OrganizedWisdom Health - Herpes

Neurontin for Multiple Sclerosis

SScroggins — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:28:11 GMT

Neurontin is sometimes prescribed to treat pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Neurontin is useful for controlling pain attributed to muscle spasticity and brain lesions, characteristics of MS. Neurontin is FDA approved for use in the treatment of seizures and pain associated with herpes. Though not FDA approved in the treatment of MS, many physicians prescribe the medication off-label.

Fast Facts:

Neurontin is a brand name of the generic medication gabapentin.
MS is the most commonly diagnosed neurological condition in young adults.
MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks and destroys the protective covering on nerves.

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Abreva Side Effects

CatherIN — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:04:47 GMT

Abreva, like any medication, could possibly cause side effects. While headaches have been reported, serious side effects are not expected with use of this medication. If you do experience side effects while using Abreva, especially if they become bothersome, talk to your doctor.

Fast Facts:

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
Abreva is used in the treatment of cold sores.
Abreva is a brand name for the drug docosanol.

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Abreva Overdose

CatherIN — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:32:34 GMT

An overdose may occur if more than the prescribed dose of Abreva is used. Signs of an overdose of Abreva may include headache, abdominal pain, increased serum lipase, nausea, pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, dizziness, or elevated bilirubin. Seek medical attention if an overdose does occur.

Fast Facts:

In case of a suspected overdose, information may be sought by calling the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Abreva is used in the treatment of cold sores.
Abreva is a brand name for the drug docosanol.

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Adoxa and Pregnancy

SScroggins — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:44:17 GMT

The broad spectrum antibiotic Adoxa is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless there are no other antibiotic options available. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has listed Adoxa as a category D drug, indicating that studies show it is harmful to a developing fetus. In some cases, Adoxa may be prescribed to pregnant women, but the benefits to the mother should clearly outweigh the risks posed to the fetus.

Fast Facts:

Studies have shown that Adoxa can be harmful to an unborn baby's bones and teeth when used by the mother during pregnancy.
Nursing mothers may be asked to switch to bottle feeding while undergoing Adoxa treatment.
Adoxa is a brand name of the generic drug doxycycline.

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Adoxa Dosage

SScroggins — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 21:42:41 GMT

Adoxa (doxycycline) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. Your physician will determine the proper dosage of Adoxa depending on the condition for which you are being treated. For most infections, a standard dosage of 200mg taken twice daily is suggested for adults. Children who are over 100 pounds may be treated with Adoxa at a standard dosage of 2mg per pound of weight in divided doses.

Fast Facts:

Common conditions treated with Adoxa include: acne vulgaris, urinary tract infection, sinus infection, pharyngitis, skin infections, and some types of pneumonia.
Adoxa may be prescribed "off label" for many other conditions.
The most frequent side effect of Adoxa is dental discoloration.

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How Antiviral Drugs Affect Viral Replication

Crdelucas — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 23:16:55 GMT

Antivirals are used to reduce the rate of viral growth but will not stop a viruses completely. Antiviral drugs are most effective when administered within forty-eight hours of infection onset. Viral replication occurs when the virus invades a living cell and replicates by releasing DNA and RNA, this causes the cell to alter or die therefore releasing new viruses. Antivirals work by inactivating the enzymes needed for viral replication.

Fast Facts:

Antivirals, which may be toxic to human cells, are more difficult to develop than antibiotics.
The first experimental antiviral drug was developed in the 1960s for the herpes virus.
Vira-A (vidarabine), acyclovir, gancyclovir, Valcyte (valganciclovir), azidothymidine (AZT), Videx (didanosine), Hivid (zalcitabine), Zerit (stavudine), Epivir (didanosine), and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) are antiviral medications.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Linked to Infections

SScroggins — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:41:14 GMT

Because many of the drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis act in a manner to suppress the immune system, several of these medications have been linked to the development of various bacterial and fungal infections and cancer. The use of some tumor necrosis factor medications has recently been linked to an increase in shingles, a painful infection characterized by blisters. Medications such as Humira, Enbrel, Remicade, and Cimzia have been linked to an increase in lymphoma.

Fast Facts:

Histoplasmosis, a flu-like fungal infection, has also been linked to rheumatoid arthritis medications.
Patients who are undergoing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to contact their physicians in the event of unusual side effects or a generalized feeling of illness.
Although many of the rheumatoid arthritis medication have the potential to lead to the development of other, sometimes fatal, infections or diseases, the benefits to the patient in receiving the medications are often times greater than the risk involved.

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Pictures of Herpes Blisters

Jkg0679 — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:48:57 GMT

Pictures of herpes blisters can be found online. Herpes is a viral infection of the skin. There are two types of herpes: HSV 1 and HSV 2. In the United States at least 45 million people over the age of 12 suffer from herpes.

Fast Facts:

Herpes is often seen on the mouth or genitalia.
There are photos showing congenital herpes.
Some photos listed here depict mature content.

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How to Get Rid of Cold Sores

KevinB — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:26:24 GMT

Generally, there is no need to visit a doctor for treatment of cold sores. Cold sores usually last about 7-10 days, and there are a few steps you can take to expedite healing. When you clean the cold sore, use a washcloth with soap and warm water. After cleaning, cover the sore with a petroleum-based cream or ointment prevent any further infection.

Fast Facts:

Non prescription ointments are available to help ease the pain.
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1, which can be transmitted by kissing, or sharing drinks, toothbrushes, cosmetics, or utensils.
Once you have the herpes simplex virus type 1, it is in your immune system forever.
Prescription antiviral medications, like Valtrex, may help treat cold sores and reduce their recurrence.
Stress, excessive UV rays, or anxiety can cause the virus to reemerge in the form of another cold sore.

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Herpes Encephalitis

SScroggins — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:46:52 GMT

The herpes simplex virus is responsible for about 10% of all encephalitis cases yearly. Herpes simplex type I generally causes small cold sores on the lips, inside the nose, in the eye, or on the eyelid. The virus can travel up the nasal cavity, through the sinuses, and reach the brain, where it causes inflammation. Herpes simplex II is spread through genital contact (usually sexual intercourse), but can be passed from mother to child during childbirth. Symptoms may include: stiff neck, vomiting, runny nose, drowsiness, fatigue or weakness, hyperactivity, headache, fever, and a sore throat.

Fast Facts:

Most often seen in those under the age of 20 or over the age of 40.
Antiviral medications are available to treat herpes infections.
Brain damage can occur from this form of encephalitis, typically in the frontal and temporal lobes.
Left untreated, herpes encephalitis is fatal in approximately 50% of all cases.

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