Atorvastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor) are parts of a group of drugs called statins that revolutionized cholesterol management and heart disease prevention. Atorvastatin and simvastatin both target the same chemical in the body to reduce drastically the bloodstream levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein, or “bad cholesterol”), which lowers the risk it …
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What is infliximab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Infliximab is an antibody administered intravenously that is used for treating several chronic inflammatory diseases. Infliximab works by blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), a substance made by cells of the body which has an important role in promoting inflammation. There are two other injectable …
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Polio facts Picture of a Polio Vaccine Bottle Polio is an infectious disease caused by viruses. The symptoms may range from none to paralysis and death. Polio has been traced back almost 6,000 years. Great strides have been made in preventing this disease. Polio is caused by person-to-person transmission of polio viruses (enteroviruses, three main types). Not receiving the polio …
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What is aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide? What is it used for? Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide act as antacids by neutralizing stomach acid that result in an increasing pH in the stomach. Simethicone is anti-gas medication that works by lowering surface tension of gas bubbles, which gives relief from gas. What brand names are available for aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide? Mylanta, …
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Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) definition and facts Readers Comments 49 Share Your Story Peripheral artery disease occurs when blood vessels in the limbs get clogged. The term peripheral vascular disease is commonly used to refer to peripheral artery disease or peripheral arterial disease (PAD), meaning narrowing or occlusion by atherosclerotic plaques of arteries outside of the heart and brain. Peripheral …
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Plantar fasciitis facts Plantar fasciitis, or foot ligament inflammation, can be painful. Plantar fasciitis (inflammation to the plantar fascia ligament) is most commonly caused by strain injury causing micro tears to the ligament as it attaches to the heel bone or other areas of tightness on the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is the largest ligament in the …
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What is Mohs surgery? Picture of Mohs surgery scar Mohs surgery, also referred to as Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), is a special technique that utilizes both pathology and surgery to remove skin cancers in a physician's office. Tissue containing the tumor is frozen on a cryostat, and very thin horizontal slices of tissue are cut from the bottom-most layers of …
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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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Sun-sensitizing drugs (photosensitivity) definition and facts Many common medications cause photosensitivity in some people when exposed to sunlight. Sun-sensitive or photosensitive drugs are drugs that cause a moderate to severe skin reaction that is similar to a bad sunburn when exposed to the sun (UV rays), usually the forehead, nose, hands, arms, and lips. Many common medications cause this reaction …
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Sore throat definition and facts Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story Picture of a Girl with Sore Throat Most sore throats are caused by viruses or mechanical causes (such as mouth breathing) and can be treated successfully at home. Sore throat symptoms include pain, burning, or scratching sensations at the back of the throat, pain when swallowing, and tenderness in …
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