Generic drug: tesamorelin Brand name: Egrifta SV What is Egrifta SV (tesamorelin), and how does it work? Egrifta SV (tesamorelin) is an injectable prescription medicine used to reduce the excess stomach-area (abdominal) fat in HIV-infected adult patients with lipodystrophy. Egrifta SV is a growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF). The long-term safety of Egrifta SV on the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular)...
Gadavist (gadobutrol) for MRI Imaging: Side Effects & Dosage
What is Gadavist, and how does it work? Gadavist is a prescription medicine called a gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA). Gadavist, like other GBCAs, is injected into your vein and used with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. An MRI exam with a GBCA, including Gadavist, helps your doctor to see problems better than an MRI exam without a GBCA. Your...
Firazyr (icatibant) for Hereditary Angioedema (HAE): Side Effects & Dosage
What is Firazyr, and how does it work? Firazyr is a medicine used to treat acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE) in adults 18 years and older. It is not known if Firazyr is safe or effective for children under 18 years of age. What are the side effects of Firazyr? The most common side effects of Firazyr include: redness,...
11 Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Your Drugs
How well do you know about the drugs you are taking? Whether synthetic or natural (herbal), drugs are intended to act on the body. There always is a chance that they will produce effects that we do not want. Moreover, if two or more drugs are taken at the same time, there is a chance that one drug will interact...
zinc oxide cream (Desitin and Others): Uses and Facts
What is zinc oxide? Topical zinc oxide is a non-prescription (OTC) over-the-counter) mild astringent with weak antiseptic properties. It is a skin protectant that is used to treat and prevent various skin conditions including minor abrasions, burns, chafing, diaper rash, insect bites, and minor skin irritation. What brand names are available for zinc oxide? Ammens Original Medicated, Ammens Shower Fresh,...
Ellzia Pak (triamcinolone acetonide ointment, dimethicone)
What is Ellzia Pak, and how does it work? Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid responsive dermatoses. What are the side effects of Ellzia Pak? The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings (reactions are listed...
Doxycycline vs. Tetracycline: Side Effects & Dosage for Antibiotics
What is the difference between doxycycline and tetracycline? Doxycycline and tetracycline are antibiotics used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Brand names for doxycycline include Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox, Acticlate, Acticlate Cap, Doryx, Doxteric, and Doxy. Tetracycline is only available in generic form. Sumycin is a discontinued...
Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine): Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: Influenza Vaccine Brand name: Fluzone Highdose What is Fluzone High-Dose (Influenza Vaccine), and how does it work? Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is a vaccine that helps protect against influenza illness (flu). Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine is for people 65 years of age and older. Vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine may not protect all people who receive the vaccine....
Elmiron (Generic Pentosan): Drug Side Effects and Dosage
What is pentosan, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pentosan is a semi-synthetic (man-made) drug that resembles the anticoagulant ("blood thinner") heparin and is used for treating the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is a condition, usually of unknown cause, in which there is inflammation of the urinary bladder that most frequently causes pelvic pain and frequent...
olsalazine, Dipentum for UC Side Effects, Uses & Dosing
What is olsalazine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Olsalazine is an oral medication that works as an anti-inflammatory drug for treating inflammatory diseases of the colon. It is a derivative of salicylic acid. Inactive itself, it is converted by the bacteria in the colon to its active form, mesalamine. Following oral administration very little of the olsalazine...