What is venlafaxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for treating depression. Other drugs in this class include milnacipran (Savella), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Venlafaxine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain make and release in order to communicate with one another. Neurotransmitters either...
Diclegis (doxylamine succinate, pyridoxine) for Pregnancy
What is Diclegis, and how does it work? Diclegis is a prescription medicine used to treat nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in women who have not improved with change in diet or other non-medicine treatments. It is not known if Diclegis is safe and effective in women with severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Women...
Desonide Cream for Psoriasis: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: desonide Brand name: DesOwen What is DesOwen (desonide), and how does it work? DesOwen (desonide) is a topical (for the skin) steroid used to treat the inflammation and itching caused by a number of skin conditions such as allergic reactions, eczema, and psoriasis. DesOwen is available in generic form. What are the side effects of DesOwen? Common side...
Copiktra (duvelisib): Leukemia Medication Side Effects & Dosage
What is Copiktra (duvelisib), and how does it work? Generic drug: duvelisib Brand name: Copiktra Copiktra (duvelisib) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL) who have received at least 2 prior therapies and they did not work or are no longer working. Follicular Lymphoma (FL) who have received at least 2...
Plavix (clopidogrel) vs. Xarelto (rivaroxaban): Blood Thinner Side Effects
Clopidogrel vs. Xarelto: What’s the difference? Clopidogrel and Xarelto (rivaroxaban) are blood thinners used for preventing strokes, heart attacks, and death in individuals who have had a previous stroke, unstable angina, heart attack, or have peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Xarelto is also used to treat and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and reduce...
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) for Migraine, Side Effects, Dosage, Uses
What is botulinum toxin type A, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? OnabotulinumtoxinA is an injectable neuro-toxin, that is, a toxic chemical that blocks the ability of nerves to make muscles contract. In other words, it paralyzes muscles. To cause muscles to contract, nerves release a chemical, acetylcholine, where they meet muscle cells. The acetylcholine attaches to receptors...
Magnesium citrate for Constipation, Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects
What is magnesium citrate? How does it work (mechanism of action)? Magnesium citrate is supplied as an oral tablet or liquid saline laxative. Magnesium citrate retains water in the intestines by osmosis. Increasing water in the bowel aids motility, usually producing a bowel movement within one-half to six hours. What are the uses for magnesium citrate? Magnesium citrate is used...
Birth Control Pills (oral contraceptives) vs. Nuvaring (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol)
Birth control pills vs. Nuvaring: What’s the difference? Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and Nuvaring (etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol) are methods of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control pills are taken orally while Nuvaring is a vaginal ring inserted intravaginally. Side effects of birth control pills and Nuvaring that are similar include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight changes, vaginal bleeding...
Benzoyl Peroxide (Proactive, Neutrogena) Uses & Side Effects
What is benzoyl peroxide? Benzoyl peroxide is a topical medication used for treating acne (pimples). It is active against Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium which has been associated with acne. Why is benzoyl peroxide used? Benzoyl peroxide is used for the treatment of acne. Is benzoyl peroxide available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for benzoyl peroxide?...
Blincyto (blinatumomab) for Leukemia: Side Effects & Warnings
Generic drug: blinatumomab Brand name: Blincyto What is Blincyto (blinatumomab), and how does it work? Blincyto (blinatumomab) for injection is a bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T- cell engager indicated for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-negative relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). What are the side effects of Blincyto? WARNING CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITIES Cytokine Release Syndrome...