BENZODIAZEPINES (SLEEP-INDUCING) - ORAL

USES: This medication is used to treat insomnia (sleeping disorders).

HOW TO USE: Take this medication 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime as directed. Take this with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor if you have been taking this for some time. It may be necessary to gradually decrease the dose. Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take this for longer than prescribed. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use making it less effective.

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, depression, impaired coordination, trembling, nightmares, weakness, memory loss, hangover effect (grogginess) or clouded thinking may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Report promptly: mental confusion, seizures. Very unlikely but report promptly: rapid heartbeat, yellowing eyes or skin, fever. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, a history of drug dependence, history of depression, breathing problems, apnea, seizures, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the affects of the drug. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: medication for depression, anti-seizure drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), sedatives. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, unconsciousness, confusion, dizziness, shallow and slow breathing, or seizures.

NOTES: You may experience sleeping difficulties the first one or two nights after stopping this medication. Be aware of this effect. If the problem continues, contact your doctor. Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use cautiously.

MISSED DOSE: Take your dose at or near bedtime. If you miss a dose, do not take it if it is near the time for your next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

DRINK WATER ON EMPTY STOMACH

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven a its value. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.

METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwa rd s - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.

It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.

Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ..not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...

It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed . It will slow down the digestion.

Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive......

-:Thank You:-

ATAZANAVIR - ORAL

USES: This medication is a protease inhibitor and is used in combination with other medicines to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with food, or as directed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the medication. Swallow capsules whole. If you are taking atazanavir and efavirenz, you should also be taking ritonavir. If you are taking antacids or a buffered form of didanosine (e.g., chewable/dispersible buffered tablets), take atazanavir 2 hours before or 1 hour after these medicines. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it unless directed to do so by your doctor. It is very important to continue taking this medication (and other anti-HIV medications) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not skip any doses. This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fatigue, fever, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: yellowing of skin or eyes. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: depression, increased urination or thirst, unusual bleeding or bruising. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: change in heart rhythm, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, extreme weakness (especially in arms and legs), trouble breathing. Changes in body fat may occur while you are taking this medication (e.g., increased fat in the upper back and stomach areas, decreased fat in the arms and legs). The cause and long-term effects of these changes are unknown. Discuss the risks and benefits of therapy with your doctor, as well as the possible role of exercise to reduce this side effect. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease (including Hepatitis B or C infections), heart problems (e.g., atrioventricular block), diabetes, blood disorders, any allergies. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether atazanavir passes into breast milk. Because breast milk can transmit HIV, do not breast-feed.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: "ergot-type" drugs (e.g., ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, methylergonovine), triazolam, midazolam, pimozide, cisapride, rifamycins (e.g., rifampin, rifabutin), bepridil, indinavir, certain "statin" drugs for cholesterol (lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin), St. John's wort, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting atazanavir. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: sildenafil, calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem, verapamil), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, metoprolol), digoxin, warfarin, drugs for irregular heartbeat (e.g., antiarrhythmics such as amiodarone, lidocaine, quinidine), medicines for depression (tricyclics such as amitriptyline), immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclosporine, sirolimus, tacrolimus), H2-blockers (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine), clarithromycin, irinotecan. Tenofovir can decrease the effectiveness of atazanavir (by decreased blood levels) when the two drugs are given in combination. This can result in a worsening of your condition. According to the manufacturer, adding ritonavir to the combination of atazanavir and tenofovir may be a treatment option. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

NOTES: This medication does not cure HIV. Patients treated with atazanavir may continue to acquire "opportunistic" infections associated with HIV. This medication also does not prevent transmission of HIV to others through sexual contact or blood. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function, bilirubin, lipid/cholesterol, EKG) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take the missed dose if it is within 6 hours of your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. It is important not to miss doses of this drug.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

ANTIHISTAMINES - ORAL

USES: Antihistamines are used to treat rash, hives, watery eyes, runny nose, itching, and sneezing due to allergies or the common cold. They may also be used to treat motion sickness, anxiety, or as a sleep aid (for insomnia).

HOW TO USE: May be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Sustained-release or long acting tablets and capsules must be swallowed whole. Chewing or crushing the sustained-release/long acting tablets or capsules will destroy the long action and may increase side effects. For chewable tablets, chew thoroughly and swallow. Shake suspensions well before taking.

SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, vision changes, irritability, dry mouth and nose. These effects should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If they persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, pounding or irregular heartbeat, ringing in the ears, difficulty urinating. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma (narrow angle), stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, lung problems, overactive thyroid. Change from a seated or lying position slowly to avoid dizziness. Use caution in performing activities requiring alertness. Limit alcohol intake to avoid excessive drowsiness. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Do not give long-acting antihistamines to a child younger than 12 years of age nor other dose forms of antihistamines to a child younger than 6 years of age without doctor approval. This drug should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, medication for depression, seizure medications, narcotic pain relievers, other medications for colds/hay fever/allergies. Because this medication may affect allergy testing, you may have to stop using this medication for several days before the tests are performed. Consult your doctor about this. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:Symptoms of overdose in children may include abnormal eye movements, flushed face, dry mouth, change in amount of urine, fever, excitation, agitation, bizarre behavior, confusion, restlessness, irritability, delirium, twitching, tiredness, abnormal tongue movement, trembling extremities, slurred speech, or seizures. Symptoms of overdose in adults may include drowsiness, or unconsciousness, which may be followed by excitement or seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.

-:Thank You:-

SODIUM PHOSPHATE MONOBASIC/DIBASIC - ORAL

USES: This combination form of sodium phosphate is used to clean out the bowels/intestines (colon) before a medical exam (colonoscopy). When taken as directed before the colonoscopy, the doctor can perform the exam (see the colon) more effectively.

HOW TO USE: Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to use this medication correctly and follow all instructions carefully. Take this medication by mouth exactly as directed usually beginning the evening before your colonoscopy. Take each of the doses of this medicine with a full glass (8 oz or 240 ml) of water; or take as directed by your doctor. Do not eat for at least 12 hours prior to taking this medication. Drink only clear liquids. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Do not take any other laxatives, phosphate-containing products, or use enemas while taking this medication. Doing so may increase your risk for serious side effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea is an expected effect of this medication. However, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain/bloating, dizziness, or headache may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: blood in the stool, dark (black) stool, muscle cramps. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat. Some undigested or partially digested pieces of tablet(s) may appear in your stool/diarrhea. This is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: certain heart problems (e.g., heart failure, unstable angina), intestinal disorders (e.g., acute colitis, chronic constipation, ileus, obstructions), fluid/swelling of the stomach/abdomen (ascites), conditions that can cause slowing of the intestines (e.g., hypothyroidism, scleroderma). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, other heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart attack, recent heart surgery), dehydration or blood/fluid problems (e.g., electrolytes problems such as low sodium, potassium, or calcium; or high phosphate levels), inflammatory bowel disease, any allergies. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other laxatives or enemas, "water pills" (e.g., diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe diarrhea, lightheadedness, severe muscle cramps.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 56 and 86 degrees F (13 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelis virginiana) - TOPICAL

USES: Witch hazel leaf has been used for minor injuries of the skin, swelling (inflammation) of the skin and mucous membranes (e.g., lips), hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Some herbal/diet supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details regarding the particular brand you use. The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: Apply this product to the affected area of skin as directed. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

SIDE EFFECTS: No side effects have currently been reported. If you notice any possible side effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Do not use this product internally (e.g., by mouth); this is for external use only.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: other skin products.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. This medicine may be harmful if swallowed.

NOTES: Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Refer to storage information printed on the package. If you have any questions about storage, ask your pharmacist.

-:Thank You:-

Xylocaine (LIDOCAINE - ORAL OINTMENT)

USES: This medication is a topical anesthetic which provides a numbing effect. It is used to prevent and treat the pain of certain medical/dental procedures.

HOW TO USE: This medication is applied within the mouth as directed using rubber gloves or gauze so as not to numb the fingers. Do not increase your dose or use this more often than prescribed without your doctor's approval.

SIDE EFFECTS: Minor stinging, burning and tenderness may occur when this is first used. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: irritation, rash, redness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have any pre-existing illness or allergies especially to anesthetics. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

NOTES: Use cautiously in the elderly or children as they are more sensitive to the effects of this medication.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as remembered; do not apply it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Discard unused medication after the expiration date noted on the container.

YOHIMBINE - ORAL (yo-HIM-bean)

USES: Yohimbine has been used to increase low blood pressure, to widen (dilate) the pupil of the eye and for certain cases of male impotence.

HOW TO USE: This medication must be taken as directed. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause increased heart rate, sweating, nervousness, tremor, irritability, headache, dizziness and flushing. If these effects continue or become severe notify your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: This medication should not be used by anyone with the following conditions: kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension). Use with caution in the presence of depression, psychiatric illness or liver disease. This medication should not be used by children. This medication should not be used by pregnant women. This medication is not generally used by females.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, and paralysis.

NOTES: Do not share this product with others.

MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is almost time for the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

Contraceptive, pill

Contraceptive, pill: Commonly called "the pill," combined oral contraceptives are the most commonly used form of reversible birth control in the United States.
This form of birth control suppresses ovulation (the monthly release of an egg from the ovaries) by the combined actions of the hormones estrogen and progestin.

If a woman remembers to take the pill every day as directed, she has an extremely low chance of becoming pregnant in a year. But the pill's effectiveness may be reduced if the woman is taking some medications, such as certain antibiotics.
Besides preventing pregnancy, the pill can make periods more regular. It also has a protective effect against pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an infection of the fallopian tubes or uterus that is a major cause of infertility in women, and against ovarian and endometrial cancers.
Birth control pills are considered safe for most women but they carry some risks. Current low-dose pills have fewer risks associated with them than earlier versions. But women who smoke, especially those over 35, and women with certain medical conditions such as a history of blood clots or breast or endometrial cancer, may be advised against taking the pill. The pill may also contribute to cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and blockage of the arteries.
One of the biggest questions has been whether the pill increases the risk of breast cancer in past and current pill users. An international study published in the September 1996 issue of the medical journal "Contraception" concluded that women's risk of breast cancer 10 years after going off birth control pills was no higher than that of women who had never used the pill. During pill use and for the first 10 years after stopping the pill, women's risk of breast cancer was only slightly higher in pill users than non-pill users.
The side effects of the pill include nausea, headache, breast tenderness, weight gain, irregular bleeding, and depression. These side effects often subside after a few months' use of the pill.
This is in part based on information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Z-Bec (VITAMIN B COMPLEX - ORAL)

USES: Vitamins are the building blocks of the body. They are used to prevent or treat a vitamin deficiency due to poor nutrition, certain illnesses or during pregnancy.

HOW TO USE: Take as directed. Food may affect the absorption of certain vitamin products. Consult your pharmacist. Chewable tablets must be chewed thoroughly before swallowing followed with a glass of water. Timed-release capsules or tablets must be swallowed whole.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause mild nausea or unpleasant taste. Consult your doctor if any of these effects persist or become severe. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, blood disorders such as vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this medication. No problems have been reported in pregnant or nursing women when this medication was used in normal doses.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor if you take any other medication, including nonprescription. This medication may affect certain urine lab tests, including some urine glucose tests. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include diarrhea, loss of coordination; numbness of the hands or feet; joint pain, or painful urination.

NOTES: Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., vitamin B12 levels) may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. There are many vitamin supplement products available. Some can be purchased without a prescription. Consult your doctor or pharmacist on the choice of a product best for you.

MISSED DOSE: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store oral products at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Hydrocort, Solu-Cortef

USES :- Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is a corticosteroid-type hormone used as a supplement when the body is not producing enough of the natural hormone, cortisol. Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is also used to suppress (inhibit) the immune system in order to treat conditions such as allergies, rejection of transplanted organs, or rheumatoid arthritis.

HOW TO USE :- Give this medication directly into a vein (IV) or into a muscle (IM), as directed by the doctor. The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. You may be switched to an oral corticosteroid when you are able to take drugs by mouth.

SIDE EFFECTS :- Nausea or stomach upset may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: increased appetite, stomach pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weight loss or gain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, reddening of the face or neck. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision problems, eye pain, seizures, changes in the appearance of the skin, problems with wounds healing, unusual bruising, unusual weakness, unusual menstrual periods, failure to grow (in children), excess hair growth, tendon or bone/joint pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

-: Thank You :-

SAFETY OF CROCIN 1000

Paracetamol, an old drug used mainly for treatment of fever, has been in use the world over for several decades now. In most countries the drug is sold as an OTC product and is usually taken with no medical supervision. India and China are probably the two largest producers of this drug. And there are a number of brands and generics of the drug available in the market today. In India, amongst paracetamol brands and generics, the market leader, undoubtedly, is Crocin. Until recently, the maximum strength of a paracetamol formulation used to be 500 mg including that of Crocin. SmithKline Beecham which owns this brand, has recently introduced an extension of this brand namely Crocin 1000 containing 1000 mg of paracetamol in one tablet. Crocin 1000 is being promoted as a pain reliever for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis, headache, toothache, period pain and muscle pain on the label of the bottle. The label does not carry any warning on the hazards of an overdose or prolonged usage on vital human organs. At the same time the label assures that Crocin 1000 does not irritate the stomach and the maximum daily dose can go upto 4000 mg. The new brand is marketed in a bottle of 40 tablets.The safety of this high strength brand in the Indian market has raised serious concerns amongst consumer action groups and drug experts particularly in the wake of findings of a recent study conducted by Dr. William Lee of the University of Texas. The study has proved that there is a direct link between paracetamol overdose and liver failure. Dr Lee had tracked more than 300 cases of acute liver failures at 22 hospitals in the US and found 38 percent of these associated with excessive paracetamol usage. The study also found the paracetamol link to 35 percent of the 307 adults suffering from severe liver damage at 6 US hospitals. In UK, 20 people had to undergo liver transplant as a result of paracetamol induced liver poisoning in 1997.The British government, subsequently, had to impose restrictions on the sale of paracetamol preparations as an OTC product. These reports should be alarming to drug control machinery in India with regulatory machinery being weak in several states. First of all, marketing permission for a 1000 mg single dose of paracetamol should have been granted with adequate medical consultation, as it is an OTC product. The claim of the company about the product's effectiveness for osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis, etc sound definitely unethical and exaggerated. Karnataka drug controller should have known what claims the company was planning to print on the label of this product before issuing the manufacturing licence. As claims on an OTC product like this can lead to its overconsumption, the product needs to be recalled and should be allowed to be marketed only with all possible cautions in the interest of public safety.

-: Thank You :-