treats high blood cholesterol along with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. It is also used to treat high blood sitosterol and campesterol along with diet therapy.
How Taken
Use Zetia as directed by your doctor.
Take Zetia by mouth with or without food.
Taking Zetia at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
If you also take a bile acid sequestrant (eg, cholestyramine, colesevelam, colestipol), do not take it within 4 hours before or 2 hours after taking Zetia . Check with your doctor if you have questions.
Continue to use Zetia even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zetia.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Zetia , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store Zetia at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zetia out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
diarrhea; dizziness; headache; joint pain; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stomach pain; tiredness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; dark urine; unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness; yellowing of the eyes or skin.
More Information
Zetia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people
is used to help prevent the return of a certain abnormally fast heartbeat (occasional atrial fibrillation) that causes severe symptoms. Propafenone belongs to a class of drugs known as antidysrhythmics. It works by blocking the abnormal electrical activity of an abnormal heartbeat so that the normal heartbeat can occur.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., EKG, blood mineral tests) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.
Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness/sleepiness, very slow heartbeat, very fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting.
How To Use
This medication may be started at a low dose so that your doctor can determine the best dose, increase it gradually as needed, and monitor you closely for side effects.Take this medication by mouth exactly as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food, usually every 12 hours or as directed.
Do not crush, chew or split the capsules.
Doing so may increase side effects.Dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to therapy.This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level.
Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.
To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed or stop taking it (or other heart medicines) even for a short time unless directed to do so by your doctor.
Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause your abnormal heartbeat to return.
It is very important to avoid running out of this medication.
Therefore, always order your refills several days early.Contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention (e.g., call -911, have someone else drive you to a hospital emergency room) if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.Dizziness, metallic/salty taste in the mouth, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, tiredness, feeling short of breath, swelling of ankles/legs, and increased infections of the airways (e.g., chest colds) may occur.
Less common side effects may also include diarrhea, gas, dry mouth, weakness, and blurred vision.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, persistent abnormally fast heartbeat at rest, short bursts of pounding heartbeat, signs of asthma (e.g., wheezing, persistent/phlegmy cough), worsening symptoms of heart failure (e.g., ankle/leg swelling, increased tiredness, increased shortness of breath when lying down), increased/easy bruising.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: butterfly-shaped facial rash with unusual tiredness and joint/muscle aches, signs of serious infection (e.g., high fever, severe chills, weakness, persistent sore throat), signs of liver problems (e.g., persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, severe tiredness).Propafenone has also rarely caused temporarily decreased sperm counts in men.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
See also Warning section.Before taking propafenone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart failure, certain heartbeat problems (e.g., second- or third-degree atrioventricular block unless you have a heart pacemaker, sick sinus syndrome, bundle branch block), very slow heartbeat, shock due to the heart not pumping well (e.g., very low blood pressure and loss of consciousness), low blood minerals (potassium, magnesium), asthma.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney problems, previous heart attack, lung problems (e.g., chronic bronchitis, emphysema), myasthenia gravis.Contact your doctor immediately if you develop other illnesses/conditions such as prolonged diarrhea, large quantities of diarrhea, heavy sweating, vomiting, prolonged loss of appetite, prolonged loss of desire to drink water.
These conditions could cause you to have serious changes in blood minerals, leading to increased side effects from propafenone.This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy.
Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.
Limit alcoholic beverages.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially drowsiness/dizziness.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: disopyramide, amiodarone, quinidine, procainamide, ibutilide, sotalol, moricizine, droperidol, bepridil, dofetilide, cisapride, pimozide, halofantrine, ranolazine, lopinavir/ritonavir, tipranavir, saquinavir.Other drugs besides propafenone and those listed above that may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include flecainide, tolterodine, mesoridazine, amitriptyline, levofloxacin, and erythromycin, among others.
QTc prolongation can infrequently result in a serious (rarely fatal) irregular heartbeat.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details and for instructions on how you may minimize the risk of this effect.If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting propafenone.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: digoxin, beta blockers (e.g., propranolol, metoprolol), venlafaxine, fluoxetine, desipramine, warfarin, cimetidine, theophylline, rifampin, phenobarbital, cyclosporine, orlistat.
is used to treat symptoms of depression. Endep may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How Taken
Take Endep exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take Endep in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Endep is in a group of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. Endep affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.
Warnings Precautions
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can cause dangerous side effects when taken together with Endep.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other antidepressants). They can add to sleepiness caused by Endep.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Endep. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor before increasing or decreasing the amount of grapefruit products in your diet.
Endep can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds).
Endep can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.
Possible Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate;
chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
confusion, hallucinations, or seizures (convulsions);
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
uncontrollable shaking or tremor;
skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
easy bruising or bleeding;
extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness;
feeling light-headed, fainting; orurinating less than usual or not at all.
Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:
nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
dry mouth, unpleasant taste;
numbness or tingly feeling;
lack of coordination;
feeling anxious, dizzy, drowsy, or tired;
trouble concentrating;
sleep problems (insomnia), nightmares;
blurred vision, headache, ringing in your ears; mild skin rash;
breast swelling (in men or women); or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
More Information
Before taking Endep, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
Vitamin A combinations are used to prevent or to treat a calcium deficiency;
Vitamin D combinations are responsible for cell division and bone growth.
How Taken
Use Vitamin A & D as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Vitamin A & D by mouth with or without food.
Swallow Vitamin A & D whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Several days may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Vitamin A & D without checking with your doctor.
Take your doses at the same times each day.
Continue to take Vitamin A & D even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
Drug Class and Mechanism
Vitamin A is found in food from animal sources and needed for cell division, growth of bones, skin, and male and female reproductive organs night vision and. In pregnant women vitamin A is necessary for the growth of a healthy fetus.
Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medicine unless your doctor directs otherwise.
Storage
Store Vitamin A & D at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Vitamin A & D out of the reach of children and away from pets.
Warnings Precautions
Do not use Vitamin A & D if:
If you take other medicines, do not take Vitamin A & D combination without first talking to your doctor;
you are allergic to Vitamin A & D;
Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
tiredness; nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; irritability; headache; dryness or cracking of the lips or skin; hair loss.
More Information
Additionally, Vitamin A & D is required by the body for growth, good vision and healthy skin.
is a synthetic form of vitamin D used to treat people on dialysis who have hypocalcemia (abnormally low blood calcium levels) and resulting bone damage. Rocaltrol is also prescribed to treat low blood calcium levels in people who have hypoparathyroidism (decreased functioning of the parathyroid glands). When functioning correctly, these glands help control the level of calcium in the blood.
Rocaltrol is also prescribed for hyperparathyroidism (increased functioning of the parathyroid glands) and resulting bone disorders in people with kidney disease who are not yet on dialysis.
Most important fact about Rocaltrol
While you are taking Rocaltrol, your doctor may want you to follow a special diet or take calcium supplements. This is an important part of your therapy. On the other hand, too high a calcium level can be harmful. If you are already taking any medications containing calcium or calcium supplements, make sure you doctor knows about it.
How should you take Rocaltrol?
Be sure to get enough fluids and avoid dehydration while taking Rocaltrol.
If you miss a dose…
If you take 1 dose every other day, and you remember before the next day, take the forgotten dose immediately, then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, take the dose immediately, skip a day, then go back to your regular schedule.
If you take 1 dose every day, take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take Rocaltrol more than once a day, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions…
Keep capsules and oral solution away from heat and light.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Rocaltrol.
Side effects occurring early may include:
Bone pain, constipation, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, headache, loss of appetite, metallic taste, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness
Side effects occurring later may include:
Abnormal thirst, apathy, arrested growth, decreased sex drive, dehydration, elevated blood cholesterol levels, excessive urination, extremely high body temperature, high blood pressure, inflamed eyes, intolerance to light, irregular heartbeat, itchy skin, kidney problems, loss of appetite, nighttime urination, runny nose, sensory disturbances, urinary tract infections, wasting of muscles or other tissues, weight loss, yellowish skin
Excessive amounts of vitamin D may cause abnormally high calcium levels in the blood.
Why should Rocaltrol not be prescribed?
You should not use Rocaltrol if you have high blood levels of calcium, or if you have vitamin D poisoning. You should also avoid Rocaltrol if it, or any similar drug, has given you an allergic reaction in the past.
Special warnings about Rocaltrol
You should not take additional doses of vitamin D while taking Rocaltrol. People who are on dialysis should not take antacids containing magnesium while taking Rocaltrol.
Your doctor will monitor your calcium levels while you are taking Rocaltrol because excessive calcium levels can be very dangerous. If this problem develops, your doctor will need to stop Rocaltrol therapy temporarily and prescribe a lower dose when treatment resumes.
While taking Rocaltrol, you should have an adequate daily intake of calcium (at least 600 milligrams a day), either from foods (such as milk and dairy products) or from a calcium supplement. Your doctor will estimate your daily calcium intake before you take this drug to see if you will require more calcium.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Rocaltrol
If Rocaltrol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Rocaltrol with the following:
Antacids containing magnesiumCalcium supplementsCholestyramineDigitalisKetoconazolePhenobarbitalPhenytoinSteroid medications such as prednisoneThiazide diuretics such as hydrothiazdieVitamin D supplements
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Rocaltrol during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Pregnant women should use Rocaltrol only if the possible benefit outweighs any possible risk to the unborn baby.
Rocaltrol may appear in breast milk. Because it may affect a nursing infant, you should not use Rocaltrol while you are breastfeeding.
is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. For the treatment of osteoporosis, Fosamax increases bone mass and reduces the incidence of fractures, including those of the hip and spine. It is also indicated for the prevention of osteoporosis, treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis, treatment of glucocorticoid. It is used to treat induced osteoporosis in men and women receiving glucocorticoids in a daily dosage equivalent to 7.5 mg or greater of prednisone and who have low bone mineral density, treatment of Paget\’s disease of bone in men and women.
How Taken
Fosamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken once a day in the morning on an empty stomach. Fosamax should be taken with a full glass (6-8 ounces) of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax before you eat, drink, or take other medications. Do not take Fosamax with mineral water, coffee, orange juice, milk, or other dairy products. Do not suck or chew the tablet; swallow the tablet whole. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking Fosamax. Standing or sitting upright helps you get the full dose and decreases heartburn or the risk of injury to your esophagus.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Fosamax, tell your doctor if you have a problem swallowing, such as a narrowing of the esophagus; have esophageal ulcers or an esophageal disease; have a condition that causes low levels of calcium in the body; have kidney disease; have stomach ulcers or other stomach or digestive problems; or are unable to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes. You may not be able to take Fosamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Fosamax is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Fosamax will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Fosamax passes into breast milk. Do not take Fosamax without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Missed Dose
If you take Fosamax every day and you miss a dose, skip that dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose the following day. Missing one dose will not affect your treatment. Do not take two tablets at the same time. If you take a Fosamax once a week and you miss a dose, take the missed dose on the morning after you remember. Do not take two tablets on the same day. Return to taking one tablet once a week, as originally scheduled on your chosen day.
Possible Side Effects
Stop taking Fosamax if you experience any of the following serious side effects: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); Seek emergency or talk to your doctor if you have difficulty or pain when swallowing; chest pain; pain or burning under the ribs or in the back; or new or worsening heartburn. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Fosamax and talk to your doctor if you experience abdominal discomfort; stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; headache; muscle, bone, or joint soreness or aches; eye pain; a rash; or an altered sense of taste. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store in a well-closed container at room temperature, 15-30°C (59-86°F).
Overdose
Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral over dosage. If you do think that an overdose has occurred, call an emergency room or poison control center.
More Information
Follow you doctor\’s recommendations about drinking alcohol and smoking. These activities are related to decreased bone density. Antacids and other medicines taken by mouth may decrease the effects of Fosamax. Do not take any other medicines within 30 minutes after a dose of Fosamax. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with Fosamax.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
tablets are useful for the treatment of osteoporosis; senile osteoporosis; postmenopausal osteoporosis; prolonged immobilization, following multiple or complex fractures, or surgery for multiple fractures.
How Taken
Generally, 1 Tablet twice a day after meals. In severe cases it may be taken thrice a day or as directed by the physician. This herbal composition should be taken for 8 to 12 weeks or longer period for effective results.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine and you are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage
Store at the room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Keep out of the reach of children.
Possible Side Effects
Reosto is not known to have any side effects if taken as per the prescribed dosage.
More Information
Reosto ingredients consist of estrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic and calcium supplementation properties, that help alleviate senile osteoporosis (SO) and post-menopausal osteoporosis (PMO).
alters the cycle of bone formation and breakdown in the body. It reduces loss of bone tissue. Although studies are not complete, raloxifene appears to work without increasing the risk of breast or uterine cancer.
Raloxifene is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis (decreased density of bone mass) in postmenopausal women.
Raloxifene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about raloxifene?
Do not take raloxifene if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. Raloxifene is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that raloxifene is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby.Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking raloxifene.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience and of the following side effects that may indicate a blood clot formation: sharp pain in the legs; swelling of the legs; sudden chest pain; coughing up blood; or changes in vision.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking raloxifene?
Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of
blood clots;
stroke;
cancer;
increased triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); or
liver disease.
You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Raloxifene is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that raloxifene is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take raloxifene if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether raloxifene passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take raloxifene?
Take raloxifene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Raloxifene can be taken with or without food.
Take raloxifene at the same time each day.
Your doctor may want you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if you do not receive enough of these substances from your regular diet.
Weight-bearing exercise may also be helpful.
Store raloxifene at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek medical attention.
Symptoms of a raloxifene overdose are not known.
What should I avoid while taking raloxifene?
Before having any surgery, tell your doctor that you are taking raloxifene. Treatment with raloxifene may need to be stopped temporarily if you require an extended period of bed rest.
Avoid sitting still for long periods of time during travel while taking raloxifene.
Alcohol and cigarette smoking may cause increased bone loss. Discuss with your doctor the use of these products.
Raloxifene side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking raloxifene and seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
sharp pain in the legs;
swelling of the legs;
sudden chest pain;
coughing up blood;
changes in vision; or
unexplained vaginal bleeding.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take raloxifene and talk to your doctor if you experience
leg cramps,
muscle soreness,
weight gain,
sweating,
hot flashes, or
a rash.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect raloxifene?
Before taking raloxifene, talk to your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
cholestyramine (Questran, Prevalite) or colestipol (Colestid);
the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin); or
an estrogen or progesterone product such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
You may not be able to take raloxifene, or you may require special monitoring or a dosage adjustment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with raloxifene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has additional information about raloxifene written for health professionals that you may read.
ETIDRONATE (Didronel®) reduces the release and breakdown of calcium from bone. This drug helps to reduce excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) that you can get with certain cancers. This drug is also used to help prevent bone loss and to increase normal healthy bone production in patients with Paget’s disease, in patients who have had hip surgery, or in those patients with osteoporosis. Generic etidronate tablets are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•dental disease
•kidney disease
•stomach, intestinal, or esophageal problems
•an unusual or allergic reaction to etidronate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take etidronate tablet by mouth in the morning, after you have risen for the day. Swallow the tablet with a full glass (6—8 fluid ounces) of plain water first thing in the morning. Do not take the tablet with any other type of liquid except plain water. Do not chew or suck the tablets. Do not eat or drink anything before you take your tablets and do not eat breakfast, drink, or take any other medicines for at least 30 minutes after taking etidronate. If you can wait for 2 hours before eating, your body will absorb even more of the medicine. After taking this medicine, remain sitting or standing upright (do not lie down or bend over) for at least 30 minutes. This will help to avoid irritation of your throat and esophagus (tube connecting mouth to stomach). Do not take this medicine at the same time as antacids, calcium, magnesium or iron supplements, or vitamins with minerals; if you take these medications, take them later in the day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can if you have not already eaten. If you have already eaten, call your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Do not take double or extra doses.
Tell your prescriber or health care professional: about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These can affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects might I notice from taking etidronate?
Serious side effects from etidronate are rare. Patients using etidronate for more than 6 months at a time are at an increased risk of developing bone fractures (broken bones).
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•black or tarry stools
•broken bones
•constant jaw pain, especially burning or cramping
•difficulty passing urine or less frequent passing of urine
•increased bone pain
•redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
•skin rash, itching (hives)
•stomach or lower back pain
•swelling of the lips, arms, legs, face, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•diarrhea
•indigestion
•joint pain
•muscle pain
•nausea, vomiting
What should I watch for while taking etidronate?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you have Paget’s disease it may be some time before you see the benefit from etidronate. After your initial treatment period, you must have a 90-day treatment-free interval before re-treatment. Do not stop taking etidronate except on your prescriber’s advice. High levels of phosphorus and low levels of calcium in the blood can occur but generally do not cause serious problems. Your prescriber or health care professional may order regular blood tests to check for these problems.
It is very important to take etidronate with a full glass of plain water (6—8 ounces). Do not take with orange juice, coffee, or other fluids as these may decrease the absorption of etidronate. Do not take etidronate with food. Wait at least 30 minutes or longer after taking etidronate before you eat, drink or take other medicines.
Because etidronate may irritate your throat, remain sitting or standing upright for at least 30 minutes after taking this medicine. Do not lie down. Do not bend over while you are sitting, standing, or walking.
Patients on calcium- and vitamin D-restricted diets are more sensitive to the effects of etidronate. You should maintain adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet, unless directed otherwise by your health care provider. Discuss your dietary needs with your prescriber or health care professional or nutritionist.
If you get bone pain or a worsening of bone pain, check with your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are taking an antacid, a mineral supplement like calcium or iron, or a vitamin with minerals, wait to take them at least 2 hours after you take etidronate. Do not take them at same time.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature below 40 degrees C (104 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
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