Dietary supplements, Pharmacology FAQ

Understanding Tamoxifen: Usage, Side Effects, and Dietary Interactions

Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) commonly used in the treatment and Hello, Pharmacist Hou! I have heard that you are quite knowledgeable about pharmacology, and I would like to ask you some questions regarding tamoxifen. 1. The medication packaging in...

Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. If the medication instructions indicate a frequency of twice daily after meals, is it necessary to take it in two separate doses? Can I take two tablets at once after a meal? ANS: Yes, it is acceptable. A 10-milligram twice daily dosage is bioequivalent to a 20-milli...

Long-Term Effects of Saw Palmetto Supplements on Hair Health

Saw Palmetto dietary supplements I found some health supplements being sold online in the United States and have already purchased two bottles, which I am currently taking. I'm concerned about the long-term effects on my body. Previously, I was taking medications like Finast...

Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello: Regarding dietary supplements, it is advisable to purchase products that have qualified agents in Taiwan and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This ensures greater safety after consumption. Additionally, you mentioned taking "Ropav" (柔...

Valerian Root vs. Melatonin: Which is Better for Sleep Quality?

Which is better, valerian root or melatonin? For women looking to address insomnia and improve sleep quality without resorting to sleeping pills, is melatonin or valerian root a better option? It seems that the more one takes sleeping pills, the more they need to consume to fall ...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Is valerian root or melatonin better? Both belong to the category of dietary supplements, and as long as they are taken in moderation, finding what works best for you is key. Wishing you health and happiness!

Essential Supplements for Brain Health: A Student's Guide

Regarding dietary supplements and daily care for brain health? Hello, I am currently a student with an unstable schedule, often experiencing reversed day and night cycles, and I smoke. I am currently taking multivitamins and fish oil. I would like to ask which type of dietary sup...

Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Regarding the question you raised, first and foremost, it is essential to maintain a stable daily routine. Having an irregular sleep schedule can significantly impact your body's physiological functions. Additionally, you should definitely quit smoking! Once these issues are...

Pregnancy Medication Concerns: Safety of Inhaled Drugs and Supplements

Medications during pregnancy I have three questions regarding my pregnancy at 7 weeks: 1. My daughter had a cold and was given a throat spray at the clinic, named oxyme fa3oline. I was standing nearby and noticed aerosolized particles in the air when she was treated. Since I wa...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Xiaoya: 1. "Oxyme fa3oline"? There is no medication by that name; please verify the source of the medication name. "Throat spray from the clinic"? If it is a medication taken home, the impact is minimal if only inhaled from the surrounding air at that m...

Effectiveness of Pearl Grass and Silymarin for Liver Health

I would like to inquire whether pearl grass and silymarin are effective for liver protection? I would like to inquire whether pearl grass and silymarin are effective for liver protection in patients with hepatitis C. Is it advisable for them to use both dietary supplements for be...

Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
In recent years, there have been animal studies conducted by medical schools on pearl grass, which showed potential tumor-suppressing effects; however, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support this. Silymarin, an extract from the plant known as Milk Thistle, is...

Do Slimlife and Super Marin Effectively Treat Fatty Liver?

Could you please provide more context or details about the medications "super marin" and "slimlife"? Hello! During a recent health check-up, I discovered that I have a mild case of fatty liver. While traveling in Hokkaido, Japan, I was introduced by a tour gui...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear jcb: In principle, these two products are classified as dietary supplements rather than pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals are medical products that have therapeutic effects, while dietary supplements are intended to provide essential nutrients to the body or may assist in the...

Medication Concerns for Women with Hepatitis B: A 50-Year-Old's Guide

Medication Issues for Women with Hepatitis B Hello, I would like to ask if a 50-year-old woman with hepatitis B can safely take glucosamine and soy isoflavone capsules at the same time, or if it could negatively affect her liver, such as causing an overload. I apologize if I am a...

Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Both glucosamine and soy isoflavones are considered dietary supplements with relatively mild side effects, and there have been no reports of severe hepatotoxicity associated with them. However, most medications must be metabolized by the liver, and excessive use ...

Understanding Vitamin B Complex: Does It Boost Metabolism?

About Vitamin B Complex? Is vitamin B complex the same as a multivitamin B? I have looked up information on vitamin B complex, which states that it can accelerate the metabolism of proteins and fats in the body. But does it really have the ability to enhance the metabolism of pro...

Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Hello! The B vitamins include B1, B2, B6, B12, and others. If you are referring to "B-complex vitamins" as marketed by commercial products, you need to check the ingredient label of the product to determine how many types of B vitamins it contains, or if it includes com...

Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Whey Protein for Health

Please inquire about the benefits of whey protein? My sister suffers from insomnia and emotional instability. Although she is on medication, a friend has strongly recommended "whey protein," claiming that this supplement can enhance the immune system, boost resistance, ...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Yu-Zai: Regarding your issues with insomnia and mental instability, it is important to determine whether these conditions are classified as specific medical disorders by a physician. In general, in addition to medication, psychological support from family and friends, as wel...

Evaluating Three Popular Weight Loss Products: Safety and Effectiveness

Regarding these three medications? Hello Dr. Liao, I learned about three weight loss products through a friend's recommendation: (1) Phase 2-Carbo Intercept, a second-generation starch neutralizer, (2) ZANTREX-3, and (3) So to So Magic Mushroom. My friend had great results ...

Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Hello! What you mentioned is a dietary supplement and not classified as a medication, so I cannot assess the effectiveness of the product. However, upon reviewing the ingredients of ZANTREX-3, it primarily contains stimulants that may cause increased energy and reduced appetite, ...

Long-Term Effects of Lutein: Are There Any Side Effects?

Lutein Is there any side effect from long-term use of lutein? Thank you.

Dr. Zeng Biru Reply:
Hello, Miss Xiao Zhenzhen: Regarding your question about the long-term use of lutein and its potential side effects, research indicates that no toxicity or side effects have been identified for naturally occurring lutein. However, this does not apply to lutein found in dietary su...

Are Dietary Supplements Classified as Drugs or Foods in Taiwan?

Regarding the pharmacopoeia? Hello! I would like to ask if nutritional supplements that are included in the United States Pharmacopeia, Hong Kong Pharmacopeia, or even the Taiwan Drug Handbook are classified as drugs or foods? If they are taken like vitamins, will they have any e...

Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! Regarding the nutritional supplements you mentioned, they are not listed in the pharmacopoeia. May I ask which resource you used for your inquiry? "Health foods" are products intended to maintain and enhance health, distinct from general foods and pharmaceuticals...

Is Xenadrine EFX Safe? Potential Side Effects and Ingredient Trustworthiness

What can you tell me about the weight loss product "XENADRINE EFX"? Is "XENADRINE EFX" harmful to the human body or does it have any side effects? Its ingredients include Vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, magnesium, green tea extract, grape seed extract, coco...

Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: When purchasing tablet or capsule dietary supplements, please pay attention to whether the packaging has the Department of Health registration number. The following link provides general information: http://food.doh.gov.tw/index1.htm. Please r...

Is Long-Term Use of Mushroom Polysaccharides Safe for Health?

Mushroom polysaccharides Hello Dr. Su! Recently, I was introduced by a friend to a health supplement containing polysaccharides derived from reishi mushrooms. I'm wondering if long-term use of this supplement could be harmful to the human body?

Dr. Su Mingyuan Reply:
Maggie: Hello! In recent years, animal studies on Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) have found that polysaccharides extracted from it can enhance the immune system of animals and are beneficial for cancer resistance, antioxidant effects, and anti-aging. However, there is a lack...

Can Height-Enhancing Drugs Really Work for Adults? Exploring C.C.H.

Height increase Hello, I saw on television a height-increasing medication called C.C.H., which is a biotechnological product. This medication claims to allow individuals over the age of 20 to increase their height by 5%. Could you please tell me if this is possible? Are there any...

Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello, dear: Human height increase is primarily due to the secretion of "growth-stimulating hormone" by the pituitary gland, which stimulates the production of "growth hormone" in the body, leading to height growth. Both of these hormones are classified as hor...

Combining Anzepam and Cerenin: Safety and Side Effects Explained

Follow-up questions after taking Anzepam? I apologize for not mentioning earlier that after my last outpatient visit, the doctor prescribed CERENIN (which seems to be Ginkgo biloba). Since I was only advised to try it, I am a bit concerned. I would like to know if there are any i...

Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello William: The medication Cerenin (Ginkgo biloba extract, 40mg) is an extract from the Ginkgo tree, approved by the Ministry of Health in Taiwan for the indication of "improving peripheral blood circulation disorders." Since the 1970s, Europe has been actively resea...

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