Axiron vs. Androgel comparison The active ingredient in both Axiron and Androgel is synthetic testosterone, and both medications consist of topical gel that allows the testosterone to absorb through the skin. Doctors prescribe these drugs to adult males who for some reason, whether a physical condition or a result of aging, are lacking normal testosterone …
Read More »Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin-C): Uses & Side Effects
What is alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin-C) is a prescription medicine used to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder in which abnormally low levels of the protein AAT allow certain enzymes to attack healthy tissues, especially the lungs. Over time, significant lung damage occurs, and patients …
Read More »alefacept (Amevive): Psoriasis Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is alefacept, and what is it used for? Alefacept is an injectable drug that suppresses the immune system and is used for the treatment of psoriasis. Scientists believe that psoriasis is caused by an increase in the production of one type of immune cell, T-lymphocytes, in response to the attachment of a stimulant (antigen) to the lymphocyte. The stimulated …
Read More »lixisenatide (Adlyxin): Type 2 Diabetes Drug Side Effects & Dosage
What is lixisenatide, and how does it work? Lixisenatide is an injectable drug that reduces the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. It is used for the treatment type 2 diabetes and is similar to exenatide (Byetta), liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and abliglutide (Tanzeum). Lixisenatide belongs in a class of drugs called incretin mimetics because these drugs mimic the …
Read More »Metolazone vs. Thiazide Diuretics: Side Effects, Dosage, Drug Interactions
What are the differences between metolazone and thiazide diuretics? Metolazone and thiazide diuretics are diuretics ("water pills") used to treat high blood pressure and fluid accumulation. Brand names for metolazone include Zaroxolyn, Mykrox, and Diulo. Side effects of metolazone and thiazide diuretics that are similar include low blood potassium (hypokalemia), low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia), dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, weakness, and increased …
Read More »fluphenazine (Permitil, Prolixin): Antipsychotic Side Effects & Dosage
What is oral fluphenazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Fluphenazine is an oral antipsychotic medication used for the management of schizophrenia. Fluphenazine is one of the older, first-generation piperazine phenothiazine antipsychotic medications. Examples of other phenothiazines include: prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro, Procomp), chlorpromazine (Promapar, Thorazine), perphenazine, trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and thioridazine (Mellaril). Although the exact mechanism of phenothiazine antipsychotics …
Read More »Flagyl (metronidazole) Side Effects, Pregnancy Use & Dosage
What is metronidazole (Flagyl, Flagyl ER), and how does it work? Flagyl is an antibiotic effective against anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites. Anaerobic bacteria are single-celled, living organisms that thrive in environments in which there is little oxygen (anaerobic environments). Anaerobic bacteria can cause disease in the abdomen (bacterial peritonitis), liver (liver abscess), and pelvis (abscess of the ovaries and …
Read More »Oenothera (Evening Primrose Oil) Benefits & Side Effects
What brand names are available for evening primrose oil? Evening primrose oil, Common Evening Primrose, Fever plant, Sun drops Is evening primrose oil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for evening primrose oil? No What are the side effects of evening primrose oil? Side effects of Oenothera include: headache, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Other side …
Read More »lamivudine (3tc), Epivir HBV: Side Effects, Uses & Dosage
What are the uses for lamivudine? Lamivudine is used for the treatment of HIV infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It also is used off-label for prevention of HIV among individuals accidentally exposed to HIV. What brand names are available for lamivudine? Epivir, Epivir HBV Is lamivudine available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for …
Read More »collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) Side Effects & Dosage
What is collagenase clostridium histolyticum, and what is it used for? Xiaflex is an injectable formulation of purified collagenase derived from the bacterium, clostridium histolyticum. It is used for treating Dupuytren’s contracture. A Dupuytren’s contraction is caused by an abnormal accumulation of collagen (scar) in the tissue beneath the skin of the palm of the hand. The collagen binds the …
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