Monday, June 30, 2008

Lamictal Rash Lawyer


Lamictal, or lamotrigine, is an anti-seizure medication that has been prescribed to treat epileptic seizures for about 10 years. In addition to its mood stabilizing effects, Lamictal has antidepressant effects as well that have been prescribed for bipolar or manic depressive patients. Some researchers have suggested that Lamictal be the first-prescribed medication for bipolar patients suffering from more depressed versions of the disorder. Often antidepressants prescribed for bipolar disorder will trigger manic phases, increasing the rate of unhealthy mood swings, but Lamictal does not appear to have this same effect.

As an anti-epileptic drug, Lamictal is considered broad spectrum. This means that it effectively treats both partial-onset and generalized-onset epilepsy. It is thought to do this by inhibiting sodium channels and reducing glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) release. Lamictal is available in tablets of many sizes and doses, with tiny pills available for children.

Lamictal does have a very serious side effect that takes the form of an allergy. The medication can cause a very serious skin rash that, in its worst forms, results in death. When Lamictal was first prescribed about 10% of all patients was getting this life-threatening rash, which is a terrible rate of negative reaction. However, doctors soon found that the likelihood of suffering this allergic reaction decreases the longer the medication is in use. By beginning with a very low dosage of Lamictal and progressively increasing the dosage to an effective level, patients can grow acclimated to the drug and in doing so avoid the rash.

Aside from this rash, the medication seems to have very few negative side effects. A few patients have complained of ankle swelling, and for some the medication simply did not work. No weight gain problems have been described, which is unique among anti-depressant medication. The effects of Lamictal during pregnancy have not been studied, and it the drug is transmitted through breast milk. Nobody knows the damage to infants who are exposed to the medication, so Lamictal should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Patients on Lamictal should never breast feed.

If you or a loved one have suffered negative side effects to Lamictal and feel that you were not properly warned about these dangers, contact a lawyer today to discuss your options and possibly engage in a lawsuit to improve the packaging and warnings about Lamictal side effects.

You can buy Lamictal here

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mook's weblog

The Insider's Guide To Antihistamine Clarinex


Clarinex is a medication which can be taken year-round by those who suffer from allergies. It is also effective at treating those who suffer from hives or rashes. The active ingredient in this medication is desloratadine, which is an antihistamine. This blocks the immune system's production of the natural chemical histamine, which is produced when the body becomes sensitive to something.

Clarinex is effective at treating allergy symptoms produced from contact to both indoor allergens and outdoor ones. Anything from dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores, to pollen, grass or weeds can cause allergies.

Clarinex is widely used and popular because of its non-drowsy characteristic. Many antihistamines tell users to avoid machinery or driving while taking it, but Clarinex does not. This drug was also the first to boast that grapefruit juice did not affect its absorption.

It is also safe for most people who suffer form asthma to use this medication, although it is recommended that one contacts their doctor before mixing medications of any kind. Reported side effects include dry mouth, fatigue and a sore throat.

This medication comes in many forms which are taken according to age group, severity of symptoms, and other factors. The regular Clarinex tablets relieve symptoms for up to 24 hours and are safe for ages 12 and up. Clarinex 24-hour combines the power of antihistamine and decongestant for people with seasonal rhinitis and congestion. Children as young as 6 months of age can receive relief from indoor allergies, while children 2 and over can experience relief from outdoor ones, with the bubblegum flavored Clarinex syrup.

The syrup formula can also reduce the appearance of hives in children. Because many people are unable to easily take pills or tablets, Clarinex has provided a solution. For those who need another method, Clarinex Redi-tabs melt easily in the mouth. These also provide 24-hour relief and come in a fruit flavor.

The makers of Clarinex, Shering-Plough, claim that taking this medication in the morning will relieve symptoms all the way into the next morning when one awakes. This is a benefit, since many 24-hour solutions seem to wear off while one is sleeping.

Clarinex-D is a stronger formula which does require a prescription.

This also claims to have 24-hour relief all the way through to the next day. This member of the Clarinex family is for moderate to severe allergy sufferers.

You can buy Clarinex here

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Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Efficient Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis


Despite the fact that there is no specific cure for multiple sclerosis in present, existing treatments are effective in slowing down the progression rate of the disease and preventing the development of further complications. Considering the fact that most of the effects of multiple sclerosis are irreversible, it is imperative to timely diagnose the disease and begin the administration of the appropriate course of medications. With the right treatment and with the aid of supportive therapies (physiotherapy and kinetotherapy), patients with multiple sclerosis can regain control of their bodies and live normal, active lives.

The medications available today are used to accomplish a series of goals in patients with multiple sclerosis: some medication treatments are aimed at slowing the progression rate of the disease, while others are aimed at ameliorating its generated symptoms and prolonging the periods of remission. The medications that are nowadays extensively used to delay and control symptomatic flare-ups among patients with multiple sclerosis are known as “ABC drugs”. This category of medications consists of Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone.

The so called ABC drugs are crucial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as they reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of the immune system’s attacks on healthy nervous cells. These medications act by triggering a series of biologic mechanisms that decrease the autoimmune response of the body. Prescribed in the appropriate dose, each of these previously mentioned multiple sclerosis medications can reduce the frequency and intensity of specific neurological symptoms by up to 30 percent.

Avonex (Beta-interferon-1a) is a very effective multiple sclerosis medication that is administered under the form of intramuscular injections. This medication is used to successfully alleviate a series of symptoms such as muscular weakness, visual problems, as well as cognitive affections (poor concentration, memory loss, confusion). Administered in the appropriate dose, Avonex can also reduce the frequency of symptomatic flare-ups. Due to the fact that it also generates various side-effects ranging in intensity from mild to moderate, Avonex is usually associated with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, drugs that minimize the undesired effects of Avonex on the body. The side-effects produced by the prolonged use of Avonex comprise fever, chills and muscular pain. However, these symptoms are completely eliminated when the treatment is interrupted.

Betaseron (Beta-interferon-1b) is an effective multiple sclerosis medication primarily administered to patients with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis. Betaseron is administered under the form of subcutaneous injections and produces the best results on long-term use. The side-effects generated by Betaseron are usually mild and consist of flu-like symptoms and local skin irritation at the site of the injection.

Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate or Copolymer-1) is yet another efficient medication used to decrease the frequency and duration of multiple sclerosis flare-ups. This medication is also administered as subcutaneous injections. Unlike interferon-based medications, Copaxone is very well tolerated by the body and produces no perceivable side-effects. Under special circumstances, Copaxone can produce temporary irritation and tenderness at the injection site.

Apart from the popular ABC drugs, the treatment of multiple sclerosis often includes medications such as steroids (anti-inflammatory drugs), as well as anticonvulsive and antispastic medications. Amantidine (Symmetrel) is often used to eliminate the states of generalized fatigue characteristic to multiple sclerosis, while medications such as Oxybutynin (Ditropan) and tolterodine (Detrol) are administered to patients confronted with bladder problems due to implication of multiple sclerosis at the level of the urinary system. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as methotrexate and azathioprine (Imuran) are rarely used, being prescribed to patients confronted with severe types of multiple sclerosis.

You can buy Detrol here

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Kaston's weblog

Breastfeeding and Breast Implants - Five Things You Need To Know


For those of you who want the headline first, here it is: "Breast Implant Surgery Makes It At Least Three Times More Likely That a Woman Trying to Breastfeed Will Have An Inadequate Milk Supply."

That bulletin comes to you from the Institute of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and it's based on a number of studies of women with breast implants or other breast surgery. Not surprisingly, the research also found that having breast implants is a deterrent to breastfeeding, because women with implants are afraid of insufficient lactation and other complications.

If you have breast implants or are contemplating implants, and you're determined to breastfeed, here are five facts to keep in mind:

* Women whose breasts have been enlarged with silicone or saline implants may have more-sensitive or less-sensitive nipples.

* After you've delivered and your milk has come in, you may experience increased breast engorgement with more intense pain, fever and chills.

* Incisions made under the fold of the breast are less likely to cause problems. The more popular "smile" incision around the areola heightens the risk for problems.

* Nerve damage around the areola creates a make-or-break situation. Nerves are essential to breastfeeding because "they trigger the brain to release prolactin and oxytocin, two hormones that affect milk production. An intact milk duct system also improves your chances of breastfeeding.

* Depending on how much breast milk you're able to produce, you may need to supplement with formula.

The medical and public health communities have known for a long time that breast milk is, in most cases, preferable to formula, because it provides babies with essential nutrition and improves their immune systems. Your baby is less prone to gastrointestinal disease, respiratory ailments, asthma, ear infections and allergies. Moms benefit from breastfeeding, too. It helps create a psychological bond between you and your baby, which helps post-partum recovery and (this is a biggie!) helps you return to your pre-pregnancy weight more quickly.

Breast implantation is becoming more and more common. As a woman planning to have a family at some point in your life, you simply have to decide what's more important to your ultimate happiness.

You can buy here

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ZetaOrionis's weblog

Sunday, June 29, 2008

5 Natural Pain Relief Methods - Relieve Pain Naturally


1. Massage - Massage the area gently and firmly. Massage helps to ease pain by

applying pressure on the nerve endings, releasing endorphines and enkephalins -

the body's natural pain killers, improving blood circulation, stretching muscles

and reducing some stress hormone levels.

2. Relaxation, Distraction and Imagery - Focus on the rhythm of your breath;

imagine yourself in a serene peaceful place; read a book; watch a movie; listen to

soothing music; meditate; do yoga; garden; go walking in a scenic place. Stress is

the primary cause of pain and relaxing or distracting yourself allows the stress

to leave and with it the pain.

3. Heat and cold - Heat and cold therapy help to temporarily relieve pain. Apply

heat - preferably moist heat with heating pads, hot towels and mitts. Taking a hot

shower can be extremely therapeutic. Cold can be applied with cold compresses, ice

cubes in a towel or plastic bag and cold packs. Do not use heat or cold for more

than 15 minutes at a time. Take care to always protect your skin by placing a

cloth or towel around the hot or cold pack.

4. Exercises and Positions- Try gentle stretching exercises. For arthritic pain in

the hands and fingers, gently try and bring your hand into fist as much as

possible and then release. Also try rotating one arm in a full circle and then the other arm.

This exercise helps relieve pain in the legs! Certain yoga postures help relieve pain -

go to a trained professional for help in this. Also lying on the floor with your legs and feet over a chair is also known to help relieve pain.

5. Herbal supplements - Try using vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin B which

is an effective pain reliever. Use ginger in your food. It is an anti-oxidant and

anti-inflammatory. Boswellia / Shallaki is a well known Ayurvedic herb that has shown

anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic benefits. Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel are ayurvedic formulations that incorporate Boswellia, Guggul and other herbs and effectively relieve pain due to various conditions including arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, frozen shoulder and other joint conditions.

You can buy Rumalaya here

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Nadya Cubillan's weblog

Current therapy for pneumonia


There are more clinical types of Pneumonia and each of them is cured according to the path gnomonic mechanism which is responsible for its apparition. If the pneumonia case is caused by bacteria, less severe cases are cured with oral medication administered at home and more dangerous conditions are usually treated in hospitals by intravenous antibiotics if complications like other diseases or breathing difficulties are associated. In case of viral pneumonias, there is no actual treatment but medication for relieving the signs and symptoms of the infection are required.

The doctor’s choice for your particular treatment depends on different clinical expertise and on a possible resistance to certain types of antibiotics. All cases of pulmonary conditions are diagnosed after a complete registration of medical history, physical examination, chest X-ray and further laboratory testing of samples of your sputum, urine and blood tissue. Before the exact cause of your pneumonia is known, a symptomatic therapy is required; when the doctor has determined whether a virus, fungi or bacteria is responsible for your illness, he will prescribe you the specific medication in your case.

The most common therapy for previous healthy patients with no earlier antibiotic cures or with no ant biotherapy in the last three months usually consists out of the following medication:


1. Macrolids, such as Doxycycline, Clarythromicyne, Azythromicin or Erythromycin.


2. Fluorochinolones like Levofloxacin, gatifloxacin or Moxifloxacin


3. A Macrolide combined with Amoxicillin


4. A Macrolide combined with Augumentin

The therapeutic schema of patients with other associated conditions such as diabetes, cancer or heart failure, differ from case to case:


1. Macrolides like Azithromycin or Claritromycin


2. Fluoroquinolones like Levofloxacin, gatifloxacin or Moxifloxacin


3. A Macrolide combined with Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Cefpodoxime, Cefprozil or Cefuroxime.

In more severe pneumonia cases requiring hospitalization, the patients will be administered intravenous antibiotics and associated oxygen-therapy for assisting the difficult breathing. The most common type of pneumonia is caused by the bacterium called Streptococcus Pneumoniae and can be usually cured in 5-10 days of ant biotherapy. The remission period of the infection may be prolonged if pneumonia is caused by more aggressive bacteria like Pseudomonas or Legionella, by fungi or if the recovery is compromised by other medical conditions.

It is always important to take the complete medication prescribed by the physician and not only until symptoms disappear. Otherwise, it is possible that the blamed bacteria will get resistant to the antibiotic and cause more severe reoccurrence in the future; in this case the infectious germ will no longer respond to the previous antibiotic administered and the cure will be hardened.

You can buy Augmentin here

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MadandAngry's weblog

Friday, June 27, 2008

Creams For Stretch Marks


Stretch marks are a normal part of puberty for most girls and guys. They are generally associated with pregnancy, obesity, and can develop during rapid muscle growth from body building. It is a common condition that does not cause any significant medical problems but can be of cosmetic concern for some people. They are the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth (e.g. puberty) or weight gain (e.g. pregnancy), and anabolic steroid use. Men and women can get them on several areas of their bodies, including the abdominal area, thighs, hips, breasts, upper arms or lower back.

They can also occur from prolonged use of oral or topical corticosteroids. Stretching of the skin may cause a tingling or itchy sensation. They occur in about 50-90 of pregnant women.

They can appear anywhere on the body. Most common places are the abdomen (especially near the belly-button), breasts, upper arms, underarms, thighs (both inner and outer), hips, and buttocks. They are usually several centimetres long and 1-10 mm wide. Those caused by corticosteroid use or Cushing's syndrome are often larger and wider. The glucocorticoid hormones responsible for the development of stretch marks affect the epidermis by preventing the fibroblasts from forming collagen and elastin fibers, necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. There are plenty over-the-counter treatments for stretch marks. StretchNil is a unique herbal preparation that has been specifically created for the prevention or minimization.

Collagen creams claim (maintain property or right) that they will improve. Some cream manufacturers claim the best results are reach a goal

on recent stretch marks; however, few studies exist to support these claims. Cocoa butter cream, which is available from pharmacies, is often recommended to soften scars, so might be worth a try. Some cream manufacturers claim the best results are achieved on recent stretch marks; however, few studies exist to support these claims. These creams should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Biological Oils (Rose Hip Oil or Emu Oil), Plant Oils, Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter do become better the lipid content of the skin, embellish water retention, and soften the skin texture for a while.

You can buy here

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Kaston's weblog

Drug Side Effects: Combivent Dangerous - You Bet It Is


Drugs have side effects. Period. So does Combivent, a drug that I use. Is Combivent dangerous? I think it is. First, I need to give a little history here, and then we can talk shop.

In 2000, I moved home with my mom to begin assisting her with her care because she had developed cancer. Her ordeal was terrible, and primarily it was because in addition to the effects of the cancer itself, the drugs therapies she was on were horrendously brutal on her health and constitution. One of the drugs she used to combat her lung cancer was something called Combivent.

I had been using Albuteral since the early 90's to help manage some of the symptoms that come with having Cystic Fibrosis. My doctor prescribed it as a quick fix for times when allergies made my chest tight, or when I felt particularly congested...

Well, when I moved in with my mom I eventually became curious about her inhaler. I asked my doctor if I might try the use of Combivent every so often, and when I tried it I liked it. It had a two-pronged benefit of both opening my lungs and reducing inflammation. For some reason, it helped me clear more congestion more easily. So, I began to use it as a replacement for Albuterol. It should be noted that Combivent (a play on the word "combine" perhaps?) is a combination of Albuterol and a steroid known as Ipratropium.

My problem with all drugs, and Combivent in particular, is that all drugs have side effects. Doctors play them down, but I am here to tell you that you CANNOT and MUST NOT minimize the importance of these side effects.

Read up on Combivent. You will see what I am talking about. Do your own research. Combivent can be fatal if you overdose on it! At the very least it can cause adverse reactions that you need to be aware of.

In fact, I believe that I have systematically been OD'ing on it since 2000. The way in which an overdose takes place is simple, especially when you consider the symptoms that Combivent can create.

If you do you research you will see that Combivent can cause increased congestion and shortness of breath as a side effect. So, with that as a side effect, and given the nature of CF itself, a vicious cycle can begin whereby a person can accidentally OD on Combivent.

Let's say you take two hits on the drug. Initially you get relief of your symptoms. It really helps open your airways, right? You feel better, right? But in a few minutes you notice you are coughing more. You think to yourself, "OK, I have CF, coughing is what I do. Maybe the Combivent just loosened up something."

Well, maybe. And maybe not. It could also be that you may be having a reaction to the drug.

In another hour, your chest feels tighter. So, you take another hit. You don't get the relief you got earlier, so you take one more just to be on the safe side. It helps some, but in 30 minutes you are coughing more, you fell poorly and your lungs begin to hurt. So, you take one more hit. Next thing you know, you have full blown symptoms that look like pneumonia for Pete's Sake! And if you are lucky, that's all that will happen, but it can get MUCH worse.

I have OD'ed on Combivent several times in my life without realizing what was happening. The most recent time was 3 days ago, Monday this past.

Since I had just gotten over what my doctor thought was pneumonia (and he could have been right, but who knows for sure, because I may have been having a reaction to too much Combivent), I assumed that the pneumonia was coming back, even though the Ciprofloxacin he had given me had taken care of it. My lungs were hurting as they had been before. I took another hit on my Combivent and the symptoms worsened and it was then that I began to think I was hurting myself with the drug. I had used it several times that morning, to deal with symptoms that got increasingly worse as time passed. So, even though I was unable to breath, I stopped the Combivent.

Within an hour, my lungs had returned to normal and I was feeling fine, but after an ordeal that lasted nearly 3 hours, I had had an epiphany of sorts. Combivent is not necessarily a good thing. It can even create the very symptoms it is formulated to alleviate.

Since then, I have made sure that at least 4-5 hours pass between doses, and I feel good. I am less congested and for the time being I am breathing better.

My who point is that drugs do not always help us. Few drugs, if any, come without a price in the form of side effects. Do your research on your drugs. Always consider the risks of using a drug vs. the risks of not using it. Pay close attention to your doses. Monitor how you feel. And discontinue the use of a drug if it makes you feel worse. Even something as seemingly harmless as an inhaler can be dangerous.

You can buy Combivent here

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ixnay's weblog

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Are Medications for the Treatment of Enlarged Prostate (Benign ...


Alpha adrenergic receptor blocker medications, including doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and terazosin (Hytrin), cause a relaxation of prostate smooth muscle and increase urine flow (Lepor et al 1996; McConnell et al 2003). The FDA has approved all of these medications for the treatment of BPH, with the exception of Minipress. Minipress is a medication that has been on the market for the treatment of hypertension for many years; your doctor has the right to prescribe it for you "off label" for the treatment of BPH if he or she thinks it is indicated. There are no current plans to obtain an indication for Minipress for the treatment of BPH, since it has been off patent for many years. All of the alpha adrenergic receptor blocker medications have similar side effects including dizziness, postural hypotension, and fatigue. The potential benefit from relief of BPH symptoms is usually worth the side effects of these medications. However, Uroxatral should not be used in patients with liver problems and causes cardiac effects (lengthening of the Q-T interval).

Tamsulosin (Flomax) is a selective blocker of the ±-1A adrenergic receptor that has fewer side effects than the other alpha-blockers because it is more selective to the ±-1A adrenergic receptor than the other drugs reviewed above. The other alpha blockers block adrenergic receptors in both the heart and the brain as well as in the prostate. For this reason they can block the smooth muscles in the blood vessels in these areas and cause the blood vessels to dilate. This changes blood flow in the brain, with associated dizziness, fatigue, or the possibility of passing out if you stand up too quickly (postural hypotension). Since Flomax is more specific to the adrenergic receptors in the prostate, it has fewer of these side effects.

5±-reductase inhibitors include drugs like finasteride (Proscar). One of the most important factors contributing to BPH is the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT normally stimulates prostate tissue in adolescent males, which leads to the ability to produce semen and therefore become fertile. In later age, however, DHT can stimulate prostate tissue in a counter-productive way. Proscar inhibits the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT, 5±-reductase, thereby reducing DHT levels as much as 80%. This is associated with a decrease in prostate volume of 20%, since this hormone stimulates prostate tissue growth. Side effects include decreased libido, impotence and ejaculatory disorder. Dutasteride (Duagen) blocks both types 1 and 2 5±-reductase and has a similar side effect profile as finasteride.

In the PROscar Safety Plus Efficacy Canadian Two Year Study (PROSPECT), 613 men with moderate BPH symptoms were started on a two year treatment course with Proscar or placebo (Nickel et al 1996). Finasteride resulted in a statistically significant reduction in symptom scores compared to placebo, with a baseline score of 15.8 the difference between finasteride and placebo was only 0.4, not a very big difference. There was about a 10% increase in urinary flow rates. Over twice as many (15.8%) of finasteride patients developed impotence as patients on placebo (6.3%). In a study comparing finasteride to the alpha blocker terazosin and placebo, 1229 were randomized to blinded treatment for one year. Change in symptom scores were 2.6 for placebo, 3.2 for finasteride, 6.1 for terazosin, and 6.2 for terazosin and finasteride.(Lepor et al 1996) Similar improvements were seen with urine flow, with greater increases in urine flow for terazosin. Finasteride was no better than placebo, while terazosin was statistically significantly better than both finasteride and placebo. Impotence was higher with finasteride (9%) than placebo (5%) or terazosin (6%). Another study looking at the long term effects of these drugs studied 3047 patients for five years on placebo, doxazosin (alpha blocker), finasteride, or combination therapy. The outcome was a four point increase in BPH symptom score, urinary retention or incontinence. Doxazosin reduced progression by 39% and finasteride by 34% compared to placebo (both statistically significant) (McConnell et al 2003). Combination therapy was even better (66% reduction) and was associated with a reduction in the need for surgery, as was finasteride alone.

Based on these findings I recommend the use of the alpha blockers initially (doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and terazosin (Hytrin) and Flomax) with addition of Proscar or Duagen depending on symptom response and side effects. Talk it over with your doctor.

Lepor H, Williford WO, Barry MJ (1996): The efficacy of terazosin, finasteride, or both in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Study Group. New England Journal of Medicine 335:533-539.

McConnell JD, Roehrborn CG, Bautista OM (2003): The long-term effect of doxazosin, finasteride, and combination therapy on the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia. New England Journal of Medicine 349:2387-2398.

Nickel JC, Fradet Y, Boake RC, Pommerville PJ, Perreault JP, Afridi SK (1996): Efficacy and safety of finasteride therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: results of a 2-year randomized controlled trial (the PROSPECT study). PROscar Safety Plus Efficacy Canadian Two year Study. Canadian Medical Association Journal 348:602-606.

You can buy Proscar here

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SirCruizer's weblog

Elavil Therapy For Use in Interstitial Cystitis


Although only one drug has been FDA approved specifically for interstitial cystitis, Elmiron, treating interstitial cystitis has always been a "brand off" approach. "Brand off" is where drugs not specifically designed for the illness or disease are used because of their side effects. For example, interstitial cystitis patients are given anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, antispasmodics, pain medication, and even some antiseizure medication.

Elavil is the brand name for the drug amitriptyline. The other brand name for the drug is Endep . It is given to mental health patients to elevate mood by increasing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Typically, this drug is prescribed for more than one reason to interstitial cystitis sufferers. It is available in tablet form in the dosages of 10mg, 25 mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg and in 150mg.

Sleep Effects


Elavil tends to make one drowsy after taking, and therefore is typically prescribed to be taken at night before bed. For this reason it is given to interstitial cystitis sufferers to help them sleep through the night without having to wake up to go to the bathroom multiple times. Also, even if one doesn't typically get up at night, it will still give them a better night sleep and will help them feel better throughout the day because they were able to rest. According to Dr. Robert Moore (Director of Advanced Pelvic Surgery and Co-Director of Urogynecology at Atlanta Urogynecology Associates, a "low dose helps to elevate the patient's pain threshold, i.e. the level that the pain fibers fire at in the spinal cord. These nerves are super sensitive and fire very easily at very low input levels; Elavil helps to elevate these levels so they don't fire so easily at low levels."

Pain Effects


Elavil will give a slight boost to treating and dealing with pain. It isn't a pain medication, but it does "take an edge off". This makes living with interstitial cystitis a bit easier. Its sedative effects help with the pain of the bladder. It raises your pain threshold so that lower level pain isn't felt as much, and you are much more able to cope.

Warnings


There are many drug interactions with Elavil. If you are taking an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibiting drugs) you may get a high fever, convulse, or even die while on Elavil / Endep.

If you have seizures or are at risk for having a seizure, you should not take this drug.

You should not take Epinephrine (what is known as an Epipen, given to those with severe allergic reactions) while on this drug as it raises your chance of severe high blood pressure. If you have risk factors for allergies severe enough that you carry an Epipen you need to let your doctor know prior to filling this drug prescription.

You can buy Elavil here

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Kaston's weblog

There is Hope for Myasthenia Gravis


Myasthenia Gravis is a chronic disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under your voluntary control. Myasthenia Gravis is caused by a breakdown in the communication between nerves and muscles, usually because of an immunological problem where the cells cannot communicate and the immune system attacks cells it does not recognize. There are 86 autoimmune diseases that have been diagnosed today and Myasthenia Gravis is one of them.

Symptoms are:

Facial muscle weakness, including drooping eyelids

Double vision

Difficulty in breathing, talking, chewing or swallowing

Muscle weakness in your arms or legs

Fatigue brought on by repetitive motions.

Treatments

The treatments of this disease focus on altering one’s immune system so that fewer antibodies are produced and therefore the muscle can rebuild its acetylcholine receptors. Perhaps the most commonly used initial medication is prednisone. In addition many patients will take a medication called mestinon or celcept. This does not treat the underlying problem but can improve the Myasthenia Gravis symptoms. Medications are basically to suppress the immune system to stop the production of antibodies that kill the cells.

An Alternative

Recent research in the field of glycobiology has brought about a discovery in cellular communication that has won several Nobel Prizes in medicine. A recent press release from Emory University School of Medicine announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Cummings, as the new chair of the Department of Biochemistry at Emory University. The article states that "the National Institutes of Health has identified the field of glycomics as a major new research focus. Glycomics is defined as the scientific pursuit of identifying and studying all of the carbohydrate molecules produced by an organism. Dr. Cummings' research focuses on glycoconjugates, the carbohydrate molecules and their associated proteins that permit cells to communicate with and adhere to each other -- transmitting and receiving chemical, electrical and mechanical messages that underlie all cellular and bodily functions."

The primary function of the glyconutrients is the communication between cells, which "underlies all bodily functions." There is a tremendous amount of research ongoing by many prestigious institutions. It is very exciting to see that Emory University School of Medicine has joined this endeavor. It is exciting that two major universities ("The Complex Carbohydrate Center" at UGA and Emory School of Medicine) are now at the forefront of this new frontier in medicine--the science of Glycobiology.

Due to green harvesting of fruits and vegetables, toxins in the air, food, and water, and the processing of our foods, the health of the world today is on a decline and we must supplement vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and now it has been shown that we also need the glyconutrients. If we do not receive the glyconutrients in our diet we will get sick either by the body leaving bad cells or not recognizing the good cells and attacking them.

A form of nutrition called glyconutrients has been shown to give the body what it needs to develop healthy cells that can communicate and therefore the body can respond as it was designed to do.

You can buy Mestinon here

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Lonagan's weblog

5 Natural Pain Relief Methods - Relieve Pain Naturally


1. Massage - Massage the area gently and firmly. Massage helps to ease pain by

applying pressure on the nerve endings, releasing endorphines and enkephalins -

the body's natural pain killers, improving blood circulation, stretching muscles

and reducing some stress hormone levels.

2. Relaxation, Distraction and Imagery - Focus on the rhythm of your breath;

imagine yourself in a serene peaceful place; read a book; watch a movie; listen to

soothing music; meditate; do yoga; garden; go walking in a scenic place. Stress is

the primary cause of pain and relaxing or distracting yourself allows the stress

to leave and with it the pain.

3. Heat and cold - Heat and cold therapy help to temporarily relieve pain. Apply

heat - preferably moist heat with heating pads, hot towels and mitts. Taking a hot

shower can be extremely therapeutic. Cold can be applied with cold compresses, ice

cubes in a towel or plastic bag and cold packs. Do not use heat or cold for more

than 15 minutes at a time. Take care to always protect your skin by placing a

cloth or towel around the hot or cold pack.

4. Exercises and Positions- Try gentle stretching exercises. For arthritic pain in

the hands and fingers, gently try and bring your hand into fist as much as

possible and then release. Also try rotating one arm in a full circle and then the other arm.

This exercise helps relieve pain in the legs! Certain yoga postures help relieve pain -

go to a trained professional for help in this. Also lying on the floor with your legs and feet over a chair is also known to help relieve pain.

5. Herbal supplements - Try using vitamins such as Vitamin E and Vitamin B which

is an effective pain reliever. Use ginger in your food. It is an anti-oxidant and

anti-inflammatory. Boswellia / Shallaki is a well known Ayurvedic herb that has shown

anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and anti-arthritic benefits. Rumalaya Forte and Rumalaya Gel are ayurvedic formulations that incorporate Boswellia, Guggul and other herbs and effectively relieve pain due to various conditions including arthritis, osteoarthritis, back pain, frozen shoulder and other joint conditions.

You can buy Rumalaya here

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Kestra's weblog

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Femara as an Efficient Form of Infertility Treatment


There are two conditions that will identify if there is any need of using infertility drugs. One, if the woman is unable to ovulate therefore there is a need for assisted development of the egg cells. And second if there is a need to increase the chances of pregnancy when a patient already has the capability to ovulate. These are termed as ovulation and superovulation respectively.

Letrozole or femara is the most recent addition in the long list of infertility medications found in the market today along with already-established medications that come in names like Clomid or Serophene and Gonadotropins.

Letrozole, (the brand name of which is Femara) is primarily a drug used by breast cancer patients. But recently, it came into use in the infertility industry.

In the recent years, Femara has been one of the most efficient infertility drugs. However, recent studies suggest that it is somehow associated with low number of birth defects. Birth defects arise when Femara is used during the period of pregnancy. Yet when administered before the establishment of pregnancy, no adverse consequences are found. Nonetheless, the manufacturer of Femara accepted absolute responsibility over those cases that ended up with birth defects.

Femara works by suppressing the production of estrogen. Thus, creating the effect of producing more hormones that work solely for ovarian stimulation. These hormones namely LH and FSH help in both the processes of ovulation induction and superovulation. As a result, Femara has become widely accepted as an infertility drug.

Treatment using Femara have shown substantially higher rates of success as compared with those produced by other drugs like Clomid. In fact, it is known that while patients have failed to ovulate using other medications, there are still possibilities that they will do when Femara is administered in their case.

Common Side Effects of Femara
  • Breast tenderness

  • Headaches

  • Hot flashes

  • Advantages over other major infertility drugs

    So far, researches show no cases of miscarriage in women employing Femara in their infertility treatment. Only, the manufacturer advises that once pregnancy commences, the use of the medication must be automatically stopped.

    Unlike with Clomid, Femara is readily released from the body. Thus producing no other effects that might affect the tissues and other organs in adverse manner.

    When administering Femara, there is usually 60 to 80% increase in ovulation possibility. Nonetheless, assurance of pregnancy is decreased by half.

    Women who are able to ovulate normally take 1 tablet of Femara a day. But this dosage may increase depending on the capability of the body to react to the medication.

    You can buy Femara here

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    Kayd's weblog

    Epileptic Seizure Solution


    Being a very unpredictable disease, epilepsy frequently rules the lives of those attacked by it. The solitary way to maintain control over symptoms is by using assorted combinations of anti-convulsive drugs and developing a well-balanced style of living that keeps excesses of all kinds away.

    Mysoline, is an anti-convulsive drug that stops seizures triggered by epilepsy. This form of long-term treatment can be taken for an indefinite period of time. However long you keep taking it, be absolutely sure a close contact with your doctor is maintained for a professional monitoring of your condition.

    Treatment Specifics

    This medication should be administered as suspension or capsules, and quantity depends on the intensity of the problem, body weight and age. If you choose Mysoline in liquid form, keep it in a dark location and vigorously shake the bottle prior to every usage to ascertain you get the accurate amount.

    If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 1 hour of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

    Warnings

    The only health circumstance that is totally mismated is porphyria, an inherited metabolic disorder.

    At the conclusion of treatment, never discontinue taking this medication abruptly, as this may contribute to stronger seizures than you've experienced previously. Withdrawal must be a gradual process.

    Taking into consideration the fact that this drug is, for the most part, administered for an eminently

    long period of time, intermittent blood tests are imperative to maintain an accurate view of your health condition, and to inhibit any possible system decline in quality.

    Beware of drug interactions

    Prior to beginning any new drug therapy, make sure it doesn't interject with this medication.Or you risk to jeopardise the effectiveness of either. Medications that are susceptible to Mysoline incumbrance include: estrogen based oral contraceptives, certain antibiotics, blood-thinning drugs, anti-depressants and steroidal drugs

    On that account, try to abstain from all alcoholic drinks while using this medication. In order to circumvent possible unwanted side effects, it is important to inform your health care provider on the use of this drug.

    There are an abundance of other drugs that can be safely mixed with Mysoline without triggering any negative effects. Your doctor is the most qualified person to talk to when needing to interpret other assorted health troubles that inevitably appear.

    Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not change from one manufacturer's product to another without consulting your doctor.

    Continue taking Mysoline even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

    Mysoline gives you the effectiveness of phenobarbital plus additional protection. A patient whose seizures have not been controlled by phenobarbital may have better results from Mysoline.

    study in children-which also included Depakote (valproate)-focused on the rate of side effects. Only 8% of the children who were given Mysoline had to stop taking it because of side effects. Phenobarbital, which can be an excellent medication, often is avoided in children because of the possibility of mental slowing. By using Mysoline alone, children can enjoy many of the same benefits while avoiding this problem because the amount of phenobarbital produced by breaking down the Mysoline is low.

    It is important to remember that no single combination of antiepileptic medications is perfect for everyone. Sometimes, a series of combinations must be tried before finding what is best for the individual patient.

    You can buy Mysoline here

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    Birus's weblog