Drug Side Effects & Clinical Trials Blog

Mar 10, Estradiol Side Effects

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:27:41 GMT

Estradiol is used both in combination with other medications and also as a stand-alone medication for a variety of conditions. Find out more about estradiol side effects here.

Mar 5, Diovan Side Effects

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:43:20 GMT

If you're taking Diovan for high blood pressure then find out about Diovan side effects right here.

Mar 5, Black Cohosh Side Effects

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:57:41 GMT

Taking black cohosh or know someone who is? Find out more about some of the potential black cohosh side effects you need to be aware of.

Mar 4, Heartburn Drug Name Change Approved By FDA Today

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:34:01 GMT

A few weeks ago we let you know about some medical errors that have been occurring involving Kapidex (heartburn drug) and Casodex (prostate cancer drug) because of the similarity between their names.

Today the FDA approved a change of name for Kapidex. It will now have the new brand name Dexilant.

Feb 21, Elder Care Products

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:37:27 GMT

When it comes to aging (either yourself or others), there are some elder care products that can be useful to help make the transition smoother, more graceful, and even fun!

Feb 21, Crestor Side Effects

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:51:51 GMT

Crestor is a statin drug used primarily to lower cholesterol. Get more information here about Crestor side effects.

Feb 21, Keeping a Drug Website or Any Website On Line - How Can It Be Done

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 03:27:40 GMT

Visit our drug website and see what helps us grow as a drug information provider.

Feb 17, Latest Armchair Pharmacist Newsletter Now Online

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:16:10 GMT

The February issue of The Armchair Pharmacist is now available online! This month's issue is all about weight loss and diet pills and the latest information and updates regarding them.

Follow the link to check it out ...and remember, you can also sign up to receive the newsletter on a monthly basis delivered directly to your inbox!

Feb 16, Lyrica Side Effects

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:03:24 GMT

Lyrica has a number of uses, some may seem unrelated... Find out what Lyrica side effects can be expected regardless of what you are using it for.

Feb 14, Fish Oil Side Effects

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:00:07 GMT

Sure it can be good to help lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease, but there are some fish oil side effects that you'll still need to be aware of if you'll be taking it.

Feb 14, Metformin Side Effects

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 07:46:16 GMT

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are taking Glucophage (Metformin), find out what Metformin side effects you should be aware of right here.

Feb 12, Side Effects of Drugs Pt.2

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 09:04:34 GMT

The side effects of drugs are one of the major concerns for most people who have to take them. Just about every drug on the market has some side effects, find out what they are right here.

Feb 11, Coumadin Side Effects

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:34:24 GMT

Coumadin is a blood thinner and if you've been prescribed this medication then you can find out about what coumadin side effects you can potentially expect while taking it.

Feb 11, Caffeine Side Effects

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:49:09 GMT

Most of us are familiar with caffeine when it comes to some of our favorite beverages, however, it is also used for medicinal purposes. Find out more about caffeine side effects right here.

Feb 4, Casodex or Kapidex...Do You Know
Which One You're Taking?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 07:31:24 GMT

The names are so close that mistakes are being made by some pharmacies, hospitals, and other medical institutions and dispensing one in place of the other. Obviously this isn't good...

Kapidex (Dexlansoprazole) is used to treat GERD (acid reflux) and erosive esophagitis
Casodex (Bicalutamide) is used to treat prostate cancer in when combined with certain other medications

Depending on which you get, you'll likely experience the side effects of that particular medication.

Casodex should NEVER be taken by women... especially women of child-bearing age who are or may become pregnant. Casodex can cause serious harm to your unborn baby.

So how can you tell which is which?

Casodex is a white, film-coated tablets with "CDX50" on one side and the "CASODEX" logo on the other.Kapidex comes in two strengths - 30mg and 60 mg. The 30mg capsule is an opaque blue and gray capsule with TAP and "30" printed on the capsule. The 60 mg capsule is blue opaque with TAP and "60" printed on it.

If you have to take either one of these medications be sure you check to make sure that you are getting the right one before leaving the pharmacy, or hospital or doctor's office.

Feb 3, Lithium Side Effects

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:40:23 GMT

Lithium is a mood stabilizer that has been used for many years to treat psychotic conditions and certain other mental health conditions. Find out what all the lithium side effects are right here.

Feb 2, Side Effects of Drugs

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 06:29:10 GMT

The side effects of drugs are one of the major concerns for most people who have to take them. Just about every drug on the market has some side effects, find out what they are right here.

Nov 18, New Prilosec-Plavix Drug Interaction Alert

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:44:53 GMT

On November 17th 2009, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they want to alert the public about a new drug interaction discovery between Prilosec (used to reduce stomach acid) and Plavix (used to prevent blood clotting).

In a nutshell, Prilosec reduces the effectiveness of Plavix because it blocks the particular enzyme the body uses to break down the Plavix into its active form. Taking these two drugs together results in Plavix being approximately 50 less effective. This is a major drug interaction because Plavix users who are at risk of heart attacks or strokes will NOT get the full protective effect of the drug if they take it with Prilosec.

So can you just space out the time between when you take both drugs? No... the drug had an equal diminished effect when taken together as when taken up to 12 hours apart.

If you are taking Plavix, then you should avoid other drugs that also block this enzyme because it is very likely that the result (decreased effectiveness of Plavix) will be the same as with Prilosec. Here is a list of other drugs that block that particular enzyme (and thus should be avoided as well):

Nexium
Tagamet, Tagamet HB
Diflucan
Nizoral
VFEND
Intelence
Felbatol
Prozac, Serafem, Symbyax
Luvox
Ticlid

...all generic forms of the above medications should be avoided as well.

Nov 16, Singulair Side Effects

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:16:11 GMT

Whether you're using it for allergies, asthma prevention, or to improve your exercise tolerance, you'll want to read up on all the Singulair side effects right here to keep yourself well informed.

Oct 25, Lipitor Side Effects

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:56:04 GMT

Lipitor is used to control cholesterol in patients who have or at risk for certain heart problems. Find out more about all the lipitor side effects you'll need to be aware when using this medication.

Oct 15, Buspar Side Effects

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:55:09 GMT

If you're taking BuSpar for anxiety then you'll want to check here for what the BuSpar side effects are.

Oct 12, Nasonex Side Effects

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 03:33:06 GMT

Taking Nasonex for your seasonal allergies? Curious about what the Nasonex side effects are? Find out here.

Oct 12, Claritin Side Effects

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 01:16:58 GMT

If you have allergies and are taking Claritin, a non-drowsy antihistamine, then you'll want to check out the Claritin side effects here to get the full picture.

Oct 11, Vytorin Side Effects

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:45:32 GMT

Wondering about Vytorin side effects? If you're taking Vytorin to lower your cholesterol then look up all the potential side effects right here.

Oct 11, Prevacid Side Effects

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:06:07 GMT

Prevacid is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat and prevent various types of stomach ulcers as well as reflux disease. Read about all the Prevacid side effects right here.

Oct 10, About Site Build It! (SBI!)

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:39:55 GMT

Read all about Site Build It! (SBI!) - and how I used it to help me build this website.

Oct 2, Children's & Infant's Tylenol Recall

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:04:12 GMT

Click on the link below to see a list of the affected lot numbers of the Children's & Infant's Tylenol products that were voluntarily recalled by the manufacturer - McNeil Consumer Healthcare. Want more info? Check out this month's Armchair Pharmacist video newsletter where the entire story is covered in full detail. While you're there be sure to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter - The Armchair Pharmacist - so you'll always be on top of all the latest goings-on in the world of medications!

Oct 2, Simvastatin Side Effects

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:43:50 GMT

Learn about all the possible simvastatin side effects if you or someone you know is taking this medication to lower cholesterol.

Sep 28, The Armchair Pharmacist

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 07:53:40 GMT

Subscribe to The Armchair Pharmacist and receive drug side effects and pharmaceutical industry updates.

Sep 14, Albuterol Side Effects

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 01:18:30 GMT

Albuterol is one of the most commonly and frequently used asthma medications. Curious about albuterol side effects? Find out more here!

Sep 12, Clonazepam Side Effects

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 22:41:47 GMT

Klonopin (Clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat seizures and panic disorders. Get information about clonazepam side effects right here.

Sep 2, Concerta Side Effects

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:52:20 GMT

Concerta is one of a number of brand name methylphenidate preparations. Find out more about Concerta side effects right here.

Sep 1, Luvox Side Effects

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 03:43:39 GMT

Wondering about Luvox side effects. If you're taking this particular SSRI then you'll want to know what side effects to expect from it. Find out here.

Aug 25, Safety Review of Alli & Xenical (Orlistat)

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:26:44 GMT

The FDA announced yesterday that it is reviewing reports of liver injury among people who are taking the popular weight loss drugs Alli (which is available in the US to the general public over-the-counter) and Xenical (the prescription strength version). The generic name for both medications is Orlistat. Apparently, there have been a total of 32 reports of serious liver injury (30 episodes of which occurred outside the US) between 1999 and 2008 among people taking these medications. Of the 32 cases, 27 people ended up in the hospital and 6 wound up with full blown liver failure. The most commonly reported side effects were jaundice (yellowing of the skin and of the white part of the eyes), stomach pain, and weakness. As the FDA continues to review additional data submitted by the manufacturers of these medications, they are advising people who use these medications to continue to take them as prescribed (for Xenical), or as directed per the package label (for Alli). Healthcare professionals are also not being advised to change their prescribing practices per the FDA. Note though, that according to the FDA,, there is currently no definite association between liver injury and Alli/Xenical. What should you as a consumer do? If you are using either one of these medications then tell your healthcare professional if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

weakness or fatigue
brown urine or jaundice
fever
abdominal pain
nausea/vomiting
itching
loss of appetite
light-colored stools

You can report these to FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online, via snail mail, by fax or phone @ 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aug 25, Zetia Side Effects

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:58:32 GMT

If you have high cholesterol and have been prescribed Zetia then you'll want to check out what all the Zetia side effects are. You can do that right here!

Aug 15, Enbrel Side Effects

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 23:53:20 GMT

Wondering about Enbrel side effects? Well, if you've been prescribed this medication here's all the information about its side effects that you'll want to know.

Jul 24, Abilify Side Effects

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:07:50 GMT

Have you been prescribed Abilify? In addition to Abilify side effects get information on some important warnings you ought to know about as well.

Jul 15, Nexium Side Effects

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:57:58 GMT

If you've been prescribed "the purple pill", a.k.a. Nexium, then you'll probably want to know about all the Nexium side effects. Find out more here.

Jul 12, Restasis Side Effects

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:36:18 GMT

Concerned about Restasis side effects? Find out more about what they are right here.

Jul 8, Dry Eyes (Dry Eye Syndrome)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:57:59 GMT

Suffering from dry eyes makes you appreciate your tears more than ever. Find out more about the side effects of drugs used to treat this condition.

Jul 8, Darvon & Darvocet Under FDA Review

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:36:51 GMT

The FDA is taking a closer look at the popular pain medications Darvon and Darvocet (propoxyphene-containing pain medications). This was spurred by the possibility of potentially fatal overdoses when used in high doses. In particular the FDA is worried about the potential effects that "higher-than-normal" doses of either of these medications have on the heart. Studies are currently underway to find out more so stay tuned for updates. Manufacturers of these drugs will now have to include a boxed warning in their labels that address this risk. Patients who receive either of these medications now must also be given special medication guides every time they receive them, both new prescriptions and refills. Doctors are also responsible for making sure that they prescribe these medications to patients only when they are truly appropriate. At this point in time the FDA is not planning to withdraw either of these medications from the market since their benefits, in its (the FDA's) estimation, outweigh their risks.

Jul 8, Acid Reflux (GERD)

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:55:47 GMT

Ever get that burning feeling in your chest, like it's on fire? No, it's not love... it's acid reflux (or GERD)! Find out more about the drugs that treat it and their side effects here.

Jul 4, Night Sweats

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:36:08 GMT

Night sweats are not an uncommon occurrence with some of the most commonly used medications - both over-the-counter and prescription. Find out more here.

Jul 2, Unwanted Erection (Priapism)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:10:05 GMT

It can be both embarrassing and extremely painful and in some situations an unwanted erection can even be an emergency condition. Find out more here about drugs that can cause it.

Jun 30, Alopecia

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:50:06 GMT

Alopecia, or loss of hair, can be quite a devastating side effect of some medications since losing one's hair can cause emotional distress. Find out here which medications have the potential to caus

Jun 27, Deep Vein Thrombosis

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:37:21 GMT

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is associated with some medications that are in widespread use, particularly among certain population groups. Find out what these drugs are and who's most at risk right

Jun 27, Angioedema

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 07:48:27 GMT

Angioedema is not exactly pretty and can be a very scary side effect if you experience it. Find out more here about drugs that can cause this side effect.

Jun 13, Brain Fog

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:06:13 GMT

Think your medication may be causing you to experience the symptoms of brain fog? Check out just which drugs tend to be the main culprits.

Jun 13, Difficulty Sleeping

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:50:29 GMT

Difficulty sleeping is one of the most common medication side effects. Find out more about insomnia here and the medications that cause it most often.

Jun 13, Rhabdomyolysis

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:34:37 GMT

Rhabdomyolysis is a muscle condition that can be caused by a number of medications. Find out here what medications typically cause this condition.