Lipitor (atorvastatin) vs. Crestor (rosuvastatin): What’s the difference? Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) are HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (“statin” drugs) that lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Lipitor and Crestor are also used to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and arterial revascularization procedures in patients with multiple risk factors for heart disease. Side effects...
Category: heart
Lovastatin vs. Simvastatin; Differences in Side Effects & Dosage
lovastatin vs. simvastatin comparison Both lovastatin (Mevacor, Altoprev) and simvastatin (Zocor) are members of the statin family of cholesterol-lowering drugs. Statins revolutionized the treatment and prevention of a host of cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease and other cholesterol-related problems that cause debilitating and fatal heart attacks and strokes. Lovastatin and simvastatin are chemically similar....
Idarucizumab (Praxbind) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is idarucizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Dabigatran prevents blood clots by binding to thrombin and preventing thrombin from combining with other proteins to form a blood clot. Dabigatran increases the risk of bleeding because it reduces the ability of blood to clot. Patients who are taking dabigatran may develop serious...
Entresto (sacubitril and valsartan) for Heart Failure: Dosage, Side Effects & Pregnancy Safety
What is Entresto and what is it used for? Entresto is a prescription medicine used to reduce the risk of death and hospitalization in people with certain types of long-lasting (chronic) heart failure. Entresto is usually used with other heart failure therapies, in place of an ACE inhibitor or other ARB therapy. Heart failure occurs...
Lovenox (enoxaparin) for DVT Side Effects, Pregnancy, Injection
What brand names are available for enoxaparin? Lovenox Is enoxaparin available as a generic drug? GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes Do I need a prescription for enoxaparin? Yes What are the uses for enoxaparin? Lovenox is used for preventing deep vein thrombosis after abdominal surgery, or hip or knee replacement surgeries, and in patients with reduced mobility...
Effient (prasugrel): Blood Thinner Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is Effient and how is it used? Effient is indicated to reduce the rate of thrombotic cardiovascular (CV) events (including stent thrombosis) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who are to be managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as follows: Patients with unstable angina (UA) or non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Patients with ST-elevation...
digoxin, Lanoxin: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosing
What is digoxin, and how does it work? Digoxin increases the strength and efficiency of heart contractions, and is useful in the treatment of heart failure and control the rate and rhythm of the heart. It is extracted from the leaves of a plant called digitalis lanata. Digoxin increases the force of contraction of the...
Valsartan/Hydrochlorothiazide (Diovan HCT): Uses & Side Effects
What is valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide is a combination of two medications that is used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) which also includes: irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), and candesartan (Atacand). Angiotensin, formed in the...
Ezallor (rosuvastatin): Statin Drug to Lower Cholesterol
What is Ezallor (rosuvastatin), and how does it work? Ezallor Sprinkle (rosuvastatin) is a prescription medicine used in adults along with diet to: lower the level of your “bad” cholesterol (LDL). lower the level of fat in your blood (triglycerides). Pediatric use information for patients 7 to 17 years of age is approved for AstraZeneca’s...
Digitek (digoxin): Heart Failure Drug Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: digoxin Brand name: Digitek What is Digitek (digoxin), and how does it work? Heart Failure: Digitek (digoxin) tablets are indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate heart failure. Digoxin increases left ventricular ejection fraction and improves heart failure symptoms as evidenced by exercise capacity and heart failure-related hospitalizations and emergency care, while...