Concerns About Mixing Medications: Understanding Drug Interactions
Medication issues Hello, doctor. I went to see a pediatrician because I have been experiencing a runny nose. The doctor prescribed me a syrup to take before bed when my nasal discharge is heavy, called Tongbi Kang capsules (they are light blue-green and white in color). I just to...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello. Thank you for your question. Tongbikang capsules are a compound antihistamine, and some of the ingredients may cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth can affect taste perception, which may be the reason for the change in your taste. As long as you discontinue use, thi...[Read More] Concerns About Mixing Medications: Understanding Drug Interactions
Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
Drug interactions in bipolar disorder? TSH: 12.66. Hypothyroidism. Today, I saw a metabolic specialist who prescribed Eltroxin. I am currently using glaucoma eye drops: Tafluprost and Brimonidine, and I am taking medications for bipolar disorder: Divalproex Sodium and Lithium. Sh...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please take the thyroid hormone on an empty stomach in the morning, and do not take it with other medications. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Drug Interactions in Bipolar Disorder and Thyroid Conditions
Understanding Food and Supplement Interactions While on PEP Treatment
Concerns Regarding Food and Supplement Intake During and After a 30-Day Course of PEP? Hello, Doctor. I am taking Biktarvy and would like to ask: 1. I have a habit of drinking 400cc of milk daily while on this medication. Will this affect the efficacy of the drug? I just realized...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. BIKTARVY should not be taken concurrently with polyvalent cation medications (such as magnesium, aluminum, or calcium). If necessary, these should be taken two hours before or after BIKTARVY. However, the calcium content in milk is not high enough to cause any significant inte...[Read More] Understanding Food and Supplement Interactions While on PEP Treatment
Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Hong, Happy New Year! I apologize for the interruption. May I ask if it is safe to take the following medications together: Losartan Potassium 50 mg extended-release film-coated tablets, Pentoxifylline 400 mg film-coated tablets, Empagliflozin 25...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications you mentioned should be able to be used together; however, there may be some drug interactions between them. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages, so please consult your attending physician or clinical pharmacist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Safe Resuming of Psychiatric Medications After Paxlovid Treatment
Paxlovid antiviral medication Due to the potential drug interactions with this medication, if I take my last dose tonight at 9:30 PM (end of the treatment), when can I safely resume my other psychiatric medications to avoid any interactions?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is currently recommended to resume normal use in 2-3 days for safety. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Safe Resuming of Psychiatric Medications After Paxlovid Treatment
Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks of Switching Medications
Drug interactions Hello Dr. Hong, is there a risk of ineffectiveness when changing medications? Could food and smoking lead to ineffectiveness? I am currently taking Odefsey® film-coated tablets from January 5 to January 13, and I switched to Biktarvy 50/25/200 mg tablets from Ja...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the medication change, it is likely that your attending physician adjusted your medication based on your condition, and the impact of food or smoking should not be significant in relation to interactions with other medications. You may discuss this further with t...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks of Switching Medications
Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
HIV drug interactions Hello, doctor. I have a couple of questions: 1. Is there a risk of ineffectiveness or reduced efficacy when switching medications? I am switching from Odefsey® film-coated tablets to Biktarvy 50/25/200 mg tablets. 2. Do food items like milk and soy milk,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For questions related to HIV medications, it is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks and Effects on Treatment Efficacy
Drug interactions Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions: 1. If I switch medications, is there a risk of ineffectiveness or decreased efficacy? I am currently switching from Odefsey® film-coated tablets to Biktarvy 50/25/200mg tablets. 2. Will consuming food such as milk, soy ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The risks or effects should be determined based on your medical condition. In theory, your physician should adjust your medication according to your physical status and other medications you are taking, selecting the most suitable medication for you. 2. Regarding foo...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks and Effects on Treatment Efficacy
Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks of Medication Changes and Food Effects
Drug interactions Hello Dr. Hong, is there a risk of ineffectiveness when switching medications? Could food and smoking lead to ineffectiveness? I am currently taking Odefsey® film-coated tablets from January 5 to January 13, and I switched to Biktarvy 50/25/200 mg tablets from J...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the physician will adjust your medication based on your current medication status. If you still have concerns, you can consult the clinical pharmacist at the hospital or the medication consultation desk; they can help you review all the medication names to c...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Risks of Medication Changes and Food Effects
Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Questions regarding Biktarvy interactions? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I had a potential exposure to risky behavior, and the next day I immediately consulted an infectious disease specialist and received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the medication Biktarvy. The inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, theoretically, a one-hour interval should minimize any significant drug interactions and should not adversely affect the efficacy of the medication. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Safely Combine These Medications?
Drug interactions Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about potential drug interactions. I have been taking Wankesh (a medication) for a long time, and recently I developed iritis. My doctor prescribed Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate) eye drops and Salazopyrin (sulfasalazine) ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are no significant interactions between enteric-coated Salazopyrin tablets and neurological medications. However, it is generally recommended to space the administration of different types of medications by 30 to 60 minutes. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Safely Combine These Medications?
Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Safely Combine These Medications?
Drug interactions Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about potential drug interactions. I have been taking Wankesh for a long time, and recently I developed iritis. My doctor prescribed Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate) eye drops and Salazopyrin enteric-coated tablets. I have ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are no significant interactions between enteric-coated Salazopyrin tablets and neurological medications. However, it is generally recommended to space the administration of different types of medications by 30 to 60 minutes. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Can You Safely Combine These Medications?
Managing Concurrent Tuberculosis and Stroke: Challenges and Solutions
The coexistence of pulmonary tuberculosis and cerebrovascular accident (stroke)? Hello, Director. A family member has a history of pulmonary tuberculosis, which was previously treated and resolved. However, they suddenly suffered a stroke, which has made it difficult for them to ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I don't quite understand your question. In principle, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis does not conflict with the treatment for a stroke. Anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors do not affect pulmonary tuberculosis (unless the tuberculosis poses a risk of signif...[Read More] Managing Concurrent Tuberculosis and Stroke: Challenges and Solutions
Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
The dosage of Lipitor? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Currently, I am managing my condition through diet and exercise, and my HbA1c is maintained below 6. However, my cholesterol levels remain high (total cholesterol 250, LDL 180, HDL 55). Th...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Song Sang-Sang: 1. Lipitor® (generic name Atorvastatin) is typically prescribed at a dosage of 10 mg per tablet. It belongs to the class of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins. It effectively lowers elevated le...[Read More] Adjusting Lipitor Dosage for Cholesterol Management: Key Considerations
Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Could this indicate the possibility of diabetes? Hello, Doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had a blood test that showed a hemoglobin A1c of 5.0 and a fasting blood glucose level of 86. From the end of May until today, my height and weight changed from 160 cm/55 kg to 160 cm/52 kg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. NN: 1. Zoloft® (Sertraline) is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) because it specifically inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, exhibiting a selectivity for serotonin transporters that is 300 to 3000 times greater compared to norepinephrine tran...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Diabetes? Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Loss
Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Glycated hemoglobin Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about glycated hemoglobin. There is a family history of diabetes, and I have been vigilant and actively exercising and controlling my diet since December of last year. My height is 155 cm, and my weight has decreased from ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen: 1. The measurement of fasting plasma glucose in clinical practice refers to the plasma glucose level after fasting for more than 8 hours. The normal value is below 100 mg/dL; if it falls between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it is termed impaired fasting glycemia. For most i...[Read More] Understanding Glycated Hemoglobin: Key Questions for Diabetes Management
Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Diabetes medications and B vitamins? Hello Doctor, my father is 57 years old and has been diagnosed with diabetes for over two years. He is currently taking the following three medications: 1. Glucophage 500mg (twice daily, one tablet with breakfast and one with dinner) 2. Glybur...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The medications your father is taking are as follows: a. Galvus® (Vidagliptin, typically 50 mg). b. Glimet® (containing Glimepiride 2 mg/Metformin 500 mg). c. Lipitor® (available in Atorvastatin 10, 20, and 40 mg dosages). His hemoglobin A1c is 7.6%. 1. I believe the medication...[Read More] Managing Diabetes: Medication and the Role of B Vitamins
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Leukocytosis Hello Doctor, after my IVF implantation, my blood test showed a white blood cell count exceeding 16,000. Two weeks later, I confirmed that I was not pregnant, but my white blood cell count is still above 11,000. Should I see a hematologist or an infectious disease sp...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Patients with chronic diseases, such as kidney disease and liver disease, may have certain test results that differ from the normal range due to multiple conditions, drug interactions, infections, or tumors. Therefore, infection may not be the only factor to conside...[Read More] High White Blood Cell Count: When to See a Specialist?
Can Cold Medicine and Fever Reducers Interact? A Concern for Your Health
Antipyretics and Zhenglu Pills? I'm sorry! I apologize for the intrusion, but I'm really anxious. My girlfriend has a cold and is experiencing diarrhea. Tonight, she took a cold medicine, but her fever has risen to nearly 40 degrees Celsius! After about an hour, I asked...
Dr. Hong Hongchang Reply:
A person with urgent symptoms: The patient initially presents with symptoms resembling acute gastroenteritis, accompanied by fever, and should seek medical attention for further evaluation.[Read More] Can Cold Medicine and Fever Reducers Interact? A Concern for Your Health