Concerns About Weight Loss Pills Taken Before Pregnancy: Risks and Effects
Urgent - Discovered that I took weight loss pills before finding out I was pregnant? Hello: My last menstrual period was on February 4th, and I found out I was pregnant on March 22nd. However, from February until March 6th, I took a weight loss medication recommended by a friend,...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
According to the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medications are classified into five categories based on their teratogenic risk: A, B, C, D, and X, with Category A being the safest and Category X being contraindicated for use in pregnant women. The de...[Read More] Concerns About Weight Loss Pills Taken Before Pregnancy: Risks and Effects
How to Determine the Expiration and Shelf Life of Medications
How to determine the shelf life and expiration date of medications? 1. My father brought home a tube of CORTIMYCIN ointment (manufactured by Syntex) from the hospital, which has been unopened for over a year. Since the hospital removed the outer packaging when placing it in the m...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
1. When the public picks up medication at the hospital, if they are unable to identify or determine the expiration date and usage period of the medication, they can consult a pharmacist. 2. Unused medications should be removed from their packaging and flushed down the toilet; the...[Read More] How to Determine the Expiration and Shelf Life of Medications
Understanding the Differences Between L-Carnitine and CLA for Fat Burning
L-Carnitine and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Hello, doctor. Could you please explain the differences between L-Carnitine and CLA, both of which are said to aid in fat burning? Is it better to take L-Carnitine before bedtime, or can I take both supplements at the same time? Than...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello Vicki: I'm sorry, but I cannot answer your question as it is outside my area of expertise. I recommend consulting a nutritionist.[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between L-Carnitine and CLA for Fat Burning
Understanding Uric Acid Lowering Medications: Safety and Availability
Medications for lowering uric acid levels? Hello... I would like to ask about medications for lowering uric acid (that can be taken long-term without harming the kidneys). If such medications exist, can they be obtained at general hospitals, or are they only available at specific...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello, the analgesics commonly used for general pain have significant side effects, and long-term use can indeed be detrimental to the kidneys. Fortunately, they are typically only used for a short period during the initial treatment phase or in more severe cases. The likelihood ...[Read More] Understanding Uric Acid Lowering Medications: Safety and Availability
Understanding Hepatitis B Supplements: What Patients Need to Know
Hepatitis B health management medications Dear Dr. Lai, I am a patient with hepatitis B and have been taking various so-called liver protection medications for several decades. In recent years, I switched to using "Sisu Liver Protection Gel" from Wuzhou Pharmaceutical....
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: Silymarin Liver Protection Capsules contain silymarin and some vitamins. Silymarin is a plant-derived compound that stabilizes liver cell membranes, promotes bile secretion to accelerate toxin elimination, and reduces abnormal lipid changes in the liver and gallbladder, fa...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Supplements: What Patients Need to Know
Is This Weight Loss Pill Approved by Health Authorities? Safety Concerns Explored
Is this weight loss medication really approved by the Department of Health? Hello, I have recently been taking a medication I found online, which claims to have a permit number from the Department of Health. However, I cannot find any information about it online, as most of the w...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: It seems that the website you provided is not accessible. If you have concerns about the hygiene quality of this product, I suggest you directly contact the local health bureau's consumer service center to request an inspection. The health bureau will forward your cas...[Read More] Is This Weight Loss Pill Approved by Health Authorities? Safety Concerns Explored
Can My Mom Take Bone Strengthening Supplements for Knee Pain?
Can I take glucosamine? Hello, I would like to ask a question. My mother had knee surgery ten years ago, although I am not sure of the reason, but the scar is in a cross shape. She often feels pain in her knee when walking downhill. Is it possible for her to take glucosamine supp...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello, if you are experiencing knee pain, it is advisable to first consult an orthopedic clinic for a diagnosis to determine the underlying cause. You should also ask whether it is appropriate to take glucosamine supplements to improve your condition. Before purchasing any medica...[Read More] Can My Mom Take Bone Strengthening Supplements for Knee Pain?
Understanding Primolut-Nor: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Concerns
Medication Consultation Hello, Dr. Lai: Could you please explain what Primolut-Nor (Norethisterone) is? My period has been delayed, and after an ultrasound at the gynecologist's office confirmed that I am not pregnant, the doctor prescribed this medication for four days, sta...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: Primolut-Nor is a type of female hormone, specifically progesterone. If you do not get your period 2-3 days after finishing the medication, it is recommended that you return to your doctor for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Primolut-Nor: Effects on Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy Concerns
Medication Safety During Pregnancy: Concerns About Progesterone Use
Medications During Pregnancy Hello, Pharmacist: I would like to ask a question. I am currently two months pregnant, and during my prenatal check-up, I was prescribed the following medication due to intrauterine bleeding. I would like to know if it will affect the fetus. I have do...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: According to the physician's diagnosis, your bleeding may be due to insufficient progesterone. Supplementing with progesterone should help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, getting plenty of rest is very important. Timely supplementation of progesterone is necess...[Read More] Medication Safety During Pregnancy: Concerns About Progesterone Use
Long-Term Steroid Use for Adrenal Hyperplasia: Side Effects and Risks
Medication Consultation Long-term use of corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) to manage adrenal hyperplasia can have side effects. These may include weight gain, increased blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, mood changes, and increased susceptibility to infections. It is ...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: The occurrence of side effects varies depending on individual constitution. Long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to weight gain, peripheral edema, muscle pain, and moon facies. If these symptoms persist for a period of time, it is important to contact your physician. ...[Read More] Long-Term Steroid Use for Adrenal Hyperplasia: Side Effects and Risks
Weight Loss Solutions: Managing Constipation and Palpitations with Medications
I want to lose weight? I've been gaining weight recently, and no matter what I do, I can't seem to lose any. I've heard that Nometine has good weight loss effects, and I'm considering trying it. However, I've also heard that it can cause constipation and ...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: Common side effects of Nortriptyline (incidence >10%) include constipation, decreased appetite, dry mouth, and insomnia, while palpitations occur at an incidence of about 1-10%. The occurrence of side effects varies depending on individual constitution. If you experienc...[Read More] Weight Loss Solutions: Managing Constipation and Palpitations with Medications
Understanding Diazepam: Mechanism of Action and Drug Interactions
Mechanism of Action and Interactions of Diazepam The mechanism of action of Diazepam involves enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor. This results in increased neuronal inhibition, leading to its anxiolytic, sedative, mu...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: Diazepam belongs to the class of benzodiazepines, which are anxiolytic medications. Benzodiazepines act as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and their mechanism of action may involve the activation of GABA receptors, thereby enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmissi...[Read More] Understanding Diazepam: Mechanism of Action and Drug Interactions
The Best Time to Take Multivitamins: Morning or Night?
The timing for taking multivitamins? Hello Dr. Lai: I have a habit of taking multivitamins every day. Is this normal? Are there any restrictions on the timing of taking them? I usually take them before going to bed. Thank you!
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: A physician from Harvard University published a paper in the JAMA medical journal suggesting that every adult should take a daily multivitamin to prevent various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis, in order to maintain health. The rea...[Read More] The Best Time to Take Multivitamins: Morning or Night?
Managing Osteoarthritis: Dietary Tips and Glucosamine Interactions
Degenerative knee arthritis What dietary considerations should be taken into account for osteoarthritis of the knee? Is it permissible to drink tea? Additionally, what medications or foods may interact with glucosamine, and what are the effects of these interactions? If there are...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: Research on glucosamine indicates that: 1. It may reduce the effectiveness of antidiabetic medications, potentially by decreasing insulin secretion or altering peripheral tissue glucose uptake. 2. It may also diminish the efficacy of anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin, e...[Read More] Managing Osteoarthritis: Dietary Tips and Glucosamine Interactions
How Long Can You Safely Use Betamethasone for Arthritis?
About BETAMETHASONE Hello, Pharmacist Lai: I would like to ask how many days is the maximum recommended duration for taking BETAMETHASONE for arthritis? How many days should the initial dosage be maintained? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: The use of steroids does not require an initial dosage, and the duration of use should be determined by a physician based on the patient's condition. Do not self-medicate with steroids; it is best to seek a doctor's diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.[Read More] How Long Can You Safely Use Betamethasone for Arthritis?
Drugs and Foods Linked to Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know
Which medications can induce schizophrenia? Which substances and foods can lead to the development of schizophrenia? Thank you!
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
1. Substance abuse is one of the common causes of symptoms similar to schizophrenia, such as with amphetamines, cocaine, or hallucinogens (LSD, PCP). Other substances that may cause similar symptoms, though less frequently, include steroids and antipsychotic medications. 2. Food ...[Read More] Drugs and Foods Linked to Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Uses and Applications of HICONCIL Medication
HICONCIL HICONCIL is used for the treatment of various bacterial infections. It is an antibiotic that is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. It is commonly prescribed
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic primarily used to treat infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and other susceptible bacteria.[Read More] Understanding the Uses and Applications of HICONCIL Medication
Understanding Osteoporosis Medications: Side Effects and Allergies Explained
Medications for Osteoporosis Dear Pharmacist Lai, Thank you for answering my question. I would like to inquire about medication information regarding osteoporosis. My grandmother, who is 76 years old and lives in Canada, is using a medication called "Didrocal," which c...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
Hello: The side effects of this medication commonly include nausea and vomiting in the gastrointestinal tract; in the central nervous system, it may cause memory loss, depression, hallucinations, and abnormal skin sensations; in the musculoskeletal system, some studies indicate t...[Read More] Understanding Osteoporosis Medications: Side Effects and Allergies Explained
Understanding the Differences Between Propranolol and Carvedilol for Heart Health
I would like to inquire with Ms. Lai about medications related to the heart? Dear Ms. Lai, I would like to inquire about the differences between Propranolol and Carvedilol (Dilatrend). Previously, I was taking Propranolol twice a day, but during my follow-up appointment on April...
Dr. Lai Shuyi reply Pharmacology
1. Inderal (generic name Propranolol) belongs to the class of β-blockers and is approved by the health authorities for cardiac indications such as angina pectoris, arrhythmias (supraventricular arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia), primary and renal hypertension, and the managem...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Propranolol and Carvedilol for Heart Health