What is lesinurad, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lesinurad is an oral medication that reduces uric acid levels in people who have too much uric acid in their blood (hyperuricemia) and have symptoms of gout. It is the first approved drug in a new class of drugs called selective uric acid reabsorption inhibitors (SURI). Uric acid is...
iloperidone (Fanapt): Schizophrenia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
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...
eribulin mesylate (Halaven): Chemotherapy Side Effects & Treatment
What is Halaven? What is Halaven used for? Eribulin mesylate is a chemotherapeutic medicine approved to treat metastatic breast cancer, an advanced form of breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Microtubules are dynamic intracellular structures that are responsible for various kinds of movements including cell division, organization of intracellular structure, and intracellular transport. Eribulin inhibits...
erythromycin/benzoyl peroxide (Benzamycin): Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
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...
Avandamet (rosiglitazone/metformin) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage
What brand names are available for rosiglitazone/metformin? Avandamet Is rosiglitazone/metformin available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for rosiglitazone/metformin? Yes What are the uses for rosiglitazone/metformin? Avandamet is used with diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. What are the side effects of rosiglitazone/metformin? The most common side...
ciclesonide (Alvesco): Asthma Drug Side Effects & Dosage
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...
asenapine (Saphris): Schizophrenia Drug Side Effects & Dosage
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 of action of asenapine is...
flunisolide nasal spray (Aerospan): Drug Facts, Side Effects, Dosage
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...
Diabetes: OTC Guide for Safe Drugs for Colds & Flu
What should I know about safe drugs to take for a cold or flu (influenza) if you have diabetes? Share Your Story Choosing OTC drugs and remedies can be confusing. People with type 1 or 2 diabetes who don't comply with their doctor's medications may have a difficult time fighting off colds and flu viruses when their immune system is...
Cramps but No Period: 12 Causes of Cramping When Not on Period
Why do I have cramps but no period? Several conditions can cause cramps but no period. Pelvic pain similar to a menstrual period can happen at times when no period is due or can occur because of conditions other than the monthly cycle. Sometimes it is hard to tell the exact reason for cramps that feel like a menstrual period....