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Managed Healthcare Executive • July 8, 2024

Another Toxicity of Cancer Treatment

A diagnosis of advanced cancer upends the lives of patients and their loved ones. In addition to the severity of the disease and fears of mortality, cancer treatment typically brings with it the heavy, intrusive hand of toxicities. There are the well-chronicled biological toxicities from chemotherapy and radiation treatments, such as hair loss, nausea and fatigue. The cost of cancer treatment and where insurance coverage falls short has been characterized as financial toxicity, which can not only cause dire financial hardship but also affect treatment itself, as people may skip, delay or avoid treatment altogether due to the high cost.

GoodRx • June 26, 2024

Retin-A vs. Retin-A-Micro: 7 Differences to Consider

Key takeaways: - Retin-A and Retin-A Micro are topical forms of tretinoin. They’re approved to treat acne and used off-label to help reduce wrinkles and skin discoloration. Retin-A Micro uses microspheres to deliver tretinoin slowly over time. This helps lessen side effects, so Retin-A Micro may be a better option for those with sensitive skin. But Retin-A may work slightly faster. - Retin-A comes as a cream and a gel. Retin-A Micro only comes as a gel. Creams may be better for dry skin, while gels may be preferred if you have oily skin. - You should wait 20 to 30 minutes after washing your face to apply Retin-A. But you don’t need to wait before applying Retin-A Micro. Both medications can worsen acne and skin appearance for the first few weeks. But you should notice an improvement after 12 weeks (about 3 months) of regular use with either medication. - There are many ways to save on Retin-A and Retin-A Micro. If you’re eligible, manufacturer savings cards can help make your prescription more affordable. Patient assistance programs are also available.

GoodRx • June 25, 2024

Aromatase Inhibitors List for Breast Cancer Treatment

Key takeaways: - Aromatase inhibitors are prescription medications used to treat hormone-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Three aromatase inhibitors are available: anastrozole (Arimidex), letrozole (Femara), and exemestane (Aromasin). - All three aromatase inhibitors are similarly effective for treating breast cancer. Anastrozole and exemestane (but not letrozole) are also effective at lowering the chance of breast cancer in those at high risk for it. - Common aromatase inhibitor side effects include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and muscle or joint pain. Don’t stop taking an aromatase inhibitor on your own. Often, your prescriber can treat your side effects or switch you to a different medication to manage them. - There are many ways to save on aromatase inhibitors. GoodRx can help you navigate your options, which may include GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and patient assistance programs. You can find aromatase inhibitor prices as low as $10.00 per month with a free GoodRx discount.

Medical News Today • May 1, 2024

Dilantin: Side effects, dosage, uses, interactions, and more

Dilantin is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for seizures in adults and children. The medication is available in the following oral forms: capsule, chewable tablet, and liquid suspension. Dilantin belongs to the antiepileptic drug class.

Medical News Today • April 17, 2024

Vowst: Dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and more

Vowst is a brand-name biologic drug. The active ingredient is fecal microbiota spores, live-brpk. (The reason “-brpk” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.) Vowst is not currently available in a version. Biologic drugs are made from living cells. Traditional (nonbiologic) drugs are usually made from chemicals. A generic is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a traditional brand-name medication.

Rite Aid • April 4, 2024

How Often Do You Need to Get the Shingles Vaccine?

How long does the shingles vaccine last — and do you need it? This article addresses frequently asked questions if you get the shingles vaccine.

US News & World Report • March 28, 2024

8 Best Motion Sickness Medicines: Pharmacist Picks 2023

Motion sickness can begin with uneasiness and quickly progress to a cold sweat, dizziness and vomiting. A panel of pharmacists ranked the best brands of motion sickness medicines and remedies. Dramamine is their No.1 choice. Also check out Best Nausea Medicines and all our Best OTC Medicines and Health Products.

US News & World Report • March 28, 2024

Best Cough Drops and Lozenges

Cough drops temporarily soothe and control a cough. We surveyed pharmacists to rank the best cough drop brands. Halls is their No.1 choice. Also check out Best Sore Throat Sprays and Best Immune Support.

Medical News Today • February 21, 2024

Augtyro: Cost, dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, and more

Augtyro is a brand-name oral capsule that’s prescribed for a specific type of lung cancer. Augtyro contains the active ingredient repotrectinib. Augtyro is FDA-approved to treat non-small cell lung cancer in adults in certain situations. Specifically, the cancer must be advanced or metastatic and have a specific genetic mutation. For more details, see the “Augtyro’s uses” section below. The Augtyro dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include: • other medical cond

Managed Healthcare Executive • January 3, 2024

Promising Trial Results for New Drug Under Investigation for Small Cell Lung Cancer

The FDA has granted priority review to Amgen's application for tarlatamab, an investigational therapy for advanced small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The FDA's priority review designation indicates the need for new treatment options in this patient population. SCLC is a particularly aggressive form of lung cancer with a 5-year relative survival rate of 7%. Current treatments have limited success in advanced stages of the disease. Tarlatamab is a type of immunotherapy drug called a bispecific T-cel

Health Guide • August 8, 2023

How To Inject Wegovy: Tips To Take Wegovy From a Pharmacist

is a once-weekly injection healthcare providers can prescribe to help people with . The thought of injecting yourself can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before, but there are ways to make the process quick and easy. Keep reading to learn more about Wegovy (semaglutide) and how to administer it safely and effectively. Wegovy is a brand-name prescription drug. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide. Wegovy belongs to a popular class of medications known as . To take W

Verywell Health • July 5, 2023

Comparing Pregabalin vs. Gabapentin

Gabapentin and pregabalin are similar drugs but differ in several distinct ways. The main differences are their indications—specific uses that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them to treat—and their dosages. Gabapentin and pregabalin are FDA-approved to treat some of the same conditions, including postherpetic neuralgia in adults. Both drugs are also indicated to treat partial seizures in adults and certain children with epilepsy (a seizure disorder) when taken along with o

Healthline • April 19, 2023

Depakote: Dosage, Side Effects, Uses, and More

If you have bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or migraine, your doctor might suggest Depakote as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used to: • treat certain mood episodes (such as mania) in adults with bipolar disorder • treat certain kinds of seizures in adults and some children Depakote may be used as a short-term or long-term treatment. For more details about this drug’s uses, see the “What is Depakote used for?” section below. Depakote belongs to a group of medications called ant

Healthy Hearing • April 10, 2023

What to know about tinnitus and blood pressure medications

What to know about tinnitus and blood pressure drugs If you experience ringing in the ears, talk to your doctor When considering a new medication, it can be scary to read the list of potential risks and side effects. It can be especially concerning when a prescription drug that improves one condition ends up making another condition worse or introduces a new problem. You may be facing such a dilemma if you require treatment for high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) and are experiencin

Medical News Today • December 12, 2022

Dementia: Using hearing aids, cochlear implant may reduce risk by 19%

Using hearing aids could help reduce cognitive decline in the long term, according to new research. Erin Brant/Stocksy • Age-related hearing loss Is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. • Several studies have found an association between hearing loss and the risk of developing dementia. • Hearing aids and cochlear implants can restore hearing and improve overall well-being. • A new analysis has found that, for people with hearing loss, wearing their hearing aid or having a c

Health Guide • November 11, 2022

Upneeq: Uses, Doses, and Side Effects

If one or both of your upper eyelids droop over your eye, people may sometimes think you’re falling asleep. While that may sometimes be the case, your droopy lids may signify a condition called ptosis. It’s often caused by genetics, aging, trauma, or various medical conditions. Until recently, surgery was one of the only options to correct drooping lids. Now, a new non-surgical treatment called Upneeq is available. Upneeq (oxymetazoline 0.1% ophthalmic solution) is a prescription eye drop avai

Verywell Health • October 7, 2022

Abreva (Docosanol) Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages

Abreva (docosanol) is a topical cream used to treat facial cold sores and fever blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). It contains the active ingredient docosanol, which is an antiviral drug. Docosanol works by acting as the only non-prescription ingredient that can shorten healing time and the duration of symptoms, including pain, itching, and burning. Abreva is available for over-the-counter (OTC) use and is intended for people 12 and older. Abreva contains 10% docosanol

Medical News Today • September 16, 2022

Quviviq: Side effects, cost, alternatives, uses, and more

Quviviq is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat insomnia in adults. Quviviq contains the active drug daridorexant, which belongs to a class of drugs called dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs). Quviviq comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in two strengths: 25 milligrams (mg) and 50 mg. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Quviviq in January 2022. Yes, Quviviq is a controlled substance. The government regulates how controlled substances are prescribed

Healthline • September 15, 2022

Synthroid Interactions: Other Medications, Alcohol, and More

Synthroid (levothyroxine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat the following conditions in adults and children: Like other drugs, Synthroid may have interactions. Some interactions occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. For example, sometimes alcohol, another drug, or a supplement can affect how a drug acts in your body. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions. Keep reading to learn about Synthroid’s possibl

Medical News Today • July 7, 2022

Invega Trinza: Dosage, side effects, cost, uses, and more

Invega Trinza is a brand-name prescription medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in certain adults. Specifically, Invega Trinza treats schizophrenia in people who’ve received at least 4 months of treatment with Invega Sustenna. (Invega Sustenna is another drug used to treat schizophrenia.) Invega Trinza contains an extended-release form of the active drug paliperidone palmitate. (Extended-release means the drug releases slowly in your body, over a period of time.) It belongs to a

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