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

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, among other uses. Taking Ozempic can lower your appetite, which supports weight loss, but it can also increase the risk of missing important nutrients.If you’re taking Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes or support weight loss, you may question how it affects your nutrition. Many people taking glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications, such as Ozempic, experience a big drop in a...

Steroids are a common IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) treatment, and they can be highly effective in easing symptoms and reducing inflammation. However, like many medications, they come with some trade-offs. Steroid side effects, especially from long-term use, can affect your appearance, mood, and overall health. Knowing what to expect and how to manage these changes can make it easier to continue treatment so you can experience the benefits of taking steroids for IgG4-RD.

Which bug repellent sprays will protect you and your family from bug bites this summer? These are the best brands that U.S. News and The Harris Poll have rated by surveying 357 pharmacists and 134 dermatologists. Also see Best Mosquito Bite Relief and the Best Topical Antibiotics.

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re not alone. Millions of men experience this condition, and there are a variety of solutions available.Viagra (sildenafil) is a well-known ED treatment that’s been around since the 1990s. But it requires a prescription from a healthcare professional. So some people may turn to an over-the-counter (OTC) option first. Prozyte is a dietary supplement that’s marketed as a “male potency formula” to support stronger erections. But how do these two...

Overview: Vimkunya is a vaccine that helps protect against chikungunya, a virus spread by mosquitoes.The vaccine works by preparing your immune system to fight the virus if you are bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site and tiredness. Vimkunya is given by a health care provider as an injection into a muscle and may be recommended if you are going to certain areas in the world.

Concerns about the time demands of clinical trials often deter cancer patients from enrolling. But a new study, published last month in JAMA Network Open, offers a reassuring counterpoint: For people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), trial participation may not increase the time spent receiving care. It may even reduce hospitalizations.A group of researchers, led by Timothy P. Hanna, M.D., Ph.D., at Queen’s University in Ontario, analyzed data from 250 patients who died between 2...

Around 60 percent of women report brain fog during the menopause transition—a frustrating symptom marked by memory lapses, trouble focusing, and a general sense of mental fogginess. The most likely culprit? Estrogen decline. This hormone isn’t just about reproduction—it plays a critical role in brain function.

Best known as a bright yellow spice, turmeric is also found in dietary supplements. Some studies suggest it may offer small benefits for people living with high blood pressure (hypertension).1 The main active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which gives it both its golden color and many of its beneficial properties, including its potential blood pressure–lowering effects.2 But because curcumin can interact with certain drugs, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider before adding turmeric to your routine.

Cambia (diclofenac potassium) can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious. More common side effects include nausea. If side effects from Cambia become difficult to tolerate, ask your doctor about coping tips or treatment options.Cambia is prescribed for adults to treat migraine with or without aura. (Aura is a group of symptoms that may occur before or during a migraine episode. They may include visual, sensory, and speech or language symptoms.) Cambia is not used to prevent migraine epi...

If you have pain, scratchiness or irritation in your throat, especially when you swallow, sore throat sprays can help ease your discomfort. We surveyed pharmacists to collect expert recommendations for the best brands of sore throat sprays. Also view Best Cough Drops, Best Zinc Lozenges and Best Cough Suppressants.

If you or a loved one has sleep apnea, you may be considering different treatment options. A new treatment you may hear about is Zepbound (tirzepatide). In December 2024, Zepbound became the first FDA-approved medicine for treating obstructive sleep apnea. More specifically, Zepbound received approval for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with obesity, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.Zepbound was first approved by the FDA in Nove...

Opdivo Qvantig is a brand-name injection prescribed for certain types of cancer. It contains the active ingredients nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy and belongs to the immunotherapy drug class.

The typical dosage of Cialis for BPH is 5 mg taken once daily, with or without food.Tadalafil can start to reduce symptoms like frequent urination and a weak urine stream within a week, and many see full benefits within four weeks.Cialis (tadalafil) is FDA-approved to manage the urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s also approved to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), making it a good option for those dealing with both ED and an enlarged prostate.If you have benign prostatic...

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

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

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

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

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

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