Aug
13
Fenofibrate - Finasteride - Fioricet - Fiorinal - Fiorinal with Codeine
August 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment
Generic Name
Fenofibrate (fen-oe-Flli-brace) IM
Brand Names
Antara TriCor
Lipoten Triglide Lofibra
Type of Drug
Anti-hyperlipidemic (blood-fat reducer).
Prescribed For
High blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides; also prescribed for syndrome X, a condition which increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.
General Information
Fenofibrate works by interfering with the body’s ability to make triglyceride and by increasing its breakdown by enzymes in the body. It also reduces levels of uric acid, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—the “bad” cholesterol—and other blood lipids. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol—the “good” cholesterol—levels are increased. This drug should only be used in people with very high triglyceride levels who are at risk for pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and have not responded to other treatments, including statin drugs. Generic fenofibrate is not equivalent to the TriCor brand because of a new product formulation and should not be substituted for the brand unless your doctor approves of the switch.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take fenofibrate if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
People taking fenofibrate and other triglyceride-lowering drugs are mate WOV to die from causes unrelated to triglyceride levels. Fenofibrate reduces the risk of a heart attack or other cardiac event in people with high triglyceride levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol, especially among people with diabetes. The evidence for this benefit is not as strong as it is for the statin drugs.
People taking fenofibrate and gemfibrozil may develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
People with liver or severe kidney disease should avoid fenofibrate. People with less severe kidney disease require reduced
dosage.
People taking fenofibrate are more likely to develop gallstones.
Fenofibrate can destroy muscle cells, leading to kidney failure, especially when combined with a statin cholesterol-lowering drug see “Drug Interactions”).
Possible Side Effects
• Most common: abnormal liver function, abdominal pain, and respiratory disorders.
♦ Common: rash, headache, upset stomach, pain, weakness, tiredness, and flu-like symptoms.
♦ Less common: joint pain, abnormal heart rhythms, reduced sex drive, dizziness, increased appetite, sleeplessness, tingling in the hands or feet, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, stomach noise or gas, frequent urination, vaginal irritation, runny nose, cough, sinus irritation, eye irritation, blurred vision, conjunctivitis (pinkeye). earache, and tiny particles inside the eye (”floaters”).
♦ Rare: allergic reactions including severe rash, itching, liver inflammation or enlargement, gallstones, gallbladder disease, muscle aches, and increased sensitivity to the sun. Contact your doctor if you experience any side effect not listed above.
Drug Interactions
• Combining fenofibrate and a statin cholesterol-lowering drug (atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, or simvastatin) can lead to severe muscle pain, muscle cell destruction, and kidney failure. If you have extremely high blood-fat levels, the potential benefits of this combination may outweigh the risks. In people taking this combination, the health of muscles and kidneys must be monitored regularly via blood tests.
• Fenofibrate increases the effects of anticoagulant (blood-thinning) drugs. Your anticoagulant dosage may need an adjustment.
• Combining fenofibrate and cyclosporine can increase the risk of kidney toxicity. This combination should only be used if it is absolutely necessary and the lowest possible dosage is
taken.
• If you are taking cholestyramine or colestipol (both are used
to reduce blood-fat levels) as well as fenofibrate, take the
fenofibrate at least 1 hour before or 4-6 hours after these
drugs.
Food Interactions
All forms of fenofibrate, except TriCor, should be taken with food to get the best effect. TriCor may be taken without regard to food or meals.
Usual Dose
These products may not be substituted for each other because of important dosage differences.
Antara
Adult: 43-130 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 43 mg a day. This dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
Lofibra
Adult: 67-200 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 67 mg a day. This beginning dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
Lipofen
Adult: 50-150 mg a day with food.
Senior: Begin with 50 mg a day. This dosage also applies to people with kidney disease.
Child: not recommended.
TriCor
Adult: 48-145 mg a day.
Senior: Begin with 48 mg a day. This dosage also applies to
people with kidney disease. Child; mk recommended.
Triglide
Adult: 50-160 mg a day.
Senior: Begin with 50 mg a day. This dosage also applies to
people with kidney disease. Child: not recommended.
Overdosage
Little is known about the effects of fenofibrate overdose. Victims should be taken to a hospital emergency room. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
People should take fenofibrate only after a triglyceride- lowering diet and other medications have failed. While taking fenofibrate, follow the diet recommended by your doctor.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the forgotten dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Fenofibrate causes fetal injury and death in animal studies. When this drug is considered crucial by your doctor, its potential benefits must be carefully weighed against its risks.
This drug should not be taken by nursing mothers because of its potential to affect the nursing infant.
Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience side effects and should never start with more than the lowest recommended dosage.
Generic Name
Finasteride (fin-ASS-ter-ide) 19
Brand Names
Proscar Propecia
The information in this profile also applies to the following drug:
Generic Ingredient: Dutasteride Avodart
Type of Drug
Alpha-reductase inhibitor and androgen hormone inhibitor.
Prescribed for
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male-pattern baldness. May also play a role in preventing prostrate cancer.
General Information
Finasteride works by interfering with the action of the enzyme alphareductase, which converts testosterone into 5-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By suppressing DHT levels, finasteride reduces the size of the prostate in most men who take the drug for BPH. You may need to take finasteride for 6-12 months before its effects can be
assessed.
Urine flow improves in about 60% of men taking finasteride for BPH and symptoms improve in about 30%. In one study, men experienced a significant regression in prostate size after 3 months, and the reduction was maintained through the 12-month study period: these men experienced a significant improvement in urine flow that could be maintained up to 36 months.
Studies of finasteride for hair loss on the top and back-middle of the scalp show new hair growth in 65-80% of men taking the drug continuously for 2 years. The drug must be taken for 3 months or more before it begins to have an effect and must be taken continuously to maintain hair growth. Once you stop taking this drug, any new hair you have grown is likely to fall out in the next 12 months. Between 14-17% of men taking the drug continued to lose hair throughout the study period.
Finasteride has been studied as therapy following radical prostatectomy surgery and in the prevention of first-stage prostate cancer, acne in women, and unusual hairiness.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take finasteride if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
This drug should not be used in women or children. Pregnant women must not handle the tablets and capsules because of the risk to the fetus.
People who do not respond to finasteride may have a condition that causes BPH-like symptoms, such as prostate cancer, bladder or nerve disorders, or physical obstruction of the urinary tubes. Finasteride cannot be used to treat these conditions.
Because it is broken down in the liver, finasteride must be used with caution by people with liver disease.
Finasteride may mask symptoms of prostate cancer by causing a reduction in the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an increasingly acknowledged indicator of prostate cancer.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are generally mild and often subside with continued use of the drug.
Drug Interactions
• Finasteride may reduce the effectiveness of theophylline and aminophylline, although dosage adjustments usually are not required.
• Finasteride affects the PSA blood test used for prostate cancer screening. Be sure your doctor knows you are taking this drug if you have a PSA test done or are being tested for prostate cancer.
• Dustasteride blood levels may increase when mixed with ritonavir, ketoconazole, cimetidine, and ciprofloxacin, all of which are inhibitors of a liver enzyme called CYP3A4. Blood levels of dutasteride also increase with verapamil and diltiazem.
Food Interactions
You may take finasteride with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
Outasteride
Adult: 0.5 mg (1 capsule) once a day. Child: not recommended.
Finasteride
Adult: BPH-5 mg once a day. Male-pattern baldness-1 mg once a day.
Child: not recommended.
Women should not take finasteride. Overdosage
S%’& Ptecls are unlikely. Doses of dutasteride as high as 400 mg a day have been taken with no adverse side effects. Call your local poison control center or a hospital emergency room for more information. If you seek treatment, ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Possible Side Effects (continued)
v Common: impotence, loss of sex semen, breast tenderness an
• and drug sensitivity reaction
• rash.
x drive, decreased amount nd enlargement, testicular ions including lip swelling Special Information
Women who are or might be pregnant should not handle crushed finasteride tablets because small amounts of the drug may be absorbed into the blood, possibly affecting the fetus.
If your sexual partner is or might be pregnant and you start taking finasteride, you must wear a condom during sex to avoid directly exposing her to finasteride in the semen.
Semen volume may decrease while on finasteride. Impotence or reduced sex drive is also a risk.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose. Call your doctor if you miss a dose for 2 or more days.
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: This drug is not intended for women. Finasteride will harm the fetus if taken during pregnancy. It is not known if finasteride passes into breast milk.
Seniors: Seniors with liver disease should use this drug with caution.
Brand Name
Fioricet
Generic Ingredients
Acetaminophen + Butalbital + Caffeine 91
Other Brand Names
Americet Femcet
Dolgic LQ Margesic
Dolgic Plus Medigesic
Esgic Repan
Esgic-Plus Triad
Type 101 Drug
Barbiturate and analgesic (pain reliever) combination.
Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Fioricet is one of many combination products containing a barbiturate—butalbital—and an analgesic—acetaminophen. Products of this kind also often contain a sedative or a narcotic. Other analgesic combinations, such as Rorinal, substitute aspirin for
acetaminophen.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fioricet if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Use this drug with caution if you have kidney or liver disease or a history of porphyria.
Chronic (long-term) use of Fioricet may lead to drug dependence or addiction. It is not recommended for multiple or recurrent headaches.
Butalbital is a respiratory depressant and affects the central nervous system (CNS), producing drowsiness, tiredness, and an inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the CNS depression caused by this drug.
The safety and effectiveness of these medications have not been established in children under age 12.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Possible Side Effects
♦ Most common: lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and a feeling of intoxication.
V Less common: weakness, headache, agitation, tremor, uncoordinated muscle movement, disorientation, dry mouth, constipation, facial flushing, changes in heart rate, palpitations, feeling faint, urinary difficulties, rash, and itching.
For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Acet-
aminophen (page 7).
Drug Interactions
• Combining Fioricet with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, or other CNS depressants may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
These medications may reduce the effectiveness of corticosteroids, contraceptives containing estrogen, beta blockers (e.g. propranolol), doxycycline, felodipine, griseofulvin, nifedipine, phenylbutazone, quinine, theophylline, warfarin, and tricyclic antidepressants.
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Food Interactions
Fioricet is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed; do not exceed 6 doses a day.
Overdosage
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold and clammy skin and lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, facial flushing, sweating, and thirst. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Fioricet may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
You should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
Do not take Fioricet for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping Fioricet may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Call your doctor if your headache or pain persists or gets worse, or if you develop side effects that are bothersome or persistent.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one and continue
W<tkh IV61 schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Acetaminophen (page 7).
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-feeding: Fioricet should not be taken during pregnancy. It is associated with birth defects, prolonged labor and delayed delivery, and breathing problems in newborns. Regular use of Fioricet during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fioricet passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Fioricet may cause babies to become tired, short of breath, or have a slow heartbeat. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: Fioricet may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Seniors are also more likely to experience stimulation and disorientation.
Brand Name
Fiorinal
Generic Ingredients
Aspirin + Butalbital + Caffeine &9
Other Brand Names
Butalgen Fiorimor
Farbital Fortabs
Fiorigen Lanorinal
Type of Drug
Barbiturate and analgesic (pain reliever) combination. Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Pain relief products often combine an analgesic with a sedative. The analgesic ingredient in Fiorinal is aspirin; other brand-name products, such as Esgic and Fioricet, contain acetaminophen. The sedative ingredient in pain-relief combinations may be a barbiturate, narcotic, or other sedative. Fiorinal contains the barbiturate butalbital. Fiorinal also contains caffeine, which is ofte” \Ased in analgesic combinations that km,-M beadache because it enhances kkNt %m-relieving effect of aspirin.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fiorinal if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients.
Do not give Fiorinal to children or teenagers with chickenpox or flu-like symptoms due to the aspirin content and danger of
Reye’s syndrome.
Use Fiorinal with extreme caution if you suffer from peptic ulcer,
problems with blood clotting or other bleeding disorders, or are
about to have surgery.
This drug should be used with caution if you have kidney or
liver disease, diabetes, or a history of porphyria.
Long-term use of this drug may cause drug dependence and addiction. It is not recommended for the treatment of multiple recurrent headaches.
Butalbital is a respiratory depressant and affects the central nervous system (CNS), producing drowsiness, tiredness, and an
inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the CNS depression caused by butalbital.
The safety and efficacy of Fiorinal use in children under age 12 has not been established.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in Aspirin (page 110).
Possible Side Effects
✓ Most common: lightheadedness, dizziness, and sedation.
♦ Less common: nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and rash. For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Aspirin (page 110).
Drug Interactions
• Combining Fiorinal with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, or other CNS depressants may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
• Fiorinal may enhance the effects of oral anticoagulants (blood thinners), oral antidiabetes drugs, insulin, and mmsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ~VASAYDs).
• F10final may decrease the effectiveness of medications taken for gout, including probenicid and sulfinpyrazone.
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Aspirin (page 110).
Food Interactions
Fiorinal is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with
food if it upsets your stomach.
usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed. Do not exceed
6 doses a day. Overdosage
Symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold and clammy skin, lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, and thirst. Symptoms of mild overdose are rapid and deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in the ears, flushing, sweating, thirst, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. Severe overdose may cause fever, excitement, confusion, convulsions, liver or kidney failure, coma, and bleeding. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
Fiorinal may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
Avoid alcohol while taking Fiorinal.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping this drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take Fiorinal for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
Call your doctor if your headache pain persists or gets worse, or if you develop any bothersome or persistent side effect.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Aspirin (page 110).
Special Populations
PregriancylBreast-feeding. Fiorinal should not be taken during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking it may experience prolonged labor, delayed delivery, and bleeding problems. Fiorinal increases the risk of birth defects and may cause breathing or bleeding prob-lems in newborns. Regular use of Fiorinal during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fiorinal passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using Fiorinal may cause tiredness, shortness of breath, or slowed heartbeat in the baby. Nursing mothers who must take Fiorinal should use infant formula.
Seniors: Fiorinal may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Seniors are also more likely to experience stimulation and disorientation.
Brand Name
Fiorinal with Codeine
Generic Ingredients
Aspirin + Butalbital + Caffeine + Codeine Phosphate 19
Type of Drug
Barbiturate, narcotic, and analgesic (pain reliever) combination.
Prescribed For
Symptom relief of tension headache.
General Information
Fiorinal with Codeine is one of many combination products containing a barbiturate, an analgesic, and a narcotic. In Fiorinal with Codeine, butalbital is the barbiturate, aspirin is the analgesic, and codeine is the narcotic. These products often also contain a sedative, and acetaminophen may be substituted for aspirin.
Cautions and Warnings
Do not take Fiorinal with Codeine if you are allergic or sensitive to any of its ingredients. Even recommended doses of aspirin can cause severe allergic reaction in those with an aspirin allergy.
Do not take this medication if you suffer from peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, or a history of porphyria.
Use this medication with cautiOi) 11 you have kidney or liver
disease of diabetes.
Fiorinal with Codeine may cause postural low blood pressure (symptoms include dizziness or fainting when rising from a sitting or lying position).
Long-term use of this drug may cause drug dependence or addiction.
It is not recommended for treatment of multiple, recurrent head-
aches.
Fiorinal with Codeine is a respiratory depressant and affects the
central nervous system (CNS), producing sleepiness, tiredness, or inability to concentrate. Alcohol increases the depression caused
by codeine and butalbital.
Do not give Fiorinal with Codeine to children or teenagers with
chickenpox or flu-like symptoms. The aspirin content presents the
danger of Reye’s syndrome.
For additional information see “Cautions and Warnings” in As-
pirin (page 110).
Possible Side Effects
✓ Most common: dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting.
♦ Less common: dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, rapid heart rate, leg pain and muscle fatigue, urinary problems, rash, fever, earache, stuffy nose, and ringing in the ears. Narcotic analgesics may aggravate convulsions in those who have had them.
For additional information see “Possible Side Effects” in Aspirin (page 110).
Drug Interactions
• Interaction with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, sleeping pills, antihistamines, or other drugs that produce sedation may cause tiredness, drowsiness, and trouble concentrating.
• Taking Fiorinal with Codeine with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant may cause increased central nervous system effects.
• This medication may reduce the effectiveness of medications for the treatment of gout including probenicid and sulfapyrazone.
• Fiorinal with Codeine may enhance the effects of blood thin- ners, oral antidiabetes drugs, insulin, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
For additional information see “Drug Interactions” in Aspirin (page 110).
Food Interactions
Fiorinal with Codeine is best taken on an empty stomach but may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.
Usual Dose
1-2 tablets or capsules every 4 hours or as needed; do not ex-
ceed 6 doses a day.
Overdosage
Usual overdose symptoms include breathing difficulties, nervousness progressing to stupor or coma, pinpointed pupils, cold clammy skin and lowered heart rate or blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, flushing, sweating, and thirst. Symptoms of mild overdose include rapid and deep breathing, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing or buzzing in the ears, flushing, sweating, thirst, headache, drowsiness, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat. Severe overdose may cause fever, excitement, confusion, convulsions, liver or kidney failure, coma, or bleeding. Take the victim to a hospital emergency room immediately. ALWAYS bring the prescription bottle or container.
Special Information
This drug may cause drowsiness. Be careful when driving or performing any task that requires concentration.
Avoid alcohol while taking this drug.
If you have been taking this medication for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without your doctor’s instruction. Suddenly stopping this drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Do not take this drug for longer or in amounts greater than prescribed.
Call your doctor if you experience breathing difficulties, or persistent nausea, vomiting, or constipation.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
For additional information see “Special Information” in Aspirin (page 110).
Special Populations
Pregnancy/Breast-teeding-. Fiorinal with Codeine should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking it may experience prolonged labor, delayed delivery, and bleeding problems. This drug increases the risk of birth defects and may cause breathing or bleeding problems in newborns. Regular use of Fiorinal with Codeine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may also cause drug dependency in the newborn.
Fiorinal with Codeine passes into breast milk. Breast-feeding while using this drug may cause tiredness, shortness of breath, or a slow heartbeat in the baby. Nursing mothers who must take this drug should use infant formula.
Seniors: This drug may have a greater depressant effect on seniors. Other effects that may be more prominent are stimulation, disorientation, lightheadedness, and dizziness or fainting when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position.