Understanding Drug Risk Assessment: Key Considerations and Insights
Risk assessment I would like to inquire about the risk assessment of medications. Thank you.
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Hello, cute little rabbit: I'm not sure if the assessment of medication risks falls under the professional responsibilities of pharmacists, but I will briefly describe it below. The goal of using medications is to treat diseases; however, during this process, certain undesir...[Read More] Understanding Drug Risk Assessment: Key Considerations and Insights
Understanding Steroid Use in Enterovirus and Related Conditions
Enterovirus and corticosteroids 1. Can enteroviruses be treated with steroids? Why? 2. Can patients with diabetes use steroids for treatment? Why? 3. What is favism? Can it be cured? How is it treated? 4. Why should patients with gastric ulcers avoid eating congee?
Dr. Zheng Shuwen Reply:
1. Can enterovirus be treated with steroids? Why? Answer: Steroid treatment is specifically for patients with coxsackievirus myocarditis. However, administering steroids to infants and young children can lead to severe side effects, potentially resulting in death. 2. Can patient...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use in Enterovirus and Related Conditions
Understanding Hypertension: The Impact of Bananas and Vitamin C
Hypertension and Bananas Hello: 1. Why should patients with hypertension avoid eating bananas? What is the reason? 2. Why should individuals with uric acid crystals avoid consuming large amounts of vitamin C? 3. Is it safe to take traditional Chinese medicine and Western me...
Dr. Zheng Shuwen Reply:
Question 1: Why should patients with hypertension avoid eating bananas? What is the reason? Answer: Not all patients with hypertension need to avoid bananas; it depends on the medications you are taking. If you are on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), such as Enal...[Read More] Understanding Hypertension: The Impact of Bananas and Vitamin C
Understanding Remeron: Uses and Side Effects for Depression Treatment
Remeron, also known by its generic name mirtazapine, is primarily used as an antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly norepinephrine and serotonin, which can help improve mood and alleviate I am currently suffering ...
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
Hello! Regarding Remeron: the generic name is Mirtazapine, which is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder. This medication typically takes 1-2 weeks to start showing effects, and treatment should continue for 4-6 months after the patient has been completely fr...[Read More] Understanding Remeron: Uses and Side Effects for Depression Treatment
Understanding the Uses and Side Effects of Trexan, Gelawan, and Relifex
Medication uses 1. **Trexan (Methotrexate)** **Uses:** Methotrexate is primarily used to treat certain types of cancer, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and ectopic pregnancies. **Side Effects:** Common side effects include nausea, vomitin...
Dr. Lin Shangyao Reply:
Hello: Regarding the side effects of the medication you inquired about, although there is a long list, please rest assured that the likelihood of occurrence is very low, and most people do not experience adverse reactions. Therefore, please take your medication on time, as it is ...[Read More] Understanding the Uses and Side Effects of Trexan, Gelawan, and Relifex
Effective Treatments for Postherpetic Neuralgia: Seeking Help for Chronic Pain
Treatment of ringworm (tinea) Dear Pharmacist Chang, Regarding the postherpetic neuralgia, you mentioned five treatment options, but it seems that the doctors did not implement these methods during my grandmother's hospitalization. My grandmother has been suffering from pos...
Dr. Zhang Xiaolin Reply:
Hello, Yijun: Thank you for your hard work with your grandmother! Postherpetic neuralgia is indeed a challenging issue, and the nerve pain can last from 1 to 3 years. The physician may have already implemented several treatment methods for your grandmother's nerve pain, but ...[Read More] Effective Treatments for Postherpetic Neuralgia: Seeking Help for Chronic Pain
Common Antacids Available in Taiwan: Names and Ingredients Explained
Antacids Dr. Cheng, I would like to ask you which types of antacids are currently available on the market, including their names and active ingredients. Please provide as much information as you can. Thank you...^.^~@
Dr. Zheng Yizhan Reply:
Dear netizens: Below is the response from pharmacist Zheng Yizhan regarding commonly used antacids such as magnesium oxide and aluminum hydroxide. Magnesium salts can cause diarrhea, while aluminum salts can lead to constipation; if used in a (1:1) ratio, magnesium salts have a g...[Read More] Common Antacids Available in Taiwan: Names and Ingredients Explained
Do Cold Medications Raise Blood Pressure? Key Drugs to Watch Out For
Can taking cold medicine cause high blood pressure? Hello: I would like to ask if common medications we take for colds, such as cough suppressants, expectorants, pain relievers, and antibiotics, can cause high blood pressure. If so, which specific medications are likely to have t...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear Ms. Avon, I believe you understand that the term "cold medicine" is a general classification. For the treatment of colds, physicians typically select medications based on the patient's condition, including antipyretics and analgesics (pain relievers), antihis...[Read More] Do Cold Medications Raise Blood Pressure? Key Drugs to Watch Out For
Understanding the Effects and Risks of Long-Term Steroid Use
The effects of steroids? Dear Sir/Madam, What are the consequences of long-term steroid injections? What are the side effects of using steroids for pain relief? After healing from herpes zoster, will there be any pain issues? How should one manage the itching and pain caused by ...
Dr. Zhang Xiaolin Reply:
Hello, regarding the use of injectable steroids, the reasons can vary depending on the specific indications. The duration and dosage of the injections will differ based on the condition being treated. You are likely referring to local steroid injections, which can have side effec...[Read More] Understanding the Effects and Risks of Long-Term Steroid Use
Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction: Tips for Managing Sleep Aids and Sedatives
Psychiatry I have been taking sleeping pills and sedatives for many years. My condition has improved significantly, but I still have a dependency on the medication. How can I address this issue? Thank you.
Dr. Liu Yuqin Reply:
Some sleeping pills do have a potential for addiction. If you feel troubled and wish to discontinue the medication, it is advisable to try tapering off gradually on your own, for example, reducing from one pill to half a pill, and then to a quarter of a pill. If you find that the...[Read More] Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction: Tips for Managing Sleep Aids and Sedatives
Managing Hypertension: Dealing with Medication Side Effects and Alternatives
Hypertension I have hypertension, and my doctor prescribed the following medications: Atenol 100mg and Norvasc 5mg. After taking the medication, I noticed difficulties with erections. I later learned online that Atenol is a beta-blocker and can have this side effect. I also under...
Dr. Xie Weigong Reply:
1. If blood pressure is not well controlled, immediately discontinue Atenolol and switch to another medication. If blood pressure is well controlled, consider reducing the dosage. 2. Alternative medications may include other ACE inhibitors such as Capoten, or switch Atenolol to a...[Read More] Managing Hypertension: Dealing with Medication Side Effects and Alternatives
Essential Supplements for Moms in Menopause: A Guide to Health
Mothers in menopause should take..? Hello! My mother has recently developed uterine inflammation due to exhaustion. She has already seen a gynecologist and received medication, but since she is currently in menopause, I would like to know which vitamins would be beneficial for he...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! Essentially, whether your mother has entered menopause should be diagnosed by a gynecologist. However, women in the perimenopausal stage are likely to experience some menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes—sudden redness and warmth in the face, which occurs in about 70% ...[Read More] Essential Supplements for Moms in Menopause: A Guide to Health
Concerns Over Unknown Medications: Ensuring Safety for Elderly Patients
Unknown substances My grandmother often experiences leg pain, which has been a long-standing issue for many years. She has tried various treatments, including traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, but it seems difficult to make progress with this age-related degenera...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello; it is indeed challenging to communicate about medication for the elderly. The medications you mentioned purchasing from the pharmacy may include some pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, there is a concern that they might contain steroids or other unverifie...[Read More] Concerns Over Unknown Medications: Ensuring Safety for Elderly Patients
Understanding the Differences Between Multivitamins: F50 vs. Other Options
Vitamin 1. What is the difference between Healitamin F50 and Healitamin? 2. How to choose the appropriate multivitamin?
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The difference between He Li Ta Ming F50 and He Li Ta Ming lies in the inclusion of Fursultiamine (TTFD) 50 mg, which means it contains 50 mg of vitamin B1. The choice of multivitamins varies from person to person; it is best to select those with a brand name that clearly ...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Multivitamins: F50 vs. Other Options
Understanding Side Effects of Cefaclor: Incoordination and More
Concerns about adverse drug reactions? Hello, Pharmacist Hou. I would like to ask you if cefaclor, an antibiotic, can cause incoordination as a side effect? What are its other side effects? Please help me with this!
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Cefalor is an antibiotic from the cephalosporin class. A small number of individuals taking this medication may experience the following side effects: allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. However, the likelihood of these occurring unde...[Read More] Understanding Side Effects of Cefaclor: Incoordination and More
Are Air Fresheners Harmful? Understanding Risks and Safety Tips
Regarding aromatic agents? 1. Are indoor air fresheners harmful to the human body? Which organs or systems can they affect? Why is it labeled "Keep out of reach of children"? 2. With the current SARS outbreak, what is the concentration of the commonly used disinfectan...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
The main components of fragrances include aromatic compounds and organic solvents. The aromatic compounds are categorized into three types: natural extracts, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. Some manufacturers specifically advertise their products as "methanol-free," indi...[Read More] Are Air Fresheners Harmful? Understanding Risks and Safety Tips
Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Regarding medication use during early pregnancy? Hello, I started my menstrual period on January 30 and I am unsure if I am pregnant. I accidentally took cold medicine on March 7 that contained KEFEX, LYSOZYME, PSEUDOEPHEDRINE, and PANADOL. Additionally, on February 10, I took co...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello Huihui: The medication you are taking, Brufen, is classified as Category B and is best avoided during the last three months of pregnancy. Pseudophedrine is classified as Category C for pregnancy, while Trinordiol is classified as Category X. The other medications you mentio...[Read More] Medication Safety During Early Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Glucosamine Complex and Chondroitin Sulfate: Benefits and Uses
Glucosamine Complex and Chondroitin Sulfate are dietary supplements commonly used for joint health. **Glucosamine Complex** typically contains glucosamine, which is an amino sugar that plays a crucial role in the formation and repair of cartilage. It is often Could you please p...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello, sir. The issue you raised pertains to medications for the metabolic decline of bone and joint functions in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The main ingredients are Glucosamine Complex (500 mg of Glucosamine) and 400 mg of Chondroitin sulfate. However, due to individua...[Read More] Understanding Glucosamine Complex and Chondroitin Sulfate: Benefits and Uses
Understanding White Bumps and Redness on Genitals: What You Need to Know
I suspect it's a cauliflower? I have small white spots on my genital area, and the skin is red. I also have difficulty holding my urine. I'm embarrassed to see a doctor. Can I buy some medication to apply? Please help me with an answer, as I've been worried for sev...
Dr. Gu Zhenting Reply:
Do not apply steroid ointments indiscriminately; it is recommended to seek a physician's diagnosis. Otherwise, it may be herpes and a possible fungal infection. Please be cautious and avoid sexual intercourse for the time being, and it is advisable for your partner to get ch...[Read More] Understanding White Bumps and Redness on Genitals: What You Need to Know
Understanding Roaccutane: Side Effects and Care Tips for Acne Treatment
A acid Hello, due to my long-standing severe acne issues, I was recently referred by a friend to a clinic in Taichung City, where the doctor prescribed me isotretinoin (brand name Roaccutane) at a dosage of 20mg. Additionally, I need to take the anti-inflammatory medication doxyc...
Dr. Zhang Xiaolin Reply:
Hello: Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is used for the treatment of more severe acne. This medication normalizes skin keratinization, suppresses sebaceous gland activity, reduces sebum viscosity, and decreases follicular obstruction. Side effects may include headache, fatigue, cheiliti...[Read More] Understanding Roaccutane: Side Effects and Care Tips for Acne Treatment