Genitourinary Agent

Recently Answered

• QHow is peritoneal dialysis solution used?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Peritoneal dialysis solution is a cleansing liquid that is infused through a catheter (a soft tube) into the abdominal cavity. This solution is used during peritoneal dialysis to pull wastes and liquid from the blood. Peritoneal dialysis is an alternative to the kind of dialysis most people are familiar with -- hemodialysis, in which blood from a patient is run through a dialysis machine that removes wastes and liquid. Either kind of dialysis keeps the blood clean when the kidneys fail.
  
  Peritoneal dialysis solution is a mixture of dextrose (or another sugar), salt and minerals dissolved in water. The solution fills the abdomen, and waste materials mix with the solution. They are removed from the body when the solution is drained away. This process is called an exchange.
  
• QWhat is pentosan polysulfate sodium?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Pentosan polysulfate is used to treat interstitial cystitis, a bladder disease that causes swelling and scarring of the bladder wall. It helps relieve symptoms of interstitial cystitis by preventing irritation of the bladder wall. Pentosan polysulfate is related to a class of medicines called low molecular weight heparins. It comes as capsules that you swallow. Brand names for pentosan polysulfate include Elmiron.
• QWhat should I know about pentosan polysulfate before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before you take pentosan polysulfate, tell your doctor if you have allergies to this drug, danaparoid, heparin, or any other medicines. You should also tell your doctor if you have any problems with bleeding or blood clotting, history of stroke or aneurysm, stomach disorders, spleen or liver disease, hemophilia, ulcers, or intestinal blockage. If you are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking pentosan polysulfate. Some over-the-counter or prescription medications may increase your risk of bleeding. These include anticoagulants such as warfarin, aspirin, alteplase, anistreplase, clopidogrel, dipyridamole, streptokinase, ticlopidine, urokinase, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you are taking any of these medicines, talk to your doctor before taking pentosan polysulfate.
• QWhat are the side effects of pentosan polysulfate?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  There is a risk of side effects while taking pentosan polysulfate. Call your doctor right away if you experience abnormal bleeding or bruising, blood in your urine, or feeling faint. Some less serious side effects may include stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, mild skin rash or itchiness, hair loss, difficulty sleeping, moodiness, or heartburn. If these symptoms become severe or won't go away, talk to your doctor.
• QHow should I take pentosan polysulfate?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Pentosan polysulfate comes as capsules that you swallow. You should take this medicine with water at least one hour before or two hours after each meal. Take this medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
• QWhat should I know about lanthanum before taking it?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking lanthanum, share your complete medical history and health status with your doctor. Tell your doctor if you currently have Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, a stomach ulcer, intestinal or stomach problems or a bowel obstruction and if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction to lanthanum, any other medication, food, dye or preservative. Make sure your doctor knows all the medications you're taking, including over-the-counter or herbal medications.
  Among the drugs that can interact with lanthanum are acid blockers, beta blockers, aspirin and similar drugs, captopril, chlorpromazine, digoxin, isoniazid, iron products, ketoconazole, levodopa, anxiety or sleep medications, blood clot medications (e.g., warfarin), seizure medications, nitrofurantoin, NSAIDS e.g. ibuprofen and naproxen), quinidine, quinolone antibiotics, steroid medicines (e.g., prednisone or cortisone), sodium polystyrene sulfonate or tetracycline antibiotics. You may have to take lanthanum separately from other medications, because lanthanum may affect how the other medications are absorbed into your system.
  While studies have not definitively shown that lanthanum is harmful to unborn babies, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, let your doctor know. While taking lanthanum, be sure to follow your prescribing doctor's instructions. Take the medicine during or immediately following meals, and always chew the tablets completely before swallowing. If you require an x-ray while using this medication, inform the technician that you are taking lanthanum.
   
• QWhat is lanthanum?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Also known as the brand product Fosrenol, lanthanum is a prescription medication for people with kidney disease. A phosphate binder, the medication is prescribed in chewable tablet form to help lower phosphate levels in the blood, which can rise if the kidneys are not working properly. Lanthanum prevents the absorption of phosphate from foods in the stomach.
  
  
• QWhat are the side effects of lanthanum?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Common, less serious side effects of taking lanthanum include: diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headaches and runny nose.

  If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in the face, tongue, lips or throat, call 911 immediately. Other potentially serious side effects include: confusion, irritability, tiredness, weakness, faintness, fever, infection, appetite loss, low blood pressure, blurred vision, dizziness or a blockage at a dialysis graft. Let your doctor know if you experience any of these side effects.
  
  

• QWhat should I know about solifenacin (VESIcare)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If your doctor has prescribed solifenacin (VESIcare) for you, you should be aware that the doctor needs to know if you have liver or kidney disease, problems urinating, glaucoma, digestive problems like blockage or heart problems.

  Avoid exercising in hot weather or hot rooms, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids, as solifenacin affects your ability to perspire and makes you more prone to heat stroke. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery when taking solifenacin succinate, as it can impair your ability to see clearly and respond as needed. Seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience symptoms, such as overheating, unquenchable thirst, discomfort during urination, constipation or if you completely stop urinating.

  Solifenacin can be harmful to infants and unborn children, so do not take solifenacin while pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking solifenacin, tell your doctor about all of the prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking.
  
  

• QWhat is solifenacin (VESIcare)?

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  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Solifenacin (VESIcare)is a prescription medication that treats overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is caused by involuntary contractions of bladder muscles, which make the need to urinate frequently or urgently and can cause leakage. VESIcare works to relieve muscle spasms by relaxing the muscle around the bladder. It is classified as a bladder antispasmodic medication. Solifenacin is a tablet that should be taken with water and may be taken with or without food.