Pharmacology

Recently Answered

• QHow do statins help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol?

  4 Answers

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  A Dr. Michael J. Bloch, MD , Internal Medicine, answered on behalf of National Lipid Association

  Statins mostly lower the LDL-C or bad cholesterol, but also have modest effects on raising HDL-C (good cholesterol) and decreasing triglycerides. The mechanism of action of statins is complicated. They block an enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase. This leads to multiple changes within liver and other cells that cause a decrease in production of LDL cholesterol and an increase in LDL clearance from the blood. Much of this effect is due to an increase in the expression of LDL receptors on liver and other cells that help clear it from the blood stream.  

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• QIs Qsymia safe?

  1 Answer

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  A Scripps Health answered

  Women should not become pregnant while taking Qsymia because of an increased risk of birth defects, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate. It is still unknown if Qsymia is safe for people with cardiovascular disease, as it can increase heart rate; studies are planned. People with diabetes must be followed closely as weight is lost to ensure their blood sugar does not drop too much. Qsymia may cause mood changes or cognitive impairment.
• QWhat is Qsymia?

  1 Answer

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  A Scripps Health answered

  Qsymia is a drug for long-term weight management. Taken once daily, it combines two FDA-approved drugs: phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, an anti-seizure medication.
• QWhat drives the sale of statin drugs?

  1 Answer

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  A Dr. Joseph Saseen, PharmD , Cholesterol Management, answered on behalf of National Lipid Association

  Four statins are generically available (atorvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, lovastatin). There are not necessarily any drivers for the sales of these statins.
• QHow much weight can I lose if I take Qsymia?

  1 Answer

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  A Scripps Health answered

  In clinical trials with Qsymia, the average participant lost between 6.7 and nearly 9 percent of their weight, depending on the dose. Qsymia is meant to be combined with diet and exercise for maximum weight loss. If people have not lost at least 5 percent of their weight after 24 weeks on the highest dose, Qsymia should be gradually discontinued.
• QWhat are the common side effects of statins?

  7 Answers

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  A Piedmont Heart Institute answered

  Although generally well-tolerated, statins have been associated with muscle pain (myopathy) and liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity). People who take statins should be monitored by their health care providers for these reasons.
  This answer is based on source information from the National Cancer Institute.

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• QWhat are possible side effects of Stribild?

  1 Answer

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

  Side effects may include anxiety, depression, dizziness, fatigue, fever, headache, abnormal dreams, insomnia, cough, nasal and sinus inflammation, muscle aches, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, diarrhea, abnormal skin sensations, and skin rash. Body fat may accumulate on the upper back and abdomen, with a reduction in the face, arms, and legs.
   
  More serious side effects include a buildup of lactic acid in the blood, an enlarged liver, and weakened bones with pain and fractures. Your immune system may begin to attack healthy cells, causing diseases such as Graves disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Stribild can make it dangerous to drive or to operate machinery. 
  
  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. 
   
• QCan Stribild interact with other medications?

  1 Answer

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

  
  If you are taking alfuzosin, you should not take Stribild. If you are taking silodosin or tamsulosin, Stribild can lead to side effects and should be avoided.
  
  If you are taking pimozide, lovastatin, simvastatin, midazolam, triazolam, or an ergot derivative, you should not take Stribild.
  
  If you are taking rifampin, you should not take Stribild. If you are taking another rifamycin, Stribild can lead to side effects and should be avoided.
  
  Stribild can cause hormonal contraceptive methods to fail. If you take Stribild, you should consider using an alternative method of contraception.
  
  If you are taking any of the following medications, Stribild can lead to side effects and should be avoided:

  • adefovir
  • ado-trastuzumab emtansine
  • aprepitant
  • isavuconazonium
  • bromocriptine
  • cabazitaxel
  • nimodipine
  • nisoldipine
  • carbamazepine
  • cisapride
  • clarithromycin
  • cobimetinib
  • dabrafenib
  • dronedarone
  • eletriptan
  • enzalutamide
  • eplerenone
  • everolimus
  • a factor Xa inhibitor
  • flibanserin
  • fluticasone inhalant
  • fosphenytoin
  • ivabradine
  • lamivudine
  • lomitapide
  • lurasidone
  • macitentan
  • a multikinase inhibitor
  • naloxegol
  • nevirapine
  • olaparib
  • oxcarbazepine
  • palbociclib
  • phenobarbital
  • phenytoin
  • primidone
  • a protease inhibitor
  • ranolazine
  • salmeterol
  • sonidegib
  • suvorexant
  • ticagrelor
  • tizanidine
  • topotecan
  • toremifene
  • a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
  • ulipristal
  • a vasopressin antagonist
  • vemurafenib
  • vincristine
  • vorapaxar

  If you are taking bedaquiline, ganciclovir, ribavirin, valganciclovir, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Stribild may not be a good option for you.
  
  If you take Stribild, you should avoid St. John's wort and red yeast rice.
  
  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.