Long-Term Steroid Use: Risks and Side Effects Explained
The use of steroids? Hello, doctor. My brother has been diagnosed with pleural effusion for over a week. The initial assessment has ruled out tuberculosis, and the doctor mentioned that he will need to take medication for more than six months. Could you please tell me what potent...
Dr. Ke Bowen Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Zhe, Regarding your inquiry, the treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis primarily involves antibiotics, with a treatment duration of approximately 6 to 9 months depending on the patient's response to the medication. Since multiple antibiotics are used in combinatio...[Read More] Long-Term Steroid Use: Risks and Side Effects Explained
Understanding the Side Effects of Premarin and Provera During Pregnancy
Drug inquiries?? I am planning to get pregnant, but the timing for conception does not align with my menstrual cycle. The doctor prescribed two medications: Premarin 0.625 and Provera 10 mg. What are the potential side effects of these two medications? Will taking these medicatio...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Premarin and Provera are commonly prescribed medications in obstetrics and gynecology, serving significant medical functions. The side effects can vary from person to person; some common side effects may be tolerable or improve after a few days, while others may necessitate...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Premarin and Provera During Pregnancy
Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Regarding the consumption of fish oil? I previously saw a doctor's response, but I still have some questions regarding fish oil consumption. Could you please advise me, doctor? What is the optimal daily intake of EPA and DHA combined for an individual? What are the potential...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. Fish oil EPA belongs to omega-3 fatty acids, while DHA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Most fish oils contain 18% EPA and 12% DHA. 2. Fish oil is more suitable for the elderly and patients with cardiovascular diseases. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration...[Read More] Optimal Daily EPA and DHA Intake from Fish Oil: Dosage and Tips
Impact of Methylprednisolone on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Steroids Hello, pharmacist. My girlfriend is a patient with multiple sclerosis, and she is the same age as me. Due to her condition, she has to take Methylprednisolone (Medrol) long-term. I would like to ask if this medication would have any effects on the fetus if my girlfriend ...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Methylprednisolone is classified as Category A by the Australian Drug Evaluation Unit, meaning that this medication has been used by a majority of pregnant women or women of childbearing age without increasing the risk of teratogenic effects or harm to the fetus. Before pre...[Read More] Impact of Methylprednisolone on Pregnancy and Fetal Health
Do Anxiety Medications Affect Bladder Function and Urinary Retention?
Medications for anxiety disorders? I would like to ask if taking anxiety medication for a month could affect my bladder or cause urinary retention issues. Thank you.
Dr. Wu Zhengfen Reply:
There are many medications for anxiety disorders, and since the user did not specify which medication they are taking, I will provide a general overview. Most medications do not have particularly significant bladder issues in clinical practice. However, there was a case in 2004 i...[Read More] Do Anxiety Medications Affect Bladder Function and Urinary Retention?
Can Diabetic Patients Safely Use Mirtazapine for Appetite Enhancement?
Antidepressant medication Mirtazapine? 1. Mirtazapine can be prescribed to diabetic patients, but it is essential to monitor blood sugar levels closely, as it may affect appetite and weight. Since your mother has dementia and is experiencing a lack of appetite, Mirtazapine could ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Mirtazapine and Remeron are medications with the same active ingredient, differing only in brand name. Can they be taken together with diabetes medications (NovoNorm, Glucophage, Wecoli)? Generally, there are no significant interactions. As for Risperdal Oral Solution, i...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Safely Use Mirtazapine for Appetite Enhancement?
Can I Take Magnesium Oxide, Mucaine, Primperan, and Cetrizine Together?
Medication Use Today, I visited both my family doctor and a dermatologist. The family doctor prescribed magnesium oxide four times a day, mucaine tablets three times a day, primperan three times a day, and kascoal three times a day. The dermatologist prescribed cetirizine tablets...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Is the active ingredient of Cotrizine Ketoconazole? It has been found that Cotrizine (with the active ingredient Ketoconazole) may have potential interactions with Magnesium oxide. Taking both medications together may decrease the blood concentration of Ketoconazole, leadin...[Read More] Can I Take Magnesium Oxide, Mucaine, Primperan, and Cetrizine Together?
Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
Should medications be taken separately? Hello pharmacist, I heard that a packet of medication should not be taken all at once but rather divided into doses. Stomach medications are absorbed directly by the stomach, while other medications are absorbed by the intestines, so stomac...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
Generally, medications are categorized as taken before or after meals primarily due to their pharmacological effects. Typically, only those medications that may interact with each other, potentially affecting their efficacy, are specifically noted for separate administration. Man...[Read More] Should Medications Be Taken Separately? Understanding Timing and Interactions
What is Compound 80/12.5 Medication and Its Uses?
What type of medication? Compound 80/12.5 can be obtained as Stable* tablets, a total of 28 tablets.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The approved indication for "Kedan Anwen Film-Coated Tablets" by the Department of Health is "hypertension that cannot be controlled by monotherapy (as a second-line agent)." It contains two active ingredients for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases...[Read More] What is Compound 80/12.5 Medication and Its Uses?
Can Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improve Microcirculation in the Brain?
Does consuming ginkgo biloba improve microcirculation in the brain? Hello Dr. Huang, my grandmother is 75 years old and has been experiencing persistent dizziness for the past two weeks. After visiting the Changhua Christian Hospital outpatient clinic, she was diagnosed with micr...
Dr. Huang Shenggang Reply:
If there is no improvement after taking the medication, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment to inform the physician and reassess the condition. Ginkgo biloba can improve peripheral circulation disorders; this is a medication.[Read More] Can Ginkgo Biloba Extract Improve Microcirculation in the Brain?
Medications to Boost Immunity Against H1N1 Infection
Immunomodulatory drugs Are there any medications that can boost immunity to prevent H1N1 infection?
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: The relationship between medication and immunity: Immunity can be acquired through active and passive immunity. Vaccination belongs to active immunity, which has a longer-lasting effect; while administering immunoglobulin is considered passive immunity, providing shorter-te...[Read More] Medications to Boost Immunity Against H1N1 Infection
Concerns About Using Albuterol: Side Effects and Hair Growth
Concerns Regarding the Use of Ritalin 1. Does the use of Altrenogest cause earlier development of features such as Adam's apple, leg hair, and facial hair? I have noticed that I seem to be developing faster compared to my classmates of the same age (I switched to Seroquel 8 ...
Dr. Luo Guanlin Reply:
1. According to the report, the use of Ritalin may cause temporary growth retardation, but it should not lead to the development of an Adam's apple, body hair, or facial hair. You can use the medication with confidence. 2. The use of Sertraline does not cause foamy urine. ...[Read More] Concerns About Using Albuterol: Side Effects and Hair Growth
Where to Find Risperdal Liquid for Schizophrenia Treatment in Northern Taiwan?
Regarding the second-generation antipsychotic "Risperdal" (risperidone) in liquid form? Hello: The family member has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been taking the first-generation antipsychotic "Haloperidol" liquid for over a year, but the symptoms...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello, Mi-Jiang: Our hospital provides "Risperidone Oral Solution." As for the usage of this medication in other hospitals, I apologize, but I cannot respond to each inquiry individually. You will need to ask the hospital that is convenient for your family. If you wish ...[Read More] Where to Find Risperdal Liquid for Schizophrenia Treatment in Northern Taiwan?
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Antidepressants and Sedatives
The risk and severity of side effects associated with antidepressant medications? Hello, doctor! Here’s the situation: my mother has depression and relies on medication to sleep every night. Additionally, she has Meniere's disease, and I’m not sure if her poor sleep quality ...
Dr. Luo Guanlin Reply:
Three medications have different pharmacological mechanisms and may be prescribed simultaneously based on patient needs. Due to their differing effects, there is no risk of overdose; however, if discomfort arises after taking them, the patient should inform their physician for do...[Read More] Understanding the Risks and Side Effects of Antidepressants and Sedatives
Comparing Birth Control Pills for Acne Treatment: Yaz vs. Alesse
Oral contraceptives for the treatment of acne? Hello, I have polycystic ovary syndrome, and I experience acne and premenstrual syndrome. My gynecologist prescribed "Yaz" birth control pills for treatment, but they are expensive. I asked the pharmacist at a nearby pharma...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The ingredients in YAZ are ethinyl estradiol (an estrogen) and drospirenone (DRSP). Alesse contains cyproterone and ethinyl estradiol at a dosage of 0.035 mg. These two medications have different components. Common side effects of oral contraceptives include edema, breast ...[Read More] Comparing Birth Control Pills for Acne Treatment: Yaz vs. Alesse
Breastfeeding Concerns While Taking Compesolon for Allergies
Kangsulong Tablets 5mg for the treatment of urticaria? Hello! I am currently breastfeeding, and my baby is over two months old. A few days ago, my baby had a full-body allergic reaction, and the doctor diagnosed it as an allergy and urticaria. Therefore, they prescribed Compesolo...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear: Since breast milk is a solution containing both oil and water phases, most medications taken by the mother are likely to be secreted into the milk, leading to recommendations for breastfeeding mothers to discontinue breastfeeding. However, it is important to investigate how...[Read More] Breastfeeding Concerns While Taking Compesolon for Allergies
Understanding the Side Effects of Steemit and Lehohu: A Patient's Concern
Stimulants Hello, I have been experiencing lower back pain and shoulder and neck discomfort since the end of last year. The aching sensation occurs daily, and sometimes the pain in my lower back is so severe that I cannot stand. I have visited a massage therapist, but the relief ...
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
1. Possible side effects of Tinos - sedative-hypnotics (which may vary based on individual constitution) include symptoms such as mental confusion, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, and extreme fatigue. Management: You may inform your physician during your follow-up visit, but if ...[Read More] Understanding the Side Effects of Steemit and Lehohu: A Patient's Concern
Alternative Medications for Chronic Pulmonary Bullae: Seeking Safer Options
Medication for pulmonary cysts? Hello Doctor: My father is 84 years old and was diagnosed with chronic emphysema six years ago. The doctor recommended a medication called "Ding Chuan Le" from Taiwan Bailing Jia Ying Ge Han Co., Ltd., located at 12F, No. 49/51, Section 3...
Dr. Ke Bowen Reply:
Dear Mr. Liao, Your father has been diagnosed by the physician with chronic pulmonary emphysema. The recommended medication is Atrovent MDI (Ipratropium Bromide), which is a parasympatholytic agent that has a high degree of selectivity for local action on the bronchi, leading to...[Read More] Alternative Medications for Chronic Pulmonary Bullae: Seeking Safer Options
Does Ginkgo Biloba in Natto Supplements Increase Stroke Risk?
Nattokinase I would like to ask about the dietary supplement that contains ginkgo biloba. I've heard that ginkgo may increase the risk of stroke. Is this true? Should I continue taking natto as well? Thank you for your help.
Dr. Tu Haiyong Reply:
Hello: Nattokinase is a natural thrombolytic enzyme that breaks down fibrin. Its primary function is to dissolve blood clots and prevent them from obstructing blood flow, which can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other age-related conditions. Adding ginkgo biloba can enhance c...[Read More] Does Ginkgo Biloba in Natto Supplements Increase Stroke Risk?
Effectiveness of Imin in Treating HPV Positive Patients
Is IMIN effective against the HPV virus? Hello, Pharmacist Liao: May I ask if Imin (Yung Shin Pharmaceutical's Imin tablets) has any therapeutic effect on patients who test positive for HPV? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Sister: Imin tablets contain Methisoprinol, which is approved in our country for the indications of "relief of symptoms associated with herpes zoster and measles." Research results regarding its use for HPV infection suggest that if it serves as an adjunctive treat...[Read More] Effectiveness of Imin in Treating HPV Positive Patients