Tag Archives: breast cancer

Adderall vs. Concerta comparison Both Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate) are stimulants used for treatment of narcolepsy and adult and childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Adderall contains amphetamines that stimulate the brain and central nervous system, producing a calming effect in adults and children with ADHD. Concerta is a stimulant that acts …

What is mirtazapine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Mirtazapine is a tetracyclic antidepressant similar to maprotiline (Ludiomil) and tricyclic antidepressants, for example, desipramine (Norpramin). Depression is an all-pervasive sense of sadness and gloom. It is believed that in some patients with depression, abnormal levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that nerves use to communicate with each other) may be …

What is alendronate (Fosamax), and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alendronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. The bisphosphonate class includes etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), pamidronate (Aredia), risedronate (Actonel), and tiludronate (Skelid). Bisphosphonates are used for treating osteoporosis (reduced density of bone that leads to fractures) and bone pain from diseases such as metastatic breast cancer, …

Metronidazole vs. Fluconazole Metronidazole and fluconazole are used to treat different types of vaginal infections. Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial vaginosis and trichomonas vaginal infections, and fluconazole is an antifungal used to treat vaginal fungal infections caused by Candida. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and a brand name for fluconazole is Diflucan. Side …

Fact on metronidazole vs. vancomycin Metronidazole and vancomycin are antibiotics used to treat Clostridium difficile diarrhea. Brand names for metronidazole include Flagyl and Flagyl ER and a brand name for vancomycin is Vancocin HCL. Side effects of metronidazole and vancomycin that are similar include nausea, headache, flushing and skin redness, stomach/abdominal cramps or pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Side effects of …

What is Optune, and what is it used for? Optune is a treatment for adult patients (22 years of age or older). Optune is used after surgery, and radiation with chemotherapy have been used if possible. A doctor may use Optune to treat a patient with newly diagnosed brain cancer (called glioblastoma multiforme, or “GBM”) in the higher parts of …

High-sensitivity troponin definition and facts Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Troponin is a protein found in the body, specifically in heart muscle cells. The three main types of cardiac troponin proteins are I, T, and C. During a heart attack, troponin spills into the bloodstream and it is a biomarker that can indicate cardiac injury. Troponin testing is what …

Munchausen syndrome facts Munchausen syndrome, referred to as a factitious disorder, is a mental illness that involves the sufferers causing or pretending to have physical or psychological symptoms in themselves. Adults aged 20-40 years are most likely to develop Munchausen syndrome. Women with knowledge of health care and men with few family relationships are particularly vulnerable to developing this disorder. …

What is a heart attack? Readers Comments 2 Share Your Story A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction or MI) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage by a blood clot in a coronary artery that supplies blood to the heart. Blockage of a coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing …

What is insomnia and what causes it? Share Your Story Insomnia is difficulty falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are: medications, psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety), environmental changes (travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and stressful events …