I am on furosemide and each month my potassium is low. Is there any other pill I can take instead?

Drugs like furosemide and thiazides can lower your potassium. Therefore, if you have low potassium, you may ask your doctor to switch you to the potassium sparing diuretic- like spironolactone.  However, you will still need to get your blood work checked regularly because spironolactone can increase body potassium- which can be dangerous. If you have good follow up, spironolactone is an excellent drug and also protects the heart.

Is there a generic version of Flovent?

Flovent is a steroidal inhaler used to treat both asthma and a variety of other allergic disorders. Unfortunately, there is no generic yet. However, there is budesonide, which is the generic version of Pulmicort. It also works in the same way and is a lot cheaper. Speak to your doctor about it.

Is the generic version of Zoloft just as effective for depression?

Yes, you can rest assured it is just as effective. The FDA ensures that generic brands have the same therapeutic effect as the brand name drug. Only the inactive ingredients are different. I would only recommend generics available in America. 

Outside of North America, there is little control on how generic drugs are produced. Some Oriental pharmaceutical companies have a habit of cutting corners to make profit. Therefore, that means do not buy a generic product if you travel to the Orient. Indian and China are two places where there are more fake drugs than the real thing.

Is It true that Zoloft has been associated with breast cancer?

No, to date there are no data to suggest that Zoloft can cause any type of cancer. It is a relatively safe medication.

Can Zoloft cause weight gain?

Yes, all antidepressants cause weight gain. The amount of weight gain varies. The only way to avoid the weight gain with Zoloft is to eat less and walk more. It is the rare individual that does not gain weight on Zoloft. Almost every antidepressant can cause weight gain.

I have a long history of motion sickness. I have been planning a cruise and am wondering if you can recommend something.

There are several things you can do to decrease your risk of developing motion sickness. Avoid smoking and do not eat greasy or spicy foods. Do not over indulge with any type of food.

As far as medications are concerned, you may want to try an over the counter antihistamine. Unfortunately, these medications can cause sedation and ruin you trip. The best medication is scopolamine, which is available and can last for 3 days. You can place it behind your ear and you need to start using it a few hours before the trip. 

Scopolamine is not recommended if you have asthma or have problems with urine retention

Are there any foods that I should avoid when I take Coumadin?

When you take Coumadin, you should avoid certain foods like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and spinach. If you are trying to lose weight, check with your doctor first because drastic changes in weight can lead to Coumadin toxicity. Limit the amount of cranberry juice in your diet as it may affect how Coumadin works. If you miss a dose of Coumadin, never double the dose the next time as it may lead to excessive bleeding. It is important that you tell your surgeon or dentist that you are taking Coumadin prior to any surgical procedure. One should also avoid getting injections into the arms or buttocks while taking Coumadin.

What are side effects of Coumadin that I should worry about?

Side effects of Coumadin include nausea, loss of appetite, or mild abdominal cramps. These side effects do not occur in everyone and are well tolerated. Other side effects are more serious and include severe bleeding and easy bruising. If your blood thinning count is too high, you can bleed with even minor trauma. If you see blood in you stools, urine or cough up blood, you must stop the medication and see the doctor. Other side effects of Coumadin include frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, prolonged menstrual bleeding and black tarry stools. To ensure that these side effects do not occur it is vital that you go and get your blood thinning levels measured regularly.

I have been started on Coumadin for blood clots. I have read the medication can cause many problems. what is the safest way to take it?

When you buy Coumadin, your doctor/pharmacist will tell you exactly how to take the medication. Coumadin can be taken by mouth with a glass of water. It can even be taken with or without food. Coumadin is only supposed to be taken once a day. Never increase the dose or duration of Coumadin without first speaking to your doctor. Do not stop the drug unless you have been told to do so by your doctor. The dose of Coumadin is based on your medical condition and response. All individuals who take Coumadin have to get regular blood work to ensure that the blood thinning levels are right for you.

I have been told that I have a blood clot in my leg and have been given warfarin. How long should I remain on this medicine?

If you have blood clots in your legs, you need to be on a blood thinner –which is warfarin. It is sold as Coumadin and is an excellent drug for people with blood clots. If blood clots are not treated, they may break off and fly off to the lung. In most cases of a first time blood clot in the leg, you need to take the medication for at least 6 -9 months.