Ask your future pharmacist!

Are you wondering why they made one of these new medications? Or perhaps you're wondering why you would use one of these?

We're here to answer any questions all this week, so let us know!

Dymista ® (azelastine hydrochloride/fluticasone propionate)

• Brandname: Dymista ®
• Generic: azelastine hydrochloride/fluticasone propionate

 

• Uses: allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms of the nose i.e. runny nose, sneezing)
• How it works: Works by decreasing inflammation

• Common side effects: Taste sense altered (4%), Headache (2%), nose bleeds (2%)
• Serious side effects: N/A

• Who cannot use this medication: have not been determined

 

Surfaxin® (lucinactant)

• Brandname: Surfaxin®
• Generic: lucinactant

 

• Uses: Respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn
• How it works: Helps prevent irregular function of lungs by acting on the surface of the lungs

• Common side effects: Pale complexion
• Serious side effects: Slow heart rate (3%-10%), blocked wind pipe, abnormal blood oxygen levels (8%-17%)

• Who cannot use this medication: N/A

 

Qnasl ® (beclomethasone dipropionate)

• Brandname: Qnasl ®
• Generic: beclomethasone dipropionate

 

• Uses: Allergic rhinitis (allergy symptoms of the nose i.e. runny nose, sneezing)
• How it works: It works by decreasing inflammation

• Common side effects: Headache (8-25%), pharyngitis (i.e. sore throat) (5%-27%) 
• Serious side effects: Secondary hypocortisolism (symptoms of nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, fever, low blood pressure), cataract (clouding of the lens of the eye), glaucoma (damage to the nerve of the eye)

• Who cannot use this medication: worsening of asthma that does not respond to standard treatments, allergies to beclomethasone

Neupro® (rotigotine)

• Brandname: Neupro®
• Generic: rotigotine

 

• Uses: Restless Legs Syndrome
• How it works: The precise way it works for Restless Legs Syndrome is unknown but thought to be related to its ability to stimulate dopamine receptors, a natural substance produced in the brain that is needed to control movement.

 

• Common side effects: Constipation, decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, joint pain, minor redness, swelling, or itching at the application site, nausea, symptoms of upper airway infection (eg, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat), tiredness, trouble sleeping, vomiting, weakness.
• Serious side effects: Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), abnormal dreams, burning, numbness, or tingling, chest pain, confusion, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, new or worsening mental or mood problems, severe dizziness, light-headedness, or headache, swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet, tremors, unusual skin growths or changes in the appearance of a mole, vision changes.

 

• Who cannot take this medication: Allergy to rotigotine and other similar class or any component of the formulation.

Natazia® (estradiol/dienogest)

• Brandname: Natazia®
• Generic: estradiol/dienogest

• Uses: heavy menstrual bleeding

• How it works: Combination hormonal contraceptives that inhibit ovulation and may also cause changes in the cervical mucus

 

• Common side effects: acne, breast tenderness or enlargement, changes in sexual interest, changes in weight, headache, mild fluid retention, nausea, spotting or breakthrough bleeding, stomach cramps or bloating, vomiting.
• Serious side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness), breast discharge, breast discomfort, pain, or lumps, bulging eyes, pain, swelling, or tenderness in calf or leg, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting, mental or mood changes, missed menstrual period.

 

• Who cannot use this medication: Breast cancer or other estrogen- or progestin-dependent cancers, liver tumors or disease, pregnancy, undiagnosed abnormal uterine bleeding, high risk of blood clots or stokes.