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Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are hormones produced naturally by the adrenal glands which have many important functions on every organ system. Corticosteroids affect the strength of heart muscle and its response to natural chemicals affecting heart rate. They affect the water and salt balance in the body and also enable the body to cope with stress. Stress includes changes in temperature, pain, fear, anxiety and illness and can be hazardous if the body is not equiped to cope, due to low levels of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids allow us to respond to stress by increasing the rate and force of the heartbeat, increasing blood supply to essential tissues (muscle, heart, brain), increasing the body's supply of energy by raising blood sugar and by several other effects on body systems. Hydrocortisone is used as replacement therapy in people whose adrenal glands are not producing enough natural corticosteroids (adrenal insufficiency). This can be due to disease (Addison's disease), surgical removal of the adrenal gland(s) or damage to the adrenal glands. Low blood levels of corticosteroids must be treated with replacement therapy to allow the body to function normally.What is it used for? Insufficient production of natural steroid hormones by the adrenal glands (adrenal insufficiency) Warning! Ciprofloxacin is an antibiotic used to treat or prevent certain infections caused by bacteria. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat or prevent anthrax in people who may have been exposed to anthrax germs in the air. Ciprofloxacin extended-release (long-acting) tablets are used only to treat certain types of urinary tract infections. Ciprofloxacin is in a class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. It works by killing bacteria.Antibiotics will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections.Ciprofloxacin comes as a tablet, a suspension (liquid) and an extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The tablet and suspension are usually taken twice a day in the morning and evening with or without food. The extended-release tablets are usually taken once a day.Cipro XR brand extended-release tablets may be taken with or without food. Proquin XR brand extended-release tablets should be taken with a main meal of the day, preferably the evening meal. Take ciprofloxacin at around the same time(s) every day. The length of your treatment depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor will tell you how long to take ciprofloxacin. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ciprofloxacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.One brand or type of ciprofloxacin cannot be substituted for another. Be sure that you receive only the brand of ciprofloxacin that was prescribed by your doctor. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about the type of ciprofloxacin you were given.Swallow the extended-release tablets whole; do not split, crush, or chew them. If you cannot swallow tablets whole, tell your doctor.If you are taking the liquid, shake the bottle very well for 15 seconds before each use to mix the medication evenly. Swallow the correct dose without chewing the granules in the liquid. Close the liquid ciprofloxacin bottle completely after each use. Do not give the liquid to a patient through a feeding tube.You should begin feeling better during the first few days of treatment with ciprofloxacin. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, call your doctor. Fever and back pain may be symptoms of a worsening urinary tract infection. If you are being treated for this type of infection, call your doctor if you develop these symptoms during or after your treatmentTake ciprofloxacin until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking ciprofloxacin too soon or if you skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated and the bacteria may become resistant to antibiotics.In the event of biological warfare, ciprofloxacin may be used to treat and prevent dangerous illnesses that are deliberately spread such as plague, tularemia, and anthrax of the skin or mouth. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. Dacarbazine is an anticancer (cytotoxic) medicine.Cancers form when some cells within the body multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. There are two types of cancer. Solid cancers where a lump forms e.g. the bone, muscle, brain cells etc. divide and multiply abnormally. The second type are leukaemias and lymphomas where the blood cells divide and multiply abnormally.Other characteristics of cancer besides uncontrolled growth include the ability of these abnormal cells to invade other tissues next to them or to break away from the original site, travel through the blood or lymph, and establish a new cancer at a different site of the body. These are called metastases.Like normal healthy cells, cancer cells go through a continuous process of change. Each cell divides into two daughter cells. These cells grow, rest and then divide again. The medicines used in chemotherapy are powerful chemicals designed to interupt this cycle and stop cells from growing.Several different types of anticancer medicines are used in chemotherapy. Each type kills cells at a different stage of the cell's life cycle. Each does its job in a different way.Dacarbazine is a synthetic compound. It works by blocking the production of genetic material (DNA) in the cell by binding it together. This prevents the cell from growing and therefore it dies.Unfortunately, anticancer medicines will also affect the growth and division of normal, healthy cells in the same way, such as blood, gut and hair cells. This can therefore cause several of the side effects seen with chemotherapy e.g. hair loss. The body's immune system also becomes suppressed increasing the risk of infections.In most chemotherapy regimens, doses are administered in courses at various intervals to allow normal cells to recover from the adverse effects of the anticancer medicines between doses. However, during this period, cancer cells will also recover and start to replicate again. Successful treatment depends on the administration of the next course of therapy before the cancer has regrown to its previous size and the net effect is to decrease the amount of cancer with each successive course.Dacarbazine is used in combination with other anticancer medicines. It is administered by intravenous infusion.What is it used for? Breast cancer Cancer of the colon (large bowel) Cancer of the ovaries Cancer of the soft tissue e.g. muscle (soft tissue sarcoma)Lung cancer Lymph node cancer (Hodgkin's disease) Metastatic cancerous melanoma Testicular cancer Clopidogrel is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in persons with heart disease (recent heart attack, unstable angina), recent stroke, or blood circulation disease (peripheral vascular disease). It works by blocking certain blood cells called platelets and prevents them from forming harmful blood clots. This "anti-platelet" effect helps to keep blood flowing smoothly in your body.How to use Clopidogrel OralTake this medication by mouth usually once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Clomazol vaginal cream is used to treat a fungal infection in the vagina and vulval area (thrush).This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called azole antifungals.Clotrimazole reduces vaginal burning, itching, and discharge that may occur with this condition. This medication is an azole antifungal. It works by stopping the growth of yeast (fungus) that causes the infection.What is vaginal thrush?Candida albicans is a yeast fungus that can multiply rapidly and cause damage to the vagina when other micro-organisms aren't present in a normal balance.Some situations which can increase susceptibility to thrush are:#diabetes #obesity #illness #fatigue #hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, menstrual cycle, oral contraceptive pill, HRT) #prolonged use of antibiotics or steroids Thrush may cause the following symptoms:vaginal itching vaginal soreness a white odourless discharge from the vagina (like cottage cheese) pain during intercourse The symptoms below are not usually signs of thrush:abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding blood stained discharge vulva or vaginal sores, ulcers or blisters lower abdominal pain pain when passing urine fever or chills foul smelling and/or unusual coloured discharge Chloroquine phosphate is in a class of drugs called antimalarials and amebicides. It is used to prevent and treat malaria. It is also used to treat amebiasis.Chloroquine phosphate comes as tablet to take by mouth. For prevention of malaria in adults, one dose is usually taken once a week on exactly the same day of the week. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take for each dose. One dose is taken beginning 2 weeks before traveling to an area where malaria is common, while you are in the area, and then for 8 weeks after you return from the area. If you are unable to start 2 weeks before traveling, your doctor may tell you to take double the dose right away.For treatment of acute attacks of malaria in adults, one dose is usually taken right away, followed by half the dose 6 to 8 hours later and then half the dose once a day for the next 2 days.For prevention and treatment of malaria in infants and children, the amount of chloroquine phosphate is based on the child's weight. Your doctor will calculate this amount and tell you how much chloroquine phosphate your child should receive.For treatment of amebiasis, one dose is usually taken for 2 days and then half the dose every day for 2 to 3 weeks. It is usually taken in combination with other amebicides.Chloroquine phosphate may cause an upset stomach. Take chloroquine phosphate with food.Chloroquine phosphate is used occasionally to decrease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and to treat systemic and discoid lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, pemphigus, lichen planus, polymyositis, sarcoidosis, and porphyria cutanea tarda. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.
Azathioprine is used with other medications to prevent rejection of a kidney transplant. It works by weakening your body's defense system (immune system) to help your body accept the new kidney as if it were your own. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants.Azathioprine is also used to treat patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not responded to other medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs such as ibuprofen). Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the joints. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy such as azathioprine helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used to prevent rejection of other transplanted organs, to treat a certain type of bowel condition (Crohn's disease) that is not responsive to usual treatment, and to treat other immune system problems (autoimmune diseases) as determined by your doctor.How to use Azathioprine OralTake this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily as directed by your doctor. Azathioprine should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to therapy. For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the manufacturer recommends that you do not take more than 2.5 milligrams per kilogram per day.Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often without your doctor's approval. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. Also do not stop taking this medication without your doctor's approval.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.For arthritis, it may take up to 2 months of continued use to notice relief of symptoms. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve after 3 months of treatment.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle or break the tablets of this medication. Amoxicillin is a penicillin-type antibiotic used to treat a wide variety of bacterial infections. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria.This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for viral infections (e.g., common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.How to use Amoxicillin OralTake this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 8 or 12 hours, or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor tells you otherwise.Antibiotics work best when the amount of medicine in your body is kept at a constant level. Therefore, take this drug at evenly spaced intervals.Continue to take this medication until the full-prescribed amount is finished even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. This medication is used to treat a variety of skin conditions (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, allergies, rash). Betamethasone reduces the swelling, itching, and redness that can occur in these types of conditions. This medication is a medium-strength corticosteroid.How to use Betamethasone Valerate TopUse this medication on the skin only. However, do not use it on the face, groin, or underarms unless directed to do so by your doctor.Wash and dry your hands before using. Clean and dry the affected area. Apply a thin film of medication to the affected area and gently rub in, usually 1-3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. Do not bandage, cover, or wrap the area unless directed to do so by your doctor. If used in the diaper area on an infant, do not use tight-fitting diapers or plastic pants.After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands. When applying this medication near the eyes, avoid getting it in the eyes because this may worsen or cause glaucoma. Also, avoid getting this medication in the nose or mouth. If you get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of water.Use this medication only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not use it for longer than prescribed.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after 2 weeks. This medication is used for certain types of chest pain (angina). It may help to increase exercise tolerance and decrease the frequency of angina attacks. Nifedipine belongs to a class of medications known as calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing blood vessels so blood can flow more easily. This medication must be taken regularly to be effective. It should not be used to treat attacks of chest pain when they occur. Use other medications (e.g., sublingual nitroglycerin) to relieve attacks of chest pain as directed by your doctor. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This medication may also be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Lowering high blood pressure helps prevent strokes, heart attacks, and kidney problems.This medication may also be used to treat certain blood circulation disorders (Raynaud's syndrome).How to use Nifedipine OralTake this medication by mouth on an empty stomach, usually three times daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the capsules.Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition and response to therapy.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit juice can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick.Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Inform your doctor if your condition worsens (e.g., your routine blood pressure readings increase). The combination of amlodipine and benazepril is used to treat high blood pressure. Amlodipine is in a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. Benazepril is in a class of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. It works by decreasing certain chemicals that tighten the blood vessels, so blood flows more smoothly.How to use Amlodipine and benazepril OralTake this medication by mouth, usually once a day with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day.Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which rarely can cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeats. Tell your doctor immediately if these effects occur.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may take 1 to 2 weeks before the full benefit of this drug occurs.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. Vardenafil is used to treat male sexual function problems (impotence or erectile dysfunction) by blocking a certain enzyme (phosphodiesterase-PDE5). In combination with sexual stimulation, vardenafil works by helping the blood flow into the penis to achieve and maintain an erection.This drug is not indicated for use in women.Use of this drug does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis). Practice "safe sex" such as using latex condoms. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.How to use Vardenafil OralThis drug is taken by mouth as needed, 1 hour before sexual activity with or without food; or use as directed by your doctor. Do not take more often than once daily as needed.A high fat meal may decrease the amount of drug that is absorbed.Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and other medications you may be taking (see also Drug Interactions section). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist and ask questions if any of the information is unclear.
BETA CREAM or OINTMENT contains the active ingredient betamethasone valerate. It belongs to a group of medicines known as topical corticosteroids. "Topical" means that they are applied onto the skin. Topical steroids are used to help reduce inflammation in the affected area which helps to reduce redness and itchiness caused by the skin disease. BETA CREAM or OINTMENT is useful in treating various inflamed conditions of the skin such as:psoriasis severe forms of eczema lichen planus (chronic itchy skin of unknown origin) discoid lupus erythematosus (recurring scaly rash) when milder topical steroids cannot treat the skin condition effectively. BETA CREAM is used to treat skin conditions on moist surfaces; BETA OINTMENT is used to treat skin conditions on dry, scaly skin.Your doctor, however, may prescribe BETA CREAM or OINTMENT for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why BETA CREAM or OINTMENT has been prescribed for you.There is no evidence that BETA CREAM or OINTMENT is addictive. This medication is used to prevent certain types of malaria, a parasite infection, when traveling to certain areas that have malaria. Another drug may be used instead if you are going to an area with resistant malaria. Chloroquine may also be used with other medications to treat certain less severe (uncomplicated) types of malaria or a spreading infection with another parasite (ameba). Chloroquine is an amebicide and antimalarial drug. It works by killing ameba and the form of the malaria parasite that infects the red blood cells.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to treat certain immune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus).How to use Chloroquine Phosphate OralTake this medication by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with a meal. For prevention of malaria, take chloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly on the same day each week. Start this medication usually 1 to 2 weeks before you enter the malaria area, and continue to take it during your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving the area, or as directed by your doctor.For treatment of a sudden/severe attack of malaria, take this medication as directed, usually 4 doses over 3 days. The first dose is larger and is followed by 3 smaller doses. On day 1 take the large dose followed 6 hours later with a smaller dose, then take the next smaller doses on days 2 and 3.For treatment of ameba, take this medication as directed, usually once daily for 2 to 3 weeks. The first 2 doses are larger.If you are taking any antacid, do not take chloroquine within 4 hours before or after the antacid.Dosage is based on your body weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.It is very important to continue taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This medication works best when taken exactly as directed. If you are taking this drug once a week, it may help to mark your calendar or travel schedule with a reminder.Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing treatment, even if you feel better, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause prevention treatment to be ineffective, cause the amount of parasite to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.No drug treatment is completely effective in preventing malaria. Therefore, seek immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of malaria (e.g., fever, chills, headache, other flu-like symptoms), especially for 2 months after completing this prescription.It is important to prevent mosquito bites (e.g., using appropriate insect repellents, wearing clothes that cover most of the body, remaining in air-conditioned or well-screened areas, using mosquito nets, using insect-killing spray). Buy insect repellent before traveling. The most effective insect repellents contain diethyltoluamide (DEET). Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend the appropriate strengths of mosquito repellent for you/your children.Chloroquine Phosphate Oral is used to treat the following:Infection by Amebae that is Not in the Intestines, Malaria caused by the Protozoa Plasmodium Falciparum, Prevention of Falciparum Malaria, Malaria caused by the Protozoa Plasmodium Vivax, Preventive Treatment of Vivax Malaria, Malaria, Malaria PreventionChloroquine Phosphate Oral may also be used to treat: Infection of the Liver due to Amebae, Increased Calcium in the Blood from Sarcoidosis, Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Chronic Inflammation of Blood Vessels in the Skin, Skin Allergy to Sunlight, Disease that Causes Disc-Shaped Patches On the Upper Body, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Joint Inflammatory Disease in Children and Young Adults
BETNOVATE is used to treat various inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.BETNOVATE belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids, frequently called 'steroids'. They are not 'anabolic steroids' which are the steroids sometimes misused by athletes.BETNOVATE works by reducing the inflammation in the affected area to reduce the redness and itchiness of the skin.Do not use if:You must not use BETNOVATE if:#you have ever had an allergic reaction to Betamethasone Valerate, 'BetaÖ', 'BivateÖ' or any of the ingredients listed toward the end of this leaflet. (See "Ingredients") #you have acne or rosacea (severe flushing of the skin on and around the nose) #you have chickenpox #you have cold sores or genital herpes (herpes simplex virus) the irritated area of skin is also infected. the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack has passed. the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering #Do not use BETNOVATE to treat dermatitis or other skin irritations around your mouth, genitals or anus, unless specifically told to do so by your doctor.Do not let BETNOVATE lotion get in your eyes.Tell your doctor if:You must tell your doctor if:#you are allergic to foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines. #you are taking any other medicines, including medicines #you buy without a prescription. #you are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Atacand is used for treating high blood pressure.Atacand contains candesartan cilexetil which is a type of medicine called an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of the hormone angiotensin II and causes relaxation of the blood vessels which results in a lowering of the blood pressure.OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.This drug may also be used to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes.How to use Atacand OralTake this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. You may take this drug with or without food. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day.Do not take potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. This medicine can raise your potassium levels, which can rarely cause serious side effects such as muscle weakness or very slow heartbeat. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these effects occur.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. For the treatment of high blood pressure, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel sick. |