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.

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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