Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Mild to moderate fatty liver, elevated cholesterol levels, and low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may require medical evaluation and treatment. It is advisable to consult a physician, specifically an endocrinologist for thyroid issues and a hepatologist or a gastroenter...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Edward: It is recommended to see a metabolic specialist. If necessary, the physician will prescribe medication for treatment.[Read More] Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor. Recently, blood tests revealed cold agglutinin IgM (1+) and another positive result for cold fibrinogen. I do not have hepatitis B or C, and my ALT and AST levels are normal. An abdominal MRI last June was normal, and an abdominal ultrasound in ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Nasal mucosal bleeding is likely unrelated to cryoglobulinemia, so there is no need to worry. I still recommend regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist, including monitoring for fatty liver and viral hepatitis. The Allergy, Immunology, and ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
After consuming a bottle of beer, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours before taking the antibiotic Norfloxacin. Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of antibiotics and may increase the risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider for per...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to avoid alcohol consumption during the medication period. However, if you do drink alcohol, it is theoretically acceptable to take the medication after more than two hours. It is advised not to interrupt the treatment course, as it can indeed lead to bac...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait to Take Antibiotics After Drinking Beer?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level: 8.9 mg/dL. 2....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage high uric acid levels and elevated liver function tests? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level is 8.9 mg/dL. ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid levels and fatty liver can benefit from consultation with a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking treatment from a metabolic specialist for medication management.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
What is the best way to manage elevated uric acid levels and slightly elevated liver function indices? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to address my concerns. I have recently received blood test results showing the following: height 165 cm, weight 70 kg. 1. Uric acid level...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
High uric acid and fatty liver can benefit from consulting a nutritionist for education and guidance. Weight loss is essential; if dietary control is insufficient, consider seeking medication treatment from a metabolic specialist.[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Liver Function: Best Specialist Options
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my fatty liver disease has resolved, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Could I currently just have simple m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normal liver enzyme levels indicate that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, follow-up ultrasound examinations are necessary to determine that. I agree with your physician's re...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Continuation 173038 Fatty Liver Issues Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my liver has resolved the condition of fatty liver disease, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Or is it currently ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a normal liver index indicates that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, it still requires follow-up with ultrasound to determine. I agree with your physician's opinion that an ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Abdominal obesity I have been overweight since I was 23, often having a large belly that looks like I am pregnant, but I am a man. I am currently 41 years old, with my highest weight being 114 kg and my lowest being 93 kg, but that was two years ago. Could this be related to meta...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: If you suspect a metabolic issue, you can have your thyroid function tested at the hospital. In daily life, you can practice the 16:8 intermittent fasting method to help burn fat. If you wish to lose weight through medication, you can seek assistance at a metabolic clinic.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Obesity: Causes and Solutions for Men
Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Kidney problems Kidney: mild bilateral cortical echogenicity increase and irregular contour. > Aorta: patent and normal size. > Inferior vena cava: patent and normal size. IMP: Fatty liver with focal sparing. Bilateral renal parenchymal disease. 1. This ultrasound indicate...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main findings are fatty liver and renal parenchymal disease. Renal parenchymal disease refers to the observable damage to the kidneys that can occur with aging or disease; however, it should be evaluated alongside kidney function indices, specifically serum creati...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Understanding Hepatic Cysts: What Your MRI Report Means and Next Steps
Hepatic cyst? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about this MRI report. I have fatty liver disease and was found to have a nodule in my liver. I previously underwent a whole-body PET scan which showed no significant issues, and now I have been scheduled for an MRI. MRI Repor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to this report, it is just a liver cyst and there are no signs of cancer. Regular follow-up is sufficient. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hepatic Cysts: What Your MRI Report Means and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Nodules: MRI Insights and Diagnosis Clarification
Liver MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Hello Doctor, I had a CT scan that showed a liver nodule measuring 1.6 cm. The doctor arranged for a whole-body PET scan, which reported no significant metastasis or tumors. When I consulted with the doctor, he mentioned that the shape of th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It should be noted that in cases of fatty liver, some normal tissues may appear very similar to tumors when accompanied by fatty liver tissue; this is quite common. 2. It is presumed that the likelihood of it being benign is higher. 3. Yes, distinguishing between benign...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: MRI Insights and Diagnosis Clarification
Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Liver nodule measuring 1.6 centimeters? On October 19, 2021, an abdominal ultrasound revealed: Liver: moderate degree of increased echogenicity of the liver parenchyma compared to the kidney. A hypoechoic zone at the gallbladder fossa, possibly due to focal sparing. Intrahepatic ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: There is a 1.6 cm liver nodule on the right side of the liver. What is the nature of this lesion? It is advisable to follow up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist for further examination. The fact that the abdominal ultrasound did not detect it may also be...[Read More] Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Understanding Liver Nodules: CT Scan Insights and Further Evaluation
Computed Tomography (CT) of the Liver 1. Typically, a CT scan can provide an initial assessment of whether a liver nodule is benign or malignant. However, certain characteristics of the nodule may require further evaluation to make a definitive diagnosis. 2. The recommendation f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. A CT scan can indeed provide an initial assessment to suggest whether a lesion may be benign or malignant; however, confirmation requires further testing, such as a biopsy. 2. A CT scan serves as an initial evaluation, and further procedures like a biopsy or MRI are nec...[Read More] Understanding Liver Nodules: CT Scan Insights and Further Evaluation
Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, I went to see a dermatologist for hair loss and had a blood test, which showed an ANA value of 80, negative. The doctor told me to see a rheumatologist if I experience joint pain or related issues. I would like to ask: 1. Are there any methods to preven...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there any way to prevent ANA levels from rising? --> A positive ANA is part of an individual's constitution and generally does not change significantly. However, slight variations may occur due to differen...[Read More] Understanding ANA Levels: Key Insights for Autoimmune Concerns