Understanding Mercilon: Usage, Effectiveness, and Drug Interactions
Mercilon is a combined oral contraceptive pill that contains two hormones: ethinylestradiol and desogestrel. It is used to prevent pregnancy and can also help regulate menstrual cycles. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding the use of Mercilon, such as its Q1. Dosa...
Dr. Ke Bowen Reply:
Q1 Answer: Start taking the medication from the first day of your menstrual cycle; this is the easiest method. However, after finishing one pack of the medication, you must stop taking it for 7 days, during which time you should expect your period. Q2 Answer: If you start taking ...[Read More] Understanding Mercilon: Usage, Effectiveness, and Drug Interactions
Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Regarding the consumption of fish oil? I previously saw a doctor's response, but I still have some questions regarding fish oil consumption. Could you please advise me, doctor? What is the optimal daily intake of EPA and DHA combined for an individual? What are the potential...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Fish oil EPA belongs to omega-3 fatty acids, while DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Most fish oils contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA. 2. Fish oil is more suitable for the elderly and patients with cardiovascular diseases. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration...[Read More] Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Impact of Methylprednisolone on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Steroids Hello, pharmacist. My girlfriend is a patient with multiple sclerosis, and she is the same age as me. Due to her condition, she has to take Methylprednisolone (Medrol) long-term. I would like to ask if this medication would have any effects on the fetus if my girlfriend ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Methylprednisolone is classified as Category A by the Australian Drug Evaluation Unit, meaning that this medication has been used by a majority of pregnant women or women of childbearing age without increasing the risk of teratogenic effects or harm to the fetus. Before pre...[Read More] Impact of Methylprednisolone on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Understanding the Side Effects of Common Medications: Ibuprofen, Panadol, Sulflex, and B-Complex 1000
Consultation What are the side effects of the following medications? Thank you! 1. IBUPROFEN 2. PANADOL 3. SUFLEX 4. B-COMPLEX 1000
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person, and taking these medications does not necessarily lead to side effects. Below are the potential side effects of these medications for your reference: 1. IBUPROFEN: Possible side effects include skin rash or itc...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Common Medications: Ibuprofen, Panadol, Sulflex, and B-Complex 1000
Understanding Proper Dosage Timing for Ambenonium Use
Issues Related to the Use of Amphenone Medications Hello Doctor: Regarding the timing for taking "Ambien," what is the correct way to take it? Currently, I take one 0.5 mg tablet 30 to 60 minutes after each meal, but the interval between breakfast at 8:30 AM and lunch a...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Alpraline is clinically used to alleviate anxiety-related symptoms. The usual dosage is 0.25-0.5 mg taken three times a day, with a maximum daily dose of 4 mg, administered in divided doses. Elderly patients and children may be more sensitive to this medication, which coul...[Read More] Understanding Proper Dosage Timing for Ambenonium Use
Do Anxiety Medications Affect Bladder Function and Urinary Retention?
Medications for anxiety disorders? I would like to ask if taking anxiety medication for a month could affect my bladder or cause urinary retention issues. Thank you.
Dr. Wu Zhengfen Reply:
There are many medications for anxiety disorders, and since the user did not specify which medication they are taking, I will provide a general overview. Most medications do not have particularly significant bladder issues in clinical practice. However, there was a case in 2004 i...[Read More] Do Anxiety Medications Affect Bladder Function and Urinary Retention?
Can Supplements Help Prevent Myopia Progression in Children?
Preventing Myopia Hello: A primary school student already has mild myopia. Can taking dietary supplements protect vision and prevent the progression of myopia? Ingredients: Goji berries, cassia seeds, mulberries, blueberries, lutein, zeaxanthin, carotenoids, vitamin A.
Dr. Lin Meili Reply:
Hello, Miss Lily! Regarding the ingredients of the dietary supplements you mentioned, such as goji berries, cassia seeds, mulberries, blueberries, lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids, it is advisable for elementary school students to consult with a pharmacist at a health insuranc...[Read More] Can Supplements Help Prevent Myopia Progression in Children?
Understanding the Side Effects and Discontinuation of Ambien
Medication Consultation Hello Doctor: What are the side effects of "Ambien"? Are there any issues with long-term use? If symptoms improve, how should I taper off or discontinue the medication? Thanks.
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. This medication can alleviate anxiety, induce sedation, provide muscle relaxation, and relieve spasms. The daily dosage will generally meet the needs of most patients. For a small number of patients requiring higher doses, caution should be exercised when increasing t...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects and Discontinuation of Ambien
Can Diabetic Patients Safely Use Mirtazapine for Appetite Enhancement?
Antidepressant medication Mirtazapine? 1. Mirtazapine can be prescribed to diabetic patients, but it is essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely, as it may affect appetite and weight. Since your mother has dementia and is experiencing a lack of appetite, Mirtazapine could ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Mirtazapine and Remeron are medications with the same active ingredient, differing only in brand name. Can they be taken together with diabetes medications (NovoNorm, Glucophage, Wecoli)? Generally, there are no significant interactions. As for Risperdal Oral Solution, i...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Safely Use Mirtazapine for Appetite Enhancement?
Understanding the Side Effects of Salazopyrin in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello! I was diagnosed with stage 2 ankylosing spondylitis in March of this year, and since then, I have been taking Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) as an immunomodulatory medication. Recently, in September, I noticed that my hair has been falling out frequentl...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Approximately 3% of individuals taking Salazopyrin may experience hair loss as a side effect, although this varies from person to person. In my experience, I have seen many patients in the hospital taking this medication with few reports of this side effect. You may want t...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Salazopyrin in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Should Nutritional Supplements and Medications Be Taken Separately?
excuse me? Should nutritional supplements be taken separately from medications?
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, regarding the reasons for taking dietary supplements, it mainly stems from the desire to improve one's health due to poor physical condition. However, despite the high level of acceptance of health supplements, there are many misconceptions. A majority of people belie...[Read More] Should Nutritional Supplements and Medications Be Taken Separately?
Can I Take Magnesium Oxide, Mucaine, Primperan, and Cetrizine Together?
Medication Use Today, I visited both my family doctor and a dermatologist. The family doctor prescribed magnesium oxide four times a day, mucaine tablets three times a day, primperan three times a day, and kascoal three times a day. The dermatologist prescribed cetirizine tablets...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Is the active ingredient of Cotrizine Ketoconazole? It has been found that Cotrizine (with the active ingredient Ketoconazole) may have potential interactions with Magnesium oxide. Taking both medications together may decrease the blood concentration of Ketoconazole, leadin...[Read More] Can I Take Magnesium Oxide, Mucaine, Primperan, and Cetrizine Together?
Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
Should medications be taken separately? Hello pharmacist, I heard that a packet of medication should not be taken all at once but rather divided into doses. Stomach medications are absorbed directly by the stomach, while other medications are absorbed by the intestines, so stomac...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Generally, medications are categorized as taken before or after meals primarily due to their pharmacological effects. Typically, only those medications that may interact with each other, potentially affecting their efficacy, are specifically noted for separate administration. Man...[Read More] Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
How Long Should You Take Tamiflu? Key Questions Answered
Influenza A virus (H1N1) Is it necessary to take antiviral medication for five days for influenza? If I feel better after three days, can I stop the medication? After recovery, do I need to get the influenza vaccine again?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The recommended dosing regimen for "Tamiflu" (oseltamivir) in adults for the treatment of influenza is twice daily, one capsule each time, for a duration of five days. This is based on the best treatment practices established through clinical trials. Any changes t...[Read More] How Long Should You Take Tamiflu? Key Questions Answered
What is Compound 80/12.5 Medication and Its Uses?
What type of medication? Compound 80/12.5 can be obtained as Stable* tablets, a total of 28 tablets.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The approved indication for "Kedan Anwen Film-Coated Tablets" by the Department of Health is "hypertension that cannot be controlled by monotherapy (as a second-line agent)." It contains two active ingredients for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases...[Read More] What is Compound 80/12.5 Medication and Its Uses?
Medications to Enhance Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Medications that aid digestion and absorption? Hello, doctor. Are there any medications available on the market that can help with digestion and absorption? I have poor digestive function, which in turn affects my gastrointestinal absorption. I would like to use medication to ass...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Digestion and absorption are functions of the gastrointestinal system; please consult a qualified physician for diagnosis.[Read More] Medications to Enhance Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
Are Wholesome Supplements Food or Medicine? Understanding Regulations
Is it food or medicine!? Hello, I would like to ask whether the products "Ke Bu + Iron" and "Ke Bu + Zinc" produced by Wyeth in Taiwan are classified as food or medicine? I see that there are people reselling them online. Is that permissible? If there are any ...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
The products "Ke Bu + Iron" and "Ke Bu + Zinc" produced by Wyeth in Taiwan are prescription medications (to be taken as directed by a physician, pharmacist, or licensed pharmacist). They should be purchased from qualified pharmacies, and please do not buy medi...[Read More] Are Wholesome Supplements Food or Medicine? Understanding Regulations
Can Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improve Microcirculation in the Brain?
Does consuming ginkgo biloba improve microcirculation in the brain? Hello Dr. Huang, my grandmother is 75 years old and has been experiencing persistent dizziness for the past two weeks. After visiting the Changhua Christian Hospital outpatient clinic, she was diagnosed with micr...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
If there is no improvement after taking the medication, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to inform the physician and reassess the condition. Ginkgo biloba can improve peripheral circulation disorders; this is a medication.[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improve Microcirculation in the Brain?
Medications to Boost Immunity Against H1N1 Infection
Immunomodulatory drugs Are there any medications that can boost immunity to prevent H1N1 infection?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The relationship between medication and immunity: Immunity can be acquired through active and passive immunity. Vaccination belongs to active immunity, which has a longer-lasting effect; while administering immunoglobulin is considered passive immunity, providing shorter-te...[Read More] Medications to Boost Immunity Against H1N1 Infection
Understanding the Side Effects of Zhi Shan Pills and Alternatives for Allergies
Side effects of Zhi Shan tablets? Hello, pharmacist. Could you please tell me what side effects are associated with the medication "Zhi Shan Pian"? Is it considered a high-alert medication? The doctor mentioned it could potentially cause liver function abnormalities, bu...
Dr. Zeng Biru Reply:
Trexan Tab (Active ingredient: Methotrexate 2.5mg) 1. Indication: Methotrexate is a folate antagonist primarily used to inhibit DNA synthesis and also directly affects RNA and protein synthesis. 2. Side effects: Common - ulcerative stomatitis, glossitis, gingivitis, headache, le...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Zhi Shan Pills and Alternatives for Allergies