phentermine, Adipex-P, Fastin, Obenix, Oby-Trim

GENERIC NAME: phentermine

BRAND NAMES: Adipex-P, Obenix, Oby-Trim

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Phentermine is a drug that suppresses appetite. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. It probably decreases appetite by acting on centers in the brain that control appetite. Phentermine is similar to amphetamine. It stimulates the nervous system, elevates blood pressure, and increases heart rate.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 30 and 37.5mg.
STORAGE: Phentermine should be stored in a tight container at room temperature.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Phentermine is combined with diet and exercise for the short-term treatment of obesity in individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m2 with risk factors for heart disease. Phentermine should not be combined with other weight loss agents. The combination of phentermine and fenfluramine (FEN-PHEN) is associated with serious heart problems. Fenfluramine is no longer available in the United States.
DOSING: The recommended dose is 30 mg once daily about 2 hours after breakfast. Evening doses should be avoided because phentermine causes insomnia.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Phentermine is similar to amphetamine and may share some of the interactions associated with amphetamines. Combining phentermine with tricyclic antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep)] or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (for example, tranylcypromine) may result in high blood pressure and other serious reactions because of elevated serotonin levels in the blood.
PREGNANCY: Use of phentermine during pregnancy has not been adequately evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether phentermine is excreted in human breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of phentermine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, constipation, an unpleasant taste, hives, impotence, palpitations, high blood pressure, and fast heart rates (palpitations). Central nervous system side effects include hyperactivity, insomnia, restlessness, tremor, and dizziness. Phentermine, especially when combined with fenfluramine, has been associated with high pressures in the pulmonary arteries (pulmonary hypertension) and defects in heart valves, both serious complications. Physical and psychological dependence may occur with the long-term use of phentermine. A withdrawal reaction, which includes excessive drowsiness, fatigue, tremors and depression may occur after prolonged use.

toremifene - oral, Fareston

GENERIC NAME: TOREMIFENE - ORAL (tor-EM-eh-feen)

BRAND NAME(S): Fareston

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Toremifene is used in postmenopausal women to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer). It is usually used to treat cancer that needs estrogen, a female hormone, in order to grow (estrogen-receptor positive). Toremifene is a nonsteroidal antiestrogen that blocks the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue, thereby slowing or stopping the growth of cancer.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the tablets.Inform your doctor immediately if your condition worsens (e.g., you get new breast lumps).
SIDE EFFECTS: Hot flashes, sweating, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, or dizziness may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: bone/joint/muscle pain or swelling, constipation, mental/mood changes (e.g., depression), trouble walking/clumsiness, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, eye pain).Toremifene may increase your risk of uterine cancer. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop changes in menstrual period, unusual vaginal bleeding/discharge or pain/pressure below your "belly button" (navel).Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: easy bleeding/bruising, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, persistent sore throat), persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal/stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.Toremifene has rarely caused very serious (possibly fatal) blood clots in the lungs/legs, brain (stroke), and heart (heart attack). Seek immediate medical attention if you develop pain/swelling in the groin/calf, pain in the chest/jaw/left arm, confusion, fainting, severe sudden headache, slurred speech, sudden vision changes, shortness of breath, or weakness on one side of the body.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345

famciclovir, Famvir

GENERIC NAME: famciclovir

BRAND NAME: Famvir

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of DNA. It stops the spread of herpes virus in the body by preventing the replication of viral DNA that is necessary for viruses to multiply. Other drugs in the same class include acyclovir (Zovirax) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). Famciclovir is actually a "prodrug," that is, not active directly against viruses. Instead, famciclovir is converted to penciclovir in the body, and it is the penciclovir that is active against the viruses. Famciclovir is active against the same viruses as acyclovir but has a longer duration of action. Therefore, it can be taken fewer times each day. Famciclovir does not cure or stop the spread of herpes infections. Famciclovir relieves pain, burning, itching, tingling, and heals and prevents sores associated with herpes infections. Famciclovir was approved for use by the FDA in June 1994.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 125, 250, 500 mg
STORAGE: Famciclovir should be stored at room temperature, 15-30 C (59-86  F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Famciclovir is used for the treatment of genital herpes and cold sores in patients with normal immune systems and HIV-infected individuals. It also is used for treating shingles. To be most effective, famciclovir should be started as soon as possible after the diagnosis of a herpes infection.
DOSING: Famciclovir may be taken with or without food. The recommended doses are outlined below:

• Recurrent genital herpes: 1,000 mg twice daily for 1 day.
• Recurrent cold sores: 1,500 mg as a single dose.
• Suppression of recurrent genital herpes: 250 mg twice daily for up to 1 year.
• Shingles: 500 mg every 8 hours for 7 days.
• HIV-infected patients (cold sores or genital herpes): 500 mg twice daily for 5-10 days.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Probenecid (Benemid) may reduce the kidney's removal of famciclovir leading to higher concentrations of famciclovir in the blood. This may lead to side effects from famciclovir.
PREGNANCY: Famciclovir has not been adequately studied in pregnant women.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if famciclovir is excreted into human breast milk. Women may wish to consider an alternative to breastfeeding if famciclovir is taken while nursing.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects associated with the use of famciclovir are headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, diarrhea and flatulence. Serious but rare side effects include serious skin reactions, and reduced white blood cells (neutropenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia).

famotidine, Pepcid

GENERIC NAME: famotidine

BRAND NAME: Pepcid

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Histamine is a chemical made by the body that stimulates cells lining the stomach to produce acid. Famotidine belongs to a class of medications called H2-blockers that blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, thus reducing production of acid by the stomach. Other H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and nizatidine (Axid). Famotidine was approved by the FDA in November, 1986.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes.
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes.
PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 10, 20, and 40 mg. Suspension: 40 mg per 5 ml teaspoon. Injection: 10 mg/ml and 20 mg/50 ml.
STORAGE: Tablets and suspension should be stored at room temperature, 15 -30°C (59-86°F). Injection should be stored between 2-8°C (36-46°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Famotidine blocks the action of histamine on stomach cells, and reduces stomach acid production. Famotidine is useful in promoting the healing of stomach and duodenal ulcers and in reducing ulcer pain. Famotidine has been effective in preventing recurrence of ulcers when given in low doses for prolonged periods of time. Famotidine also is used for treating heartburn and in healing ulceration and inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) resulting from acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD). High doses are used for treating conditions in which there are marked increases in acid secretion such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
DOSING: The recommended adult oral dose for treating duodenal ulcers is 40 mg once daily at bedtime or 20 mg twice daily. Most patients heal their ulcers within 4 weeks. The regimen for maintenance therapy after the ulcers are healed is 20 mg once a day at bedtime.
The recommended adult oral dose for treating gastric ulcer is 40 mg once a day at bedtime, and esophagitis is treated with 20-40 mg twice daily for 6-12 weeks. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is treated with 20 mg every 6 hours.
Heartburn due to GERD is treated with 10-20 mg daily.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: No important drug interactions with famotidine have been identified.
PREGNANCY: Safe use of famotidine in pregnancy has not been established.
NURSING MOTHERS: Famotidine is secreted into breast milk. Due to the potential but unknown harm that famotidine might cause to the infant, nursing mothers should consider discontinuing famotidine.
SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects of famotidine are rare. Minor side effects include constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, and vomiting. Major side effects include agitation, anemia, confusion, depression, easy bruising or bleeding, hallucinations, hair loss, irregular heartbeat, rash, visual changes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Breathing deeply while exercising results in a 1-2% increase in edge among most athletes

Stir-Fried Ginger Shrimp

Nutritional Info

• Calories: 192
• Protein: 23.0g
• Carbohydrates: 7.0g
• Fat: 6.0g

Other Dietary Information

• Fiber:0.8g
• Cholesterol:172mg
• Iron:3mg
• Sodium:594mg
• Calcium:82mg

• Preparation Time 5 min
• Cooking Time 6 min
• 4 servings

Course
Dinner
Main Ingredient
Seafood
Cuisine
Asian
Dietary
Low Fat
Occasion
Dinner Party

Spicy and peppery flavor best serve with rice or sliced melons!

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 teaspoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Dash of white pepper
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chile paste with garlic (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
• 1 cup thinly vertically sliced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup diagonally cut celery

Steps

• 1 Place shrimp in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with ginger, salt, and pepper; toss well. Let stand 5 minutes.
• 2 Combine 1/2 cup water and next 6 ingredients (through chile paste) in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• 3 Heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp mixture to pan; stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove shrimp mixture from pan; set aside. Wipe pan dry with a paper towel. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons canola oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry 1 minute. Add celery; stir-fry 1 minute. Return shrimp mixture to pan; stir-fry 1 minute or until shrimp are done.
• 4 Add water mixture to pan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Serve immediately.

Thai Barbecued Shrimp

Nutritional Info

• Calories: 73
• Protein: 11.7g
• Carbohydrates: 3.6g
• Fat: 1.0g

Other Dietary Information

• Cholesterol: 86mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0.1g

• Preparation Time 10 min
• Cooking Time 6 min
• 8 servings

Course
Lunch
Snack
Dinner
Appies
Main Ingredient
Seafood
Cuisine
Pacific Rim
Dietary
High Protein
Low Calories
Dairy Free
Occasion
Dinner Party
Super Bowl
Birthday (adult)
New Years

These barbecued shrimp have the perfect amount of kick to them, and are great over rice or noodles, or just on their own!

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons curry paste
• 1 pound medium shrimp - peeled and deveined
• 
  

Steps

• 1 In a resealable bag mix together the lemon juice, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, brown sugar and curry paste. Add shrimp place in refrigerator to marinate for 1 hour.
• 2 Preheat grill for high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers. In a saucepan, boil the marinade for a few minutes. When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grate.
• 3 Grill shrimp for 3 minutes per side, or until opaque. Baste occasionally with the marinade.