Tag Archives: breast cancer

What is asenapine? What is asenapine used for? Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), iloperidone (Fanapt) and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects and constipation. The exact mechanism …

What is Harvoni? What is Harvoni used for? Harvoni is an oral tablet containing two drugs used for the treatment of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), genotype 1 in adults. The components belong to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include boceprevir (Victrelis), sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir (Olysio), telaprevir (Incivek), and Viekira Pak (ombitasvir, …

What is raltegravir, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Raltegravir (Isentress) is an antiretroviral medicine approved for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Raltegravir is an integrase inhibitor similar to elvitegravir (Vitekta) and dolutegravir (Tivicay). Raltegravir slows the spread of HIV infection by blocking the HIV integrase enzyme required for virus multiplication. To improve the chance …

What is flunisolide nasal spray, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Flunisolide is a synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid. It is administered either as an oral metered-dose inhaler for the treatment of asthma (Aerobid) or as a nasal spray for treating allergic rhinitis. Corticosteroids are naturally- occurring hormones that prevent or suppress inflammation and immune responses. When given as an …

What is ciclesonide? What is ciclesonide used for? Ciclesonide (Alvesco) is a man-made steroid for inhalation in the glucocorticoid family. It is related to the naturally-occurring steroid hormone, cortisol or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal glands. The body converts ciclesonide to des-ciclesonide, which is the active form of the drug. Glucocorticoid steroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions. When used as an …

What is hyaluronate injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Hyaluronic acid is a natural chemical that is found in almost all species of animal and in various parts of the human body. It works as a biological lubricant, reducing friction between adjacent tissues. It is present in high amounts in joints and synovial fluid (the fluid that …

What is erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Benzamycin is a combination of erythromycin and benzoyl peroxide and is used for the topical treatment of acne (pimples). Erythromycin is an antibiotic. The exact mechanism by which topical erythromycin reduces pimples is unknown. Erythromycin probably reduces pimples by penetrating into the skin and killing bacteria …

What is Viekira Pak? What is Viekira Pak used for? Viekira Pak is a combination of drugs used to treat patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. It contains four medicines, dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir. Viekira Pak belongs to a class of drugs called direct-acting antiviral agents. Similar drugs include boceprevir (Victrelis),  sofosbuvir (Sovaldi), simeprevir (Olysio), telaprevir (Incivek), …

What is Orkambi? What is Orkambi used for? Orkambi is a combination of two drugs, lumacaftor and ivacaftor (Kalydeco) and is used for treating cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the secretory glands, including the mucus and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. Cystic fibrosis is …

What is iloperidone? What are the side effects of iloperidone? Iloperidone is an oral, atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic drugs include olanzapine (Zyprexa), quetiapine (Seroquel), ziprasidone (Geodon), and aripiprazole (Abilify). Atypical antipsychotics differ from typical antipsychotics because they cause a lesser degree of movement (extrapyramidal) side effects and constipation. The exact mechanism of action of iloperidone …