FitSugar

Fit Quiz: Which is Better to Drink While Exercising, Cold or Room Temp Water?

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:14:32 -0700

We all know that when exercising, it is great to drink water to keep hydrated but does the temperature matter? Which is better to drink while working out, cold or room temperature water?

Mercury and Fish: What's the Deal?

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 13:00:00 -0800

I've heard people say that pregnant women shouldn't eat a lot of fish because of the mercury content. What's so bad about mercury and why is it in fish?

Although fish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury.

Mercury occurs naturally in the environment, and can also be released into the air from pollution. The mercury falls from the air and accumulates in oceans, lakes, and rivers. Fish absorb the mercury since they live and feed in these waters, and the mercury builds up their bodies. That's why larger fish are the ones to watch out for when it comes to mercury, because they've had more time to accumulate it.

Some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. That's why nursing mothers, women who are pregnant, and those who are trying to become pregnant are advised to watch their mercury intake.

For everyone, elevated levels of mercury can lead to nervous system problems with brain or nerve damage. Mercury levels can be measured by blood tests, or tests using hair.

If you regularly eat types of fish that are high in mercury, it can accumulate in your blood stream over time too. The body naturally removes it, but it may take over a year for levels to drop back to normal. That's why it's important for women who are trying to get pregnant to think about their mercury intake beforehand.

Want to hear about some guidelines from the EPA? Then read more

Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
You can eat up to 2 meals (total of 12 oz) of fish a week.
5 of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
Albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your 2 meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 oz (1 average meal) of albacore tuna per week.
Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught in lakes, oceans, and rivers near you. If no advice is available, only eat 1 meal (6 oz) a week of fish you catch, and no other fish that week.

Check out this poster. It's a great visual for which fish are low in mercury, and which ones to watch out for.

Testosterone (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:01:56 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Testosterone (tes-TOS-te-rone)

Raises the amount of testosterone in your body when your body does not make enough natural testosterone. Testosterone is a male hormone.

Brand Name(s)

Androderm

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to testosterone, or if you have breast cancer or prostate cancer. A woman should never use this medicine, especially if she might be pregnant. You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to anything that may be in the skin patch, such as alcohol or aluminum.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

All Types of Patches:
- Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
- This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- It is best to apply the patch at the same time every day.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
- Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
- Bathing or swimming should not affect the patch. However, heavy exercise and sweating may cause the patch to fall off.
- If a patch comes off, just put it back on the same spot. If the patch will not stick and you have been wearing it for fewer than 12 hours, put on a new patch. Then stay on your regular schedule and replace it with a fresh patch at your next regular time. If you have already been wearing the patch for more than 12 hours, do not put on a new patch. Wait to put on a new patch at your next regular time. Do not use extra patches to make up for the one that came off.
Testoderm® Scrotal Patch:
- Apply the Testoderm® Scrotal Patch only to your scrotum. If you apply it to any other area of your skin, your body will not be able to absorb enough medicine. This means the medicine may not work.
- Apply the patch to clean, dry skin. You may need to dry shave the skin first (not using soap or water). Do not use a chemical hair-remover (such as Nair®).
- Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
Testoderm® TTS Skin Patch, Androderm® Skin Patch:
- Apply Testoderm® TTS Skin Patch or Androderm® Skin Patch to a place on your skin only. Do not apply the Testoderm® TTS or Androderm® Skin Patch to your scrotum or genital area. Your body may absorb too much medicine if you apply the patch to your scrotum. If you do not understand, ask your doctor to explain.
- The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
- Do not apply the Androderm® Skin Patch over a bony area (such as your shoulder). Do not apply the patch to an area that might be under pressure for a long time (such as the back of your leg when you are sitting).
- Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that has very little hair or no hair. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch on oily or sweaty skin.
- Apply the Androderm® Skin Patch at night.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can if it has been fewer than 12 hours since you were supposed to put on a patch. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), oxyphenbutazone (Tandearil®), insulin, propranolol (Inderal®), or a steroid medicine (such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, or Medrol®).
Do not apply any type of ointment product on your skin before you put on the patch.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

All types of patches:
- The medicine may cause birth defects if a pregnant woman comes in contact with the patch or medicine. Tell your doctor if your sexual partner is pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, prostate problems, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder), lung disease, or diabetes.
- If a woman comes in contact with this medicine or the patch, wash the skin area right away with soap and water to remove all the medicine. If the patch sticks to a woman, remove the patch right away and wash her skin thoroughly with soap and water.
- Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments. It is best if you have all of your blood tests done at the same laboratory.
Testoderm® TTS Skin Patch, Androderm® Skin Patch:
- If your female partner starts to have male-like changes, tell your doctor. Some changes might be unusual hair growth or increased acne. Talk with your doctor if your partner is pregnant.
- You may have mild, burn-like skin blisters, redness, itching, or swelling where the Androderm® Skin Patch is placed. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent or treat these problems.
- The Androderm® Skin Patch contains aluminum. The aluminum may cause skin burns at the patch site if you have a procedure called a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan while you are wearing the patch. You must remove the patch before your MRI to prevent skin burns.
Testoderm® Scrotal Patch:
- Some of this medicine may get on the skin of your partner during sex. If your female partner starts to have male-like changes, tell your doctor. Some changes might be unusual hair growth or increased acne. Talk with your doctor if your partner is pregnant.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

All Types of Patches:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
- Breathing problems during sleep.
- Change in how much or how often you urinate.
- Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
- Erections that happen too often or last too long.
- Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in your upper stomach.
- Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Testoderm® TTS Skin Patch, Androderm® Skin Patch:
- Red or black stools.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
- Severe skin blisters, redness, swelling, or burning where the patch is applied.
- Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

All Types of Patches:
- Acne.
- Headache, dizziness.
- Swollen breasts.
Testoderm® Scrotal Patch:
- Skin itching or irritation on your scrotum.
Testoderm® TTS Skin Patch, Androderm® Skin Patch:
- Body pain or pelvic pain.
- Depression, anxiety, or confusion.
- Increased appetite.
- Mild skin itching or redness where the patch is placed.
- Problems having sex.
- Tiredness.
- Unusual increase in growth.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4750

Get in Gear: Shock-Absorbing Hiking Poles

FitSugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

I went hiking this weekend up a trail named Hell's Brook. I learned the name after arriving at the trail head. If I had had that knowledge ahead of time, I would have known to bring along my hiking poles.

I'm liking these from REI called Traverse Shock Trekking Poles. They're only $79 for the pair, when others can run you almost $200 for just one.

What makes these poles so different? To find out read more

These are spring-loaded, so when you're trekking down a steep trail, they bounce a little as you put weight on them, which absorbs shock. This means your hands and wrists won't have that repeated jarring vibration you get with regular rigid poles, which helps prevent thumb and general hand pain.

When you're going up hill, these poles have a locking mechanism to make them rigid (without the bounce), for more stable climbing. You can also choose the length you want, so you can make them shorter on the way up and longer on the way down. The maximum length is 57", but these poles can compact to 27" for easy storage. Another great thing about these poles is that they're made of aluminum, so they're durable and lightweight - only 19.7 oz for the pair.

Hiking is such an awesome activity to do in the fall, and hiking poles will make your experience so much safer and easier on your knees and lower back. Plus they spread the workout around so your upper body gets into the action, not just your legs. Poles also enable you to conquer tougher and steeper trails. Upward, ho!

Rivastigmine (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:42 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Rivastigmine (ri-va-STIG-meen)

Treats dementia (memory loss and mental changes) associated with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Brand Name(s)

Exelon

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rivastigmine.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.Try to change the patch at the same time each day.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.Do not put a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days.
Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
Do not put cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using bethanechol (Urecholine®), succinylcholine (Anectine®), or other muscle relaxant medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease or heart rhythm problems, trouble urinating, or history of stomach ulcers, asthma, or other breathing problems. Tell your doctor if you also smoke.
Some people who have used this medicine developed problems such as nausea, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and weight loss. This medicine also caused or worsened symptoms, such as seizures or tremors, in some patients who have used this medicine. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you have any concerns.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. If you have not used your medicine for several days in a row, do not start using it again without talking to your doctor first. You may need to start the medicine again using a lower dose.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
Chest pain.
Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
Eye pain, changes in vision.
Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Red or black stools.
Seizures or tremors.
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Anxiety, depression.
Dizziness, headache.
Loss of appetite, weight loss.
Mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Tiredness.
Trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5663

Rotigotine (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:38 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Rotigotine (roe-TIG-oh-teen)

Treats the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as shaking, muscle stiffness, and slow movement.

Brand Name(s)

Neupro

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to rotigotine.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to. Try to change the patch at the same time each day.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one. Do not put a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days.
Apply the patch to clean, dry skin that has very little hair or no hair. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch on skin folds, under a waistband, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing. If you need to put the patch on a hairy area, the area should be shaved at least 3 days before applying the patch.
Do not put cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using metoclopramide (Reglan®) or medicine to treat mental illness (such as haloperidol, mesoridazine, pimozide, prochlorperazine, quetiapine, thioridazine, ziprasidone, Compazine®, Geodon®, Haldol®, Mellaril®, Orap®, Serentil®, or Seroquel®).
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart disease (such as congestive heart failure), blood vessel disease, edema, dyskinesia (abnormal muscle movements), high or low blood pressure, asthma, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), or a sleep disorder.
This medicine contains sodium metabisulfite. Make sure your doctor knows if you have a sulfite allergy.
The patch contains aluminum, which can cause skin burns when used during certain procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or cardioversion. To prevent skin burns, make sure the patch is removed before having these procedures.
Heat may cause too much of the rotigotine to pass through your skin. Do not expose the patch to direct sources of heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or direct sunlight.
If you develop a skin rash or irritation from the patch, do not expose the area to direct sunlight until it heals. Direct sunlight may cause your skin to change color.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up from a sitting or lying position suddenly, so stand up slowly.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
Changes in vision.
Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat.
Convulsions (seizures).
Headache, dizziness, or severe drowsiness.
Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
Skin rash, swelling, or redness where the patch is worn.
Unusual behavior, mood changes, or seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
Unusual bleeding or bruising.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Muscle, joint, or back pain.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or upset stomach.
Tiredness.
Trouble sleeping.
Weight loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5659

Fentanyl (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:55 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Fentanyl (FEN-ta-nil)

Treats pain after surgery or other medical procedures. This medicine is a very strong narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fentanyl or cetylpyridinium chloride (Cepacol®).

How to Use This Medicine

Device Assisted Patch

Your doctor will tell you how to use this medicine. Carefully follow what your doctor has instructed. Using this medicine wrong can cause serious health problems, including death. If you do not understand the directions or warnings, talk to your doctor.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking medicine to treat a fungal infection (such as ketoconazole, clotrimazole, or Nizoral®), rifampin (Rifadin®), carbamazepine, phenytoin, or St. John's Wort. Tell your doctor if you are also taking medicine to treat a bacterial infection (such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, Biaxin®, or Ery-tab®), or medicine to treat HIV or AIDS (such as ritonavir, lopinavir, or Kaletra®).
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have lung disease, trouble breathing, heart rhythm problems, liver disease, kidney disease, or a hearing problem. Tell your doctor if you have had a recent head injury, brain tumor, or other problem that could increase the pressure in your head. Also tell your doctor if you use narcotic pain medicines, or if you or anyone in your family has ever abused drugs or alcohol or had a drug addiction.
Using too much of this medicine can cause serious health problems, including death. Never let anyone else press the dosing button for you to prevent getting too much medicine.
The patch has metal parts that may affect certain tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, X-rays, or CAT scans. Make sure the patch is removed before you have any of these tests.
Do not touch the sticky side of the patch. Make sure that it does not come in contact with your fingers, eyes, or mouth. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if the patch comes off your skin. Never remove or replace the patch yourself. Wash your hands with water right away if you accidentally touch the sticky side of the patch, and tell your doctor or nurse right away.
This medicine will not be used at home. Make sure the patch is removed from your skin before you leave the hospital.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid doing anything that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Chest pain, or fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
Dry mouth, increased thirst, or muscle cramps.
Fever or chills.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Skin rash, itching, redness, or blisters where the patch is placed.
Stomach pain, severe constipation, or vomiting.
Trouble breathing, slow or shallow breathing.
Trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Headache.
Nausea.
Tiredness.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5611

Selegiline (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:07 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Selegiline (se-LE-ji-leen)

Treats depression. This medicine is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.

Brand Name(s)

Emsam

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to selegiline, or if you are taking other medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, bupropion, doxepin, duloxetine, fluoxetine, imipramine, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, Celexa®, Cymbalta®, Effexor®, Elavil®, Lexapro?, Paxil®, Prozac®, Tofranil®, Wellbutrin®, or Zoloft®), anxiety medicine (such as buspirone or BuSpar®), MAO inhibitors (MAOI) (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®), St. John's wort, or pain medicines (such as meperidine, methadone, propoxyphene, tramadol, Darvon®, Demerol®, Dolophine®, or Ultram®). Do not use this medicine if you are taking seizure medicines (such as carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, Tegretol®, or Trileptal®), cough medicines (such as dextromethorphan or Benylin®), medicine to treat muscle spasms (such as cyclobenzaprine or Flexeril®), over-the-counter diet pills, herbal weight-loss products, or cold medicines (such as ephedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudoephedrine, Neo-Synephrine®, Novafed®, or Sudafed®), any herbal or dietary supplement that contains tyramine, or medicines called amphetamines (also called stimulants or "uppers"). Do not use this medicine if you have pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland). Do not use this medicine if you take selegiline capsules or tablets.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
Wash the area of skin where you will apply the patch gently with soap and warm water. Rinse completely and dry with a clean dry towel.
Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
Do not put the patch on areas of hairy or oily skin or where your clothing is tight.
Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
While you are wearing the patch, do not expose it to external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or prolonged direct sunlight.
Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Certain foods and drinks can cause very high blood pressure in people who are using selegiline. The high blood pressure can also occur during the 2 weeks after stopping it. This is more common with aged, smoked, or fermented foods that are high in tyramine. Some foods you should not eat are air dried, aged, and fermented meats, sausages and salami, pickled herring, and any spoiled or improperly stored meat, poultry, fish, or animal livers. You should not eat broad bean pods, aged cheese, yeast, sauerkraut, soy sauce, or tofu. You should also not drink any beer. All of the foods that you eat must be fresh or properly frozen.
You must avoid many other medicines while you are using selegiline. Using these medicines together could cause serious problems, including death. The medicines include herbs, supplements, and medicines you can buy without a prescription (over-the-counter). Ask your doctor before you use any other medicine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you tend to get dizzy or faint, or if you have any heart problems, a recent heart attack, manic episodes (a mental condition that causes "high" moods), seizures, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Your blood pressure might get too high while you are using this medicine. This may cause headaches, blurred vision, and other symptoms. You might need to keep track of your blood pressure between doctor appointments. If you think your blood pressure is getting too high, call your doctor right away.
For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away if you or your child start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourselves. Report any unusual thoughts or behaviors that trouble you or your child, especially if they are new or are getting worse quickly. Make sure the doctor knows if you or your child have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell the doctor if you or your child have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. Let the doctor know if you, your child, or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests. Wait at least 10 days before having a surgery.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Changes in behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
Fast or pounding heartbeat.
Feeling nervous, restless, anxious, agitated, or excited for no reason.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Severe headache.
Stiff or sore neck.
Trouble sleeping.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry mouth.
Headache.
Itching, redness, or swelling where you wear the patch.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
Skin rash.
Sore throat.
Trouble having sex.
Weight loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5557

Methylphenidate (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:13:06 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Methylphenidate (meth-il-FEN-i-date)

Treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medicine is a stimulant.

Brand Name(s)

Daytrana

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not apply this medicine if you or your child have had an allergic reaction to methylphenidate. You should not use this medicine if you have glaucoma, or if you are anxious, tense, or agitated most of the time. You should not use this medicine if you have muscle tics or a history of Tourette's syndrome, a condition that causes you to have muscle twitches or to make sounds you are not able to control. Do not use this medicine if you have taken a medicine for depression called an MAO inhibitor (MAOI), such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®, in the past 14 days. This medicine should not be given to a child who is less than 6 years of age unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
The Medication Guide will show the body areas where you or your child can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you or your child wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch. Make sure the skin area is clean (freshly washed), dry, cool, and free of any powder, oil, or lotion before you apply the patch.
Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.
Apply the patch right away after removing it from the pouch or sealed wrapper.
Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied. Remove the new patch 9 hours after the first patch for that day was applied.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are also using cold or allergy medicines, clonidine (Catapres®) or other medicines to lower blood pressure (such as metoprolol, captopril, Lopressor®, or Capoten®), a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), medicines for seizures (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, Dilantin®, or Mysoline®), or medicines to treat depression (such as imipramine, clomipramine, desipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, Celexa®, Effexor®, Lexapro?, Paxil®, or Zoloft®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you or your child are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you or your child have epilepsy, a history of seizures, heart disease, high blood pressure, depression or mental illness, thyroid problems, skin problems (such as eczema or psoriasis), or drug or alcohol problems.
This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
This medicine may cause slow growth. If your child is using this medicine, the doctor will need to keep track of your child's height and weight to make sure that your child is growing properly.
This medicine may cause skin irritation. Tell your doctor about any skin rash that occurs where this medicine is applied.
Avoid putting this medicine near external sources of direct heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, or hot tubs.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Changes in vision.
Chest pain or shortness of breath.
Convulsions or tremors.
Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
Fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Mood or mental changes, confusion, or unusual behavior.
Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there.
Severe redness, swelling, itching, or blistering of the skin where the patch is worn.
Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Decreased appetite.
Feeling restless or nervous.
Headache.
Nausea or vomiting.
Trouble sleeping.
Warmth or redness in your child's face, neck, arms, or upper chest.
Weight loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5556

Estradiol/levonorgestrel (Absorbed through the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:02:30 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Estradiol (es-tra-DYE-ole), Levonorgestrel (LEE-voe-nor-jes-trel)

Treats hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause in a woman who has not had her uterus removed (hysterectomy). This medicine also prevents weak bones (osteoporosis) after menopause.

Brand Name(s)

Climara Pro

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to estradiol or levonorgestrel, or to other hormone medicines. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant, or if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor. You should not use this medicine if you have a history of cancer of the breast, ovary, or uterus. Do not use if you have liver disease or a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. You should not use this medicine if you have had your uterus removed.

How to Use This Medicine

Patch

Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident.Do not touch the sticky side of the patch with your fingers.
Place the patch on a smooth skin area of your lower abdomen (pelvic area). Press the patch into place firmly for about 10 seconds. Each time you put on a new patch, wear it on a new place within the smooth area of your lower abdomen.
Do not place the patch in a crease or fold of your skin. Do not wear the patch in an area where clothes are tight, such as your waistline. Do not wear the patch on or near your breasts. Avoid getting sunlight on the patch while you are wearing it.Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin.
Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.

If a dose is missed:

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep each patch in its unopened pouch until you are ready to use it.
Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together. Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.
Throw any used patch away so that children or pets cannot get to it. You will also need to throw away old patches after the expiration date has passed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Before you start using this medicine, tell your doctor if you are already using estrogen, progestin, or another hormone medicine.
Make sure your doctor also knows if you are using rifampin (Rifadin®, Rifater®), St. John's wort, or medicine for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital). Tell your doctor if you use antibiotics (such as erythromycin, Biaxin®), or medicine to treat infection, such as itraconazole, ketoconazole, Sporanox®, or Norvir®.
Do not use cosmetics or other skin care products on the treated skin areas.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

It is unlikely that a postmenopausal woman may become pregnant. But, you should know that using this medicine while you are pregnant could harm your unborn baby. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
This medicine should not be used to treat or prevent heart disease or stroke. In fact, hormone therapy can increase your risk of certain heart or blood vessel problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, blood clots, or circulation problems.
Your risk of heart disease or stroke from this medicine is higher if you smoke. Your risk is also increased if you have diabetes or high cholesterol, or if you are overweight. Talk with your doctor about ways to stop smoking. Keep your diabetes under control. Ask your doctor about diet and exercise to control your weight and blood cholesterol level.
This medicine may also increase your risk of certain types of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
This medicine might make your body keep more fluid than normal ("retain water"). Retaining water can make asthma, epilepsy, migraine headaches, heart disease, or kidney disease worse. Tell your doctor if you have any of these problems. Also make sure your doctor knows if you have lupus or an underactive thyroid.
Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Breast changes or lumps.
Chest pain, or coughing up blood.
Fever, chills, cough, or sore throat.
Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body.
Pain in your lower leg (calf).
Shortness of breath, cold sweat, and bluish-colored skin.
Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
Vaginal bleeding, spotting, discharge, or itching.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Back or joint pain.
Breast pain, swelling, or tenderness.
Itching, redness, or swelling where you wear the patch.
Mild skin rash, itching, or discoloration.
Nervousness, mood changes or irritability.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.
Runny or stuffy nose.
Weight gain or loss.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4787