders like multiple sclerosis. Brand names for baclofen include Gablofen and Lioresal. Side effects …
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Metformin vs. Glucovance Metformin and Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) are antidiabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children. Glucovance contains metoformin along with another medication, glyburide. Brand names for Metformin include Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glumetza, Fortamet, and Riomet. Side effects of Metformin and Glucovance that are similar include nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea, decreased appetite, low blood glucose, and …
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Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are antifungal agents used to treat itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are also used for treating seborrhea (a red, itchy rash) and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, …
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What is the difference between Breo and albuterol? Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder) and albuterol sulfate are both used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Breo Ellipta is a combination of fluticasone, a glucocorticoid, and vilanterol, a bronchodilator of the beta-2 agonist type. Albuterol is a bronchodilator. Brand names of albuterol include ProAir HFA, …
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What is the difference between Femara and Clomid? Femara (letrozole) and Clomid (clomiphene) are fertility medications used for stimulating ovulation. Femara is an anti-estrogen drug typically used for treating postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Side effects of Femara and Clomid that are similar include nausea, vomiting, headache, and muscle aches or pains. Side effects of Femara that are different from …
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What is the difference between doxycycline and tetracycline? Doxycycline and tetracycline are antibiotics used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, and Doxy. Tetracycline is only available in generic form. Sumycin is a discontinued …
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