Impact of Long-term Medication on Pregnancy: A Liver Health Perspective
Liver medication consultation Hello, Doctor. I was diagnosed with elevated liver enzymes at the end of 2013. I received interferon treatment to lower the enzyme levels, and due to high viral load, my doctor prescribed Baraclude (entecavir) for treatment. I took it continuously fo...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello, Xiao J: Thank you for your inquiry. According to the drug package insert, Entecavir is classified as Category C for use during pregnancy, indicating that there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. When pregnant rats and rabbits were administered E...[Read More] Impact of Long-term Medication on Pregnancy: A Liver Health Perspective
Managing Drug Interactions: A Guide for Hypertension and Cough Medications
Issues with Drug Combination Therapy I would like to consult a pharmacist regarding the combination use of the following medications: 1. For essential hypertension, I have been taking Losa F.C. 50mg (1 tablet) in the morning and R.H.H. 0.5 tablets upon waking for over six month...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The pharmacist can assist in confirming issues related to medication therapy, using the information provided to determine whether you should discontinue or combine medications outside of the pharmacist's authority. However, I can offer you some suggestions for your ref...[Read More] Managing Drug Interactions: A Guide for Hypertension and Cough Medications
Can I Take 'Jingmai Shuh' While on Warfarin for DVT Recovery?
"Venous relaxation" & anticoagulant warfarin Dear Pharmacist, two months ago I had a deep vein thrombosis in my calf. A month ago, an ultrasound showed no signs of a clot. However, every day after getting up, my calf gradually becomes stiff for about 2 hours. I am c...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. When taking Warfarin, be aware of the following signs of bleeding: wounds that do not stop bleeding easily (including cuts from shaving), prolonged nosebleeds, excessive menstrual bleeding or vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation, blood in vomit, unexplained bruisi...[Read More] Can I Take 'Jingmai Shuh' While on Warfarin for DVT Recovery?
Understanding Drug and Food Interactions: A Guide for Heart Patients
Regarding the potential interactions between medications and food, as well as between different medications themselves? Hello, I would like to inquire about potential interactions between medications and food, as well as between different medications. Currently, I am taking three...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: After reviewing relevant literature databases, the following information is provided for reference: Drug and food interactions: Berkey enteric-coated microparticle capsules should be taken with a 12-hour interval from alcohol; Drug and fruit interactions: There are no relat...[Read More] Understanding Drug and Food Interactions: A Guide for Heart Patients
Drug Interactions and Safety for IBS and Meniere's Disease Treatments
Gastroenterology and Otolaryngology Medications Recently, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the gastroenterology department due to gastrointestinal discomfort. I was prescribed Nizatidine (40 mg), Dexamethasone (50 m...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The medication you are taking, Tamsulosin, is used to treat peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Dexamethasone is also a medication for peptic ulcers. Anxiolytics are used to alleviate anxiety and improve mood. Methylcobalamin and Alpha-lipoic acid are...[Read More] Drug Interactions and Safety for IBS and Meniere's Disease Treatments
Understanding the Effects and Interactions of Muscle Weakness Medication
Muscle Strengthening Supplement I previously consulted a doctor who diagnosed me with myasthenia gravis, but the doctor only prescribed me a medication called Mestinon for my eyelid symptoms. However, I really don't feel much difference. Since I previously experienced diarrh...
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: You are taking a medication commonly known as "Mestinon" for myasthenia gravis, which contains Pyridostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that can enhance skeletal muscle contraction but does not alter resistance or immunity. Taking this medication with fo...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Interactions of Muscle Weakness Medication
Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: What You Need to Know
Drug allergy testing Hello, pharmacist: Recently, I experienced redness and swelling in my genital area after taking medication, and my doctor mentioned it could be a drug allergy. At that time, I had symptoms in both my genital area and vocal cords, so I visited two clinics. I i...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
1. Drug allergies are related to individual constitution and are not necessarily caused by drug interactions. 2. Your medication includes antibiotics, and some individuals may be allergic to those types of drugs. If you have a history of allergies, you should inform your health...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: What You Need to Know
Is It Safe to Take Chuanli Ning Before Bed?
Can I take Chuan Li Ning before bedtime? I have a habit of taking Xunli Ning because I had brain surgery after a car accident, which caused damage to my optic nerve and hearing. My doctor recommended Xunli Ning, but I haven't been taking it after dinner; instead, I wait unti...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello, the extract from Ginkgo biloba, known as Cerenin, can reduce the peroxidation of membrane lipids during spinal injuries, protecting brain neurons against oxidative stress and minimizing neuronal damage. The extract has been shown to increase antioxidant activity in the hip...[Read More] Is It Safe to Take Chuanli Ning Before Bed?
Understanding Merislon: Effects on Dizziness and Blood Pressure Concerns
Medication Use Merislon is a medication commonly used to treat dizziness and vertigo. It contains the active ingredient meclizine, which helps to reduce symptoms associated with motion sickness and balance disorders. Regarding blood pressure, Merislon is not typically known to ca...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Shuzhen, The medication Merislon is an antiemetic. Its indications include dizziness and hearing impairment caused by Meniere's disease. Possible side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, headache, drowsiness, and urticaria, among others. R...[Read More] Understanding Merislon: Effects on Dizziness and Blood Pressure Concerns
Understanding Drug Interactions: Colchicine, Allopurinol, and Ulex
Drug interaction consultation Hello! I am currently taking medication for gout, including Colchicine 0.5 mg once daily, Tonsaric (Allopurinol) 100 mg once daily, and Liverin (silymarin) one capsule in the morning and evening. However, due to skin issues, I need to take Ulex 500 m...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: I would like to confirm whether the oral Ulex is marketed under the brand name Ulexin or if it is the active ingredient Cephalexin. Currently, there are no reported drug interactions between the gout medications Colchicine, Allopurinol, Silymarin, and Ulexin (Cephalexin), s...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: Colchicine, Allopurinol, and Ulex
Understanding Drug Interactions: A Guide for Patients on Multiple Medications
Drug interactions My father is taking more than five medications, and I would like to ask the doctor if there are any interactions between them or with food. He has benign prostatic hyperplasia and takes Hytrin (Terazosin) 2 mg once daily for the long term. He also has diabetes a...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Regarding the medications you mentioned, here are some explanations and recommendations: 1. The medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia, Hytrin 2mg (Terazosin), is the same as Terazosin 2mg. Please confirm if there is any duplication in usage. If so, it is essential to info...[Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: A Guide for Patients on Multiple Medications
Can Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Be Taken Together?
Can traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine be taken together? Hello: Because I am physically weak, someone recommended that I take traditional Chinese medicine, but I also have nasal allergies and use Western medicine. Can I take them together?
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Hello: Regarding the simultaneous use of Western and Chinese medications, it is important to be cautious about potential drug interactions. It is currently recommended that if you are taking Western medications for long-term nasal allergies, you should proactively inform your Chi...[Read More] Can Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Be Taken Together?
Understanding Hair Loss Medications: Effects, Interactions, and Side Effects
Effects and Side Effects of Hair Growth Medications Hello Pharmacist Hou: I have two inquiries regarding medication interactions and their side effects: 1. Finasteride ~ 1mg and Spironolactone ~ 25mg 2. Finasteride ~ 1mg and Minoxidil ~ 5mg. Additionally, should these medications...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Finasteride Precautions: 1. It may cause decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders, as well as breast tenderness and enlargement. It is not suitable for pediatric patients or women. 2. Caution should be exercised when administering this medicati...[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss Medications: Effects, Interactions, and Side Effects
Can I Take Cymbalta with Other Medications for Dizziness?
Can the medication for Qianyoujie be taken together with these? Hello, I have been diagnosed with autonomic nervous system dysfunction. My symptoms include a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, dizziness, a heavy head, poor gastrointestinal absorption, occasional nerve pai...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello Ken, The five medications you listed are as follows: 1. Secorin (Oxazolam) 2. Cymbalta (Duloxetine) 3. Egotan (containing total alkaloids from Belladonna leaf, Ergotamine tartrate, and Phenobarbital) 4. Sibelium (or Suzin, Flunarizine) 5. Alinamin-F50 (Thiamine tetrahyd...[Read More] Can I Take Cymbalta with Other Medications for Dizziness?
Interactions Between Antidepressants and Gastritis Medications: What You Need to Know
Antidepressants and medications for the treatment of gastritis? 1. Currently, I am taking antidepressant medications (long-term use): 1. Seroquel 75mg three times a day (2 in the morning and 1 in the evening) 2. Wellbutrin 75mg (1 in the morning) 3. Zanaflex (light...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello, Le Yang: There are no conflicting interactions between the two categories of medications listed. If taken according to the physician's prescribed timing, there will not be significant drug-drug interactions. However, the first category includes "Qing Li Piao,&quo...[Read More] Interactions Between Antidepressants and Gastritis Medications: What You Need to Know
Understanding Drug Interactions: DILATREND, CRESTOR, and DHA Fish Oil
Drug interactions I am currently taking DILATREND 6.25MG, CRESTOR 10MG, and BOKEY E.M 100MG in the morning, one of each. If I take two DHA fish oil capsules of 400MG each four hours later, will there be any interactions?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Jeep: Since there is no possibility of pregnancy or breastfeeding, you can take the medication as scheduled. Wishing you all the best! Stay healthy and happy![Read More] Understanding Drug Interactions: DILATREND, CRESTOR, and DHA Fish Oil
Understanding Inderal Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Inderal (propranolol) side effects? Is taking Jianxin Ning harmful to the liver or can it cause diarrhea? I've experienced diarrhea in the past few days after taking it, and I'm unsure if there's a connection. Also, can it be taken together with the uric acid medic...
Dr. Zeng Biru Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Tang: Hello! Regarding your inquiry about the side effects of Inderal (propranolol), here are the responses to your questions: (1) For patients with impaired liver or kidney function, a lower dosage of this medication is required, and regular monitoring of liver and ki...[Read More] Understanding Inderal Side Effects and Drug Interactions
Foods to Avoid While Taking Simvastatin and Metformin
Foods to avoid while taking Plerixafor and Lipitor? Due to my diabetes, my doctor prescribed me medications to lower blood sugar and cholesterol: one pill of Metformin in the morning and one pill of Lipitor in the evening. I learned from the news today that Lipitor should not be ...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Mr. Wu: Hello! 1. There are no drug interactions between the medications you are taking, Plecanatide and Lipitor. 2. Vitamin B complex will not affect your medication. 3. Regarding dietary restrictions during your medication period, you should focus on controlling blood sugar and...[Read More] Foods to Avoid While Taking Simvastatin and Metformin
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
Understanding Durogesic: Fentanyl Patch for Chronic Pain Management
Fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic) Where can I obtain or purchase Durogesic (Fentanyl Transdermal System)? Is it suitable for patients with long-term chronic pain? Durogesic was launched in Taiwan this year, but it has been available in the United States since 1991. Currently...
Dr. Lin Meili Reply:
Dear Xiao-Yin, Hello! According to the regulations published by the Bureau of Controlled Drugs under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the following applies: 1. Fentanyl transdermal patches (Durogesic) are classified as Schedule II controlled substances (based on their potent...[Read More] Understanding Durogesic: Fentanyl Patch for Chronic Pain Management