Understanding Steroid Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Effects
Steroids I have rheumatoid arthritis, and whenever my left knee becomes inflamed and swollen, my doctor asks if I want to receive a corticosteroid injection for inflammation. I have had five injections in my left knee, with no less than four months between each treatment. A few w...
Dr. Lin Meili Reply:
Hello: The use of corticosteroids for inflammation does not cause skin to become lighter. It typically leads to thinning of the skin, and in severe cases, atrophy, which is related to the frequency, dosage, and injection site of the treatment. Your situation of having "a bit...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Risks and Effects
What is the White Oval Pill Marked MP057 and Its Potency?
Medication Inquiry The white oval-shaped pill imprinted with "mp057" is identified as Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 25 mg, which is an antihistamine commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, and the common cold. It can also be used as a nighttime sleep ai...
Dr. Shou Weijin Reply:
Hello Nini, Question: What is the white oval-shaped medication with the imprint MP057? How potent is this medication? Answer: After verification, the medication information is as follows: Chinese brand name: 康速龍錠 5 毫克 English brand name: Souriree Compesolon Active ingred...[Read More] What is the White Oval Pill Marked MP057 and Its Potency?
Does Zyrtec Contain Steroids? Understanding Its Effects and Safety
Does the skin medication contain steroids? Does the medication Zyrtec (cetirizine hydrochloride 10mg) contain steroids and what are its side effects? I have hypothyroidism and take Eltroxin 100mcg once daily, so I have concerns about my body's metabolism and whether taking t...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello; Zyrtec is an H1 receptor antagonist that rapidly inhibits both endogenous and exogenous histamine, reducing the excessive response to histamine in asthma patients and alleviating hypersensitivity reactions caused by specific allergens. At effective doses, this medication d...[Read More] Does Zyrtec Contain Steroids? Understanding Its Effects and Safety
Understanding the Ingredients and Effects of Medications for Rosacea
Medications found online? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with rosacea. The day before yesterday, I saw on a skincare website that Imetelstat and Stevia new solution have very good treatment effects. I would like to ask about the ingredients and functions of these two, and whether t...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello; the medication you inquired about, Elidel, contains the active ingredient Pimecrolimus and is indicated for the short-term and long-term treatment of atopic dermatitis in children over 2 years old, adolescents, and adults. This medication does not contain corticosteroids. ...[Read More] Understanding the Ingredients and Effects of Medications for Rosacea
Risks of a Child Taking the Wrong Medication: A Cautionary Tale
Taking the wrong medication prescribed for a sibling? Your sister is taking the following medications: (1) Bisolvon 8mg, quantity 4 (2) Metisone 2mg, quantity 12. These medications are for a 4-day supply, with one packet taken each day. Your sister is 6 years old. Your younger si...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Mei Mei: Hello! The medications that both children are taking are actually similar; they both contain steroids and cough expectorants. If the younger sister took the older sister's medication, there should be no issues, so please rest assured. Since our role does not specifi...[Read More] Risks of a Child Taking the Wrong Medication: A Cautionary Tale
Do You Need Antibiotics for Hives? Understanding Treatment Options
Do you need to take antibiotics for urticaria? A week ago, I suddenly developed many small red itchy rashes on my skin, and the doctor diagnosed it as urticaria (hives). Here is the prescription the doctor provided: oral DOXYCYCLINE HCL, PYRIDOXINE HCL, RIBOFLAVIN, FERDIN 60MG, A...
Dr. Liao Lingmei Reply:
Dear BRIDGET: I apologize for the delayed response due to a system issue. In principle, if the condition is solely urticaria, the primary treatment would involve antihistamines. For acute inflammation and itching, a physician may sometimes prescribe corticosteroids depending on t...[Read More] Do You Need Antibiotics for Hives? Understanding Treatment Options
Understanding Rosacea: Effective Treatments and Personal Experiences
Regarding rosacea? I am a patient with rosacea. My face often becomes red, resembling erythematous lupus, except for the area around my eyes. There is redness from rosacea in other areas. I applied a gentle cleanser, but there was not much improvement. Last night, I used Ecosone ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Econazole contains 10 mg of Econazole Nitrate and 1 mg of Triamcinolone Acetonide. It alters the permeability of bacterial and fungal cell membranes and inhibits the synthesis of proteins and RNA, achieving the goal of killing pathogens. Additionally, Triamcinolone Acetoni...[Read More] Understanding Rosacea: Effective Treatments and Personal Experiences
Understanding Medication Interactions and Weight Gain Concerns in Psychiatry
Medication and Drug Interactions Hello, pharmacist: I would like to ask if Zyprexa, Depakote, Seroquel, and Restoril contain steroids. I often hear that taking psychiatric medications can lead to weight gain, and I am unsure if this is due to the presence of steroids. During the ...
Dr. Liu Huiya Reply:
Hello An Hsu: The medications Zyprexa, Depakote, Seroquel, and Trazodone do not contain steroids. Regarding your concern about psychiatric medications causing weight gain, generally speaking, the classes of psychiatric medications that may lead to weight gain include antipsychoti...[Read More] Understanding Medication Interactions and Weight Gain Concerns in Psychiatry
How to Properly Use and Dosage of Linte Longwei Water-Soluble Ointment
Please inquire about the usage and dosage of "Lindane Water-Soluble Ointment." Hello, I have a problem with phimosis, so I consulted a doctor. He told me that I need to retract the foreskin daily and apply this medication. He mentioned that after about six months, the f...
Dr. Zhang Jinteng Reply:
Hello, in response to your question: Linidron topical water-soluble ointment contains Betamethasone and Fradiomycin. The former is a corticosteroid, while the latter is an antibiotic. Corticosteroids are effective in reducing inflammation, causing vasoconstriction, and providing ...[Read More] How to Properly Use and Dosage of Linte Longwei Water-Soluble Ointment
Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: Relief for Tired and Dry Eyes
Over-the-counter eye drops I don't have myopia, but recently my eyes always feel sore, gritty, and uncomfortable. I guess it might be due to insomnia and spending a long time in front of the computer working on reports without giving my eyes proper rest. Rubbing them hasn&#x...
Dr. Liao Huiling Reply:
Hello! For general eye fatigue and dryness, you can use eye drops that contain B vitamins or artificial tears. However, eye drops that contain steroids or antibiotics should not be purchased or used casually, and they are not recommended for long-term use. Regarding the eye drops...[Read More] Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: Relief for Tired and Dry Eyes
Long-Term Steroid Use for Adrenal Hyperplasia: Side Effects and Risks
Medication Consultation Long-term use of corticosteroids (such as hydrocortisone) to manage adrenal hyperplasia can have side effects. These may include weight gain, increased blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, mood changes, and increased susceptibility to infections. It is ...
Dr. Lai Shuyi Reply:
Hello: The occurrence of side effects varies depending on individual constitution. Long-term use of corticosteroids may lead to weight gain, peripheral edema, muscle pain, and moon facies. If these symptoms persist for a period of time, it is important to contact your physician. ...[Read More] Long-Term Steroid Use for Adrenal Hyperplasia: Side Effects and Risks
Understanding the Uses of Diprophenta, Fucidin, Dermovate, and Encort
Medication Inquiry Hello, doctor: Could you please explain the uses of the medications diproheptadine, fusidic acid, Dermovate, and Encort? Thank you!
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
1. Encort is a synthetic steroid used to treat acute and chronic skin inflammation associated with bacterial infections. 2. Fucidin is an antibiotic isolated from a fungus, with a chemical structure distinct from existing antibiotic classes, exhibiting potent bactericidal effect...[Read More] Understanding the Uses of Diprophenta, Fucidin, Dermovate, and Encort
Understanding Medications for Eczema: Uses, Side Effects, and Treatment Duration
Medication Inquiry Hello, Doctor: Could you please explain the uses of aceocape, endase, and wilcon-u? I have eczema, and I would like to know if I can use the new medication Protopic. Are there any side effects? Is a steroid considered an antibiotic? What is the typical treatmen...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: 1. The function of Aceo: It is a synthetic NSAID derived from Indomethacin, possessing strong and rapid anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effects. Endase is used to remove inflammatory edema, swelling, and hematomas. It can dissolve and eliminate lesions and ...[Read More] Understanding Medications for Eczema: Uses, Side Effects, and Treatment Duration
Understanding Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns
Side effects of medications! Hello: I have experienced impaired lung function after a previous pneumonia infection, often suffering from bronchospasm, and I become breathless when walking or exercising. My doctor prescribed the following five medications: 1. Pulmicort turbuhaler ...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The medication you are taking, Pulmicort, is a corticosteroid used for asthma prevention. Its side effects may include sneezing, and it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after use to maintain oral hygiene. Oxis is also a medication for asthma prevention and can...[Read More] Understanding Medication Side Effects: Managing Asthma Treatment Concerns
Managing Medications After Myocardial Infarction: Duration and Safety Concerns
Myocardial infarction Hello: My father recently underwent two cardiac catheterization procedures due to a myocardial infarction and is now on long-term medication. How long does he need to take this medication—just for a period of time or for a lifetime? Through a recommendation ...
Dr. Lin Meili Reply:
Hello: 1. After undergoing coronary angioplasty for a myocardial infarction, patients typically need to take long-term medications, which usually include antiplatelet agents (such as low-dose aspirin or other newer anticoagulants to prevent platelet aggregation) along with corona...[Read More] Managing Medications After Myocardial Infarction: Duration and Safety Concerns
Long-Term Use of Nasal Allergy Sprays: Potential Side Effects Explained
Nasal allergy Is there any side effect of long-term use of nasal allergy sprays?
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: Nasal sprays used for allergic rhinitis typically work effectively when combined with oral medications. Corticosteroids generally require high doses and prolonged use to cause significant side effects, and the systemic absorption of topical corticosteroid sprays through th...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Nasal Allergy Sprays: Potential Side Effects Explained
How Long Can You Safely Use Betamethasone for Arthritis?
About BETAMETHASONE Hello, Pharmacist Lai: I would like to ask how many days is the maximum recommended duration for taking BETAMETHASONE for arthritis? How many days should the initial dosage be maintained? Thank you.
Dr. Lai Shuyi Reply:
Hello: The use of steroids does not require an initial dosage, and the duration of use should be determined by a physician based on the patient's condition. Do not self-medicate with steroids; it is best to seek a doctor's diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.[Read More] How Long Can You Safely Use Betamethasone for Arthritis?
Drugs and Foods Linked to Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know
Which medications can induce schizophrenia? Which substances and foods can lead to the development of schizophrenia? Thank you!
Dr. Lai Shuyi Reply:
1. Substance abuse is one of the common causes of symptoms similar to schizophrenia, such as with amphetamines, cocaine, or hallucinogens (LSD, PCP). Other substances that may cause similar symptoms, though less frequently, include steroids and antipsychotic medications. 2. Food ...[Read More] Drugs and Foods Linked to Schizophrenia: What You Need to Know
Optimal Betamethasone Dosage for Arthritis: Duration and Guidelines
What is the dosage for BETAMETHASONE? Hello, pharmacist. I would like to ask what the initial dosage of BETAMETHASONE should be for arthritis? How long should it be maintained? What is the maximum recommended duration for taking corticosteroids? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Hello: The initial dosage of Betamethasone is approximately 1.5 to 3 mg per day, followed by a maintenance dose of about 0.5 to 1.5 mg per day. If the condition improves, the dosage can be gradually reduced, typically by half a tablet to one tablet every 2 to 7 days. However, the...[Read More] Optimal Betamethasone Dosage for Arthritis: Duration and Guidelines
Understanding Asthma Medications: Causes, Types, and Effects of Switching
Questions regarding asthma? Hello, I would like to ask some questions regarding asthma medication. 1. My brother developed asthma last May, but no one in our family has asthma. Why did my brother develop it? 2. Regarding asthma medications, how many types are there, and do all of...
Dr. Hou Fangmin Reply:
Asthma can be broadly classified into two main categories: extrinsic asthma and intrinsic asthma. Extrinsic asthma is primarily triggered by inhaled allergens, while intrinsic asthma has an unknown etiology, with some believing that airway inflammation plays a significant role. T...[Read More] Understanding Asthma Medications: Causes, Types, and Effects of Switching