What is alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor-injection, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor (Prolastin-C) is a prescription medicine used to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. AAT deficiency is a genetic disorder in which abnormally low levels of the protein AAT allow certain enzymes to attack healthy tissues, especially the lungs. Over time, significant lung damage occurs, and patients...
Antihistamines vs. Corticosteroids for Allergy and Inflammation
What’s the Difference Between Antihistamines and Corticosteroids? Antihistamines and corticosteroids are used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, hives, skin rashes, and itchy or watery eyes. Antihistamines also may be used to treat motion sickness, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), and anxiety. Corticosteroids are also used for their strong anti-inflammatory effects to treat conditions such as arthritis, colitis, asthma, and bronchitis....
Cerdelga (eliglustat) Side Effects, Warnings, and Drug Interactions
What is Cerdelga (eliglustat) and how is it used? Cerdelga (eliglustat) is a prescription medicine used for the long-term treatment of Gaucher disease type 1 (GD1) in adults. Cerdelga is not used in certain people with Gaucher disease type 1. Your doctor will perform a test to make sure that Cerdelga is right for you. What are the most important...
Oral Antihistamines: Side Effects for Allergy Drugs
What are oral antihistamines? The term, antihistamine generally is used for medications used to treat various symptoms believed to be caused by histamine, for example, as part of the common cold, including: Congestion Runny nose Sneezing Itchy throat Hives Skin rashes Itching Itchy or watery eyes (A second type of antihistamine is used primarily for suppressing acid production in the...
testosterone undecanoate (Aveed) Side Effects & Dosage
What is testosterone undecanoate capsule, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Testosterone undecanoate is a long-acting man-made version of testosterone, the natural male sexual hormone. Testosterone is responsible for the normal growth and development of male sex organs and characteristics. It includes growth and development of male organs of penis, testicles, prostate, body hair, vocal cord thickening, and...
Conjugated Synthetic Estrogens (Cenestin) Side Effects & Dosage
What is estrogens conjugated, synthetic, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cenestin is a combination of nine estrogens. Estrogens are hormones produced by the ovaries that are necessary for the proper development of the female reproductive system and sexual characteristics. After menopause, there is a decrease in the amount of estrogen that is produced by the ovaries. This...
Suprax (cefixime) Antibiotic Side Effects, Dosage, Uses
What is cefixime, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Cefixime is a semi-synthetic (partially man-made), oral antibiotic in the cephalosporin family of antibiotics. The cephalosporin family includes cephalexin (Keflex), cefaclor (Ceclor), cefuroxime (Zinacef), cefpodoxime (Vantin), cefprozil (Cefzil), and many injectable forms. Like other cephalosporins, cefixime stops bacteria from multiplying by preventing bacteria from forming the walls that surround...
Anoro Ellipta for COPD: Dosage, Side Effects, & Pregnancy Safety
What is Anoro Ellipta and what is it used for? Anoro Ellipta is a combination anticholinergic/long-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist (anticholinergic/LABA) indicated for the long-term, once-daily, maintenance treatment of airflow obstruction in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema. Anoro Ellipta is only approved for use in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Anoro Ellipta is NOT approved for use in asthma. Anoro Ellipta combines an anticholinergic,...
Monoclonal Antibodies: Types, Side Effects & COVID-19 Use
What are human monoclonal antibodies? An antibody is a protein produced by the body's immune system in response to antigens, which are harmful substances. Antigens include bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, chemicals, and other substances the immune system identifies as foreign. Sometimes the body mistakenly identifies normal tissues as foreign and produces antibodies against the tissue. This is the underlying cause...
Arzerra (ofatumumab) Injection for Leukemia Side Effects & Dosage
What is Arzerra (ofatumumab), and how does it work? Generic drug: ofatumumab Brand name: Arzerra Arzerra (ofatumumab) Injection is a monoclonal antibody used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Arzerra is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms. What are the side effects of Arzerra? Common side effects of Arzerra include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, swelling of hands/ankles/feet,...