What is rubella virus vaccine? What is it used for? The rubella vaccine is a live vaccine (Meruvax II) that is used to prevent rubella infection (German measles). Rubella is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus. In children, the disease is usually mild with fever and a rash. However, rubella is especially dangerous during pregnancy as...
MMR Vaccine (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) Safety & Side Effects
What is measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is given as a single injection to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases. Measles infection is caused by the measles virus. It causes rash, cough, runny nose, eye irritation, and fever. It can...
omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza) Uses & Side Effects
What are omega-3-acid ethyl esters (Lovaza)? What is Lovaza used for? Lovaza is an fat-regulating (antilipemic) drug that is used in addition to diet to reduce triglyceride (TG, a fat-carrying particle in the blood) levels in adult patients with severe elevations in blood levels of TG (≥mg/dL). It is similar to Epanova (omega-3 carboxylic acid). TG is composed of three...
Balsalazide Disodium, Colazal: Drug Facts, Side Effects and Dosage
What is balsalazide disodium, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Balsalazide disodium is an oral anti-inflammatory drug that is used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It is a form of mesalamine (5-aminosalicyclic acid) that is activated by colonic bacteria when it reaches the colon. The exact mechanism of action of mesalamine is not known but is believed...
Glycerin (Fleet, Pedia-Lax, Colace) Rectal Suppository for Constipation
What is glycerin suppository? What is glycerin used for? Glycerin suppositories are hyperosmotic laxatives. Glycerin suppositories work by increasing water volume in intestines and softening stool, causing the intestines to contract and produce bowel movements. What brand names are available for glycerin suppository? Fleet Suppository, Pedia-Lax Suppository, Colace Suppository Is glycerin suppository available as a generic drug? Yes Do I...
certolizumab (Cimzia): Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What is certolizumab? What is certolizumab used for? Certolizumab is an injectable synthetic (man-made) protein antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the body and blocks the effects of TNFα in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. Adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel) are two other injectable drugs that block TNFα. Inflammation is the body's reaction to...
Trachoma Definition, Treatment, Symptoms, Causes, Prevention
Trachoma facts Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Trachoma is a contagious and potentially blinding infectious eye disease. The World Health Organization classified trachoma as one of the neglected tropical diseases and the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world. Blindness from trachoma may be preventable by screening and treatment with antibiotics and surgery....
Is Ringworm Contagious? How Does It Spread?
What is ringworm? Readers Comments 3 Share Your Story Ringworm is a highly contagious fungal infection. Ringworm is a rash caused by a fungus in the skin. Ringworm is caused by various genera and species of fungi (for examples, Trichophyton species, Epidermophyton species). The term ringworm is used because the rash often occurs in a ringlike, circular pattern. Ringworm is...
glipizide, Glipizide XL, Glucotrol: Drug Side Effects
What is glipizide, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Glipizide is an oral drug that is used for treating patients with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the sulfonylurea class of drugs which also includes glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase), tolbutamide and tolazamide. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas that when released into the...
fluticasone nasal spray (Veramyst): Side Effects & Dosage
What is fluticasone nasal spray? What is fluticasone nasal spray used for? Fluticasone is a synthetic steroid of the glucocorticoid family of drugs that is used for treating allergic conditions involving the nose. Fluticasone mimics the naturally-occurring hormone produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol or hydrocortisone. The exact mechanism of action of fluticasone is unknown. Fluticasone has potent anti-inflammatory actions....