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Alli Instructions

Alli Instructions

 

What is Alli? 

Alli (generic name Orlistat) is a weight loss pill that can be attained over the counter in the United Kingdom and United States. The primary function of Alli is to prevent the body from absorbing fats. The drug is intended to be used in conjunction with a low-fat diet and regular exercise program. Alli—which again uses Orlistat as its primary ingredient—is a potent natural inhibitor of pancreatic lipases. 

Alli’s effectiveness is definite but modest; data from clinical trials suggests that Alli user loses roughly 4-6 pounds more than those who do not take the drug over the course of a year. In addition to weight loss, use of Alli can hold lower blood pressure and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Unfortunately, Alli is notorious for some of its gastrointestinal side effects, including loose stills. 

Alli works by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipase, which is the enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestines. When these are blocked, triglycerides from the diet are not hydrolyzed into fatty acids; instead they are excreted via the bowel movement. Thus, only trace amounts of the drug are systemically absorbed; the primary effect of the drug is local lipase inhibition within the GI tract following an oral dose. 

Alli will not be effective unless you adhere to the Alli instructions located on the pill’s box and those mentioned by your doctor. 

Alli Instructions:

As stated above, Alli is an over-the-counter drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration to promote weight loss. Alli is available in starter packs containing 60 to 90 pills or in refill picks containing up to 240 pills. Alli instructions state that only those aged 18 and older should use the drug. 

The most important aspect of Alli instructions is that the drug must be used in conjunction with a strict diet and regimented workout schedule. 

The first portion of Alli instructions—in conjunction with developing a low fat diet and regimented workout plan—ask you to take a single pill three times per day. Alli instructions, to maximize the pill’s effectiveness, must be adhered to. Alli instructions state that you should take each pill within an hour of eating—Alli instructions state that you may take the pill either before or after the meal. 

Alli instructions require you to eat three healthy meals per day. Each meal, according to Alli instructions, must contain a maximum 15 grams of fat—the low fat diet is required to minimize the chance of treatment-related side effects. 

Alli instructions ask you to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day at a moderate intensity. Alli instructions recommend swimming, walking cycling and doing laps. 

Alli instructions also suggest that you take a multi-vitamin each day—you should not take vitamin at the same time you take the weight loss pill. Alli instructions suggest that you should take the vitamin at night before bed. Alli instructions suggest vitamin intake because the pill, in addition to absorbing fat, removes essential vitamins from the body. Alli instructions state that Vitamins A, D and E—because they are fat soluble—are susceptible to be absorbed by Alli. 

 

Fycompa Approved to Treat Seizures

Fycompa Approved to Treat Seizures


On October 22, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved Fycompa (perampanel) to treat people 12 years and older who suffer from partial onset seizures.  The drug is used to treat people with epilepsy who cannot control their seizures with the current medication they’re taking.  


A partial seizure is the most common type of seizure for a person suffering from epilepsy.  The condition occurs when there are unusually high levels of activity in the brain’s nerve cells.  The partial seizures usually affect one or limited parts of the brain, but the condition can spread to other parts of the brain.  


Seizures are dangerous. Common symptoms of seizures include spasms or uncontrolled limb movements, strange behavior, and unconsciousness.


Fycompa controlled seizures better than a placebo in three different clinical trials.  However, the drug does come with mild and severe side effects in some cases.  


The Food and Drug Administration states that the most common types of side effects with Fycompa include the following: dizziness, fatigue, irritable attitude, upper respiratory infections, increase in weight, ataxia, gait disturbance, anxiety, trouble with balance, stuttering, general weakness, blurred vision, aggressiveness, and hypersomnia.  


The drug will come in a box with a printed warning about the high risk of certain neuropsychiatric side effects.  Some of the following side effects were reported as severe and even life-threatening in some cases: paranoia, euphoria, change of mental status, aggression, anger, general agitation, and threatening behavior.  


The FDA instructs patients and caregivers to contact a health care professional right away if the person taking Fycompa has changes in mood or behavior that is not normal.  Many health care providers will monitor patients when they start taking higher doses of the drug.  


Before taking the drug, read the patient Medication Guide that comes with the drug to learn about drug safety.  


Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
 

Meridia Recall

Meridia Recall

What is Meridia?
Meridia, generically known as Sibutramine, is a pharmaceutical product developed by Knoll Pharmaceuticals and Abbot Laboratories that was prescribed for obesity until its recall from the market in 2010.  The drug works by making a person feel full quicker.  The drug functions by acting on receptors in the brain and block levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.    Original studies concluded that the use of Merida effectively helped people who suffered from extreme obesity lose considerable amounts of weight while at the same time lowering their amounts of cholesterol, specifically LDL’s, and triglycerides.
Side Effects
Side effects most notable attributed to the use of Meridia have been dry mouth, increased appetite, nausea, strange taste in the mouth, upset stomach, constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, menstrual pain, headache, flushing or joint and muscle pain.
The side effects that are the more troubling with Meridia are increased blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, paresthesia, mood changes, and thoughts of suicide.  The most serious side effects noted with the product include: problems, urinations, seizures, melena, hematamesis, jaundice, fever, chest pain, abnormal vision and edema.
Government Regulation
Prior to 2005 many reports began being published indicating a correlation between Meridia sudden death, as well as sudden heart and renal failure.  Since then the FDA has begun to more fully investigate the product.  Studies have shown that users of Meridia have a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest, and death than patients using a placebo.  The FDA has not made any conclusive statements about the dangerousness associated with Meridia.  In 2010, over concerns from the FDA that the slight benefits associated with Meridia were outweighed by the complications concerning its side effects, Abbot Laboratories removed the product from the market.
Lawsuits
In 2002, 8 years prior to the voluntary recall of Meridia, there were 2 lawsuits filed against Abbot Laboratories.  These lawsuits claim that Abbot Laboratories knew, or should have known,  and failed to warn, of the possible side effects of Meridia use, specifically death caused by heart attacks and strokes.
To this day there has been little success in civil action against Abbot Laboratories in suits over Meridia.  In 2004 a federal judge in Ohio dismissed 113 claims against Abbot Laboratories citing a lack of evidence that would be sufficient to go to trial.

Celebrex Dosage

Celebrex Dosage

 

A brief guide to Celebrex dosage

The prescription medication Celebrex is issued in tablets ranging from 50 to 400 mg. Arthritic patients, as well as women experiencing menstrual pain, will often be issued a Celebrex 200mg dosage. The amount of the appropriate Celebrex dosing will be determined by a physician with an understanding of your medical needs. Patients must follow physician guidelines and not exceed their prescribed Celebrex dosage in order to use this drug as safely as possible.

A Celebrex 200mg dosage can be administered in the form of a single tablet. For most arthritic and menstruating patients, this will be the maximum standard Celebrex dosing. The Celebrex dosage may be only 100mg if this is found to be efficacious for relieving symptoms. Physicians will always attempt to prescribe the lowest possible Celebrex dosing. Continued treatment with a Celebrex 200mg dosage or at any strength increases the risk of severe adverse reactions including heart attacks and strokes.

Whatever the Celebrex dosage, the drug should not be issued to patients who have experienced allergic reactions to aspirin. This is an indication that any Celebrex dosing will be unsafe and should not be attempted. Before issuing a prescription for a Celebrex 200mg dosage or any other strength of the drug, a physician will question you about all medications you are currently taking. A Celebrex dosage may be unsafe in combination with other drugs.

When you begin taking a Celebrex 200mg dosage or any other strength of the drug, be alert for signs of allergic reactions. Skin irritations that ensue after taking a Celebrex dosing can develop in serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Shortness of breath and facial swelling following the ingestion of a Celebrex dosage also require immediate medical attention. 

Keep a physician informed of any prolonged discomfort after taking a Celebrex 200mg dosage or any other strength of the drug, including symptoms such as discomfort and nausea. Keep in mind that use of a Celebrex dosing may result in an ulcer at any time. Any kind of digestive discomfort after taking a Celebrex dosage may indicate internal bleeding or similar complications. These should be reported to a doctor who can decide whether to discontinue Celebrex 200mg treatment or use of the drug at any strength.

In addition to listening carefully to a physician's guidance and asking questions, before taking a Celebrex dosing you should read all information provided by the manufacturer. This documentation provides an overview of the risks associated with taking any Celebrex dosage. By reading this information before committing to treatment with Celebrex 200mg or any other form of the drug, you are absolving the manufacturer of responsibility for adverse effects they have warned patients about.

If you believe a doctor was insufficiently attentive in responding to your reports of side effects resulting from a Celebrex dosing, you may wish to speak with a lawyer about seeking compensation in civil court. Filing a malpractice lawsuit is not something that a non-attorney will be capable of doing properly. Seek out a lawyer experienced in handling such cases.

 

Bath Salts Trafficking Leader Pleads Guilty

Bath Salts Trafficking Leader Pleads Guilty


On October 11, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced that Matthew Scott Baker of Fairfax, Virginia pled guilty for leading a trafficking organization for methylone—most commonly known as bath salts.  He admitted to leading the organization that bought kilograms of the illegal substance from China and then distributed the substance around northern Virginia.  


Seven other defendants have pled guilty for involvement in the methylone trafficking organization.  They are: Joshua Clougherty, Skander Bouchair, Kyle Griswold, Shelby Neal, Sajad Safdari, Patrick Un, and Ethan Walker.  


Methylone is considered highly dangerous and has been a scheduled drug since October 21, 2011 after the government became aware of the dangers and received disturbing reports of side effects.  The narcotic is often sold as bath salts or plant food, and it is marketed with names like “Ivory Wave,” “Purple Wave,” “Vanilla Sky,” and “Bliss.”   The DEA states the drug is extremely dangerous although it is popular among teens and young adults.  The drug has similar combined effects of cocaine, LSD, and methamphetamine.  


During his plea agreement, Baker admitted that he ordered multiple kilograms of the narcotic from China after learning of the substance from the co-defendant Clougherty.  The manufacturer in China then shipped the methylone to Baker’s post office box from the summer of 2011 to May of 2012.  It is believed he bought between 10 to 15 kilograms of the narcotic between 2011 and 2012.  


He admitted to selling the drug in northern Virginia, and he also sold the narcotic to undercover officers on several different occasions.  He also admitted to buying a firearm from an undercover officer.  


Baker faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the drug charges and a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for the firearm charge.  


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
 

Avodart

Avodart


A brief guide to Avodart

When asking your doctor to explain what is Avodart, you will generally be enquiring about this prescription medication for one of two reasons. Consumer Avodart reviews found online may detail the writer's experience taking the drug to help with an enlarged prostate. However, Avodart can also be prescribed off-label to help men with male pattern baldness. Before prescribing this medication, a physician should provide a thorough overview of what is Avodart and the risks involved with treatment.

Avodart reviews are not a reliable source of information. This kind of anecdotal information only concerns how one person's body responded to Avodart and cannot be used as the basis of a decision about whether to commit to a course of treatment. Instead, a physician's explanation of what is Avodart should form the primary basis for you taking this drug. 

Avodart reviews should not serve as the basis of your ingestion routine. A physician should outline the proper steps for taking Avodart. The drug should be taken once daily at the same time. When explaining what is Avodart, a physician will note that it does not matter whether the drug is ingested with food. Usage of the drug can continue on an indefinite basis if patients do not experience severe adverse reactions.

Do not make Avodart reviews your primary source of information about potential side effects. During their explanation of Avodart, a physician should inform you about allergic reactions that you should be alert to, such as swelling of any part of your health. A physician should not only inform you about what is Avodart but explain that you should immediately obtain medical attention if such symptoms occur.

Avodart reviews may not note the potential long-term adverse effects from a course of treatment with this medication. Your doctor should inform you that Avodart treatment carries an elevated risk for a particularly aggressive form of prostate cancer. After explaining what is Avodart but before beginning treatment, a physician may perform a blood test that can determine whether you already have prostate cancer. 

Avodart reviews may omit the drug's danger towards women. Not only is Avodart a drug for men only, even accidental contact with the pill can endanger a woman's health. As part of their explanation of what is Avodart, a doctor should note that the drug can be absorbed through the skin, causing damage to a fetus. Even though this may not be noted in Avodart reviews, it is important to store the medication in a place where it cannot accidentally come into contact with women or children.

Familiarize yourself with all manufacturer information explaining what is Avodart. This documentation, along with a physician's overview of the drug, is the only trustworthy sources regarding Avodart. If you disobey your prescription guidelines and use advice in Avodart reviews when ingesting the drug, any adverse effects will be your sole legal responsibility. Contact a lawyer if properly supervised intake still resulted in serious adverse effects not warned against in the manufacturer's information.

 

Drug Fails to Prevent Preterm Birth for High Risk Group

Drug Fails to Prevent Preterm Birth for High Risk Group


On October 17, 2012, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced that a progesterone drug used to prevent preterm birth for women with a previous preterm birth was not successful for first-time mothers with a predisposition for preterm births due to a short cervix.  


In February of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration approved 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) to help reduce the risk of a preterm birth for mothers who previously delivered a child preterm.  The drug is the synthetic form of progesterone.  


According to NIH, 1 out of 8 infants is born preterm in the United States every year.  Preterm births can lead to both short-term and long-term complications like impaired breathing and vision, learning disabilities, and even cerebral palsy.  


First-time mothers with a short cervix are at risk of a preterm birth at the end of the second trimester because the neck of the uterus naturally becomes shorter when labor gets closer.  In order to see the effects of the drug on mothers with a short cervix, a study was performed on over 600 women.  Some of the women were given 17P and others were given a placebo.  


Unfortunately, first-time mothers with a short cervix who received injections of 17P were just as likely to have a preterm birth as the mothers who received the placebo.  


Catherine Y. Spong, M.D., the Associated Director for Extramural Research at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD, stated: “There are many pathways that lead to preterm birth.  Studying each at risk group alone allows us to identify which treatments are effective in specific situations.  While 17P has been shown to be effective at reducing preterm birth in one group of at risk women, it was not effective to prevent preterm birth in women in their first pregnancy whose cervix is at or less than the 10th percentile.”  


Source: National Institutes of Health

Avodart Coupon

Avodart Coupon

 

A brief guide to Avodart coupons

The prescription medication Avodart can be issued on an indefinite basis by a physician for men with enlarged prostates, as well as those with male pattern baldness. If you are concerned about the Avodart price, there are several options you can explore to lower this amount. An Avodart coupon is only one of several possibilities for a discount.

When a physician prescribes this medication, you should ask them if they are in possession of any Avodart coupons. Before making use of these, it is important to review your insurance policy to see what it says about covering the Avodart price of purchase. The terms of your coverage may preclude the use of an Avodart coupon. You may also discover that your policy will be sufficient to cover your expenses, making it unnecessary to find Avodart coupons.

Currently, the drug's manufacturer offers a savings card to reduce the Avodart price. Many restrictions are stated regarding your ability to use this type of Avodart coupon. Those who are enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, as well as several private insurers, are not permitted to make use of such Avodart coupons. This current offer of assistance with mitigating the Avodart price of purchase may not be available indefinitely. Discount offers in the form of an Avodart coupon issued by the manufacturer or other parties are always subject to change and may not always be available.

When purchasing your medication in person from a local pharmacy, find out if they issue any Avodart coupons or are currently offering the drug on sale. In areas where you have multiple pharmacies, it is worth obtaining multiple quotes for the Avodart price. Keep in mind that such prices are subject to change. It may not be possible to combine an Avodart coupon with such a discounted offer.

In areas where there are no pharmacies or in cases where patients wish to find a lower Avodart price, you may wish to purchase this medication online. With or without Avodart coupons, purchasing prescription drugs online requires you to be alert to any signs of fraud. Regardless of how low their listed Avodart price is, do not buy the medication from a pharmacy which does not require a physician's prescription. Such illegal businesses cannot be trusted to provide the correct medication, regardless of whether you make use of an Avodart coupon.

Keep receipts of every purchase made with or without Avodart coupons. Such documentation of the total Avodart price you paid for treatment will be necessary if you wish to take legal action at a later date. If a physician failed to appropriately treat serious side effects following the ingestion of a drug purchased with or without an Avodart coupon, they may be guilty of malpractice. If so, copies of Avodart coupons will be part of a lawyer's documentation when determining how much to seek in compensation. Likewise, you will need a copy of every Avodart coupon if filing suit against a pharmacy which provided tainted medication.

 

Repeat Offender Sentenced for Meth Distribution

Repeat Offender Sentenced for Meth Distribution


On October 17, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington announced that a man in southwest Washington State was convicted for methamphetamine distribution.  He had three drug distribution convictions in the past.  


Steve McCracken of Kelso, Washington was the repeat offender.  The co-defendant is Jesus Ramirez-Lucio of Washougal, Washington.  Both of the men face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.  Ramirez-Lucio was also charged and convicted of distributing the methamphetamine, and McCracken was charged and convicted of possession with intent to distribute.  


The men dealt three pounds of methamphetamine in March of 2011.  


According to court documents, an informant notified the Clark-Skamania Drug Task Force of McCracken’s and Ramirez-Lucio’s plans to go through with the drug deal.  The two defendants met at a home in Kelso, Washington on March 25, 2011, and McCracken gave Ramirez-Lucio over $34,000 for the three pounds of methamphetamine.  


Both of the defendants were followed by police as they pulled away from the house, and McCracken was pulled over on Interstate 5.  The police officers approached McCracken’s window, but he soon pulled back out into traffic and led police on a high speed chase up to 90 MPH.  


McCracken pulled over on the Route 432 bridge and threw the bags containing the methamphetamine into the Cowlitz River.  McCracken was immediately arrested, and officers soon pulled the bags out of the river.  Police arrested Ramirez-Lucio when he was traveling back to Vancouver with the $34,000.  


McCracken was arrested and convicted three other times in the past for distributing methamphetamine.  He was arrested in 1999, 2002, and 2006.  


The case was investigated by the FBI, the Vancouver Police Department, the Cowlitz-Wahkiakum Narcotics Task Force, the Kelso Police Department, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clark Vancouver Regional Drug Task Force.


Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation

Bactroban

Bactroban

 

A brief guide to Bactroban

The ointment Bactroban is prescribed for people who have a bacterial skin infection such as impetigo. When you ask your doctor "What is Bactroban?" they should outline the proper use of this ointment. No serious adverse reactions stemming from regular use or overuse of the medication have been reported. While you should follow your physician's instructions exactly when prescribed a course of treatment with Bactroban, you should not fear serious consequences in case of misuse.

This ointment's safe usage has been confirmed in many studies. In describing what is Bactroban, a physician should explain that its use has been proven to be safe for children. However, it should only be used under a physician's direction. Do not choose to apply Bactroban you have left over from a previous course of treatment to a skin area afflicted with a bacterial infection before speaking with a physician.

When explaining what is Bactroban, a doctor will explain that it is dispensed in tubes containing 22 grams of this medication. This should be applied to the affected area on your skin three times a day. Before you apply Bactroban, carefully wash the appropriate part of your skin. Apply a small amount of the drug. While a physician may choose to explain exactly how much to apply when describing what is Bactroban, you can use your judgment to make sure you have applied enough of the ointment to form a thin layer covering the afflicted area.

Patients may choose to cover this area with gauze after applying Bactroban. However, this is an optional component of treatment. If no improvement in your condition occurs after three to five days, a physician who has explained what is Bactroban may decide that treatment should be discontinued.

While adverse reactions from treatment with Bactroban are rare, you should report any which occur to a physician. If the affected skin area becomes more irritated, becomes itchy or swells, these are indications that your treatment may need to be discontinued. When explaining what is Bactroban, a physician should note that treatment has not been linked with any more serious responses. These kinds of reactions may indicate that you are allergic to the active ingredient in Bactroban.

Do not apply the drug on your eyes, mouth, nose or any other area where it could enter your system. In their overview of what is Bactroban, a physician should make it clear that the drug is only for application on external skin areas. If the skin area in question has been burned, a physician will need to evaluate whether Bactroban can be used safely.

It is highly unlikely that use of this medication will lead to serious adverse consequences. A physician's explanation of what is Bactroban will make it clear that as long as you immediately report any worsening of your condition, you can be confident treatment will be safe. In the event that a physician does not appropriately respond to control or manage such adverse reactions, you may wish to contact a lawyer to see if you have grounds for malpractice litigation.