GoodRx • December 17, 2024

From NSAIDs to Licorice Root: 6 Bisoprolol Interactions to Consider

Key takeaways: Bisoprolol is a beta blocker that treats high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. Taking it with certain heart medications can raise the risk of severely low blood pressure or heart rate. Examples include diltiazem (Cardizem), digoxin, and disopyramide (Norpace). Other bisoprolol interactions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), alcohol, and insulin or other diabetes medications. Taking bisoprolol with these medications can raise the risk of side effects. Certain dietary supplements may interfere with how well bisoprolol works. These include ginseng, licorice root, and St. John’s wort. Talk to your healthcare team before taking any supplements with bisoprolol. It’s fine to occasionally eat bananas, drink caffeine, and take Tylenol while taking bisoprolol. But large amounts of these items aren’t recommended. They may contribute to heart-related problems.

GoodRx • December 10, 2024

Qsymia vs. Wegovy for Weight Loss: 6 Differences to Consider

Qsymia (phentermine / topiramate ER) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both FDA-approved weight-loss medications. Wegovy requires a weekly injection under the skin, while Qsymia is an oral capsule taken once daily. Wegovy may start working faster and result in more weight loss overall than Qsymia. But both medications have led to significant weight loss after 8 to 12 weeks in most people. Both medications have different drug interactions and side effects to consider. Your healthcare team can review your medication list and personal history to help you decide which medication is best for you. There are ways to save on Qsymia and Wegovy which are both only available as brand-name medications. If you’re eligible, manufacturer savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable. Patient assistance programs are also available.

GoodRx • November 19, 2024

How Is Viibryd Different From SSRIs? Plus, 5 More Viibryd FAQs

Key takeaways: Viibryd (vilazodone) is used to treat depression. It isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). But it works in a similar way to treat depression, with an added benefit of causing less weight gain and fewer sexual side effects. In most cases, you’ll take Viibryd for at least 4 to 12 months, but long-term treatment is also possible. It isn’t safe to stop taking Viibryd on your own. Your prescriber can give you directions for slowly lowering your dose once you’ve decided it’s time to stop taking it. Viibryd may start working in 1 to 2 weeks, but typically takes up to 8 weeks to reach its full effects. Side effects should go away after a few weeks once your body adjusts to the medication. Viibryd is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.

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WebMD • October 28, 2024

What to Know About Imfinzi for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

If you or a loved one has lung cancer, you may be interested in learning more about medicines used to treat it. One option is an immunotherapy medicine called Imfinzi (durvalumab). Immunotherapy medicines work by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells.The FDA approved Imfinzi in 2017. It is approved to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain people. NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer.  Imfinzi is also FDA-approved to treat other types of cancer, including a...

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WebMD • October 14, 2024

Lutathera (lutetium lu 177 dotatate): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

What is Lutathera used for? Lutathera (lutetium lu 177 dotatate) is commonly used to treat certain types of tumors in your digestive system. Specifically, Lutathera treats gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs). Lutathera may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Ro • October 11, 2024

Does Viagra lower blood pressure?

Key takeaways Viagra (sildenafil) slightly lowers blood pressure, but the effect is usually minor and safe for most people. Viagra should not be taken with nitrates, as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. While Viagra's effect on blood pressure is usually mild, it's still important to watch for symptoms like dizziness or fainting, especially if you're taking blood pressure medications.

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GoodRx • September 23, 2024

7 Medications That Can Dry Out Your Skin - GoodRx

Dry skin is a common issue that can happen for many reasons. Your age, environment, and lifestyle can all play a role. But it’s easy to overlook another common cause of dry skin: your medications.Here, we’ll discuss seven types of medications known to have drying effects on the skin. We’ll also review what you can do to help manage dry skin when it happens.Retinoids are medications related to vitamin A. They’re used to treat acne and reduce the appearance of age-related skin issues. But they can...

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WebMD • August 15, 2024

Dorzolamide: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

What is dorzolamide used for? Dorzolamide is commonly used to lower pressure inside the eye in people with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. These conditions cause increased pressure inside the eye. Dorzolamide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

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Managed Healthcare Executive • July 8, 2024

Another Toxicity of Cancer Treatment

A diagnosis of advanced cancer upends the lives of patients and their loved ones. In addition to the severity of the disease and fears of mortality, cancer treatment typically brings with it the heavy, intrusive hand of toxicities. There are the well-chronicled biological toxicities from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, such as hair loss, nausea and fatigue. The cost of cancer treatment and where insurance coverage falls short has been characterized as financial toxicity, which can not only cause dire financial hardship but also affect treatment itself, as people may skip, delay or avoid treatment altogether due to the high cost.

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GoodRx • June 26, 2024

Retin-A vs. Retin-A-Micro: 7 Differences to Consider

Key takeaways: - Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are topical forms of tretinoin. They’re approved to treat acne and used off-label to help reduce wrinkles and skin discoloration. Retin-A Micro uses microspheres to deliver tretinoin slowly over time. This helps lessen side effects, so Retin-A Micro may be a better option for those with sensitive skin. But Retin-A may work slightly faster. - Retin-A comes as a cream and a gel. Retin-A Micro only comes as a gel. Creams may be better for dry skin, while gels may be preferred if you have oily skin. - You should wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to apply Retin-A. But you don’t need to wait before applying Retin-A Micro. Both medications can worsen acne and skin appearance for the first few weeks. But you should notice an improvement after 12 weeks (about 3 months) of regular use with either medication. - There are many ways to save on Retin-A and Retin-A Micro. If you’re eligible, manufacturer savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable. Patient assistance programs are also available.

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GoodRx • June 25, 2024

Aromatase Inhibitors List for Breast Cancer Treatment

Key takeaways: - Aromatase inhibitors are prescription medications used to treat hormone-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Three aromatase inhibitors are available: anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). - All three aromatase inhibitors are similarly effective for treating breast cancer. Anastrozole and exemestane (but not letrozole) are also effective at lowering the chance of breast cancer in those at high risk for it. - Common aromatase inhibitor side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and muscle or joint pain. Don’t stop taking an aromatase inhibitor on your own. Often, your prescriber can treat your side effects or switch you to a different medication to manage them. - There are many ways to save on aromatase inhibitors. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. You can find aromatase inhibitor prices as low as $10.00 per month with a free GoodRx discount.

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Medical News Today • May 1, 2024

Dilantin: Side effects, dosage, uses, interactions, and more

Dilantin is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for seizures in adults and children. The medication is available in the following oral forms: capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Dilantin belongs to the antiepileptic drug class.

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Medical News Today • April 17, 2024

Vowst: Dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and more

Vowst is a brand-name biologic drug. The active ingredient is fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk. (The reason “-brpk” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.) Vowst is not currently available in a version. Biologic drugs are made from living cells. Traditional (nonbiologic) drugs are usually made from chemicals. A generic is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a traditional brand-name medication.

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Rite Aid • April 4, 2024

How Often Do You Need to Get the Shingles Vaccine?

How long does the shingles vaccine last — and do you need it? This article addresses frequently asked questions if you get the shingles vaccine.

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US News & World Report • March 28, 2024

8 Best Motion Sickness Medicines: Pharmacist Picks 2023

Motion sickness can begin with uneasiness and quickly progress to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. A panel of pharmacists ranked the best brands of motion sickness medicines and remedies. Dramamine is their No.1 choice. Also check out Best Nausea Medicines and all our Best OTC Medicines and Health Products.

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US News & World Report • March 28, 2024

Best Cough Drops and Lozenges

Cough drops temporarily soothe and control a cough. We surveyed pharmacists to rank the best cough drop brands. Halls is their No.1 choice. Also check out Best Sore Throat Sprays and Best Immune Support.

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Medical News Today • February 21, 2024

Augtyro: Cost, dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and more

Augtyro is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for a specific type of lung cancer. Augtyro contains the active ingredient repotrectinib. Augtyro is FDA-approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer in adults in certain situations. Specifically, the cancer must be advanced or metastatic and have a specific genetic mutation. For more details, see the “Augtyro’s uses” section below. The Augtyro dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include: • other medical cond

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Managed Healthcare Executive • January 3, 2024

Promising Trial Results for New Drug Under Investigation for Small Cell Lung Cancer

The FDA has granted priority review to Amgen's application for tarlatamab, an investigational therapy for advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The FDA's priority review designation indicates the need for new treatment options in this patient population. SCLC is a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer with a 5-year relative survival rate of 7%. Current treatments have limited success in advanced stages of the disease. Tarlatamab is a type of immunotherapy drug called a bispecific T-cel

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Health Guide • August 8, 2023

How To Inject Wegovy: Tips To Take Wegovy From a Pharmacist

is a once-weekly injection healthcare providers can prescribe to help people with . The thought of injecting yourself can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before, but there are ways to make the process quick and easy. Keep reading to learn more about Wegovy (semaglutide) and how to administer it safely and effectively. Wegovy is a brand-name prescription drug. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Wegovy belongs to a popular class of medications known as . To take W

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Verywell Health • July 5, 2023

Comparing Pregabalin vs. Gabapentin

Gabapentin and pregabalin are similar drugs but differ in several distinct ways. The main differences are their indications—specific uses that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them to treat—and their dosages. Gabapentin and pregabalin are FDA-approved to treat some of the same conditions, including postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Both drugs are also indicated to treat partial seizures in adults and certain children with epilepsy (a seizure disorder) when taken along with o