“Gout is a chronic condition that requires long-term management with a doctor, not just at the time of a painful flare,” says Dr. Zorba Paster, clinical professor, department of family medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison. “With anti-hyperuricemic therapy, like ULORIC, patients can help decrease uric acid levels in the blood and manage their hyperuricemia, which is one of the underlying causes of gout.”

Hyperuricemia is a condition in which uric acid levels become elevated in the blood. Uric acid is an end-product created when the body metabolizes substances called purines, which are part of all human tissue and many foods, such as shellfish, meats, beans and alcoholic beverages. When too much uric acid builds up in the blood, needle-like crystals of uric acid can form and collect in the joints and/or soft tissue.

As the disease progresses, people with gout may develop large deposits of crystallized uric acid visible under the skin, known as tophi. Approximately 90 percent of all patients experience gout in their big toe at some point during the course of their disease. However, gout can occur in other parts of the body, including, but not limited to, insteps, ankles, knees, heels, wrists, elbows and fingers.

ULORIC can help lower and maintain serum uric acid levels to less than 6 mg/dL, which experts recognize is a target level in the treatment of chronic gout. It is important to speak with your healthcare professional about various treatment options and any lifestyle modifications necessary for managing your uric acid levels and gout.

Learn more about gout and hyperuricemia by visiting www.gout.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The team of athletes, called Team Type 1, will take their personal messages of hope to audiences across the country this year. Their goal: to encourage others to be proactive in managing their condition through a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitoring their blood sugar levels, taking their insulin as prescribed, and working closely with their healthcare team.

“The members of Team Type 1 challenge one another on multiple levels — as athletes, but also as people living with diabetes striving for better blood sugar control,” says Phil Southerland, founder and chief executive officer of Team Type 1. “I consider proper blood sugar management to be a journey, just like our races, with a lot of little challenges, obstacles and victories along the way.”

Founded in 2004 by friends Phil Southerland and Joe Eldridge, both diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as children, Team Type 1 is the first professional cycling team dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes. Team Type 1 has evolved over the years and expanded to include a diverse group of 46 athletes from around the world.  Since 2006, the team has competed in and twice won the 3,052 mile-long Race Across America (RAAM).

In 2009, Team Type 1 is sponsored by the long-acting insulin Lantus (R) (insulin glargine [rDNA origin] injection), and rapid-acting mealtime insulin Apidra (R) (insulin glulisine [rDNA origin] injection), which are both manufactured by sanofi-aventis. As a result of this sponsorship, Team Type 1 has expanded its roster and fielded a total of five athletic teams including a men’s professional cycling team and a women’s professional cycling team, both featuring a mixed roster of riders with and without type 1 diabetes; an elite cycling team for the 2009 RAAM comprised entirely of riders with type 1 diabetes; and a triathlon team whose members all have type 1 diabetes. In addition to its type 1 roster, Team Type 1 also launched Team Type 2, a team of amateur cyclists living with type 2 diabetes, sponsored by Lantus (R).

Members of Team Type 1 with diabetes use Lantus (R), Apidra (R), or a combined treatment regimen of both insulins to help control their blood sugar as part of their overall diabetes treatment plan. The members of Team Type 2 manage their blood sugar through their own individualized diabetes treatment plan, which, for some members, may include Lantus (R) other diabetes medications, diet and exercise.

As part of an effective diabetes treatment plan, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) encourages people living with diabetes to track their blood sugar levels with daily self-monitoring and by taking an A1C test, which measures average blood sugar levels over the past two-to-three-month period. To keep blood sugar levels under control, the ADA recommends striving for an A1C of less than seven percent. Unfortunately, more than 40 percent of all patients with diabetes in the United States are not achieving this target with diet, exercise and oral medications alone. It is important for patients with diabetes to talk to their treating healthcare provider about an appropriate A1C goal for them.

For more information on Lantus (R) and Apidra (R), please visit www.Lantus.com and www.Apidra.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – What does a cartoon nose with red sneakers and year-round sniffles have to do with learning about nasal allergies? Well this nose, Ronnie Nose, is the star of “Don’t Blow It,” a new online health game that uses humor and animation to help teach people about nasal allergies.

The objective of “Don’t Blow It” is to help Ronnie Nose stack various objects while avoiding allergy triggers and seeking treatment. Encounter one too many allergens and Ronnie Nose will sneeze, blowing away the items and points the player has earned.

“The ‘Don’t Blow It’ game is fun, but it also provides useful health information, like the importance of visiting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment,” says Eric Schenkel, MD, director of the Valley Allergy & Asthma Treatment Center in Bethlehem Township, Pa. “Health games are being used more and more to help motivate healthy behavior.”

Don’t Sneeze, Plant Trees
Just by playing “Don’t Blow It,” users will also help do something good for the environment. For every new player, a low-allergenic tree will be planted through American Forests, a national tree planting organization. Why? Because studies suggest that higher levels of carbon dioxide and a warmer atmosphere may increase pollen production, in turn triggering nasal allergy symptoms. And tree planting is one of the most effective means of drawing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  In fact, one mature tree can absorb 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year, according to the Human Environmental Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois.

“The ‘Don’t Blow It’ game reinforces American Forests’ commitment to a healthier world through tree planting,” says Deborah Gangloff, executive director for American Forests. “Our goal is to plant 20,000 low-allergenic trees through this campaign, which, once those trees mature, would absorb nearly 1 million pounds of carbon dioxide every year.”

Low-allergenic trees rank five or below on the Ogren Plant-Allergy Scale (OPALS). This scale evaluates a number of factors, including how much pollen a tree produces and the potency of that pollen, to determine how likely it is for that tree to cause allergy symptoms.

Good Stuff for the Stuffy
Nasal allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose and nasal congestion, can occur all year, and they are triggered by both indoor and outdoor allergens, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold. Because you can’t completely avoid nasal allergy triggers, it’s important to visit a doctor to discuss treatment options.

“For patients suffering from nasal allergy symptoms, a prescription nasal allergy spray is a recommended first-line treatment when congestion is present,” says Schenkel. “And remember to take your prescribed medicine as directed by your doctor, even when you’re not experiencing symptoms, to keep them under control.”

Prescription nasal allergy sprays, which are available for adults and children, include NASONEX (mometasone furoate monohydrate) Nasal Spray, 50 mcg (calculated on the anhydrous basis).

Visit DontBlowIt.com to play this entertaining and educational game, and to help reach the goal of planting 20,000 low-allergenic trees. You also can download the awe-inspiring “Don’t Blow It” Badge for your Facebook page. Show your friends you’ve done good stuff for yourself — learning about nasal allergies — and good stuff for the environment — helping plant a tree. For more information about treating nasal allergy symptoms, visit nasal-allergies.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Mary Katherine Albritton had a normal childhood despite being diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 6 years old. Her parents worked to teach her about her condition, and she grew up to be a happy adult. But in 2005 she got a surprise — she was pregnant. As an adult with epilepsy, she wondered about the risks to her and her fetus.

“I had six seizures through my pregnancy, but my daughter Taylor was born a healthy, beautiful baby,” says Albritton, who worked closely with her neurologist throughout the course of her pregnancy.

Albritton is just one of a surprisingly large number of women with epilepsy who have had successful childbirths. It is estimated that about half a million women with epilepsy in the United States are of childbearing age and that three to five out of every 1,000 births are to women with epilepsy. The majority of people with epilepsy have well-controlled seizures, are otherwise healthy, and expect to participate fully in life experiences, including pregnancy.

New guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society show it’s relatively safe for women with epilepsy to become pregnant, but caution must be taken, including avoiding valproate, an epilepsy drug that can cause birth defects.

“Good evidence shows that valproate is linked to an increased risk for fetal malformations and decreased thinking skills in children, whether used by itself or with other medications,” says lead guideline author Dr. Cynthia Harden, director of the Epilepsy Division at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and member of the American Academy of Neurology.

The guidelines also suggest that, if possible, women with epilepsy should not take more than one epilepsy drug at a time during pregnancy since taking more than one seizure drug has also been found to increase the risk of birth defects compared to taking only one medication.

“Overall, what we found should be very reassuring to every woman with epilepsy planning to become pregnant,” says Harden. “These guidelines show that women with epilepsy are not at a substantially increased risk of having a Caesarean section, late pregnancy bleeding, or premature contractions or premature labor and delivery. Also, if a woman is seizure free nine months before she becomes pregnant, it’s likely that she will not have any seizures during the pregnancy.”

However, Harden says pregnant women with epilepsy should consider having their blood tested regularly. “Levels of seizure medications in the blood tend to drop during pregnancy, so checking these levels and adjusting the medication doses should help to keep the levels in the effective range and the pregnant woman seizure free.”

When Albritton had her second child, Thomas, she had three seizures during her pregnancy. “June 15, 2007 was my last seizure when I was pregnant with Thomas. He was born a healthy baby boy on November 5. When people say their kids are miracles, mine really are. I haven’t had a seizure since.”

Her advice for other women with epilepsy who want children: “Understand that epileptic women are capable of having healthy babies. I suggest staying in close contact with your obstetrician and urologist.”

For more information about the guidelines visit www.aan.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Despite the fact that more than 31 million Americans report some type of hearing problem, only about 13 percent of U.S. physicians routinely screen their patients for hearing loss during physical exams. Complicating matters is the fact that those experiencing difficulties with their hearing often are unaware of their hearing problems.

“Hearing problems often go unrecognized by those people who might be experiencing hearing loss, sometimes taking years before seeking professional help,” says Dr. Kathy Landau Goodman, chairperson of the Audiology Awareness Campaign (AAC), a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise public awareness of hearing loss.

If you think that hearing loss is something that only affects the elderly, think again, Landau Goodman says. Hearing loss affects all age groups and more than half of hearing impaired are younger than 65, including six million people between the ages of 18 and 44. An estimated 1.5 million school aged children are also hearing impaired.

Experts say there are many causes of hearing loss, such as wax build-up in the external ear canal, a condition that is easily treated but unfortunately goes unrecognized in 46 percent of patients. Wax build-up can easily be addressed by using an over-the-counter wax remover like Debrox from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare. Environmental causes of hearing loss from noisy workplace conditions are also a major factor, as is the increasing incidence of noise-induced hearing loss blamed on the popularity of iPods and other MP3 music players — a growing problem for hearing impairment in young people.

Early hearing loss detection and intervention is the first step to the successful treatment of hearing problems, according to Landau Goodman.

Hearing loss can be very subtle and develop gradually over many years so that people with hearing impairment don’t recognize it. Experts say that a loss of one or two decibels per year is not noticeable, but after 10 to 20 years such hearing loss adds up. In addition, it’s not uncommon for people to develop partial hearing loss for high pitched sounds that affect the clarity of speech, but still have normal hearing sensitivity for low pitched sound, in which case they hear other people talking yet can’t understand them.

Get a Hearing Screening
Make sure to have your hearing screened regularly. Recently, the AAC partnered with GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, makers of Debrox, to bring free hearing screenings to communities around the country. Look for similar programs taking place in your community to find free hearing screenings or check with your doctor.

To find an audiologist in your area visit www.audiologyawareness.com or call the AAC hotline at (888) 833-EARS. All family members, regardless of age, are encouraged to have their hearing screened.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

One of the proven home remedy for bronchitis is taking one glass of milk then adding half teaspoon of turmeric powder and drinking it two to three times a day regularly on daily basis. It is advisable to have it on empty stomach.

A spoonful of turmeric powder in tomato juice or milk taken once daily will help in reducing tropical eosinophilia and free the pangs of breathlessness in asthmatics. A teaspoon of lettuce seeds mixed with honey when taken twice daily on empty stomach, during the treatment of asthma and bronchitis is a very useful tonic and when used regularly, will reduce dependence on asthma medicines and improve the quality of life.

Chamomile has been used for many years in relieving asthmatic symptoms. Extracts of the herb contain terpenoids or active medicinal compounds that trigger an anti-inflammatory effect on bronchiole disorders. Moreover, the herb produces an antispasmodic effect to common episodes of asthma besides containing antioxidant compounds that inhibit the harmful effects of oxygen free radicals on bodily cells. When pitted against the commonly prescribed antihistamine drugs, the chamomile proved to be an effective alternative.

Broncosmoothe is another natural treatment for asthma, which opens up the bronchioles and relieves your tight chest. This natural treatment will make you breathe better, and provides quick relief. It is mainly for use for asthma attacks from allergic reactions.

Another great home remedies is usage of the wonder drug ginger. This wonderful herb serves as the anti inflammatory and mucolytic. For this, take about ½ teaspoon each of ginger powder, pepper and cloves. One can either prepare tea by using that mixture or else one can simply lick that mixture powder with honey. This will help in boosting the immunity of a patient.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is also said to help as is adding Vitamin C to the diet. Vitamins control our body and keep it healthy and by adding more certain ones to the diet you can control all health problems.

Other effective asthma treatment involves replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile, using leather or vinyl furniture rather than upholstered chairs and sofas, using the air conditioner and replacing down bedding with bedding made with synthetic materials.

There are a lot of causes of asthma, and each cause of asthma has different things that trigger asthma attacks. Each person needs a different approach medical wise, thus needed different asthma natural remedies. When you first out that you have asthma, using drugs is an obvious choice, especially if your asthma is very critical or life threatening.

Homeopathic cure heals this sinus infection by stimulating and energising this vital force to combat the sinus infection and leading to restoring the mind, emotions and body back to health and is a very holistic cure.

by Grath

Treatment and medical options

Since diabetes is a chronic disease, people who are suffering from it should be more vigilant about their health more than ever. It means that they should visit their doctors more often, maintain a healthy lifestyle and take the necessary medications or undergo needed treatments for them to stay healthy.

Before taking in any medication or undergoing a specific treatment, it is a must that person knows what type of diabetes he or she is suffering from. Basically, there are three types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes wherein the person’s body doesn’t have the capability to produce insulin, which is crucial for sugar to turn the food into energy; the type 2 diabetes-the most common type-restricts the person’s pancreas to produce enough supply insulin for the body to use well; and the gestational diabetes which occurs among pregnant women and can lead to type 2 diabetes eventually if not monitored immediately.

Experts say that people with diabetes should aim for healthy diet and getting regular exercise to control the illness. At times, there will be the need to take in some medications or undergo treatments. The following are just some of the common medications advised for people with diabetes:

1. Insulin shots. Since insufficient insulin levels in the body cause diabetes, insulin itself can solve the problem. For diabetics, insulin is very important because it lowers the blood sugar in the body by moving the sugar from the person’s blood into the cells. Insulin should be taken at least two times daily to ensure that there will be stable blood sugar control. It should be taken at least 30 minutes before each meal or should be taken before one eats especially if she or he takes a fast effecting type.

2. Oral medications. People with type 1 diabetes are not advised to use oral medications since insulin shots are injected in their bodies 24/7 in order to survive. Oral medications work best to people with type 2 diabetes-especially those who have high blood sugar-because these can serve as a supplement for them. The most common oral medications include sulfonylureas which forces the pancreas to produce more insulin to lower the blood sugar levels; siguanides which helps achieve lower blood sugar by stopping the liver in producing too much sugar; metformin which helps the person lose weight which is the common cause of diabetes; thiazolidinediones which helps the cells develop higher sensitivity to insulin which moves the glucose from the blood; and meglitinides which is responsible for helping the pancreas produce more insulin immediately after each meal to effectively lower blood sugar levels.

By: Jules Sims

This condition is by no means exclusive. About one person in every hundred in the population suffers from this condition. Scientifically, this condition is known as ‘hyperhidrosis’.

Are there any causes?

It has been found that there are two major types of hyperhidrosis: primary and secondary hyperhidrosis. Primary hyperhidrosis is a hereditary condition that is passed on genetically and generally shows itself around adolescence. Secondary hyperhidrosis on the other hand can develop at any age.

However, while primary hyperhidrosis is generally accepted as having a genetic cause, the real specific cause is yet unknown. Secondary hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, occurs mainly due to a malfunction in the victim’s thyroid or pituitary glands. It might also have other causes including tumours and diabetes.

Is there a Cure?

However, sufferers need not despair as there is hope yet. There are several cures that can limit, and in certain cases almost remove completely all symptoms. Treatments could involve surgery, drugs or even natural remedies.

Surgery is suggested mainly in extreme cases. It generally deals with removing the nerves that trigger the sweat glands. This process, however, has it’s own risks. Sweat is essential for the skin in order for it to remain uncracked. Lack of sweat could also stop the skin being supple and cause it to heat up. Cutting of the nerves that are responsible for this could cause larger problems in the future.

Shaving the regions that are affected by excessive sweating would also help. Shaved underarms would greatly reduce the chances of sweating armpits. Hair in such regions would increase the chances of sweat decomposing due to yeast and other bacterial actions. However, this is not a cure by itself. It will, however, reduce the chances of bromhidrosis. It will not, however cure the problem of sweaty armpits completely.
Deodorants are generally the primary defence line for most individuals. Antiperspirant deodorants that are available in the market can reduce the chances of sweaty armpits. However, this method is not as effective on other parts of the body that are exposed.

Chemical treatments exist for this condition that are varied and effective. Generally, for the palms, genital regions and groin, this type of treatment is suggested. For such regions, a solution of aluminium chloride is applied using a plastic film. This film might cause irritation and if this occurs, the solution can be used itself. Generally, this is applied once every day, but in severe cases, twice a day can be allowed. By using this method, many sufferers have had a substantial amount of relief within the span of a week. Other solutions that can be used include that of methenamine.

Drug treatments are also preferred, as it is much easier to ingest some pills than using patches and other chemicals. The most popular of these drugs are propantheline and phenoxybenzamine. However, keep in mind that these drugs could have side effects just like all other medication and it would be a good idea to consult a medical practitioner before using them. It would be sad to cure oneself of sweaty armpits only to find a bad side-effect because of the cure.

Natural remedies are often thought to be less effective than chemical ones. This, however, is not true. Sweaty armpits can just as well be cured by natural treatments as by chemical ones. And natural treatments have the added advantage of having little or no chance of side effects.

Information on Sweaty Armpits is available here. Visit this blog to stop sweaty armpits today.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_886037_23.html
Author: jeffykk

Thankfully, a natural skin care product makes eliminating your brown age spots a piece of cake. A skin care product that gets back the skin you once had, feeds it with nourishment and protects it from the sun.

You guessed it, the sun is a major cause of your brown spots. Yes, the sun provides you with vitamin D. However, because of the sun’s UV rays, your pigment producing skin cells are activated and begin making more melanin…hence, the appearance of those blotches.

Don’t fret though, it’s never to late to find out how to eliminate brown age spots. No expensive surgery or toxic chemical procedures. Who wants to use a bleaching cream anyway? All it does is irritate the skin. Besides, bleaching creams contain hydroquinone, the primary ingredient, which has been shown to be a potential carcinogen.

Only healthy, safe, natural ingredients are used to combat the unsightly spots. Clinically tested and proven ingredients found in a natural whitening cream that’s been shown to lighten the color of your skin without irritating or harming it.

After researching numerous substances used in lightening creams, the ingredient best to use for eliminating age spots is called Extrapone Nutgrass.

This is an amazing ingredient, studies show Extrapone Nutgrass extract naturally inhibits your production of melanin by up to 40%. And, gently whitens your skin making it look younger and healthier.

It happened unexpectedly, German scientists were looking to develop an anti-irritant for the skin, however, while testing — its whitening properties were discovered! Not only did it soothe skin, but it also lightened age spots and freckles.

And while dealing with those sun spots, why not use a cream loaded with vitamins to nourish; and, has an active ingredient meant to protect skin against UV rays too? One of my favorite substances is a natural ingredient called phytessence wakame. From a Japanese sea kelp, this natural ingredient is rich in sodium, iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins. It inhibits the activity of hyaluronidase, protects your skin against damage caused by UV rays and maintains your skin’s moisture balance…all to keep it looking firm and healthy.

Now that you know how to eliminate brown age spots naturally, you may be interested in knowing this natural whitening cream also contains natural oils such as jojoba, babassu, and maracuja which soothes and moisturizes your skin leaving it soft and beautiful.

Visit my website today to learn more about quality skin care products which contain amazing natural ingredients to give you back your younger-looking, smoother and healthier skin.

Marcia is a researcher, consumer and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.health-beauty-and-vitality.com

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_888851_23.html

About the Author: Marcia Kruger is a researcher and passionate advocate of natural skin care products. Visit her site now to discover cutting edge, anti-aging skin care products she recommends after extensive research: http://www.health-beauty-and-vitality.com

http://www.health-beauty-and-vitality.com

HD is an inherited neurodegenerative disease that over time results in uncontrolled movements, emotional changes and mental deterioration. In the United States, about 25,000 people have HD. Each child of a parent with the disease has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene and ultimately developing the disease. This means at least 150,000 others are at risk of developing the disease, along with thousands of their relatives.

The most common, and perhaps most devastating symptom of HD is chorea. Chorea is characterized by jerky, involuntary movements throughout the body, often appearing as writhing, twisting and turning in a constant, uncontrollable dance-like motion. As chorea progresses, the jerk-like movements worsen and make it difficult for patients to carry out many activities associated with daily living.

“Patients can lose the ability to button a shirt, drink a glass of water, or even sit in a chair without falling off,” says Dr. Amy Colcher, a neurologist at Pennsylvania Hospital. “As the disease progresses, the danger for falls and other injuries increases greatly.”  

Currently, there is no cure for HD and the disease is ultimately fatal. However, in 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Xenazine (tetrabenazine) to treat chorea associated with Huntington’s disease, making this the first product ever approved for a symptom of HD. “Xenazine is not a cure for HD, but as a physician, I am grateful for this medical milestone and that we now have an option to potentially help patients better manage the uncontrolled movements they experience as a result of the disease,” says Colcher.

Serious side effects reported with the use of Xenazine include depression and suicidal thoughts and actions. Xenazine should not be used in patients who are actively suicidal or in patients with untreated depression. Concerns about the risk of suicide are heightened in all patients with HD.

For Matt and Karen Douglas from Delaware, Xenazine offers new hope in managing his chorea associated with HD.  

“Before Xenazine, chorea used to limit Matt’s life in so many ways,” says Karen. “Since Matt started on Xenazine as part of a clinical trial almost four years ago, we have been able to help control his movements. He will continue experiencing chorea, but every bit of his independence helps extend our quality of life as a family.”  

“The availability of Xenazine in the United States represents a significant development for the patients, families and caregivers affected by HD,” says Louise Vetter, chief executive officer of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. “HDSA and the scientific community continue to work towards a cure for HD, and while we do, we are working to educate as many people as possible about the disease, which is why we have an extensive network of local chapters across the country that are working tirelessly to raise awareness for this devastating disease and the exciting advancements that are being made to help manage it.”  

May is National HD Awareness Month — if you are interested in learning more about HD, its symptoms, and local awareness events in your community, visit www.hdsa.org. For more than 40 years, HDSA has been supporting patients with HD and their family members by providing vital support, information and educational services to improve the lives of those affected by HD. For full Prescribing Information including Boxed Warning for Xenazine, visit www.xenazineusa.com.

Indications and Usage:
Xenazine is a medicine that is used to treat the involuntary movements (chorea) of Huntington’s disease. Xenazine does not cure the cause of the involuntary movements, and it does not treat other symptoms of Huntington’s disease, such as problems with thinking or emotions. It is not known whether Xenazine is safe and effective in children.

Important Safety Information:

* Xenazine can increase the chance of depression, suicidal thoughts or suicidal actions in some patients.

* You should not start taking Xenazine if you are depressed (have untreated depression or depression that is not well controlled by medicine) or have suicidal thoughts.  

* Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts or feelings. This is especially important when Xenazine is started and when the dose is changed.

Do not take Xenazine if you have liver problems or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or reserpine. At least 20 days should pass after stopping reserpine before starting Xenazine. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or have breast cancer.

The need for therapy should be evaluated on an ongoing basis with your doctor. The dose of Xenazine should be adjusted slowly over several weeks for a dose that is appropriate for you. If your doctor thinks you need to take more than 50 mg of Xenazine each day, you will need to have a blood test to see if Xenazine is safe for you.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), restlessness, agitation, parkinsonism (slight shaking, body stiffness, trouble moving or keeping your balance), trouble swallowing, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat have also been reported with use of Xenazine. Do not use Xenazine with drugs known to cause irregular heart beat. Side effects associated with Xenazine, such as irregular heartbeat, NMS, and parkinsonism, may be increased if used together with drugs called dopamine antagonists. Uncontrolled movements called tardive dyskinesia (TD) may develop in patients treated with Xenazine.  It is possible that the TD will not go away.

Xenazine may cause sleepiness or drowsiness, and may affect the ability to drive or use dangerous machinery. Some side effects, such as depression, tiredness, trouble sleeping, sleepiness/drowsiness, parkinsonism, and restlessness, may be dose-dependent. If the side effects don’t stop or lessen, your doctor should consider lowering the dose or stopping your Xenazine. The most commonly reported side effects in studies with Xenazine were sleepiness/drowsiness, tiredness, trouble sleeping, depression, restlessness, anxiety and nausea.

For more information, please see the Xenazine Medication Guide, full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning or go to www.xenazineusa.com.

Xenazine is a registered trademark of Cambridge Laboratories (Ireland) Limited.

Courtesy of ARAcontent