Viagra

What is Viagra?

 Viagra (sildenafil) relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body.

Sildenafil under the name Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men. Another brand of sildenafil is Revatio, which is used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension and improve exercise capacity in men and women. Do not take Viagra while also taking Revatio, unless your doctor tells you to

Important about Viagra

   Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Viagra with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Viagra.

Do not take Viagra more than once a day. Allow 24 hours to pass between doses. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if your erection is painful or lasts longer than 4 hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis.

Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Viagra, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Viagra is the actual cause of vision loss.

Stop using Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.

Before taking Viagra

Do not take Viagra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems. This includes nitroglycerin (Nitrostat, Nitrolingual, Nitro-Dur, Nitro-Bid, and others), isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate-SR, Isordil, Sorbitrate), and isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur, ISMO, Monoket). Nitrates are also found in some recreational drugs such as amyl nitrate or nitrite ("poppers"). Taking Viagra with a nitrate medicine can cause a sudden and serious decrease in blood pressure.

To make sure you can safely take Viagra, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• heart disease or heart rhythm problems;
  
• a recent history (in the past 6 months) of a heart attack, stroke, or congestive heart failure;
  
• high or low blood pressure;
  
• coronary artery disease;
  
• liver or kidney diseas;
  
• a blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia;
  
• a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia;
  
• a stomach ulcer;
  
• retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited condition of the eye);
  
• a physical deformity of the penis (such as Peyronie's disease); or
  
• if you have been told you should not have sexual intercourse for health reasons

     Viagra can decrease blood flow to the optic nerve of the eye, causing sudden vision loss. This has occurred in a small number of people taking Viagra, most of whom also had heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or certain pre-existing eye problems, and in those who smoke or are over 50 years old. It is not clear whether Viagra is the actual cause of vision loss. Stop using Viagra and get emergency medical help if you have sudden vision loss.

FDA pregnancy category B: This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Viagra without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known if sildenafil passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby

Viagra side effects
     
     Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. During sexual activity, if you become dizzy or nauseated, or have pain, numbness, or tingling in your chest, arms, neck, or jaw, stop and call your doctor right away. You could be having a serious side effect of Viagra.

Stop using Viagra and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• sudden vision loss;
  
• ringing in your ears, or sudden hearing loss;
  
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
  
• irregular heartbeat;
  
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet;
  
• shortness of breath;
  
• vision changes;
  
• feeling light-headed, fainting; or
  
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious Viagra side effects may include:

• warmth or redness in your face, neck, or chest;
  
• stuffy nose;
  
• headache;
  
• memory problems;
  
• upset stomach; or
  
• back pain.
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Viagra side effects (in more detail)

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about Viagra.

What does my medication look like?

     Sildenafil is available with a prescription under the brand names Viagra and Revatio. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Revatio 20 mg - white, film-coated round tablets
  
• Viagra 25 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape
  
• Viagra 50 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape
  
• Viagra 100 mg - blue, film-coated tablets with a rounded-diamond shape

Premarin

What is Premarin?

Premarin is a mixture of estrogen hormones used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. Other uses include prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, and replacement of estrogen in women with ovarian failure or other conditions that cause a lack of natural estrogen in the body. Premarin is sometimes used as part of cancer treatment in women and men. Estrogen is a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

Premarin should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Premarin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important impormation about Premalin

Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body), liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or a hormone-related cancer such as breast or uterine cancer. This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Premarin if you are pregnant. Long-term treatment with Premarin may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using Premarin long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

Have regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using Premarin.

Premarin should not be used to prevent heart disease or dementia, because this medication may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

Before taking Premalin

Do not use Premarin if you have:

• a history of heart attack, stroke, or blood clot (especially in your lung or your lower body);
  
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor has not checked;
  
• liver disease; or
  
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

Before using Premarin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• high blood pressure, heart disease, or circulation problems;
  
• a personal or family history of stroke;
  
• endometriosis;
  
• kidney disease;
• asthma;
  
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  
• migraines;
  
• diabetes;
  
• underactive thyroid;
  
• high cholesterol or triglycerides;
  
• high or low levels of calcium in your blood;
  
• porphyria;
  
• systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE);
  
• gallbladder disease; or
  
• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).
  
  

Premarin increase your risk of developing endometrial hyperplasia, a condition that may lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins while using Premarin may lower this risk. If your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take while you are using Premarin.

Long-term Premarin treatment may increase your risk of stroke or blood clots. Talk with your doctor about your individual risks before using Premarin long term, especially if you smoke or are overweight. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment.

FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use Premarin if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication. Premarin can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may also slow breast milk production. Do not use if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.

Premarin side-effect

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
  
• sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
  
• pain or swelling in your lower leg;
  
• abnormal vaginal bleeding;
  
• migraine headache;
  
• pain, swelling, or tenderness in your stomach;
  
• confusion, problems with memory or concentration;
  
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  
• swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
  
• a breast lump.
  
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild nausea, vomiting, bloating, stomach cramps;
  
• breast pain, tenderness, or swelling;
  
• freckles or darkening of facial skin;
  
• increased hair growth, loss of scalp hair;
  
• changes in weight or appetite;
  
• problems with contact lenses;
  
• vaginal itching or discharge;
  
• changes in your menstrual periods, decreased sex drive; or
  
• headache, nervousness, dizziness, tired feeling.

Soma

What is Soma?

Soma is a muscle relaxer that works by blocking pain sensations between the nerves and the brain. Soma is used together with rest and physical therapy to treat injuries and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Soma may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Soma

This medication may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Soma should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Soma after using it over a long period of time. Do not stop using Soma suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Soma can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Soma. 

Before taking Soma

Do not use Soma if you are allergic to carisoprodol or meprobamate (Equanil, Miltown), or if you have porphyria. Before using Soma, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  
• liver disease; or
  
• kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Soma

Soma may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Soma should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. You may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Soma after using it over a long period of time. Withdrawal symptoms include stomach pain, sleep problems, headache, nausea, and seizure (convulsions). Do not stop using Soma suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Soma may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Soma passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old

How should i take Soma?

Take Soma exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store Soma at room temperature away from moisture and heat. ..

See also: SOMA dossage (in more details)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happen if i overdosed?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include shallow breathing, vision problems, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations (seeing things), muscle stiffness, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking Soma?

Soma can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Soma. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by Soma.

Soma side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Soma and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• paralysis (loss of feeling);
  
• extreme weakness or lack of coordination;
  
• feeling light-headed, fainting;
  
• fast heartbeat;
  
• seizure (convulsions);
  
• vision loss; or
  
• agitation, confusion.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, tremor;
  
• headache;
  
• depression, feeling irritable;
  
• blurred vision;
  
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
  
• nausea, vomiting, hiccups, upset stomach.
  

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Soma side effect (more details)

What other drugs will affect Soma?

There may be other drugs that can affect Soma. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Tramadol

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever.

Tramadol is used to treat moderate to severe pain. Tramadol extended-release is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain when treatment is needed around the clock.

Tramadol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about tramadol?

     You should not take this medication if you are allergic to tramadol, if you have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if you have ever attempted suicide. Do not take tramadol while you are intoxicated (drunk) or taking any of the following: alcohol or street drugs, narcotic pain medicine, sedatives or tranquilizers, or medicine for depression, anxiety, or mental illness

Seizures (convulsions) have occurred in some people taking this medicine. Tramadol may be more likely to cause a seizure if you have a history of seizures or head injury, a metabolic disorder, or if you are taking certain medicines such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, narcotic, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. A tramadol overdose can be fatal.

Tramadol may be habit-forming. Tell your doctor if you feel the medicine is not working as well in relieving your pain. Never share tramadol with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not crush the tramadol tablet. This medicine is for oral (by mouth) use only. Powder from a crushed tablet should not be inhaled or diluted with liquid and injected into the body. Using this medicine by inhalation or injection can cause life-threatening side effects, overdose, or death.

Before taking tramadol.
    You should not take this medication if you are allergic to tramadol, if have ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol, or if you have ever attempted suicide.

Do not take tramadol while you are intoxicated (drunk) or taking any of the following:

• alcohol or street drugs;
  
• narcotic pain medicine;
  
• sedatives or tranquilizers (such as Valium);
  
• medicine for depression or anxiety; or
  
• medicine for mental illness (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). 

Seizures have occurred in some people taking tramadol. Talk with your doctor about your seizure risk, which may be higher if you have:

• a history of drug or alcohol addiction;
  
• a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
  
• a history of head injury;
  
• a metabolic disorder; or
  
• if you are also taking an antidepressant, muscle relaxer, narcotic, antipsychotic, or medicine for nausea and vomiting.

To make sure you can safely take tramadol, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
  
• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
  
• a stomach disorder; or
  
• a history of depression, mental illness, or thoughts of suicide.
  
  

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tramadol will harm an unborn baby. Tramadol may cause serious or fatal side effects in a newborn if the mother uses this medication during pregnancy or labor. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Tramadol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are taking tramadol. Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor.