Genitourinary Agent

Recently Answered

• QWhat other drugs affect solifenacin succinate (VESIcare)?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Solifenacin (VESIcare) may cause adverse reactions when combined with some medications, including certain antidepressants, heart and heart rhythm medications, antibiotics, HIV/AIDS medications and medications used to treat psychiatric illness, such as thorazine. Solifenacin may also cause adverse reactions when combined with narcotic drugs. Before taking solifenacin tell your doctor if you're taking droperidol, halofantrine, chloroquine or arsenic trioxide.
  Ask your physician for a complete list of foods and drugs that could cause a harmful interaction. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements you are taking.
   
• QWhat are calcium acetate tablets?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Calcium acetate tablets are used to reduce high phosphate levels in people with kidney failure. The medication works by stopping the body from absorbing phosphate. Some brand names for calcium acetate tablets are Calphron and PhosLo. It is only available with a doctor's prescription.
   
• QWhat are the health benefits of resveratrol for women?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Resveratrol, a plant chemical primarily found in red wine, grapes and peanuts, may have health benefits for women, especially during menopause when estrogen levels plummet. That's because resveratrol is a potent phytoestrogen, meaning it acts like estrogen in your body. 
  
  Phytoestrogens may help protect your heart and bones and defend against cancer. And some studies suggest that supplements of soy isoflavones, another common phytoestrogen, can help relieve hot flashes in women after menopause. Other studies have found no such benefit, though. And there's been much less research done on resveratrol's effect on menopause symptoms.
  
  In addition, researchers caution that phytoestrogens may actually be harmful for some women, because the compounds could potentially stimulate estrogen-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. More study is needed.
  
  More research is needed before recommending resveratrol supplements to women for relief of menopause symptoms or disease prevention.
  

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat is resveratrol?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Courtney L. Lee, MD , Urology, answered

  Resveratrol is a compound that is found in nature in plants such as the Japanese knotweed, blueberries, peanuts, red grape skins, and others. When it is consumed in the plant form, or as a supplement, its properties help prevent the damaging effects of aging. Resveratrol is also found in red wine. The supplements are made of the extracts of the plants that contain it. The supplement can be found over-the-counter in pill form, liquid form, or worn as a patch.

  See All 3 Answers
• QHow is darifenacin (Enablex) formulated?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  The prescription drug darifenacin (Enablex) comes in tablets that are extended-release (long-acting). It is designed to be taken by mouth only once every day with liquid (water, milk or juice). It does not matter if it is taken with food. It should be taken at the same time every day.
   
• QWho should not take oxybutynin?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Oxybutynin isn't for everyone. First of all, you should not take oxybutynin if you have not been prescribed it by your doctor. People with the following conditions should not take oxybutnin:

  • allergy to oxybutynin
  • inability to urinate
  • digestive tract blockage
  • uncontrolled or untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.

  Other medical conditions may complicate your use of oxybutynin, so make sure to tell your doctor about glaucoma, enlarged prostate, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, myasthenia gravis, ulcerative colitis, slow digestion, overactive thyroid, hernia, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, difficult urination or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or Parkinson's disease.
   
• QWho should not take Ditropan XL?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Do not take Ditropan XL if you are allergic to oxybutynin, are unable to urinate, have a blockage in your digestive tract, or have uncontrolled or untreated narrow-angle glaucoma. Carefully discuss taking this drug with your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, ulcerative colitis, a stomach disorder, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, a muscle disorder, or an enlarged prostate. There have not been enough studies using Ditropan XL with pregnant women or nursing mothers to determine the effects on the fetus or infant. Children over five years old appear to have the same side effects as adults. There is no information about the effect of Ditropan XL in children under age five.
• QWhat should I know about Dianeal Low Calcium before taking it?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Before taking Dianeal Low Calcium, you will need to have a catheter inserted into your abdomen. A catheter is a long, flexible tube inserted in the body cavity to drain fluids. After the surgery to insert the catheter and before starting the Dianeal Low Calcium, you will need to wait two weeks to give your body time to heal. Once the area around the catheter is healed, you can begin the peritoneal dialysis. Tell your doctor your complete medical history, including any allergies you have, or prescription or nonprescription medicine and herbal or dietary supplements that you are taking. Dianeal Low Calcium is a prescription medication. Dosage depends on your age, weight, and medical condition.
  This medication is only intended for use in dialysis and will not treat lactic acidosis. If you are administering this drug from home, make sure you follow your doctor's instructions exactly and keep all scheduled appointments. Failure to administer dialysis properly can result in complications ranging from infection,  fluid imbalances to high or low blood pressure to muscle cramps. People with a heart condition, imbalanced electrolyte levels, or diabetes should be extremely cautious while using Dianeal Low Calcium.
• QWho should not take Dianeal PD-2?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  Patients with a compromised peritoneal cavity (due to surgery, trauma, adhesions, infection, or hernias, for example) may not be good candidates for Dianeal PD-2. Those with certain cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions may also need to avoid peritoneal dialysis as a treatment. If you are allergic or sensitive to corn, corn products, or any of the ingredients in Dianeal PD-2, you should not use it. Discussing your complete medical history and tracking your progress with your doctor can help determine if Dianeal PD-2 is right for you.
• QWho should not take Dianeal PD-1?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Stacy Wiegman, PharmD , Pharmacy, answered

  If your peritoneal cavity is compromised (due to surgery, trauma, adhesions, infection, or hernias, for example), Dianeal PD-1 might not be right for you. People who have certain cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions may also need to avoid peritoneal dialysis as a treatment. If you are allergic or sensitive to corn, corn products, or any of the ingredients in Dianeal PD-1, you should not use it. Discussing your complete medical history with your healthcare provider, including having her frequently monitor your progress, can help determine if Dianeal PD-1 is right for you.