Is Japanese Tongkat Ali Real? Exploring Its Benefits and Availability
Pharmaceutical importer: May I ask if there is really a medication called "Japanese Vine Extract" available? Is there really a medication called "Japanese Vine" available in the market? There are various claims about its efficacy, but there are also reports st...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chun: First of all, thank you for your inquiry regarding Japanese Tongkat Ali. There is a lot of information available online, but it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation to determine if you need to take it. Additionally, it is not recommended to purcha...[Read More] Is Japanese Tongkat Ali Real? Exploring Its Benefits and Availability
Understanding Contraindications of Heart Medications: A Patient's Guide
Contraindications for Xinshuping (心舒平) Hello, Director Li. To avoid being overly verbose, I will directly list my questions and hope for your assistance in clarifying them. 1. In 2013, I had a heart attack and received a stent. In 2015, dizziness that had disappeared for many ye...
Dr. Li Wenguang Reply:
1. In medical terms, cerebrovascular disease typically refers to stroke, which can be categorized into two types based on the underlying cause: cerebrovascular occlusion (ischemic stroke) and cerebrovascular rupture (hemorrhagic stroke). The symptoms of stroke primarily involve n...[Read More] Understanding Contraindications of Heart Medications: A Patient's Guide
Can Maca Supplements Help with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fertility?
Ankylosing spondylitis and dietary supplements? My husband has been taking medication for ankylosing spondylitis for about 20 years. We have been married for 8 years and have been unable to conceive. I would like to give him maca supplements, but I am unsure if it will interact w...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello: Maca, whether as food, dietary supplement, or nutritional supplement, generally shows research data indicating improvements primarily in the endocrine system, with limited evidence regarding improvements in the immune system. The interaction between maca and prescription m...[Read More] Can Maca Supplements Help with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fertility?
Switching from Brand-Name to Generic Birth Control: What to Know
Switching from brand-name drugs to generic drugs? Hello Dr. Hong, I have been taking birth control pills (Yaz) for a while, and recently, since I am abroad, the local doctor prescribed me a generic version of Yaz. I will finish this month's Yaz and start taking the generic...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, Miss: As long as the medication is approved for manufacture by the health authority of the respective country, there should generally be no issues. However, it is essential to first confirm whether the drug's composition and dosage are the same, and whether there is a...[Read More] Switching from Brand-Name to Generic Birth Control: What to Know
Understanding Side Effects of Medications: Addressing Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
Side effects of medication? Hello, doctor. I have a foot fracture, and the doctor prescribed me Lysozyme chloride 30 mg/tab, Diclofenac Potassium 25 mg/tab, and Acetaminophen 500 mg/tab. I previously had mild constipation, but after taking the medication, I often experience cramp...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Ms. AA: Thank you for your inquiry. Upon review, the potential side effects of the medication may occasionally include gastrointestinal symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. If you experience significant discomfort, it is advisable to discontinue use and ...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Medications: Addressing Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea
Do Emergency Contraceptives Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Conflict between emergency contraception and regular contraceptive methods? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if taking the combined oral contraceptive pill (drospirenone 3mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.03mg) while simultaneously taking the emergency contraceptive pill (levonorgestrel 1...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, miss: If you have been taking your birth control pills on time, even if you accidentally take emergency contraception, it should not affect the effectiveness of your birth control. However, if you have missed any doses of your birth control pills, please be aware that if y...[Read More] Do Emergency Contraceptives Affect the Efficacy of Birth Control Pills?
Does Bowel Movement After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Affect Absorption?
Issues with the absorption of contraceptive pills? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if having a bowel movement about an hour and a half after taking the emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) will affect the absorption of the medication? (I ate half an hour after taking the pill). ...
Dr. Zheng Shuwen Reply:
Hello, Miss: The Yejimi coated tablet contains hormones, with each tablet containing 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol. Drospirenone is rapidly and almost completely absorbed in the human body, reaching peak serum concentration approximately 1-2 hours after a s...[Read More] Does Bowel Movement After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Affect Absorption?
Switching from Difenidol to Another Brand: What You Need to Know
Regarding vasodilators? Dear Director Hong, During my last follow-up appointment, the physician switched my medication from Sirdalud (Difenidol HCl) to the generic version, Xinghui's Xinghualuo. Both medications contain the active ingredient Difenidol HCl. I would like to a...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: "Shengda" Diphenidol coated tablets (active ingredient: Diphenidol) and Xinghui's Xinghualuo coated tablets (active ingredient: Diphenidol) are produced by different manufacturers, but they contain the same active ingredient. Both medications are indica...[Read More] Switching from Difenidol to Another Brand: What You Need to Know
Do Probiotics Affect the Efficacy of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Antibiotics?
Medications and Probiotics for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about drug interactions. I am currently taking medications for pelvic inflammatory disease: Lydacillin, Metrozole Oral, and suppositories. Will taking lactobacillus probiotics a...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Ebbly: 1. Lactobacillus can aid in digestion, while the Bacillus genus (spore-forming bacteria) exhibits resistance to clindamycin and metronidazole. Most probiotics are resistant to metronidazole, particularly metronidazole itself. Therefore, if you are regularly taking ...[Read More] Do Probiotics Affect the Efficacy of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Antibiotics?
Potential Risks of Overusing Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know
Overdose of contraceptive pills? Hello, doctor. There are several days in a month when I mistakenly think I haven't taken my birth control pill after I've already taken it, which causes me to panic and take an extra one. I have a backup pack of birth control pills, so I...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, Miss: 1. Drospirenone 3mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.03 is a 21-tablet single dosage form. If you forget to take a contraceptive pill, you should take it as soon as you remember. If you miss one day, take two pills the next day at your regular time. If you miss two days, take t...[Read More] Potential Risks of Overusing Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know
Doxycycline Side Effects: Should I Be Concerned About Chest Pain?
Side effects of Doxycycline? Hello Doctor, I have chronic prostatitis (and pneumonia, but the infectious disease doctor said I don't need to worry anymore). I consulted a urologist, and the doctor prescribed me the antibiotic Doxycycline. However, after taking it, I experien...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello: Thank you for your inquiry. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's drug information, common side effects of the antibiotic Doxycycline include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, vaginitis, dermatitis, glossitis, gastritis, and proctitis. If you experience any othe...[Read More] Doxycycline Side Effects: Should I Be Concerned About Chest Pain?
Drug Interaction Concerns: Yikukan EX vs. Vitamin B Complex and Herbal Remedies
Medication consultation Hello Dr. Huang: I would like to ask if there are any interactions between the dietary supplement Yigukan EX and the Japanese Koden Kōri Vitamin B complex. Additionally, are there any potential interactions with traditional Chinese medicine (for bone healt...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Ms. Li: Thank you for your inquiry. Upon checking, Yigukang EX contains eight herbal extracts (Astragalus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Rhodiola rosea, Polygonatum, Red dates, Licorice, Equisetum, and Sargentodoxa cuneata) and four vitamins (B12, C, D, and E). Additionally, the Mi...[Read More] Drug Interaction Concerns: Yikukan EX vs. Vitamin B Complex and Herbal Remedies
Do Licorice and Sour Plums Affect Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?
Interactions between contraceptive pills and substances like licorice and preserved plums? Hello, I would like to ask if consuming dried plums and licorice-containing snacks, such as Xian Zha tablets, during the use of pre-exposure contraceptive pills (like "Yue Ji") wi...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Dear Miss Spa, Upon reviewing the package insert for the medication, it only warns that co-administration with drugs that have microsomal enzyme induction properties may result in interactions, potentially increasing the clearance rate of sex hormones and possibly leading to br...[Read More] Do Licorice and Sour Plums Affect Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?
Understanding Steroid Side Effects: Addressing Hiccups from Medication
Steroid side effects and the issue of hiccups? Hello Dr. Huang: Recently, I sought medical attention due to a severe allergic reaction to urushiol. The doctor prescribed oral medication and betamethasone ointment. Prior to the allergy, I was undergoing treatment for eczema with h...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Mr. Seed, thank you for your question. Regarding Betamethasone ointment and Gandemethasone ointment, both contain the same active ingredient, betamethasone. Therefore, I'm not sure if you are seeing the same physician who prescribed these ointments, as they are essenti...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Side Effects: Addressing Hiccups from Medication
Concerns About Missing Birth Control Pills and Irregular Bleeding
Take more birth control pills? Hello Doctor, my period started on March 30th, and I have been taking my medication on time every day. On April 7th, I realized I missed one pill, so I took two pills instead. However, when I was about to take another pill, it seemed like I misplace...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Amelia: 1. The design of oral contraceptives is to maintain a state of infertility in women by influencing the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body (preventing ovulation and increasing cervical mucus). 2. If you remember to take the missed pill within 12 hour...[Read More] Concerns About Missing Birth Control Pills and Irregular Bleeding
Accidental Antibiotic Use: Impact on Gut Health and Recovery Tips
Accidental ingestion of antibiotics in a healthy individual? The medication is amoxicillin 500mg, a broad-spectrum antibiotic taken eight times over two days, with six-hour intervals. Due to a busy schedule, I saw a temporary dentist who was unfamiliar with my dental history and ...
Dr. Hong Kunyi Reply:
Hello, sir: Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that requires a prescription from a physician for use. Long-term use may lead to antibiotic resistance and affect the growth of normal intestinal bacteria. If this occurs, it is recommended to consult a hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal s...[Read More] Accidental Antibiotic Use: Impact on Gut Health and Recovery Tips
Interactions Between Medications, Calcium, and Probiotics: What You Need to Know
The medications I take include calcium and probiotics? Medications taken before bedtime include LEEYO (Escitalopram) 10 mg, Doxepin 25 mg (2 tablets), Lyrica 75 mg (2 tablets), Metformin 500 mg, Tamsulosin 0.2 mg, Ativan 0.5 mg (4 tablets), and Zolpidem (2 tablets). These medicat...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: 1. The calcium supplements and probiotics you are taking will not affect the long-term medications you are on. 2. It is recommended to take calcium supplements with meals for better absorption; probiotics can be taken at any time, whether on an empty stomach, with meals, o...[Read More] Interactions Between Medications, Calcium, and Probiotics: What You Need to Know
Can These Four Medications Be Taken Together Safely?
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide information on "鄭孳師" as it appears to be a name or term that is Hello, Dr. Zheng. May I ask if these four medications can be taken together: Melatonin 3 mg, Stidron 20 mg, Metoprolol 15 mg, and Sitalopram 25 mg? Thank you.
Dr. Zheng Shuwen Reply:
Hello, regarding the medications you inquired about, it is fine to take them together. However, before taking them, please check the timing prescribed by your doctor. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions. Thank you. If you have any other questions, feel free t...[Read More] Can These Four Medications Be Taken Together Safely?
Can Pain Relievers Affect the Efficacy of Emergency Contraceptives?
Drug interactions Hello, I took the Ella emergency contraceptive pill yesterday, and I've been experiencing some headaches over the past two days. I'm wondering if I can take Tylenol or EVE pain relievers without affecting the efficacy of the contraceptive pill. Thank y...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello Ms. K, regarding the use of Ella emergency contraceptive pill, some headaches may be due to the side effects of this medication. The most commonly reported adverse reactions associated with this drug include headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, fatigue, and ...[Read More] Can Pain Relievers Affect the Efficacy of Emergency Contraceptives?
Managing Doxycycline Side Effects and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know
Doxycycline side effects / drug allergies Hello, pharmacist. I recently visited a dermatologist for acne treatment (it's my first time taking antibiotics; I haven't taken any medication for over five years). The doctor prescribed Doxycycline 100 mg/capsule, to be taken ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Miss Yang, The side effects of taking doxycycline include photosensitivity, so it is advisable to avoid direct sunlight during treatment. Other dermatologic side effects may include erythema multiforme, dermatitis, as well as gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiti...[Read More] Managing Doxycycline Side Effects and Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know