Saturday, July 12, 2008

Propecia Side Effects - How Serious?


Propecia is the name of the drug Finasteride prescribed in 1mg doses to combat hair loss in men. Propecia side effects include some forms of sexual dysfunction which may alarm some users.

Just what is the evidence and are there any statistics to help us evaluate the risks involved with the side effects of Propecia?

The effects of Propecia and the side effects were noted on 1,553 males who took Propecia over a 2 year period.

Clinical trials produced the following statistics for Propecia side effects:


  • Decrease in sexual desire: 1.8%

  • Problems with erection: 1.3%

  • Decrease in semen volume ejaculated: 1.2%



To put these figures into perspective, when monitoring Propecia's side effects, 3.8% experienced some kind of sexual dysfunction while 2.1% of the men using a placebo also experienced the same problems.

Additionally, these side effects were reversible in the men who discontinued taking Propecia and within some weeks they had disappeared.

One point to note is that the stopping of Propecia can result in losing any hair that has been regrown. The drug needs to be taken indefinitely to maintain the hair growth and density.

However, if a user discontinued taking the drug after experiencing the Propecia side effects noted above, it is very unlikely he would experience any decrease in hair growth. This is because it takes between three to six months of daily use to see any increase in hair growth and the side effects are experienced well before then.

As Propecia effects hormone levels some men experienced tenderness in the breast. However, this was a small number and no more than those who used the placebo.

Another aspect of Propecia side effects has to do with the detection of prostate cancer. The drug Finasteride which is contained in the Propecia tablets was originally marketed to combat prostate cancer in men over 50. It was prescribed in 5 mg doses.

Finasteride can affect a man's PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) which is often used as a screening test for prostate cancer. The use of Propecia may therefore affect the detection of prostate cancer. It has yet to be confirmed whether prolonged use of Propecia can actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

While the figures given above may not seem significant and in view of the fact these Propecia side effects are reversible if the drug is discontinued it may appear that there is little cause for concern.

However, another aspect should be noted. Even though a drug may receive FDA approval after rigorous tests and many years of clinical trials and reports, FDA approval does not mean the long term effects of a drug are known.

This perhaps is the most worrying aspect about Propecia's side effects. The fact that young men often take this drug for male pattern baldness and maintaining their level of hair growth is dependent on taking the drug, it means that a man will be using this medication perhaps for decades.

Just what are the side effects of Propecia after decades of use? Since it was only approved in 1998 no one can say.

In conclusion: While Propecia side effects may seem almost inconsequential from the information currently available, a young man who uses it for life may have to deal with more serious consequences in the future.

You can buy Propecia here

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MadandAngry's weblog

UltraCET: The Dynamic Duo Of Prescription Pain Control Medications


Remember the last time you stubbed your toe? OUCH! It’s painful. But a stubbed toe usually doesn’t send us running to the medicine cabinet, since we know that the pain will pass within a few minutes.

But for more serious “acute” pain (pain that’s severe and constant for a couple of days), waiting it out may not be an option. For some acute pain, we might even make things worse: for example, if you hold a painful joint at an awkward angle to relieve the pain, you might end up with a muscle strain.

So what are our options? Sometimes simple over the counter medications may do the trick. But for when they don’t, a prescription medication may be the best bet.

UltraCET: Two Tough Drugs in one Small Pill

For acute pain from sprains, muscle strains, surgery, or dental work, or for arthritis flare-ups, UltraCET is a terrific option.

UltraCET is like any heroic dynamic duo (think Batman and Robin, or Xena and Gabrielle): One drug has the high-profile effect, but the other has an equally important, though less noticeable set of activities.

The “ultra” part of UltraCET is tramadol, the generic name for Ultram. Tramadol’s effect on your body is similar to the effect of narcotics (drugs like opium and heroin which are illegal, and codeine and morphine, which aren’t). Tramadol is just as good as narcotics in relieving pain but because unlike narcotics, it doesn’t affect your breathing or have other side-effects which stop us from regularly using medical narcotics.

The “CET” part of UltraCET is probably familiar to you in its day-to-day formulation; you might even have it in your medicine cabinet! It’s acetaminophen, the same drug that’s in Tylenol.

The two drugs work together (in “synergy”) to control pain. Acetaminophen helps “increase your threshold to pain.” That’s a fancy way of saying that mild pain signals from your body don’t even make it up to your brain so they don’t register. The bigger pain signals do make it to your brain, but that’s where tramadol kicks in - stopping the pain signals while they’re working their way through your brain. It’s just like Robin capturing the villain’s henchmen while Batman tackles the mastermind villain!

This Sounds Like The Perfect Rescue!

If you’ve just been seen by a doctor (a surgeon, or a dentist), she may well have already prescribed UltraCET for you. If you haven’t, but you’ve got a sprain or regular arthritis flares, you should talk with your doctor about a prescription for this drug.

Like anything powerful, though, you need to use it at the right time for the right reasons (letting Xena show off her acrobatic skills in a china shop is not a terrific idea!). The most important thing about taking UltraCET is to remember that it’s for short term use only!

Most doctors will suggest using it for up to five days only because you can otherwise become dependent on (addicted to) it. Stopping the drug after taking it a long time can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, so never take more than the doctor prescribes.

Your doctor will also ask you about other drugs that you’re taking. Tylenol, some antidepressants, and some seizure medications don’t mix with UltraCET. Neither does drinking, so you might wait to celebrate until after your sprain has healed!

Once these issues are resolved, your doctor can send you home with a prescription for UltraCET. It’ll help you get through the worst of the pain, and then best of all, it can ride off into the sunset when its job is done, leaving you to your pain-free life!

You can buy Ultracet here

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Hammerfel's weblog

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Medication Can DEGRADE Your Acid Reflux


Can Aciphex bring any true relief to victims of heartburn? In the following article, a former heartburn patient tells the tragic truth about Aciphex, after having compared with many alternative solutions. As an Over The Counter medicament against heartburn, Aciphex is known by millions. Sales per annum of this drug topped $1.3 billion (figures from 2006).

Even if healthy people can get occasional heartburn also, recurrent heartburn (every two or three days) may indicate acid reflux, or by its full name, GERD - gastro esophageal reflux disease. About 1 in 5 of all adults in developed western countries are sufferers of recurring heartburn. The name heartburn comes from the sensation of burning and pain in the throat or the chest, especially following eating.

Acid reflux causing the pain of heartburn occurs because of weakness of a stomach sphincter. It can lead to inflammation of the esophageal lining (esophagitis) and difficulties in swallowing, internal hemorrhages, esophageal constriction and Barrett's esophagus, often a precursor to cancer. GERD is brought on by a muscle between the esophagus and the stomach not working correctly. This muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter and should normally block off the esophagus from the stomach to stop acid and juices backing up into the esophagus.

Aciphex tries to target the acidity as a solution to reduce acid reflux symptoms including heartburn. This is just one of two factors provoking acid reflux. Besides excessive stomach acidity, the other one is weakness of the esophageal sphincter.

This group of PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) function by halting the production of stomach acid. They do this by "disconnecting" the proton pump, which is the stomach's way of fabricating acid. Aciphex is part of the group of (PPI) which aims to treat acid reflux symptoms, and also contains Prevacid, Protonix and Prilosec.

Nevertheless, this is not the real reason for acid reflux. Aciphex is merely attacking the sensation (heartburn) and not the real reason. When the real reason remains untreated, it will continue to produce the symptom and this may even result in dependency on the drug and degraded acid reflux. Immediate relief may be the big advertising point for PPIs such as Aciphex, but the negative aspects exist as well. Because gastric acid is needed for correct digestion and for its properties in killing off hostile microbes, blocking its production can be unwise.

An astonishing conclusion was made from the role of gastric acid in killing off pathogens that enter the mouth and travel down the esophagus. Without stomach acid, these microbes can then return up the esophagus to double back down into the lungs and provoke pneumonia. If this was not already bad enough, recent research shows that PPI medications can generated other unwanted secondary effects. The possible increases in the risk of pneumonia was just one conclusion from Dutch research done in 2004.

The same artificial blocking of stomach acid also interfered with the body's ability to fix calcium and so with the right bone mineral density, a problem linked to osteoporosis. In the UK, studies just done indicate that patients using PPI medicaments for more than 12 months and over the age of 50, were 44% more in danger of breaking a hip than acid reflux patients not using PPIs (examples of these PPIs are Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex, Protonix and Prevacid).

The comprehensive holistic approach will resolve your GERD effectively and safely and permanently prevent it from happening again. Did you already hear the news? Heartburn and its painful effects can now be prevented forever without having to use Aciphex or any similar medication.

You can buy Aciphex here

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ixnay's weblog

Got Problems Related to Your Menstrual Cycle and Need Birth ...


No longer do pharmaceutical companies rely on making single purpose drugs. They've found value in offering people a multipurpose solution for related and unrelated ailments. Levlen is a birth control pill that's also prescribed for problems related to the female menstrual cycle and much more.

Known under a variety of names, Levlen is an oral contraceptive that combines two types of hormones as active principles: estrogens and progestins. The medical action on the woman's body prevents the development of the egg in the ovaries and thus conception. Nevertheless, Levlen is used for other health conditions besides contraception.

When and how is Levlen used?

Though the main function of hormonal pills is birth control, doctors also prescribe Levlen to fight health problems such as endometriosis, acne or PMS. Too intense a pre-menstrual syndrome can be treated by Levlen administration for a definite period of time, three months on the average. As for other health conditions, only regular medical checks and constant monitoring can help the doctor determine the length of the Levlen treatment.

When you turn to using Levlen as an oral contraceptive you'll have to undergo several medical exams in order to determine whether your health condition allows you to take the pill for an indefinite period of time. In order to assure a 98% efficiency rate it is absolutely necessary that you follow some administration rules.

It is important to maintain the same amount of hormones in the blood; therefore, try to take Levlen at the same time every day, preferably before going to bed. If you take it in the evening, you'll find it easier to cope with the possible side effects that may appear during the first weeks of administration.

When you start using Levlen for the first time, you'll need a seven-day period for the body to adjust to the hormones; in the meantime use a supplementary birth control method to avoid getting pregnant. Your doctor may even suggest that you carry on with the extra protection for at least a full cycle, that is three weeks, before truly relying on Levlen.

What Levlen side effects may occur?

The good news is that non-smoking women have very few chances of suffering from severe side effects during Levlen administration. More serious symptoms appear for women who smoke or who have a medical history that includes: liver dysfunctions, strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure and breast cancer. Here are some of the most common Levlen side effects that should actually disappear after a few weeks of administration:

Women who smoke while using Levlen oral contraceptives have a higher chance of cardiovascular side effects.

Women over thirty-five could be more affected by prolonged monthly bleeding, complete cessation of the menstrual bleeding, increased blood pressure and vaginal infections.

Nausea and sweating are also often associated with Levlen administration during the first three weeks of treatment.

Weight gain, acne and hairiness have also been reported but on a rare basis.

You can buy Levlen here

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Archus's weblog

Candidiasis Yeast Infection Symptoms


A candidiasis yeast infection is common in women and is caused by a fungus. This fungus is called Candida Albicans, which explains where the yeast infection got its name. Normally, a yeast infection is located around the vagina, but it can be found in other moist parts of the body as well. Yeast is something that is produced naturally by the body in the vagina and rectum area. Occasionally, the yeast will begin to grow too fast and this is what causes a candidiasis yeast infection to develop. Taking antibiotics for an extended amount of time can also cause this infection along with medical conditions, birth control pills, being pregnant and menopause.

Some signs that might indicate you have a candidiasis yeast infection include noticing pain or a burning feeling when trying to urinate. The area around the vulva can be sore, red and itchy. Some women experience a white pasty discharge that is very thick. Keep in mind that it is possible to not have any symptoms and still have a yeast infection. If the lining of the mouth is red and sore then it is possible you have a mouth yeast infection. Sometimes creamy yellow sores will also appear. Symptoms of a yeast infection on the skin include a red itchy rash with small red colored bumps on the skin.

When you are certain that you have a candidiasis yeast infection then you need to start treatment as soon as possible to clear up this condition. If you are not sure of what you have or if this is the first time that you have noticed any symptoms make sure that you see your doctor before taking medication. Your doctor may prescribe you with a prescription medicine or you may be able to use a non-prescription medicine. The most commonly used are Mycelex-7, Monistat-7, FemCare and Gyne-Lotrimin. You can also buy suppositories and vaginal creams designed for this condition. Occasionally, you may be given an antifungal oral medication by your doctor to help clear up the infection.

A candidiasis yeast infection can normally be cleared up within a week to ten days after beginning your treatment. Make sure that you avoid sex during this time. You don't want to keep spreading the infection around. If you are interested in avoiding a yeast infection all together, then here are a few suggestions that you might find useful. If taken for long periods of time antibiotics can cause a yeast infection so avoid this if possible. Wearing clothes that are to tight or that are damp should also be avoided. Do not douche too often and take very few bubble baths.

You can buy Femcare here

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Blackguard's weblog

Common High Blood Pressure Medications - Know These 8 Types


There are eight common medications used to treat high blood pressure. While many people dealing with hypertension will possibly be prescribed a combination of a variety of these medications, the amount of medication needed depends greatly on the type and the level of severity of the illness.

While antihypertensive medicines are used to lower blood pressure to normal levels, medications should always be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle change. The main objectives of high blood pressure medications are to not only lower blood pressure but to minimize the side effects caused by some of the medicines.

Diuretics


Water pills are used to remove excess salt from the body. The increase in salt in a person's body causes the blood vessels to retain more fluid than needed. The release of excess fluid in blood vessels, takes a strain off the vessels and arteries.

Examples: Thalitone, Lasix, Esidrix, Lozol, Dyazide, and Maxzide.

Beta-Blockers


Beta-Blockers are used to reduce the amount of blood pressure flowing through the body, by slowing the heart rate down, it allows for an optimal flow of blood throughout the vessels.

Examples: Sectral, Tenormin, Coreg, Lopressor, Toprol, Corgard, Inderal and Blocadren.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors)


The hormone Angiotensin II can cause the blood vessels to narrow; ACE inhibitors stop that hormone from production.

Examples: Lotensin, Vasotec, Prinivil, Zestril, Accupril, Altace, and Mavik.

ARBs (Angiotensin II receptor blockers)


This medication defends blood vessels from narrowing affects from angiotensin II.

Examples: Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, Benicar, Micardis, and Diovan.

CCBs (Calcium channel blockers)


Calcium entering from the body's cells can cause blood vessels to constrict, CCB's stop that from happening.

Examples: Norvasc, Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac, Plendil, Cardene, Adalat, Procardia, Calan, Covera, Isoptin, and Verelan.

Alpha-Blockers


Alpha-Blockers are used to reduce nerve pressure to allow blood to pass in vessels more freely.

Examples: Cardura, Minipress, and Hytrin.

Centrally acting drugs


Centrally acting drugs work with a person's brain chemistry to control nerve impulses that narrow the blood vessels.

Examples: Catapres and Methyldopa.

Direct vasodilators


Direct vasodilators perform by widening the blood vessels to allow more blood to circulate.

Examples: Apresoline and Loniten.

You can buy Accupril here

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Birus Durden's weblog

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Different Types Of Anti-Retroviral Drugs


There are six different classes of anti-retroviral drugs that are currently being used in the treatment of infections caused due to retroviruses like HIV.

1. Nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs): These drugs inhibit the replication of HIV by blocking the enzyme called reverse transcriptase. These drugs get incorporated into the newly synthesized viral genome and function as indirect inhibitors of the enzyme. Some examples include zidovudine (Retrovir), lamivudine (Epivir) didanosine (Videx), zalcitabine (Hivid), stavudine (Zerit) and abacavir (Ziagen).

2. Protease inhibitors (PIs): These drugs function by inhibiting the viral assembly mechanism by blocking an enzyme called Protease. Important among this class include saquinavir (Invirase), ritonavir (Norvir), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), amprenavir (Agenerase), lopinavir, atazanavir (Reyataz) and tipranavir (Aptivus). Darunavir (Prezista)

3. Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs): These are another important class of retroviral drugs whose function is to bind directly to the reverse transcriptase enzyme and inhibit its function. Reverse transcriptase is important for the replication of viral DNA in HIV. Prominent members among this class include nevirapine (Viramune), delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva) and etravirine (Intelence). These drugs have been approved by FDA for treating HIV infected patients.

4. Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NtRTIs): Mode of action of this class of drugs is quite similar to that of nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors. NtRTIs get incorporated into the viral genome and prevent its replication by inhibiting the reverse transcriptase enzyme. However, these drugs are more potent than NRTIs. The only approved drug in this class, tenofovir (Viread), inhibits both HIV and hepatitis B and appears to be effective in people who are resistant to NRTIs.

5. Fusion inhibitors or Entry inhibitors: This class of drugs is currently the most effective solution against drug-resistant strains of HIV. Fusion inhibitors interfere with the binding, fusion and entry of the viral particle into the host cell. Maraviroc and Enfuvirtide are currently the only available drugs in this class.

6. Integrase inhibitors: These drugs interfere with the activity of a special enzyme called integrase that helps in the integration of viral genome into the DNA of the infected cells. Raltegravir (Isentress) is the only drug in this class to have received FDA approval.

You can buy Sustiva here

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Boogs's weblog

What are Lamisil Side Effects?


Lamisil side effects are probably the biggest concern for people who are taking this drug, or considering taking it, for fungus nail infections. Fungal infections are difficult to treat, and antifungal drugs are infamous for their toxicity. The liver is the organ that removes toxins from the bloodstream: the liver recognizes many drugs, including Lamisil as toxins, so this is where the drug does its worst damage. No one wants liver damage in exchange for treatment to clear up a fungal nail infection.

The danger of Lamisil side effects is real, but probably not as severe as many people believe. Controlled studies of the drug, and years of experience, indicate that severe complications are rare. When side effects Lamisil may cause are usually mild and temporary. If you are thinking about taking it, learn to recognize the symptoms of liver toxicity: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, stomach pains, a yellowish hue developing in your skin and eyes, dark urine, pale stools, tiredness. If any of these symptoms occur, you can always stop taking the drug and let your liver recover.

Other side effects Lamisil may cause include rash or itchy skin, diarrhea, and an altered sense of taste, and these symptoms are more common than those experienced with liver toxicity. Rarely, people experience Lamisil side effects such as blistering and peeling skin, fever, chills, aching joints, and sore throat.

The danger of Lamisil increases in certain circumstances. You should not take Lamisil without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use alcohol while taking it. Alcohol abuse, past or present, as well as liver disease or kidney disease don’t mix well with the drug: patients with these conditions should not take the medication. Finally, if you are taking other medications, be sure to remind your doctor and your pharmacist: some of the side effects Lamisil causes are made worse when the drug is mixed with other drugs in the body.

While it’s important to be careful, remember Lamisil side effects are rare and the danger of Lamisil doing you serious long-lasting harm is quite remote. In fact, the greatest danger of Lamisil could be the damage it will do to your budget if you have to pay for it yourself. Depending on where you buy it, the drug can cost more than eight dollars per pill! At one pill a day for 12 weeks, you would spend about $700.00 clearing up a nail infection, and some nail infections take much longer to resolve. It might be safe to say that, of all the side effects Lamisil can cause, financial stress is both the worst, and the most common.

You can buy Lamisil here

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Arkaig_Roe's weblog

Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergic or ...


How is eosinophilic or allergic esophagitis diagnosed?

It is first suspected by the classic history and the appearance of the esophagus on endoscopy of multiple rings or constrictions that result in the esophagus looking like that of a cat’s esophagus. This is called felinization of the esophagus or ringed esophagus. Other visual signs may be whitish spots, long furrows or a lining that looks like crepe paper and is very easily torn.

The definitive diagnosis is made by the finding of an abnormal number of eosinophils in esophageal biopsy tissue. The number of eosinophils considered abnormal is debated between >15-25 eosinophils per high power field (400x) with most authorities agreeing >20 as being diagnostic. The esophagus normally contains no eosinophils. It has been long accepted that chronic acid reflux commonly can be associated with 5-10 eosinophils per high power field in the lower esophagus but this finding higher in the esophagus should raise likelihood that eosinophilic esophagitis is present.

Why is it important to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis and distinguish it from acid reflux esophagitis?

Acid reflux esophagitis usually responds to acid blocker medications like histamine 2 blockers ranitidine (Zantac), cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid) and proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium) whereas eosinophilic esophagitis often does not get better with these medications. Acid reflux injury to the esophagus can result in narrowing or constriction of the lower esophagus causing a food sticking sensation. This can be treated by a stretching of the constriction known as esophageal dilation that is usually safe and highly effective. Eosinophilic esophagitis also may result in constrictions of the esophagus but the stricture or rings are usually multiple, located higher in the esophagus and carry a high risk of tearing or puncturing the esophagus if dilation is attempted before treatment with steroids. There does not seem to be an association of cancer of the esophagus with eosinophilic esophagitis like there is with acid reflux. However, eosinophilic esophagitis can be chronic and difficult to treat.

How is eosinophilic esophagitis treated?

Identification and elimination of problem allergy foods is the mainstay of treatment. Foods that show positive allergy testing are eliminated. In some people a strict elimination diet is recommended. Rarely, a diet of only basic amino acid proteins in a liquid (elemental diet) is required. Temporary relief can be achieved with steroids. Systemic (oral prednisone) works but has the potential side effects of steroids on the rest of the body. Topical steroids applied directly to the surface that have little or no absorption into the blood stream are preferable. The nasal steroid, fluticasone propionate, has been used successfully. It is sprayed in the mouth and swallowed twice daily. The mouth should be rinsed out followed by spitting out rather swallowing the water. No eating or drinking for 30 minutes is recommended. A few studies have reported response to mast cell stabilizer disodium cromoglycate (Cromolyn), leukotriene inhibitor montelukast (Singulair), immunomodulators such as aziothioprine (Imuran), or monoclonal antibody against IL-5 mepolizumab.

Eosinophilic esophagitis: What role do foods play and what is the diet treatment?

Food allergy plays a major role in the cause and treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis, hence the alternative term used allergic esophagitis. Most patients will be found to have one or more food allergies when adequate testing is done. Skin prick allergy testing or blood tests (RAST, IgE food antibodies) can be negative but patch skin testing or intradermal testing may be positive. Sometimes, elimination diet with re-challenge is the only way to implicate a problem food. In most patients a personal and/or family history of allergic disorders (atopy) such as allergic rhinitis (hayfever), asthma, eczema, atopic dermatitis, or food allergies is noted.

What are the most problem common foods associated with eosinophilic esophagitis?

In descending order, the most common foods reported in the largest series were, milk, egg, soy, corn, wheat, beef, chicken, potato, oats, peanuts, turkey, barley, pork, rice, green beans, apples, and pineapple. Elimination of foods that test positive on allergy testing is the cornerstone of treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis. However, sometimes allergy testing is negative or inconclusive. It it then that an elimination diet is necessary and a pre-elimination diet food symptom diet diary is very helpful. Such a diary will be offered online in the near future at www.thefooddoc.com. Until then a printed version is available by contacting the food allergy specialist-the food doc at www.thefooddoc.com.

You can buy here

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Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Propecia Side Effects - How Serious?


Propecia is the name of the drug Finasteride prescribed in 1mg doses to combat hair loss in men. Propecia side effects include some forms of sexual dysfunction which may alarm some users.

Just what is the evidence and are there any statistics to help us evaluate the risks involved with the side effects of Propecia?

The effects of Propecia and the side effects were noted on 1,553 males who took Propecia over a 2 year period.

Clinical trials produced the following statistics for Propecia side effects:


  • Decrease in sexual desire: 1.8%

  • Problems with erection: 1.3%

  • Decrease in semen volume ejaculated: 1.2%



To put these figures into perspective, when monitoring Propecia's side effects, 3.8% experienced some kind of sexual dysfunction while 2.1% of the men using a placebo also experienced the same problems.

Additionally, these side effects were reversible in the men who discontinued taking Propecia and within some weeks they had disappeared.

One point to note is that the stopping of Propecia can result in losing any hair that has been regrown. The drug needs to be taken indefinitely to maintain the hair growth and density.

However, if a user discontinued taking the drug after experiencing the Propecia side effects noted above, it is very unlikely he would experience any decrease in hair growth. This is because it takes between three to six months of daily use to see any increase in hair growth and the side effects are experienced well before then.

As Propecia effects hormone levels some men experienced tenderness in the breast. However, this was a small number and no more than those who used the placebo.

Another aspect of Propecia side effects has to do with the detection of prostate cancer. The drug Finasteride which is contained in the Propecia tablets was originally marketed to combat prostate cancer in men over 50. It was prescribed in 5 mg doses.

Finasteride can affect a man's PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) which is often used as a screening test for prostate cancer. The use of Propecia may therefore affect the detection of prostate cancer. It has yet to be confirmed whether prolonged use of Propecia can actually reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

While the figures given above may not seem significant and in view of the fact these Propecia side effects are reversible if the drug is discontinued it may appear that there is little cause for concern.

However, another aspect should be noted. Even though a drug may receive FDA approval after rigorous tests and many years of clinical trials and reports, FDA approval does not mean the long term effects of a drug are known.

This perhaps is the most worrying aspect about Propecia's side effects. The fact that young men often take this drug for male pattern baldness and maintaining their level of hair growth is dependent on taking the drug, it means that a man will be using this medication perhaps for decades.

Just what are the side effects of Propecia after decades of use? Since it was only approved in 1998 no one can say.

In conclusion: While Propecia side effects may seem almost inconsequential from the information currently available, a young man who uses it for life may have to deal with more serious consequences in the future.

You can buy Propecia here

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HafhandBludson's weblog

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Natural Breast Enhancement Is An Option Now With Today's Medical ...


If you are a woman who is unhappy with the size of your breasts, you will be happy to know that you don't need to have costly and painful surgery in order to have larger, firmer breasts. There are plenty of products on the market that will give you the results that you want at a fraction of the cost of breast augmentation surgery, and with none of the pain.

When you are looking to enlarge your breasts, you want to do it in the quickest, least expensive and least painful way possible. There are plenty of women who have gotten the results that they are looking for with the use of creams and pills that are currently on the market.

While not all results are the same, there are plenty of women who have used pills and creams that are specifically formulated to stimulate the growth of breast tissue and therefor increase the size of their breasts.

For women who have small breasts, it can make them feel less sexy, lower their self esteem, and make them feel less confident. Many turn to breast augmentation, but for those who don't have the money or don't want to put themselves through the pain of surgery, they have found that non surgical methods such as all natural pills and creams are the best solutions.

There are breast enlargement pills that you can take, creams that you can rub on your breasts, a patch that you can use, and even gum that you can chew. All of these things will help you to have larger, firmer breasts, and help you build up your confidence.

So why have costly and painful surgery in order to have the breasts that you want to have? There are plenty of products that are available on the market that will give you the large firm breasts that you want without the pain and cost of surgery.

The best things about the natural herbal breast enhancement products are that they are all natural. All of the products are made with herbs and there are no reported side affects. When you compare that to a painful surgery and weeks of recuperation, it's no wonder that women today are using the all natural way to increase their bust sizes.

You can buy Breast Enhancement here

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Hammerfel's weblog

Lose Weight Using Hoodia Gordonii Pills


The science of losing weight is quite simple - just spend more energy than you receive with meals. Your organism will get the missing energy by burning the fat deposits in your waist and other parts of the body. Therefore, you should either increase your energy consumption rate (e.g. by doing daily aerobic exercises) or decrease the dietary intake of calories (e.g. by keeping to a strict diet). Of course, to improve the effect you can do both.

However, this is easier said than done! Many people who tried to keep to a diet or go to the gym every day will tell you that it is very hard. Very often you simply don't have enough free time to do exercising or prepare special foods that your diet prescribes.

Fortunately, the recent scientific discovery makes it much simpler to reduce your dietary intake of energy without having iron will. I talk about the Hoodia Gordonii plant from South Africa. It was only discovered a few years ago but it has already become extremely popular because of its appetite suppressant capabilities.

Hoodia is a cactus-like (but not actually cactus) plant, which grows in semi-desert of South Africa (and nowhere else in the world!) Since ancient times it was used by African Bushmen, helping them to get rid of hunger and thirst during a long hunt. Hoodia Gordonii works by "fooling" your organism into thinking that it is already full so you are easily able to reduce your daily food consumption. Again, the organism will burn your fat deposits to get the energy it is missing and you lose weight as a result.

You can buy Hoodia here

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Findus's weblog

Nizoral Shampoo And Hair Loss


Nizoral shampoo works well on dandruff and this prevents hair loss. There are two types of them. Nizoral mild shampoo contains 1% of ketkconazole, thereby increasing hair volume and decreasing hair fall. 2% of ketkconazole is present in anti-dandruff shampoo for treating severe dandruff problem. A research conducted found that its users shed 16% less hair compared to other shampoo users. It also increased anagen-phase hair follicles. In general, it is a fact that losing your hair is something nobody can bear to face. Losing your hair is emotionally depressing and thus hair loss is a serious issue for most of the people. Especially in females, this issue is considered to be really serious. A lot of people are concerned about this fact that hair loss is inevitable due to the diet we take these days. Our diets are not balanced and the genetically modified food is not healthy enough to ensure health. Thus people face problems li8ke hair loss. There are few natural and synthetic combats to the problem of hair loss, which can save you from this embarrassment. They are one of the best ways to combat hair loss.

Nizoral shampoos are a dandruff treatment shampoo and are never advertised as a hair fall therapy shampoo because it is not authenticated. There is no guarantee that it will give you a dandruff free scalp and thicker hair growth. Check with you dermatologist before buying the shampoo or you could end up buying expensive shampoos without reaping its benefits.

Nizoral successfully drives away itching, inflammation and simultaneously stimulates hair growth. This shampoo is available in most grocery stores and it is the only shampoo in the market that can make dandruff vanish. It is a remarkable shampoo for bringing down the DHT level in the scalp and for treating fungal infection.

Nizoral shampoo tackles dandruff and helps to overcome hair loss. Regular use of this shampoo will prevent its recurring. It should be used twice a week. This shampoo is not perfumed and pleasant and cleans the hair like any other shampoo, leaving the hair manageable and healthy.

Nizoral shampoo fights hair loss, because it basically fights injections caused by yeast or fungus. Though it is known to cure fungal infection it is popularly known as anti-dandruff shampoo. People allergic to Ketoconazole, children and aged people should use this shampoo only after consulting the physicians. Overuse of it could leave your hair looking dry, dull and arid.

These are few of the important points about Nizoral shampoos. This shampoo is a great help to those who are interested in finding a remedy to their hair loss problem. In this way the hair loss issue can be done with forever.

You can buy Nizoral here

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Kaston's weblog

Paget's Disease


What do doctors call this condition?

Osteitis deformans

What is this condition?

Paget's disease is a slow-paced metabolic bone disease characterized by replacement of sound bone with excessive amounts of abnormal bone. The altered bone is fragile and weak, causing painful deformities of both outside shape and internal structure. Paget's disease usually settles in one or several areas of the skeleton (most frequently the lower torso), but occasionally affects many parts of the body.

The disease can be fatal, especially when associated with congestive heart failure (widespread disease creates a continuous need for high cardiac output), bone cancer, or giant cell tumors.

What causes it?

Although the exact cause is unknown, one theory is that an early viral infection (possibly mumps) leaves behind a dormant skeletal infection that erupts many years later as Paget's disease. In the United States, Paget's disease affects approximately 2.5 million people over age 40 (mostly men). In 5% of cases, the involved bone experiences malignant changes .

What are its symptoms?

There may be no symptoms in early stages of the disease. But when pain does develop, it's usually severe and persistent and may limit the person's movement because new bone growth is rubbing on the spinal cord or sensory nerve root. The pain intensifies with exertion.

The list of potential effects includes enlarged forehead, headaches, hunchback, barrel- shaped chest, and bowed legs and other changes in gait. The affected areas are warm and tender, susceptible to breaks, and slow to heal. The disease progresses to add bone growth that interferes with sight, hearing, and balance; complications such as hypertension, gout, and congestive heart failure may develop.

How is it diagnosed?

X-rays, taken even before symptoms appear, can show increased bone expansion and density. A bone scan, which is more sensitive than X-rays, clearly shows early so-called pagetic lesions. Bone biopsy reveals a characteristic mosaic pattern. Blood tests and other laboratory tests aid early diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Primary treatment consists of drug therapy and includes one of the following:

• Cibacalcin, a hormone, given by injection, and Didronel to retard bone resorption (which relieves bone lesions). Although Cibacalcin requires long-term maintenance therapy, there is noticeable improvement after the first few weeks of treatment. Didronel produces improvement after 1 to 3 months.

• Mithracin, an antibiotic that produces remission of symptoms within 2 weeks and biochemical improvement within 1 to 2 months. However, the drug may destroy blood cells or harm kidney function. Self-administration of Cibacalcin and Didronel helps people with Paget's disease lead near-normal lives. Still, they may need surgery to reduce or prevent fractures, correct secondary deformities, and relieve pinched nerves. Aspirin, lndocin, or Advil or Motrin usually controls pain.

You can buy Didronel here

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Old Grumpy Dwarf's weblog

Herbal Phentermine Review


Botanical and thermogenic properties are the main contents found in Herbal Phentermine. It should be taken with the good healthy diet and good sleeping habits to get the desired results. Herbal Phentermine increases your metabolism in a healthy way.

Basically the main job that Herbal Phentermine performs is to increase metabolism and burn calories on a regular day to day basis. Less calories means you will be losing weight not gaining it like you used to.

Herbal Phentermine kept me feeling happy and calm all day long. And even though I felt calm and relaxed, I still had more energy than I used to, it was just not a nervous anxious type of energy. It was great, I was able to get out and do more for the first time in years and years. I even wanted to start exercising, that had never happened to me before!

The thermogenic process is a way in which the metabolism process is raised. As this process moves forward the calories are burnt and converted in to energy that is spent throughout the day. This leaves us feeling better and the body feeling stronger.

I used to have to eat a lot of food throughout the day and I was still left feeling lackluster to say the least, but when I started taking Herbal Phentermine that all changed. All of a sudden I was eating only what I needed to and the energy levels in my body were better than ever. I started losing weight almost immediately and with no side effects at all to speak of.

You don’t need a prescription to take it either. Herbal Phentermine works all naturally in raising the level of metabolism right away, you eat less and feel better.

Everyone wants to find the natural alternatives to the drugs handed out at the doctors office. Those chemicals are terrible for your health and that is another reason why Herbal Phentermine is getting to be so popular. The fact that it is all natural is just a bonus, one that assures that there will be no bad side effects for you to suffer through for weight loss.

You can buy Herbal Phentermine here

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MadandAngry's weblog