Lorazepam

Lorazepam: Uses, Side effects, Dosage
Lorazepam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. They affect the brain and nerves (central nervous system) and have a calming effect that relieves symptoms of anxiety. It is a medication prescribed for the treatment of anxiety.

This medicine works by improving the action of a particular natural chemical (GABA). This medicine can be used in the short term for the treatment of sleep disorders. Insomnia is a medical condition that causes poor sleep quality and / or an insufficient amount of sleep over a prolonged period of time.

Lorazepam Uses
It is used to treat and prevent the following conditions

Anxious mood
Panic disorder
Insomnia
Social anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Mechanism of action
Lorazepam binds to GABA-A receptors, which are ionotropic pentamer receptors in the CNS. The association potentiates the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which, when combined, opens the chloride channel into the receptor, allowing the chloride to enter and cause hyperpolarization of the neuron.

As this drug increases the activity of GABA in the brain, it increases these calming effects.

Precautions
You should not take this medication if you have:

Myasthenia gravis;
Narrow-angle glaucoma;
If you have a history of allergic reaction to any benzodiazepine.
To make sure it is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Epilepsy;
kidney or liver disease
Open-angle glaucoma;
Asthma or other breathing disorder;
Lorazepam Side effects
More common side effects

The more common side effects of Lorazepam include:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Weakness
Some people may also experience less frequent side effects such as:

Lack of coordination
Confusion
Fatigue
Depression
Restlessness
Headache
While Serious side effects can include the following:

Breathing effects.
Psychological and physical dependence
Serious allergic reactions.
Suicidal thoughts.
Interaction
Tell your doctor if you are already taking other medicines like

Anti Anxiety medication
Aminophylline or theophylline;
Probenecid
Atidepressant;
Narcotic pain medicine;
Phenobarbital
Seizure medicine;
Cold or allergy medicine
Sleep medicine,
Dosage for lorazepam
The dose of Lorazepam will be adjusted to the needs of the patient.

The usual dose for treating anxiety is 2 to 6 mg orally every 8 to 12 hours as needed.
Insomnia is treated with 2-4 mg at bedtime.
Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is it safe to take during pregnancy?

Do not use Lorazepam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects. Your baby can also become addicted to drugs. This can lead to fatal withdrawal symptoms of the baby after birth. Babies born dependent on the usual generators may need to be medically treated for several weeks. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Use effective contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug.

  1. Is Lorazepam safe during breastfeeding?

Lorazepam can pass into breast milk and harm a baby. You must not breast-feed while using this drug.

  1. Can you drive while taking Lorazepam?

Lorazepam causes drowsiness and muscle weakness and may affect your ability to concentrate, alertness and judgment. These effects can last until the next day. Do not drive or operate machinery. If you have ever received this drug during a minor outpatient treatment, it is important to have someone else available to accompany you to your home. You are not allowed to drive in the next 24 to 48 hours.

  1. Can you drink alcohol with lorazepam?

No, you should not drink any alcohol while taking Lorazepam or the day after taking it because the effect of this drug may last until the next day. Alcohol can affect you more than usual when you take benzodiazepine. It will probably also make drowsiness worse and cause concentration, alertness, coordination, and judgment problems. It can also cause you to lose your inhibitions or prevent you from controlling your emotions.

Paracetamol

Drugs & Medications

Paracetamol Tablet

GENERIC NAME(S): Acetaminophen$ View Free CouponRead Reviews (15)WARNINGS: 

Taking too much acetaminop…Show MoreUses

Uses

This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pains) and to reduce fever.

How to use Paracetamol Tablet

Take this product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount of acetaminophen may be different between products. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Warning section.)

If you are giving acetaminophen to a child, be sure you use a product that is meant for children. Use your child’s weight to find the right dose on the product package. If you don’t know your child’s weight, you can use their age.

For suspensions, shake the medication well before each dose. Some liquids do not need to be shaken before use. Follow all directions on the product package. Measure the liquid medication with the provided dose-measuring spoon/dropper/syringe to make sure you have the correct dose. Do not use a household spoon.

For rapidly-dissolving tablets, chew or allow to dissolve on the tongue, then swallow with or without water. For chewable tablets, chew thoroughly before swallowing.

Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

For effervescent tablets, dissolve the dose in the recommended amount of water, then drink.

Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well.

Do not take this medication for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. For adults, do not take this product for pain for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially with high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Femara

Femara (Letrozole): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & FAQs
Femara (Generic: Letrozole) belongs to a group of drugs known as an aromatase inhibitor. It used in the treatment of Breast Cancer in postmenopausal women.

Originally manufactured by Novartis, Femara was approved in 1997 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Femara Uses
It is used in estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
Used in Early invasive breast cancer in postmenopausal ladies when five years of tamoxifen therapy have failed to work.
Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
It is additionally employed in pre-operative treatment in postmenopausal women with localized hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Commonly used in unexplained infertility. (off-lable use)
It is used to stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Note: Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in this medication guide.

Contraindications
It is contraindicated in the following conditions:

Premenopausal women
Liver disease (especially cirrhosis)
Contraindicated in individuals best-known hypersensitivity to the active substance, or to any of the excipients.
Osteoporosis,
Osteopenia (low bone mineral density),
High cholesterol; or
if you also take tamoxifen.
The use of Femara might cause decreases in the density of your bones, will increase in bone fractures and osteoporosis.
Avoid if you are under 18 years of age
Precautions
Before Taking this drug,

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to Femara or any other ingredients in this medication.
Tell your GP if you have high cholesterol, liver disease, and osteoporosis.
Tell your doctor about your current as well as past medical history. Tell him your other prescriptions, and non-prescription drugs, nutritional supplement, you are taking.
Tell Your Doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before starting Femara.
Don’t take Femara if you are still having periods. This drug is only used in women who are no longer having periods.
Always check the expiry date and Don’t take it after the Expiry date printed on the packing.
Mechanism Of Action
Letrozole is a Selective nonsteroidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system; it inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogens.

In adult nontumor- and tumor-bearing female, letrozole is as effective as ovariectomy in reducing uterine weight. It also causes elevating blood serum luteinizing hormone and inflicting the regression of estrogen-dependent tumors. In distinction to ovariectomy, treatment with letrozole doesn’t cause a rise in serum follicle-stimulating hormone.

Letrozole selectively inhibits gonadal steroidogenesis, however, has no important effect on adrenal mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid synthesis.

Letrozole inhibits the aromatase enzyme by competitively binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the enzyme. This inhibition leads to a reduction of estrogen synthesis in all tissues.

Treatment of women with letrozole significantly lowers blood serum estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate. It has not been shown to significantly have an effect on adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, aldosterone synthesis, or synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Pharmacokinetics
Letrozole (Femara Tablet) is quickly absorbed with 100% bioavailability. It has Slow metabolism, the large volume of Distribution, and Time half (t½) of approximately 40 hours.

Drug Interactions
If you take other medicines or over the counter medicines at the same time, the effects of Femara Tablet may change. This may increase the risk of side effects or make your medications not work properly. Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, herbal remedies, and vitamins you use. Femara can interact with the following medications:

Don’t Take letrozole if you are already taking tamoxifen.
While an interaction study with warfarin showed no clinically important effect of letrozole on warfarin pharmacokinetics.
Cimetidine showed no clinically important effect on letrozole pharmacokinetics.
Femara may also interact with Estrogens (Conjugated estrogens and ethinyl estradiol).
Avoid eating grapefruit and drinking grapefruit juice while taking letrozole because it slows down the break down of letrozole. This could cause letrozole levels in the blood to rise dangerously high.
Alcohol or marijuana can make you dizzier. Limit alcohol while taking Femara.
It may also interact with Citalopram, Thalidomide, and Clopidogrel.
It may also Interact with Birth Control pills.
According to a study published in the Journal, Cell Chemical Biology suggests that exposure to Estrogen mimicking compound could significantly reduce the effectiveness of anti-estrogen therapies like Letrozole and palbociclib combination.
Femara Side Effects
It is very useful for the treatment and improvement of above-mentioned conditions, but there are certain side effects of Femara. Like any other medicine, Femara can cause some side effects along with its beneficial effects. It is important to know the side effects before taking.

Most people do not feel all the side effects of Femara. Side effects are often predictable in terms of appearance and duration. The side effects from Femara are almost always reversible and disappear once treatment is complete. The following is a list of possible side-effects that may occur from Femara Tablet.

Most common Femara Side effects

The most common side effects from Femara Tablet Include:

Nausea,
Vomiting,
Hot flushes,
Dyspepsia,
Dizziness,
Headache,
Diarrhea,
Constipation,
Anorexia,
Depression,
Hypercholesteremia,
Raised sweating,
Alopecia,
Increased craving,
Peripheral edema,
Skin rashes,
Bone fracture,
Osteoporosis etc.
Less Common Side Effects

Less common Side effects from Femara Tablet include

Tachycardia,
High blood pressure,
Palpitation,
Cough,
Dyspnea,
Anxiety,
Insomnia,
Memory impairment,
Taste disturbance,
Urticaria,
Pruritis,
Dry skin,
Urinary frequency,
Abdominal pain,
Thrombophlebitis,
Urinary tract infection,
Viginal discharge,
Vigina bleeding,
Pyrexia,
Breast pain,
Cataract,
Blurred vision,
Eye irritation,
Leucopenia,
Carpal tunnel syndrome,
Arthritis,
Tumor pain, and
General edema.
Rare Femara side effects

Very rare side effect from Femara Tablet includes:

Arterial thrombosis,
Cerebrovascular infarction, and
Embolism.
Note: This is not a complete list of Femara side effects. Stop using This drug and Consult your doctors if You experience the above effects or other serious side effects from Femara Tablet.

Femara In Pregnancy & Breast Feeding
Letrozole should be avoided in pregnant women because it causes birth defects in a child. Manufacturer recommendation the use of contraceptives until postmenopausal status totally established.
While just in the case of lactating women it’s unknown if letrozole is present in human milk. There isn’t any information on the effects of letrozole on the breastfed infant or milk production.
Femara Dosage
The standard recommended dose of Letrozole for all type of breast cancer treatment is 2.5 mg per day.
Duration of therapy is usually 5 years but some doctors may recommend it for a longer period of time.
You can take without regard to meals.
If you believe that you have taken an overdose, contact an emergency room or poison center.
If you miss a dose of letrozole, try to take it as soon as you remember.
However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take extra doses to make up for lost ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. 1 What is Femara?

It is a selective nonsteroidal inhibitor of the aromatase enzyme system; it inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogen. It is used in breast cancer and infertility.

Q.2 Is it safe to use Femara Tablet during pregnancy & Breast Feeding?

No, the use of this drug is not recommended in pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Q.3 Is Femara a Chemotherapy?

No, Femara belongs to hormonal therapy drugs. Hormonal therapies require the presence of specific receptors (binding sites) in the cancer cell for estrogen and/or progesterone. Most hormonal therapies are drugs taken daily in the form of tablets. Breast cancer that has neither estrogen nor progesterone receptors does not respond to hormone therapy.

Q.4 Can I stop immediately or can I slow down my consumption?

Some medications should be immediately reduced or stopped due to rebound effects. Consult your doctor for specific recommendations for your body, health and other medicines that you may use.

Q.5 Is it safe to drive or use heavy machinery when used?

You should not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy or low blood pressure by taking the Femara Tablets. Pharmacists also recommend patients that they do not drink alcohol with medication as alcohol increases the side effects of drowsiness. Please check these effects on your body when using Femara Tablet. Always consult your doctor for special recommendations on body and health.

Q.6 Is Femara cause addiction or adaptation?

Most medicines have no abuse. Do not medicate yourself and increase the body’s dependence on medication without the advice of a doctor.

Q.7 Can you drink while on letrozole (Femara)?

Letrozole and alcohol can both cause headaches and nausea. These side effects may worsen if you take both drugs at the same time. If possible, try to avoid or restrict alcohol consumption while taking letrozole. Always Consult your Doctor before using this drug with Other.

Q.8 Does Femara increase the chances of getting pregnant?

With this drug, a woman’s pregnancy chances increase by about 15% per month. Ovulation was successful in women who did not ovulate naturally. The combined use of Femara with other drugs significantly increases a woman’s chance of pregnancy.

Q.9 Does it cause hair loss?

Some women who take letrozole and other such drugs can experience hair loss due to the estrogenic effects of these treatments. However, these treatments are unlikely to result in complete hair loss.

Q.10 Can Femara cause multiple births?

According to the Center for disease control & Prevention, Fertility treatments of all types can increase the chances of multiple births.

Another study published in the New England Journal Of Medicine, The percentage of multiple pregnancies are more in case of Letrozole as compared to clomiphene.

Q.11 Can Femara cause birth defects?

If taken during pregnancy, Femara can cause birth defects. However, when taken to cause ovulation, Femara appears to be safe.

Q. 12 How much does Femara cost?

The price of a 2.5 mg Femara tablet is approximately $ 750 for a 30 tablets strip. This Femara cost is for cash paying customers only and are not valid with insurance plans. The latest version of Femara is covered by 73% of the insurance plans with a share of 60 to 80$. However, some pharmacy vouchers or cash prizes may be lower.

Q. 13 Do Femara side effects go away?

Side effects from Femara are 1% in the majority of the patients and These side-effects are reversible. some side effects may go away on their own over time. Contact your physician.

Q. 14 How long should I stay on letrozole?

Suggested hormonal therapy is 10 years. First 5 years tamoxifen and then next 5 years Femara. But it’s better you consult your healthcare provider about how long you can expect to take it for.

Q. 15 When should I take Femara?

The usual recommended dose for fertility purpose is 2.5 mg every day for 5-7 days. The ideal time to begin is on the third or fourth day of the cycle.

The usual recommended dose of Letrozole for all type of breast cancer treatment is 2.5 mg per day. You can take it without regard to meals. Duration of therapy is usually 5 years but some doctors may recommend it for a longer period of time.

Q. 16 What are the benefits of taking letrozole?

It inhibits the conversion of androgens to estrogen. That’s why Femara is used in estrogen receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and other types of breast cancer. It improves the chance of survival as it helps to lower your risk of breast cancer recurrence.

It is also used in the treatment of infertility.

Q. 17 Does letrozole cause bone pain?

The use of Femara can drop your estrogen levels which ultimately can cause pain in the joint and muscle.

Q. 18 How does Femara work?

Femara inhibits the aromatase enzyme by competitively binding to the heme of the cytochrome P450 subunit of the enzyme. This inhibition leads to a reduction of estrogen synthesis in all tissues.

When taking the medicine, it prevents the androgens in your body from converting into estrogen. When estrogen is blocked, the pituitary gland receives the required message for the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which stimulates the production of an ovary egg.

Treatment of women with this medicine significantly lowers blood serum estrone, estradiol and estrone sulfate. It has not been shown to significantly have an effect on adrenal corticosteroid synthesis, aldosterone synthesis, or synthesis of thyroid hormones.

Q. 19 How to take Femara to get pregnant?

Letrozole is usually taken once daily for five days. If you started treatment on day 3, you are probably ovulating once between day 14 and day 17 of your cycle. To think, you will start having sex before ovulating. If you started the treatment on the fifth day, you will probably ovulate between the 16th and 19th days.

Q. 20 How do you take Femara for infertility?

Take two pills daily, starting on Cycle Day 3 and ending on Cycle Day 7.

You can take the two tablets together, but you have to take it for five consistent days. You can take it any time of day.

Note: The first day of menses is Cycle Day 1.

Q.21 Are Femara and letrozole the same?

It is the brand name of Letrozole manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceutical company. They both are the same thing but Femara is brand and Letrozole is Generic.

Q. 22 What is the generic for Femara?

Generic of Femara is Letrozole which is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women.

Please Feel free to ask any question related to this topic in the comments section.

References

Letrozole: a review of its use in postmenopausal women with breast cancer. [Internet]. [Cited December 2018]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/15161328/

Long-term efficacy and safety of letrozole for the adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer in postmenopausal women: a review. [Internet]. [Cited December 2018]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747391/

Ibrance (Palbociclib)

Ibrance (Palbociclib): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage & FAQs
Ibrance is the brand name for the generic drug Palbocilcib. This medicine belongs to a group of a second generation cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors.

Palbociclib is used in combination with letrozole (Femara) as an initial endocrine therapy for the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and hormone receptor (HR) positive breast tumors in adult cancer patients. It is also approved in combination with fulvestrant in patients with progressive disease receiving prior endocrine therapy.

Ibrance Uses
It is used in combination with other drugs to treat the following conditions

Ibrance alone is used to treat Advanced (metastatic) breast cancer.
In combination with other medications used to treat HR-positive breast cancer.
Also used to treat HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Mechanism
Cancer cells grow uncontrollably. Ibrance is an inhibitor of cyclodependent kinase (CDK) 4/6. A kinase is a type of protein in the body that helps control cell division. CDK 4/6 inhibitors work by disrupting the kinase and preventing cancer cells from dividing and developing.

Pregnancy
It is approved only for menopausal women. However, it is important to know that pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should not take this medicine. It is important that you do not become pregnant while taking Palbociclib. You must use an effective contraceptive method while you are taking it and at least two weeks after the last dose.

Breastfeeding
Women who are breastfeeding or who intend to breastfeed should not take Palbociclib. Together, you and your doctor will decide if you want to take it or breastfeed.

Ibrance Side Effects
The most common and serious side effects of Ibrance are:

Upper respiratory infection
Low blood counts.
Fatigue
Frequent infection
These are less common side effects associated with the use of ibrance are

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Mouth sores
Hair loss/thinning
Weakness
Decreased appetite
Peripheral neuropathy
Nosebleeds
Precautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are

Allergy to palbociclib, another medicine or any of the ingredients in palbociclib capsules.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John’s wort.
Tell your doctor if you have an infection or if you have or have liver or kidney disease.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are taking this medicine.
Talk to your doctor about your medical history, especially about neutropenia.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated in the following conditions

Hypersensitivity reactions to this drug or any other ingredients.
Pregnancy
Breast feeding
It is contraindicated in fungal infections.
Dosage
Take this medication with a meal prescribed by your doctor. Usually once a day for 21 days. Then take the medicine for 7 days. This is a treatment cycle. Continue taking this medication as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew or open the capsules.

Do not carry any broken or damaged capsule with you. If you vomit after taking it, do not take another dose of the medication that day. Take the next dose at the usual time of the next day.

The recommended initial dose of Ibrance is 125 mg once a day with food for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days without treatment. IBRANCE should be taken with food.
When used concomitantly with Ibrance, the recommended dose of fulvestrant is 500 mg taken on Days 1, 15, 29, and once monthly thereafter. Please consult the complete dosing information of fulvestrant.
The dose depends on your health status, your laboratory tests, your response to treatment and other medications you take. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products). If you notice any side effects, your doctor may stop your treatment for a while or reduce your dose. Talk to your doctor to get more information.

Use this medication regularly to make the most of it. At the same time, take it at the same time you take the medicine so you can remember it.

Do not increase your dose and do not use this medication more often or for longer than expected. Your condition will not improve faster and will increase the risk of serious side effects.

Interactions
You should not take a type of medicine called a CYP3A inhibitor because it increases the effects of this drug.

CYP3A includes antifungal medicines such as

Itraconazole
Clarithromycin,
Antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV such as

Lopinavir and
Ritonavir
You should not take a type of drug called a CYP3A inducer because it decreases the effects of this medicine. This class of medicines includes

Rifampin,
Carbamazepine
You should not take with a herb like St. John’s wort, because it can decrease the effects of Ibrance.

You should not eat grapefruit or pomegranate or drink grapefruit juice or pomegranate juice because they can increase the effects of this medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. What is Ibrance?

Ibrance (Palbociclib) is a prescription drugs and belongs to a group of a second generation cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors.

  1. What is Ibrance used to treat?

It is used in combination with an aromatase inhibitor such as Femara for the treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer, which is positive for the hormone receptor, HER2-negative, which has not been previously treated in postmenopausal women with hormone therapy. It is also used in combination with fulvestrant for the treatment of HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer, with positive hormone receptors grown after hormonal therapy in postmenopausal women.

  1. How long can you take Ibrance?

It is taken orally during a 4-week cycle as a daily dose. In the first 3 weeks (21 days) take an Ibrance pill once a day.

  1. How does Ibrance work?

Ibrance is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4 and 6. A kinase is a type of protein in the body that helps to control cell division. The cancer cells grow uncontrollably and Ibrance works by interfering with the kinase to prevent cancer cells from dividing and growing.

  1. How to take Ibrance?

It is taken orally once daily with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant. You should take Ibrance at about the same time each day and swallow as a whole. If you forget or vomit a dose after one dose, take the next prescribed dose at the usual time.

  1. Should Ibrance be taken with food?

This medicine should be taken after the meal.

  1. What should I avoid when taking Ibrance?

If you are being treated with this medicine, do not take Ibrance for the treatment of other conditions, Unless The doctor instructs you.

Do not share this medicine with third parties, even if they have the same condition as you.

Do not Lower the dose without consulting your doctor.

  1. Is there a generic for Ibrance?

Yes it is a brand and the generic is Palbociclib. It belong to a group of drugs known as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors.

  1. What are the side effects of Ibrance?

The common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dry mouth etc. while serious side effects include Upper respiratory infection, Low blood counts, Fatigue.

  1. Is Palbociclib a form of chemotherapy?

Palbociclib is used to treat a specific type of breast cancer in women. It is a chemotherapy that slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells.

  1. Can I use the Ibrance tablet when I’m pregnant?

Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should not take Palbociclib. Doctors do not know if Ibrance harms her baby before birth. It is important that you do not become pregnant while taking Palbociclib.

  1. Can I use Ibrance while breastfeeding?

Women who are breastfeeding or who intend to breastfeed should not take Ibrance. Your doctor will decide together if you want to take Ibrance or breastfeed.

  1. What happens if I forget a dose of Ibrance?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose on the same day to make up for the missed dose.

  1. What is the dose for the Ibrance?

The usual recommended starting dose of Ibrance is 125 mg once daily with food for 21 consecutive days, followed by 7 days of treatment. Check for more

  1. How to store Ibrance?

Keep this medicine in the container where it is well closed and inaccessible to children. Store it at room temperature and away from excessive heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

  1. What happens if i overdose on Ibrance?

Call your doctor or the poison information center immediately. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Dovato

FAQs

Dovato is the Brand name for the combination of two medications, such as dolutegravir and lamivudine. The US Food And Drugs Administration (FDA) has approved the treatment of HIV infection based on two drugs and a Single tablet Regime (STR).

It is used to control HIV infection. It helps reduce the amount of HIV in your body so that your immune system can function better. This reduces the likelihood of complications of HIV (for example, new infections, cancer) and improves the quality of life.

The drug Dovato, marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), has been reported as a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adult patients with no history of antiretroviral treatment and no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to either dolutegravir or lamivudine.

Table of Contents

Facts

  • Generic: Dolutegravir and lamivudine
  • Drug Class: Combination of antiretroviral drugs
  • Dosage Form: Tablet
  • Imprint: SV 137
  • Use: HIV-1 infection in adults
  • Manufacturer: ViiV Healthcare
  • Approval Date: 8th April 2019
  • Picture
Dovato

Composition

  1. Dolutegravir 50mg
  2. Lamivudine 300mg

Dolutegravir

  • Dolutegravir is a prescription drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HIV infection in combination with other drugs.
  • Dolutegravir is an HIV-1 interferon inhibitor that blocks the filament transfer phase of the integration of the viral genome into the host cell (INSTI).
  • Integrase inhibitors block an HIV enzyme called integrase. By blocking the integrase, integrase inhibitors prevent the proliferation of HIV and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body.
  • The effect of this drug has no similarity in human host cells, giving it excellent tolerance and minimal toxicity.

Lamivudine

  • Lamivudine is a prescription drug for the treatment of HIV infection and hepatitis B virus (HBV).
  • Lamivudine belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
  • Although lamivudine does not cure HIV, it can reduce the chances of developing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related diseases such as serious infections or cancer.

Dovato Uses

  • It is the first, once-daily, single-tablet for HIV1 Patients.
  • It is Indicated as a complete 2-drug regimen for the treatment of HIV infection in adults with no history of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Mechanism

Dolutegravir is an antiretroviral agent for HIV-1. It inhibits the integrase of HIV by binding to the active site and blocking the step of transferring the retroviral DNA integration filament into the host cell. The filament transfer phase is essential in the HIV replication cycle and leads to the inhibition of virus activity.

Lamivudine is a synthetic nucleoside analog and is intracellular phosphorylated to its active metabolite, lamivudine triphosphate (L-TP), 5′-triphosphate. This nucleoside analog is incorporated into the viral DNA by HIV reverse transcriptase and HBV polymerase, resulting in the termination of the DNA chain.

Dovato Side Effects

The most common side effects with Dovato were

  • Headache,
  • Diarrhea,
  • Nausea,
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue.

Less common side effects (Occurred in less than 2% People) of Dovato includes;

  • Hepatitis
  • Anemia
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Fever
  • Abdominal Discomfort
  • Flatulence
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Pruritus and Rash
  • Renal impairment.
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Myositis
  • Immune reconstitution syndrome.
  • Suicidal Thoughts

Note: This is not a complete list of side effects. You may experience other side effects, consult your doctor.

Black Box Warning

All patients infected with HIV-1 should be tested for HBV before or at the beginning of Dovato treatment. The appearance of lamivudine-resistant HBV variants associated with antiretroviral therapies containing lamivudine has been reported. If Dovato is used in patients co-infected with HIV-1 and HBV, additional treatment should be considered for the appropriate treatment of chronic HBV. Otherwise, consider a different treatment scheme. Serious acute exacerbations of HBV have been reported in patients coinfected with HIV-1 and HBV who discontinued lamivudine, a component of Dovato. Monitor liver functions accurately in these patients and starts anti-HBV therapy if necessary.

Precautions

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you

  • Are allergic to dolutegravir or any other medicines.
  • Have any other medical conditions.
  • Have or have ever had liver problems, including hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) or hepatitis C virus infection (HCV).
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
  • Have diabetes, you should know that there are 3 grams of sucrose in each tablespoon (15 mL) of lamivudine solution.
  • Lactic acidosis and severe hepatomegaly have been reported with the use of lamivudine.
  • Are using hormone-based birth control’
  • They are taking other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products.
  • Concomitant administration of Dovato with another antiretroviral drug for HUV1 is not recommended.
  • HIV-positive and hepatitis B-infected patients who stop using Dovato should be closely monitored by their doctor.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated in the following conditions

  • Hypersensitivity
  • Contraindicated with dofetilide
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding

Dovato in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

As there is a known risk for neural tube defects with dolutegravir, patients are advised to avoid the use of Dovato at the time of conception through the first trimester of pregnancy. Also, It is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.

Interactions:

Dovato should not be used with the following drugs and conditions. These drugs may increase or decrease the concentration of Dovato which may lead to side effects.

  • Dofetilide
  • Carbamazepine
  • Fosamprenavir
  • Magnesium citrate
  • Magnesium Aspartate
  • Phenobarbital
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Sorbitol
  • Phenytoin
  • Tafenoquine
  • Rifampin
  • St John’s wort
  • Tipranavir
  • Sucralfate
  • Metformin

This is not a complete list of drugs. You can consult your doctor before using Dovato along with other drugs.

Dose

It is a single tablet and containing two drugs dolutegravir 50 mg and lamivudine 300 mg. It is a once-daily regime. You should take it with or without food.

Clinical Results

Dovato has been shown to be effective in clinical trials when the treatment has maintained low levels of HIV RNA (less than 50 copies/ml) in the blood for at least 48 weeks.

The approval was based on Gemini I and II involving more than 1,400 HIV-1 infected patients. This shows that Dovato is as effective as the standard three-drug regimen.

Reduces ARV exposure from the start of treatment while maintaining the efficacy and high barrier to resistance of a conventional three-dolutegravir drug.

Frequently asked Questions

1. What is Dovato?

Dovato is the combination of two drugs like dolutegravir (DTG) 50 mg and lamivudine (3TC) 300 mg. It is used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with no antiretroviral (ARV) treatment history and with no known resistance to either DTG or 3TC.

2. What is Dovato Used to Treat?

Dovato is a complete regimen for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults with no antiretroviral treatment history and with no known or suspected substitutions associated with resistance to either dolutegravir or lamivudine.

3. What are the side effects of Dovato?

The most common side effects associated with the use of this medicine was Nausea, vomiting, Fatigue, headache, insomnia, Diarrhea, etc.

4. What is the dose of Dovato?

Dovato is a once-daily, single-tablet, two-drug regimen that combines the dolutegravir 50 mg with the lamivudine 300 mg. Take it as prescribed by your healthcare practitioner. You can take it with or without food.

5. What happens if I overdose on Dovato?

There is no known specific treatment for overdose. In case of overdose,
The patient should be supervised and standard supportive care provided as needed.

6. Is Dovato safe to use during pregnancy?

Patients are advised to avoid the use of Dovato at the time of conception through the first trimester of pregnancy. Because of dolutegravir in this drug cause neural tube defects.

7. Is Dovato safe to use while Breastfeeding?

No, Breastfeeding is not recommended due to the potential for HIV-1 transmission.

8. How should I take Dovato?

Dovato is a two-drug regimen that combines the dolutegravir 50 mg with the lamivudine 300 mg. It is a once-daily, single-tablet. Take this tablet one time a day exactly as your doctor tells you. You can Take It with or without food.

9. What should I do if I miss a dose of dovato?

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses at a time to make up for the missed dose.

10. Who should not take Dovato?

You should not take this medicine if are allergic to it or to any other ingredients present in this formulation. Also, you should avoid taking this medication if you are already taking dofetilide.

11. What are the active ingredients in Dovato?

Dovato is the combination of two active ingredients such as dolutegravir and lamivudine. The inactive ingredients used in Dovato are magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, povidone K29/32, sodium starch glycolate.

12. How to store Dovato?

Keep Dovato in the container and keep the container tightly closed. Do not use it if the original seal covering the opening of the container is broken or missing. Store it at a temperature below 30 ° C (86 ° F).

Disclaimer:

  • The Article above is only for information purposes.
  • It is not intended to replace a medical opinion, diagnosis or treatment by a health professional.
  • Always ask your doctor or another qualified practitioner if you have questions about a health problem.

References

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