What are statins, and how do they work? “Statins” is a class of drugs that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. (The other source of cholesterol in the blood is dietary cholesterol.) Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making...
What is Verzenio (abemaciclib), and what is it used for? Verzenio (abemaciclib) is a drug in oral tablet form that attacks tumor cells in patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Specialists prescribe it as part of a combination of drugs that also includes an aromatase inhibitor. Verzenio is a CDK4 and 6 inhibitor. CDK4 and 6...
Generic drug: fesoterodine fumarate Brand name: Toviaz What is Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate), and how does it work? Toviaz (fesoterodine fumarate) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat symptoms of a condition called overactive bladder, including: Urge urinary incontinence — leaking or wetting accidents due to a strong need to urinate, Urinary urgency —...
What is targeted cancer therapy? Targeted cancer therapy is a specific method of treatment for cancers, by identifying and targeting the cancer-causing factors (hallmarks) in the particular cancer. Targeted therapy medications do not directly kill the cancer cells, but work on the cellular level to stop their growth and prevent cancer from spreading to other...
What is tincture of opium liquid, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Opium tincture is an oral liquid medication used to control diarrhea. Opium tincture contains morphine which is an opioid pain reliever. Opioids can reduce gastrointestinal motility, propulsion, secretions, and increase gastrointestinal muscle tone. These effects help in controlling diarrhea. Opium tincture...
What is intravenous immunoglobulin? Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) is made up of pooled plasma of more than 1,000 donors. It's used for a variety of conditions. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy is a treatment for people with weakened immune systems. Intravenous immunoglobulins are antibodies prepared from pooled plasma of over 1,000 healthy blood donors. The pooled plasma...
What is Teflaro, and how does it work? Teflaro (ceftaroline fosamil) is a cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections or pneumonia caused by bacteria. What are the side effects of Teflaro? Common side effects of Teflaro include: nausea vomiting constipation diarrhea dizziness itching Tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects of Teflaro...
Suprax (cefixime) vs. ofloxacin: What’s the difference? Suprax and ofloxacin are antibiotics used to treat bronchitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and gonorrhea. Suprax is also used to treat middle ear infections (otitis media), tonsillitis, throat infections (pharyngitis), laryngitis, and acute bacterial bronchitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ofloxacin is also used...
Valtrex (valacyclovir) vs. Valcyte (valganciclovir): What’s the difference? Valtrex (valacyclovir) and Valcyte (valganciclovir) are antiviral drugs used to treat different conditions. Valtrex is used to treat infections with shingles (herpes zoster), genital herpes (herpes simplex genitalis), and cold sores (herpes labialis). Valcyte is used to prevent disease caused by a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) in...
What is sodium oxybate (Xyrem), and how does it work? Limitations of Use Xyrem may only be dispensed to patients enrolled in the Xyrem Success Program Cataplexy in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated for the treatment of cataplexy in narcolepsy. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness in Narcolepsy Xyrem (sodium oxybate) oral solution is indicated...