Zoloft (sertraline) vs. Paxil (paroxetine): What’s the difference? Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type antidepressants used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft is also used to treat panic disorder. Side effects of Zoloft and Paxil that are similar include drowsiness/sleepiness, sleep...
Targeted Therapy: What Is Apoptosis in Cancer Cells?
What is targeted cancer therapy? Cancer cells grow and proliferate endlessly. Targeted therapy to stimulate cell death or “apoptosis” can help keep tumors in check. Targeted cancer therapy is a focused treatment for certain cancers in which the specific cancer-causing factors can be identified and targeted with drugs. Targeted therapy involves administration of medications that alter the way cancer cells...
Veltassa (patiromer): Hyperkalemia Drug Dosage & Side Effects
What is Veltassa (patiromer), and what is it used for? Veltassa is indicated for the treatment of hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium. High levels of potassium usually are caused by kidney or adrenal gland malfunctions and may cause Nausea Fatigue Weakness Slow heartbeat Veltassa works in the colon by binding with potassium from your food and preventing your body...
Vimpat (lacosamide): Epilepsy Medication Uses & Side Effects
What is Vimpat (lacosamide), and how does it work? Vimpat is a prescription medicine used to treat partial-onset seizures in people 4 years of age and older. It is not known if Vimpat injection is safe for use in children. Children age 4 years and older should only take Vimpat by mouth. Vimpat injection is only for use in people...
Tribenzor (olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide)
What is Tribenzor, and how does it work? Tribenzor (olmesartan medoxomil, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide) Tablets is a combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker, a calcium channel blocker, and a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure. What are the side effects of Tribenzor? WARNING FETAL TOXICITY When pregnancy is detected, discontinue Tribenzor as soon as possible. Drugs that act directly on...
Yondelis (trabectedin) Cancer Treatment Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: trabectedin Brand name: Yondelis What is Yondelis (trabectedin), and how does it work? Yondelis (trabectedin) is a prescription medicine used to treat people with liposarcoma (cancer of the fat cells) or leiomyosarcoma (cancer of smooth muscle tissue) that: cannot be treated with surgery or has spread to other areas of the body, and who have received treatment with...
Robaxin (methocarbamol) vs. Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) Side Effects & Uses
What are the differences between Robaxin and Flexeril? Robaxin (methocarbamol) and Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) are skeletal muscle relaxants. The brand name Flexeril has been discontinued in the U.S. Amrix and Fexmid are the brand names available for cyclobenzaprine in the U.S. Both Robaxin and Flexeril are available in generic form. Side effects of Robaxin and Flexeril that are similar include drowsiness,...
Viltepso (viltolarsen) for Duchenne: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: viltolarsen Brand name: Viltepso What is Viltepso (viltolarsen), and how does it work? Viltepso (viltolarsen) is an antisense oligonucleotide used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping. What are the side effects of Viltepso? Side effects of Viltepso include: upper respiratory...
Why Are Antibiotics Given Before Cutaneous Surgery?
What are prophylactic antibiotics? Prophylactic or preemptive antibiotic treatments are administered prior to skin surgery in people who have compromised immunity or other conditions that make them prone to infection. Prophylactic antibiotics are antimicrobial medications administered to prevent possible infection that may result from exposure to microorganisms during certain medical procedures. Prophylactic antibiotics are administered as a preemptive measure, mostly...
Oral Typhoid Vaccine (Vivotif) Side Effects & Dosage
What is typhoid vaccine-oral enteric-coated capsule, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Typhoid vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) oral typhoid vaccine. Typhoid disease is caused by ingestion of Salmonella typhi strains from contaminated food or water. Active immunity from vaccine is occurs when the body produces antibodies to typhoid in response to the weakened typhoid bacteria in...