Is This Herbal Capsule Legit? Understanding Food Inspection Numbers
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? I recently found out that my mom bought a type of traditional Chinese medicine capsule that has a food inspection number 9405-0185-B02-SA-1 on it. The ingredients listed are all traditional Chinese herbs, but I couldn...
Dr. Huang Yicheng Reply:
If it is classified as traditional Chinese medicine or concentrated preparations, it must comply with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations for Chinese herbal medicines set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in order to be sold domestically. If it is classified as ...[Read More] Is This Herbal Capsule Legit? Understanding Food Inspection Numbers
Is Licorice Cough Syrup Safe? Understanding Its Effects and Risks
About cough syrup? Hello: When my grandmother was alive, she often coughed (a common issue in the elderly?) and never fully recovered. The doctor prescribed a "licorice cough syrup" for her, and my dad sometimes drinks it when he coughs, claiming that it works better th...
Dr. Ke Bowen Reply:
Hello: Licorice cough syrup has the effect of soothing the throat and alleviating cough by promoting phlegm clearance. However, this medication also contains opioids, which enhance its analgesic and sedative effects, contributing to its therapeutic benefits. It is important to no...[Read More] Is Licorice Cough Syrup Safe? Understanding Its Effects and Risks
Do Antibiotics for High Rupture of Membranes Affect Fetal Health?
Is there any adverse effect on the fetus from the antibiotics administered due to high-level rupture of membranes? Hello, pharmacist! Recently, I took antibiotics prescribed by my doctor due to suspected premature rupture of membranes, but the subsequent test results could not co...
Dr. Zeng Biru Reply:
Concerned Mother: Hello! Please try to relax and not worry too much. Medications can affect the fetus, particularly during the first three months when the baby's organs are still developing, so it is essential to be cautious with medication during the first trimester of preg...[Read More] Do Antibiotics for High Rupture of Membranes Affect Fetal Health?
Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Heart Medication in Taiwan
Regarding issues related to health insurance coverage? Hello, Pharmacist Wu. I underwent bypass surgery due to a myocardial infarction at the beginning of September and am currently on medication and resting. The medications I am taking include: 1. Plavix (Clopidogrel) for the pr...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! The health insurance regulations regarding Plavix are as follows: 2.1.7 Clopidogrel (such as Plavix): (90/1/1, 93/4/1, 94/8/1) 1. It is limited to patients with atherosclerotic disease who have a history of stroke, myocardial infarction, or peripheral artery disease, an...[Read More] Understanding Health Insurance Coverage for Heart Medication in Taiwan
Concerns About Long-Term Use of Biozol for Ulcers: What to Know
Medication consultation Hello, I have been receiving treatment for a duodenal ulcer at your hospital, and the physician prescribed Biozol 20mg white round tablets. I have been taking it for 8 weeks. According to the medication guide that came with this drug, it is recommended not...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
This medication is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and peptic ulcers associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. The usual dosage...[Read More] Concerns About Long-Term Use of Biozol for Ulcers: What to Know
Understanding Coverage and Purchase Options for Gan An Neng in Taiwan
How can I purchase health insurance and what are the benefits covered by the National Health Insurance? My father previously had liver abnormalities and was advised by his doctor to take Danazol for treatment, which fortunately provided significant benefits. However, at that time...
Dr. Wu Huiling Reply:
Hello! According to the National Health Insurance reimbursement regulations, the following applies: (For purchasing information, please refer to the website: http://www.nhi.gov.tw/06inquire/query3_list.asp.) 10.7.3 Lamivudine (e.g., Zeffix 100mg) (92/10/1) is limited to the fol...[Read More] Understanding Coverage and Purchase Options for Gan An Neng in Taiwan
Concerns About Weight Loss Pills Taken Before Pregnancy: Risks and Effects
Urgent - Discovered that I took weight loss pills before finding out I was pregnant? Hello: My last menstrual period was on February 4th, and I found out I was pregnant on March 22nd. However, from February until March 6th, I took a weight loss medication recommended by a friend,...
Dr. Lai Shuyi Reply:
According to the regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medications are classified into five categories based on their teratogenic risk: A, B, C, D, and X, with Category A being the safest and Category X being contraindicated for use in pregnant women. The de...[Read More] Concerns About Weight Loss Pills Taken Before Pregnancy: Risks and Effects
Are Weight Loss Herbal Pills Safe? Expert Insights on Zhongle Capsules
Could you please provide more details about traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss? There is a widely circulated product called "Zhongle Capsule" online, and many people are using it. I have taken it myself, and it really does effectively suppress appetite. Howeve...
Dr. Huang Yicheng Reply:
Food products do not need to display the so-called "Department of Health Food Number" (衛署食字號); as long as they are produced by qualified manufacturers using legally sourced food ingredients, they can be marketed independently. The manufacturers are responsible for self-...[Read More] Are Weight Loss Herbal Pills Safe? Expert Insights on Zhongle Capsules
Understanding the Key Differences Between GMP and CGMP for Drug Safety
What are the differences in protection for drug users between GMP and CGMP? What are the differences in protection for drug users between GMP and CGMP? Is it only related to hardware differences? Does it include variations in the number of clinical trial participants, or are ther...
Dr. Shou Weijin Reply:
In response to the online user: GMP stands for Good Manufacturing Practice, which refers to the standards for quality pharmaceutical manufacturing. CGMP incorporates validated manufacturing processes to ensure that pharmaceuticals, from raw materials to finished products, not onl...[Read More] Understanding the Key Differences Between GMP and CGMP for Drug Safety
Beware of Health Scams: A Cautionary Tale for Cancer Patients
Newcastle disease Dear Doctor, My mother is a nasopharyngeal cancer patient, and someone introduced her to a product and encouraged her to attend a seminar hosted by a multi-level marketing company called Xinhesh. I found information online regarding their MLM business. My mothe...
Dr. Xu Wenming Reply:
Ms. Yang, 1. You may first visit the Food and Drug Administration's website at http://food.doh.gov.tw to check the approved health foods under the "Announcements" section to confirm that the company's products are recognized as "health foods" by th...[Read More] Beware of Health Scams: A Cautionary Tale for Cancer Patients
Understanding Over-the-Counter Cold Medications: Benefits and Risks
Regarding over-the-counter cold medications? Over-the-counter cold medications, such as those containing ingredients like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can significantly alleviate symptoms of a cold, including headaches. However, using these products may have potential adverse effe...
Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the common over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs for treating the common cold typically contain the following main ingredients: 1. Antipyretics and analgesics, such as Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Diclofenac, or Ibuprofen. Acetaminoph...[Read More] Understanding Over-the-Counter Cold Medications: Benefits and Risks
Pregnancy and Weight Loss Medications: What You Need to Know
Medications during pregnancy Hello Dr. Chen, I have been taking the weight loss medication Nometine for the past few months, but I recently discovered that I am approximately four weeks pregnant (about one month). What should I do? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yuemei Reply:
Hello: Regarding Nometine, according to the regulations of the U.S. FDA, it is classified as a Category C medication for use during pregnancy. This indicates that animal studies have shown an effect on the fetus, but no effects have been observed in humans. However, the potential...[Read More] Pregnancy and Weight Loss Medications: What You Need to Know
Is My Birth Control Pill Fake? Understanding Drug Authenticity
Did I buy counterfeit medication? Hello, I have irregular ovulation, and my doctor advised me to purchase a specific contraceptive pill, Trinordiol, to take. However, I noticed that the medication I bought at the pharmacy, while having the same packaging as the one I received fro...
Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello: In response to your inquiry: According to the information from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration website, there are indeed two different drug registration numbers for Trinordiol. After consulting with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, their response is as follows: ----- Origina...[Read More] Is My Birth Control Pill Fake? Understanding Drug Authenticity
Understanding RU486: Regulations and Usage Guidelines Explained
RU486, also known I would like to ask you about the regulations and usage of RU486. Thank you!
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Dear Miss Sayega, Regarding your inquiry about the management and usage guidelines for RU486 (Mifepristone), I am providing you with the announcements from two official websites for your reference: 1. The Controlled Drugs Administration (as Mifepristone is currently classified ...[Read More] Understanding RU486: Regulations and Usage Guidelines Explained