Everything Drugs

Are there any foods that I should avoid when I take Coumadin?

2012-01-06T14:31:00.001-08:00

When you take Coumadin, you should avoid certain foods like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. If you are trying to lose weight, check with your doctor first because drastic changes in weight can lead to Coumadin toxicity. Limit the amount of cranberry juice in your diet as it may affect how Coumadin works. If you miss a dose of Coumadin, never double the dose the next time as it may lead to excessive bleeding. It is important that you tell your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Coumadin prior to any surgical procedure. One should also avoid getting injections into the arms or buttocks while taking Coumadin.

What are side effects of Coumadin that I should worry about?

2012-01-06T14:30:00.004-08:00

Side effects of Coumadin include nausea, loss of appetite, or mild abdominal cramps. These side effects do not occur in everyone and are well tolerated. Other side effects are more serious and include severe bleeding and easy bruising. If your blood thinning count is too high, you can bleed with even minor trauma. If you see blood in you stools, urine or cough up blood, you must stop the medication and see the doctor. Other side effects of Coumadin include frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, prolonged menstrual bleeding and black tarry stools. To ensure that these side effects do not occur it is vital that you go and get your blood thinning levels measured regularly.

I have been started on Coumadin for blood clots. I have read the medication can cause many problems. what is the safest way to take it?

2012-01-06T14:30:00.002-08:00

When you buy Coumadin, your doctor/pharmacist will tell you exactly how to take the medication. Coumadin can be taken by mouth with a glass of water. It can even be taken with or without food. Coumadin is only supposed to be taken once a day. Never increase the dose or duration of Coumadin without first speaking to your doctor. Do not stop the drug unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. The dose of Coumadin is based on your medical condition and response. All individuals who take Coumadin have to get regular blood work to ensure that the blood thinning levels are right for you.

I have been told that I have a blood clot in my leg and have been given warfarin. How long should I remain on this medicine?

2012-01-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

If you have blood clots in your legs, you need to be on a blood thinner –which is warfarin. It is sold as Coumadin and is an excellent drug for people with blood clots. If blood clots are not treated, they may break off and fly off to the lung. In most cases of a first time blood clot in the leg, you need to take the medication for at least 6 -9 months.

My doctor told me that I have C. difficle colitis from over use of an antibiotic. How can I treat this?

2011-03-18T14:55:00.005-07:00

C difficile colitis is a nasty illness that commonly occurs after prolonged use of antibiotics. Your doctor will most likely start you on metronidazole or vancomycin. These drugs need to be taken by mouth and within 48 hours you will start to feel better. In the mean time drink ample water, stop use of all other antibiotics and do not take anything like Imodium. Wash hands frequently as this darn infection can easily be passed on to everyone in the family.

I am chronically constipated and have tried all sorts of laxatives, what should I do next?

2011-03-18T14:55:00.003-07:00

Well, the one major problem with people who use laxatives all the time is that they will no longer work in future. Chronic constipation is a major problem in the population and I assume you have changed your diet, are drinking ample water and eating fiber. If you have done this, it is time to see a decent colon doctor. There are not many good solutions left for you, but surgery is one of them. Surgery for chronic constipation does work but you should think about it as it has its own complications. Moreover, surgery is the last resort. Asides from drugs and changes in diet, there are not many more options.

Can Bystolic cause back pain?

2011-03-18T14:55:00.001-07:00

Bystolic is a relatively new drug for control of blood pressure. The manufacturers of this drug appear to have been heavily promoting this drug but there is no evidence that it is any better than other older similar drugs. Recently the FDA had to send a cease and desist letter to the company for making unsubstantiated claims. There is also worry that the drug has many side effects. However, back pain is not one of them. The drug is known to cause headaches, dizziness and abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

Do not stop the drug but see your doctor first. Perhaps you should get a change in prescription for a more affordable and effective drug. In addition, let the doctor determine the cause of your back pain.

Is there any harm in taking two prilosec tablets if I miss one dose?

2011-03-02T19:13:00.002-08:00

If you ever miss a dose of prilosec, do not make it a habit of doubling the dose the next time. While prilosec is very safe, it can be expensive to take two tablets each time you miss a dose. For maximal benefit from prilosec, take the pill at the same time every day. Prilosec capsules usually work immediately and can be taken for long periods without harm. Besides prilosec, other ways to reduce stomach acidity include avoidance of smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

I have been taking prilosec for several months and have noticed numbness and tingling in my hands. Is this related to the medication?

2011-03-02T19:13:00.000-08:00

In rare cases, prilosec side effects include a sore tongue, numbness or tingling of hands or feet and severe weakness. This may be due to vitamin B12 deficiency. This side effect is usually seen if you have been taking prilosec for many months. To counter the numbness and tingling, it is recommended that you take supplements of folic acid and vitamin B12. in addition, a diet rich in vegetables may help.

I have peptic ulcer disease and take prilosec. Can this medication cause headaches?

2011-03-02T19:12:00.002-08:00

When you buy prilosec, the pharmacist will tell you all the potential side effects of the medication. Prilosec side effects include nausea, stomach cramps, headache, diarrhea or constipation. These mild side effects do not occur in everyone and are well tolerated. However, if these symptoms persist, one must notify the physician. The headaches are usually mild but if they persist, you may need a change in your medication.

I have recently been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and take prilosec. How long should I take this medication?

2011-03-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Prilosec is a great medication for peptic ulcer disease. It is known as omeprazole and is often used to treat reflux esophagitis and stomach upset from excess acidity. Prilosec works by decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach. Prilosec works immediately and can rapidly relieve acid symptoms like abdominal pain, heartburn, persistent coughing and difficulty sleeping. Prilosec is often combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent stomach ulcers. Prilosec can be taken everyday if you have peptic ulcer disease. Today, a triple combination of medications to treat H. pylori can help cure the ulcer in 10-14 days. Prilosec is a very safe drug and can be taken as needed if you continue to have gastritis

Can I take plavix with pepcid?

2011-02-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

When you buy plavix online, you will be told exactly how to take it. Always read the label on the package before you take plavix. Plavix is usually taken once a day with or without food. If you develop stomach upset, plavix can be taken with food. Sometimes plavix may be combined with antacids or an acid suppressing medication to avoid side effects. The dose of plavix is based on your medical condition and response.

For maximum benefit, plavix must be taken every day at the same time. Never increase the dose of plavix without first speaking to your doctor. In most cases, plavix is started soon after a heart attack or after coronary artery stenting and continued for 3-9 months.

Can plavix cause flu like symptoms?

2011-02-28T18:35:00.002-08:00

When you buy plavix, the pharmacist will tell you all the potential side effects of the medication. Common side effects of plavix include easy bruising, joint pain, back pain, flu like symptoms, headache, stomach pain, easy infections of the mouth and throat, and indigestion. These side effects do not occur in everyone and are usually well tolerated. However, if they persist you should tell your doctor.

In rare cases, plavix can cause mood changes, muscle pain depression, irregular heart rate, headache, skin ulcer, cataracts, anemia, gout, nosebleeds or constipation. Like all medications, there is a small risk that plavix can induce an allergic reaction which may present with a skin rash, itching, dizziness or trouble breathing.

I have been given a prescription of plavix. Just what does it do? It is very expensive.

2011-02-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

If you have recently had your coronary arteries dilated (ballooned) or have had a stent placed, you need to take plavix. The minimum time is 1 month but sometimes your heart doctor will make you take it for 6-9 months. Plavix is a blood thinner and widely used to treat patients with heart disease. Many doctors order plavix prescription if you have recently suffered a heart attack or if you have had stents placed in your coronary blood vessels. Plavix prevents the stents or blood vessels from clogging up and thus improves blood flow to the heart. Often plavix is combined with aspirin for maximal benefit.

I have high blood pressure but often miss my plendil. Can I double my tablets the next day if I miss my tablets the previous day?

2011-02-28T18:34:00.002-08:00

Absolutely not. If you miss a dose of plendil, never double the dose at the next setting. Excess plendil can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and may cause dizziness or chest pain.

I have high blood pressure but often run out of my medications. Is it safe to take my brother’s blood pressure medication?

2011-02-28T18:34:00.000-08:00

There are many types of medications to lower blood pressure and one should not combine them without first speaking to the doctor. The best advice is to ensure that both you and your brother take the same medication, so that if you run out of pills, you can take his instead.

I take several heart medications. Is it safe to take them all at once?

2011-02-28T18:33:00.001-08:00

If you do take other medications, spread the dosing by at least 30 minutes. Medications can interact with each other and thus it is vital to make sure that there is adequate spacing between each pill. This is especially important if you take several types of heart medications

I have been on plendil for my high blood pressure for a few months and have become constipated. is this related to the medication?

2011-02-28T18:32:00.002-08:00

One of the most annoying side effects of plendil is constipation. To prevent this complication drink lots of water and add fiber to your diet. In some cases, the constipation can be so severe that you may need a change in your medications.

I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and my doctor has given me plendil. Is this an effective medication?

2011-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

If you are not African American, dump your doctor because he knows little about high blood pressure. Plendil is also known as felodipine and classified as a calcium channel blockers. This class of drugs are usually more effective in African Americans and some elderly patients. The rest of the population does not seem to have a great response to these drugs. Plendil is often combined with other blood pressure medications for maximal response.

The drug works by opening your blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. By lowering blood pressure, plendil can reduce your risk of a stroke, heart attack and kidney failure. Besides high blood pressure, plendil is also used to treat abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain (angina) and very mild heart failure. If it is working for you, then I would not recommend stopping it. However, if your blood pressure is still high after plendil, it is time to have a chat with your doctor.

When does one see lowering of blood cholesterol after taking pravachol?

2011-02-27T10:13:00.001-08:00

Pravastatin does not work immediately and it may take several months before you notice a change in your blood cholesterol. Because there are many types of cholesterol lowering medications, it is important not to combine them or interchange them with pravastatin. It is vital that you start some type of exercise to further help you lower blood cholesterol and lose weight while taking pravastatin. If your cholesterol levels have not dropped in 2-3 months, then the pill is not working and you may need either a higher dose or a different medication

I am 33 years old and have high cholesterol. Can I take two tablets of pravachol everyday to speed up the cholesterol lowering?

2011-02-27T10:12:00.005-08:00

No, you cannot. When you buy pravastatin, you will be told exactly how to take it. Always read the label on the package before you take pravastatin. Pravastatin is supposed to be taken once a day with or without food. The dose of pravastatin is based on your cholesterol levels and response. Do not take grapefruit juice at the same time as pravastatin as this may lead to fluctuations in the level of the medication. If you are taking other heart medications, than space the dosing by at least 60 minutes. All individuals who take pravastatin should get regular blood work to ensure that the medication is working and that both the liver and kidney are functioning well. It is important not to change the dose of medication without talking to your doctor.

I have been taking pravachol for a few months and feel bloated all the time. Is this a side effect of the drug?

2011-02-27T10:12:00.003-08:00

Yes, Pravastatin has a number of side effects that include stomach upset, bloating and nausea. These mild side effects do not occur in everyone and are usually well tolerated. However, if they persist one should tell the doctor. Bloating often does not subside and you may have to take an antacid if you develop gastritis. In rare cases, pravastatin can cause muscle and joint pains. The muscle pain may start at any time and can be intense. The pain is usually from breakdown of muscle and is considered serious. If this happens, you must notify your doctor immediately. Like all medications, pravastatin can induce an allergic reaction that may present with a skin rash, itching, dizziness or trouble breathing

Are the cholesterol drugs recommended in young obese children?

2011-02-27T10:12:00.001-08:00

Absolutely not. There is no statin drug that is recommended for use in children under the age of 12. If you do have a prescription like that, then it is time to take your doctor to court. Children do not need drugs but a change in life style, exercise and better parenting.

My doctor has prescribed me pravachol for cholesterol. Is this an effective drug?

2011-02-27T10:11:00.001-08:00

Pravachol is also known as pravastatin and widely prescribed for people with high cholesterol. When you have high cholesterol levels, it can lead to premature development of atherosclerosis and increase your risk of developing a heart attack and stroke. Pravachol works by inhibiting an enzyme that makes cholesterol in the body. However, in order to get the maximal benefit from the medication, you must also incorporate a change in your diet and start an exercise program. By decreasing weight and lower cholesterol levels, you also decrease high blood pressure and gain better ability to control blood sugars. Pravachol is for life- so if you want to stop wasting your money on this drug, stop smoking and start walking.

I have had a nerve injury for many months and my doctor has prescribed me lamotrigine for pain. Does it work?

2011-02-21T17:54:00.001-08:00

Many doctors appear to be prescribing lamotrigine (lamictal) for nerve pain. Lamotrigine is actually an anti seizure drug and during the initial clinical trials the pharmaceutical company reported that patients with nerve pain did well. Well we know one thing about most drug companies – they do have a habit of lying about effectiveness of drugs.

As far as lamotrigine is concerned, most clinical trials performed independent of Drug Company reports indicate that it is useless. In the trials, there was little or no benefit from the drug. More important, Lamotrigine was also associated with severe skin rashes. The drug is also very expensive. If you have nerve pain, a better option may be pregabalin or gabapentin. Throw the lamotrigine script in the garbage as it is only a waste of money.