Rituxan side effects by Pharmacy blog

Question: I have had several doses of Rituxan as a maintenence for non hodgskins lymphoma, the last being in Dec.2007. I have developed a problem with shortness of breath, to the point of having to use oxygen. Could this be a side effect of the Rituxan?

Answer:

Rituxan is the brand name for rituximab. Rare reports of bronchiolitis obliterans or small airway scarring have occurred six months after rituximab therapy.  Pneumonitis or inflammation of the lung has been reported three months after rituximab therapy.   Your specific symptom of shortness of bre . . .

Ask an Expert: Carmen Hadley RPh, CSPI, Pharmacy and Medications

Hydrocortizone cream or ointment
Question: Should I use hydrocortizone in a cream or in an ointment?

Answer:

Creams and ointments contain different proportions of oil to water. An ointment is a topical preparation of a medication that contains water in an oil base. A cream is a topical preparation of a medication that contains either oil in a water base or water in an oil base (depending on the prepara . . .

Ask an Expert: Carmen Hadley RPh, CSPI, Pharmacy and Medications

Alternative to Crestor
Question: I am on Crestor right now, but have recently retired. My new health care is balking at the cost....wanting me to change to a generic alternative. I can not afford to buy it on my own. Will Lipitor or Zocor give me the same benefits as Crestor?

Answer:

Lipitor, Zocor, and Crestor are all in the same class of drugs referred to as "statins," and they all work the same way in the body to help lower cholesterol. Your doctor should monitor your cholesterol levels and may need to adjust the dose when switching from one medication to another.

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Ask an Expert: Carmen Hadley RPh, CSPI, Pharmacy and Medications