OrganizedWisdom Health - Women's Health

Ibandronate

SScroggins — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:52:16 GMT

Ibandronate is a bisphosphonate type of medication that alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. Ibandronate works to slow bone loss while increasing bone mass, helping to prevent bone fractures. Ibandronate is available in both tablet or injection form. Depending on the dosage, the oral form of the medication may only be needed once per month.

Fast Facts

The most commonly reported side effects of ibandronate include: heartburn, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Studies have shown that ibandronate use can decrease spine fractures by up to 50%.
Ibandronate is a generic medication. It is sometimes sold under the brand name Boniva.

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Turner Syndrome

SScroggins — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:37:17 GMT

Turner syndrome is the result of a female developing with only one X chromosome. Turner syndrome is not genetically inherited or preventable, and there is no cure. One of the major symptoms is short stature and slow growth. Growth hormone therapy can be used to limit these effects; however, women with TS will remain at the lower end of the growth chart.

Fast Facts

Turner syndrome is sometimes called monosomy X, gonadal dysgenesis, or Bonnevie-Ullrich syndrome.
Turner syndrome occurs in about 1 out of every 2,000 births.
Estrogen therapy is often necessary in those diagnosed with Turner syndrome.

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Osteoporosis

TaraSal — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:38:48 GMT

Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break. The term "porosis" means porous. This describes the appearance of osteoporotic bones that have been broken in half and examined. Bone marrow normally contains small holes, however a bone with osteoporosis will have much larger ones.

Fast Facts:

Women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease.
A major health problem, affecting 28 million Americans and contributing to approximately 1.5 million bone fractures every year.
Risk factors include genetics, lack of exercise, lack of calcium and vitamin D, personal history of fracture as an adult, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, low body weight, and family history of osteoporosis.

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Herceptin

Sanbear — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 05:53:21 GMT

Herceptin is the brand name for trastuzumab. It is used to treat metastatic breast cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and tendency to spread. It may be used along with other medications.

Fast Facts:

Herceptin side effects may include headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and muscle aches. More serious side effects include cough, chest pain, fever, and problems breathing.
Herceptin may interact with anthracyclines, mitoxantrone, and warfarin.
Herceptin should be used with caution on those with congestive heart failure, heart disease, and those with lung problems.

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Cardene and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:39:11 GMT

Cardene (nicardipine) should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential risks to the fetus. According to studies performed in animals, there was an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, difficult labor, decreased weight gain, and low survival rates in infants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Cardene as a category C drug, meaning the effects of the medication have not been completely studied in pregnant women.

Fast Facts:

Consult with your physician before breastfeeding, as it is currently unknown whether Cardene is excreted into breast milk.
Cardene is a prescription medication used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of angina in adults.
Some common side effects associated with the use of Cardene include headache, dizziness, and nausea.

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Aldoril and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:37:30 GMT

Aldoril (methyldopa and hydrochlorothiazide), a combination medication known as a thiazide diuretic used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential risks to the fetus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Aldoril as a category C drug, meaning the effects of the medication have not been completely studied in pregnant women. Thiazide diuretic medications can increase the risk of low potassium levels, jaundice, and blood disorders in newborn infants exposted to the medication while in-utro.

Fast Facts:

Aldoril should be avoided during the first month of breastfeeding, as the medication is known to be excreted into breast milk and can decrease the flow of breast milk production.
Some common side effects associated with the use of Aldoril include nausea, constipation, and dry mouth.
Aldoril is only available in tablet form.

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Abbokinase and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:36:30 GMT

Abbokinase (urokinase), a prescription medication used to prevent blood clots in the lungs, is considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Abbokinase as a category B medication, meaning that studies done in animals did not indicate any risk to the developing fetus. Also, consult with your physician before breastfeeding, as it is currently unknown whether Abbokinase is excreted into breast milk.

Fast Facts:

While taking Abbokinase your physician may monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels.
Some possible side effects associated with the use of Abbokinase include weight gain, back pain, and shortness of breath. If any of these symptoms become persistent or bothersome consult with your physician.
Abbokinase is only for use in adult patients, as the medication has not been completely studied in children.

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Ergomar and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 02:34:55 GMT

Ergomar (ergotamine) should not be used during pregnancy. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Ergomar as a category X drug, meaning there is a risk of birth defects in fetuses exposed to the medication. According to studies, the use of Ergomar during pregnancy can induce uterine contractions leading to miscarriage.

Fast Facts:

Ergomar can also cause blood flow restriction to the fetus.
Ergomar is a prescription medication used to treat migraine and vascular headaches.
Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking Ergomar, as it is known to be excreted into breast milk.

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Elavil and Pregnancy

Mindy6197 — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:51:20 GMT

Women who are pregnant should only use Elavil (amitriptyline) when the benefits to the mother clearly outweigh any potential risks to the fetus. In studies, Elavil has been known to increase the risk of birth defects associated with the arms and legs, developmental delays, and brain problems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has labeled Elavil as a category C drug, meaning the effects of the medication have not been completely studied in pregnant women.

Fast Facts:

Consult with your physician before breastfeeding, as Elavil is known to be excreted into breast milk.
Amitriptyline is also sold under the brand name Vanatrip. It is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of depression.
Elavil should not be used in anyone under the age of eighteen.

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Erythromycin

SScroggins — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:53:25 GMT

Erythromicyn is an antibiotic medication that is sometimes recommended in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. Erythromycin is available in various forms and should be taken exactly as directed. Common side effects associated with the use of erythromycin include: diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. Erythromycin belongs to a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, which fight bacteria in the body.

Fast Facts

Erythromycin should not be taken with other medication such as astemizole, cisapride, or pimozide in order to avoid potentially serious drug interactions.
Patients using erythromycin should be advised that the medication can sometimes result in a sensitivity to sunlight.
Erythromycin is a generic medication that is sometimes sold under the brand names Ery-C, Ery-Tab, and PCE Dispertab.

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