Female Reproductive Agent

Recently Answered

• QWho should not take botulinum toxin type B?

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  A Dr. Darria Gillespie, MD , Emergency Medicine, answered

  People with neuromuscular disorders have a higher risk of severe swallowing and breathing problems when treated with botulinum toxin A.
  
  If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or may be pregnant, botulinum toxin A may not be a good option for you. It is not known if it is safe for pregnant women.
  
  If you are breastfeeding, botulinum toxin A may not be a good option for you. It is not known if this drug can be passed into breast milk. 
  
  This answer was adapted from Sharecare's award-winning AskMD app. Start a consultation now to find out what's causing your symptoms, learn how to manage a condition, or find a doctor.
• QWhat are the side effects of tioconazole?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The most common side effects of tioconazole (brand names Monistat and Vagistat) include: irritation, itching, burning, painful urination and the need to urinate frequently. Although rare, it is possible to suffer an allergic reaction to tioconazole. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, shortness of breath, swelling in the face, lips, throat or tongue. Also, contact your doctor if you have long-lasting vaginal burning or irritation, vomiting, nausea, fever or foul-smelling discharge.
  
  

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• QCan the fertility drug clomiphene citrate help treat male infertility?

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  A Dr. Harry Fisch, MD , Urology, answered

  Clomiphene citrate, marketed in pill form as Clomid or Serophene, is a prescription medicine commonly used for female infertility. It works by stimulating a part of the brain (the pituitary gland) that controls production of two hormones key to reproductive health: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Both hormones are also vital to men. FSH stimulates sperm production in the testicles, and LH stimulates testosterone production.
  
  A number of studies have now conclusively demonstrated that modest doses of clomiphene successfully raises testosterone levels in men without impairing testicular function. Not only is testosterone boosted, sperm production and sperm quality may be enhanced as well.
  
  I believe using clomiphene is an excellent way to raise the body's testosterone levels -- particularly in men using it to treat infertility. Other drugs similar to clomiphene are being developed that may provide similar benefits with, perhaps, lower risks (though clomiphene is, relatively speaking, a very safe drug). Future research may provide a new generation of medications to safely and effectively increase testosterone levels without the need for direct testosterone replacement therapy.
  
  A word of caution: clomiphene should only be used under a doctor's supervision, and it should only be used by men who have documented hypogonadism (abnormally low testosterone). Like any medicine, clomiphene can be abused, and if not used correctly in appropriate patients, it may do more harm than good.
• QWhat should I know about Bravelle before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Bravelle treats female fertility problems. Using Bravelle (urofollitropin) can lead to a multiple pregnancy. These pregnancies are considered high risk for the babies and the mother and need close medical supervision. Bravelle does not cause ovulation (only the maturing of the egg) and another medication may be needed in combination with Bravelle.
  
  Bravelle should not be used once a woman becomes pregnant. The drug may cause serious birth defects. 
• QWhat is terconazole?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Terconazole is an antifungal medication that is used to treat fungal or yeast infections of the vagina, also known as candida. It also is marketed under brand names, such as Terazol 3 and Terazol 7, and is available as a vaginal cream or suppository.
  
  The dosage is once a day at bedtime for both the suppositories and the cream, which comes with an applicator for insertion into the vagina. The suppository or 0.8% cream are used for three days, and the 0.4% cream is used for seven days. The medication is taken at night to be more effective, as it may drip out if you remain standing. The use of a sanitary napkin is recommended. Tampons may absorb the cream and reduce the effectiveness. You can use this medication during your menstrual period, but should avoid sexual intercourse during this time.
  
  

• QWhat should I know about terconazole before using it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  You should use the full course of treatment of terconazole, even if symptoms improve. Avoid wearing tight clothing, pantyhose or synthetic material, and wear cotton underpants or other natural fibers to allow the air to circulate. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to any of the ingredients, if you have abdominal pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge, HIV, AIDS or diabetes. Do not use any other vaginal creams, suppositories or douches while using terconazole. Tell your doctor about any over-the-counter or prescription drugs or supplements you are taking, and inform your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known how harmful terconazole is to the fetus or whether it is passed through breast milk.
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of terconazole?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The most common side effects of terconazole cream include: painful menstruation, stomach pain, body pain, burning or itching of the vagina. The most common side effects of terconazole suppositories include: headaches, burning or itching of the vagina or body pain. Symptoms of an allergic reaction that require emergency treatment include: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face, chills, flu-like symptoms, tiredness, headaches, muscle aches, fever, vaginal irritation or sensitivity. There may be other side effects not listed here.
  
  
• QWhat is dinoprostone?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Dinoprostone, sold under the brand names Cervidil, Prepidil, or Prostin E2, is used to thin and dilate the cervix and cause the uterus to contract as it does when a woman is in labor. This medication may be inserted into the vagina in the form of a suppository, a tampon, a gel, or as an extended release product. Although this drug is primarily used to induce labor when a woman is at or near term, it may also be used to stop unusually heavy bleeding after delivery. Sometimes, dinoprostone is used in early pregnancy to induce an abortion. Dinoprostone is used only under the direct supervision of a doctor and requires 10 minutes to 2 hours of rest after insertion to be effective.
  
• QWhat should I know about dinoprostone before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking dinoprostone, you should know that when tested in lab animals, it increased the risk of skeletal anomalies, and is therefore considered a pregnancy Category C medication. These problems should not occur in humans because it is usually given after the skeleton is fully formed, but prolonged uterine contraction can put a fetus at risk. Dinoprostone should only be used as needed to protect the health and safety of mother and fetus. Dinoprostone may also be affected by medical conditions including a history of asthma or epilepsy, glaucoma, hypertension or hypotension, lung or kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, unusual vaginal bleeding, prior difficult deliveries, or uterine surgeries. If you have had more than five pregnancies; placenta previa; genital herpes; or an allergy to medication, inform your doctor before using dinoprostone. Dinoprostone may interact negatively with oxytocin and should not be used simultaneously.
  
• QWhat are the side effects of dinoprostone?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, including hives, a swollen face or tongue or difficulty breathing, call your doctor immediately. If you have extreme abdominal cramping or pain, or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding, you should also call your doctor as soon as possible. Side effects that may not require medical attention, unless severe, would include diarrhea, fever, headache, nausea, and back pain. Some people who take dinoprostone also experience constipation, swelling of the vulva, bloating, malodorous vaginal discharge, and lower abdominal pain. If you develop any rare side effects, such as irregular heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling, blotchy skin, or no pulse in your arms and legs, seek immediate medical attention.