What Should You Know Before Taking Viagra

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.

Contraindications

Do not take Viagra® or generic Viagra® if you:

• take medicines called "nitrates" (such as nitroglycerin)
• use street drugs called "poppers" such as amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate
• take any medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas)
• are allergic to sildenafil, as contained in Viagra® and Revatio, or any of the ingredients in Viagra®. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Viagra®.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Viagra® or generic Viagra®?

To make sure Viagra® is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following before you take Viagra® or generic Viagra®:

• Have or have had heart problems such as a heart attack,irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
• Have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
• Have pulmonary hypertension
• Have had a stroke
• Have low blood pressure, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Have a deformed penis shape
• Have had an erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
• Have problems with your blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
• Have ever had severe vision loss, including an eye problem called NAION
• Have bleeding problems
• Have or have had stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Have liver problems
• Have kidney problems or are having kidney dialysis
• Have any other medical conditions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Viagra® and generic Viagra® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way Viagra® and generic Viagra® works, causing side effects.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following because these drugs interact with Viagra® and generic Viagra®:

• Medicines called "nitrates"
• Medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas® (riociguat)
• Medicines called alpha-blockers such as Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl), Jalyn® (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), or Rapaflo® (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use of VIAGRA® or generic VIAGRA® with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting
• Medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir®), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan®), saquinavir (Fortovase® or Invirase®), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz®)
• Oral antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®)
• Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin®), telithromycin (Ketek®), or erythromycin
• Other medicines that treat high blood pressure
• Other medicines or treatments for ED
• Viagra® and generic Viagra® contain sildenafil, which is the same medicine found in another drug called Revatio®. Revatio® is used to treat a rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Viagra® and generic Viagra® should not be used with Revatio® or with other PAH treatments containing sildenafil or any other PDE5 inhibitors (such as Adcirca [tadalafil])

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Viagra Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Viagra® and generic Viagra®?

Viagra® and generic Viagra® can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:

• an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis.
• sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is uncertain whether PDE5 inhibitors directly cause the vision loss. Stop taking Viagra® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
• sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Viagra® or generic Viagra® and contact a doctor right away.

The most common side effects of Viagra® and generic Viagra® are:

• headache
• flushing
• upset stomach
• abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge) and blurred vision
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• muscle pain
• nausea
• dizziness
• Rash

In addition, heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats and death have happened rarely in men taking Viagra®. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems before taking Viagra®. It is not known if Viagra® caused these problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Viagra® and generic Viagra®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Popular Questions

What Should You Know Before Taking Cialis

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.

Contraindications

Who should not take Cialis® or generic Cialis®? Do not take Cialis® or generic Cialis® if you:

• take medicines called nitrates (such as nitroglycerin)
• use street drugs called "poppers" such as amyl nitrate or amyl nitrite, and butyl nitrate
• take any medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as riociguat (Adempas)
• are allergic to Cialis® or any of the ingredients in Cialis®. See the end of this section for a complete list of ingredients in Cialis®.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Cialis® or generic Cialis®?

To make sure Cialis® is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following before you take Cialis® or generic Cialis®?:

• Have or have had heart problems such as a heart attack,irregular heartbeat, angina, chest pain, narrowing of the aortic valve, or heart failure
• Have had heart surgery within the last 6 months
• Have pulmonary hypertension
• Have had a stroke
• Have low blood pressure, or high blood pressure that is not controlled
• Have a deformed penis shape
• Have had an erection that lasted for more than 4 hours
• Have problems with your blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, or leukemia
• Have retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic (runs in families) eye disease
• Have ever had severe vision loss, including an eye problem called NAION
• Have bleeding problems
• Have or have had stomach or intestinal ulcers
• Have liver problems
• Have kidney problems or are having kidney dialysis
• Have any other medical conditions

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Cialis® and generic Cialis® may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect the way Cialis® and generic Cialis® works, causing side effects.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider if you take any of the following because these drugs interact with Cialis® and generic Cialis®:

• Medicines called nitrates
• Medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators such as Adempas® (riociguat)
• Medicines called alpha-blockers such as Hytrin® (terazosin HCl), Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl), Cardura® (doxazosin mesylate), Minipress® (prazosin HCl), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl), Jalyn® (dutasteride and tamsulosin HCl), or Rapaflo® (silodosin). Alpha-blockers are sometimes prescribed for prostate problems or high blood pressure. In some patients, the use of Cialis® or generic Cialis® with alpha-blockers can lead to a drop in blood pressure or to fainting
• Medicines called HIV protease inhibitors, such as ritonavir (Norvir®), indinavir sulfate (Crixivan®), saquinavir (Fortovase® or Invirase®), or atazanavir sulfate (Reyataz®)
• Oral antifungal medicines, such as ketoconazole (Nizoral®) and itraconazole (Sporanox®)
• Antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin®), telithromycin (Ketek®), or erythromycin
• Other medicines that treat high blood pressure
• Other medicines or treatments for ED
• Adcirca® (tadalafil) is used to treat a rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and has the same active ingredient as Cialis®. Cialis® and generic Cialis® should not be used with Adcirca® or with other PAH treatments containing sildenafil or any other PDE5 inhibitors (such as Revatio® [sildenafil citrate])

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of these medicines, if you are not sure.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Cialis Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Cialis® and generic Cialis®?

Cialis® and generic Cialis® can cause serious side effects. Rarely reported side effects include:

• an erection that will not go away (priapism). If you have an erection that lasts more than 4 hours, get medical help right away. If it is not treated right away, priapism can permanently damage your penis.
• sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes can be a sign of a serious eye problem called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is uncertain whether PDE5 inhibitors directly cause the vision loss. Stop taking Cialis® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have sudden vision loss in one or both eyes.
• sudden hearing decrease or hearing loss. Some people may also have ringing in their ears (tinnitus) or dizziness. If you have these symptoms, stop taking Cialis® or generic Cialis® and contact a doctor right away.

The most common side effects of Cialis® and generic Cialis® are:

• headache
• flushing
• upset stomach
• abnormal vision, such as changes in color vision (such as having a blue color tinge) and blurred vision
• stuffy or runny nose
• back pain
• muscle pain
• nausea
• dizziness
• Rash

In addition, heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats and death have happened rarely in men taking Cialis®. Most, but not all, of these men had heart problems before taking Cialis®. It is not known if Cialis® caused these problems.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Cialis® and generic Cialis®. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What Happens if I Overdose?

Taking more than the recommended amount of Cialis® or generic Cialis® greatly increases your risk of side effects, including severe ones that can be dangerous, such as severe low blood pressure or an erection that won’t go away even after 4 or more hours (priapism). Never take more than the amount prescribed to you by your doctor. If you have any severe side effects after taking more than the recommended amount, or even after taking the amount of medicine prescribed to you, seek out emergency medical attention immediately.

Popular Questions

What are the risks and warnings for Levitra (vardenafil)?

Levitra (vardenafil) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

RISK OF HEART ATTACK OR STROKE

• Risk factors: Existing heart condition | Recent heart attack or stroke in past 6 months | High or low blood pressure

It's not recommended for men to take Levitra (vardenafil) if they've had a heart attack, stroke, or symptoms of heart failure in the past 6 months, abnormal blood pressure, or if they have chest pain. The safety of Levitra (vardenafil) has not been studied in these situations. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these health conditions.

QT PROLONGATION (ABNORMAL HEART RHYTHM)

• Risk factors: Currently taking other medications that can cause QT prolongation

Levitra (vardenafil) has been shown to prolong the QT interval and cause irregular heart rhythm. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medications as there may be safer alternatives for you.

LOW BLOOD PRESSURE

• Risk factors: Taking alpha blockers | Taking medications for high blood pressure or chest pain (angina) | Drinking alcohol

If you're taking alpha blockers or medications for high blood pressure with Levitra (vardenafil), your blood pressure may drop too low. Make sure to check your blood pressure regularly if you're taking these other medicines. Be very careful getting up from a sitting or lying down position since this can make you feel dizzy and more likely to fall. Drinking alcohol can also cause low blood pressure. Avoid or lower your alcohol consumption when taking Levitra (vardenafil). You should never take Levitra (vardenafil) when taking nitrate medication for chest pain (angina) because it can cause your blood pressure to suddenly drop to unsafe levels.

PROLONGED ERECTION

• Risk factors: Peyronie's disease | Cavernosal fibrosis | Sickle cell anemia

There have been reports of men having an erection lasting more than 4 hours while on Levitra (vardenafil). This is rare but if it's not treated in time, it can cause permanent damage to your penis, including permanent impotence. Get medical help immediately if this happens.

VISION CHANGES

If you suddenly notice changes in your vision in one or both eyes, go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately. Although this is rare, Levitra (vardenafil) can cause permanent eye damage.

HEARING LOSS

There have been reports of men having permanent hearing loss while taking Levitra (vardenafil). This may happen along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and dizziness. Go to the emergency room or call your doctor immediately if you notice changes in your hearing in one or both ears.

INCREASED SIDE EFFECTS WITH OTHER MEDICINES

• Risk factors: Age 65 years or older | Liver disease | Kidney disease | Taking medications such as nitrates, anti-hypertensives, alpha blockers, ketoconazole, or ritonavir

You may experience more side effects while taking Levitra (vardenafil) if you are also taking medications called nitrates for chest pain, blood pressure medications, certain medications for HIV, are elderly, or have liver or kidney disease. Talk to your doctor before starting Levitra (vardenafil) if any of these apply to you.

Doxepin is a prescription sleep medicine that is used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble staying asleep.

Call your doctor if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.

Be sure that you are able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Doxepin should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. Do not take with alcohol or with other medicines that can make you sleepy. If you are on a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken a MAOI within the past two weeks, you should not take Doxepin. You should not take Doxepin if you have an eye problem called narrow angle glaucoma that is not being treated, if you have severe urinary retention, or if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Doxepin. You should not drive or operate machinery at night after taking Doxepin. Until you know how you will react to Doxepin, you should be careful in performing such activities during the day following taking Doxepin. Before you take Doxepin, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts. You should call your doctor right away if after taking Doxepin you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. Drowsiness is the most common adverse event observed in clinical trials. For more information, please see the complete Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide.

It is not known if Doxepin is safe and effective in children.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Doxepin?

Before you take Doxepin, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• See “Who should not take Doxepin?”
• Have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts
• Have severe sleep apnea
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
• Have a history of glaucoma or urinary retention
• Have any other medical conditions
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Doxepin will harm your unborn baby.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• Are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. Doxepin can pass into your milk and may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you take Doxepin.
• You should not breast-feed while taking Doxepin.
• Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Doxepin and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Doxepin may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affects how Doxepin works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Who should not take Doxepin?

You should not take Doxepin if you take:

• Cimetidine (Tagamet) or other medicines that can affect certain liver enzymes.
• Certain allergy medicines (antihistamines) or other medicines that can make you sleepy or affect your breathing.
• The diabetes medicine tolazamide.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide.

Do not use Doxepin for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not share Doxepin with other people, even if you think they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

INDICATIONS

SILENOR® is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty with sleep maintenance. The clinical trials performed in support of efficacy were up to 3 months in duration.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

The dose of SILENOR® should be individualized.

Dosing In Adults

The recommended dose of SILENOR® for adults is 6 mg once daily. A 3 mg once daily dose may be appropriate for some patients, if clinically indicated.

Dosing In The Elderly

The recommended starting dose of SILENOR® in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) is 3 mg once daily. The daily dose can be increased to 6 mg, if clinically indicated.

Administration

SILENOR® should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.

To minimize the potential for next day effects, SILENOR® should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal.

The total SILENOR® dose should not exceed 6 mg per day.

How should I take Doxepin?

• Take Doxepin exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how many Doxepin to take and when to take them.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed.
• Take Doxepin within 30 minutes of bedtime. After taking Doxepin, you should confine your activities to those necessary to prepare for bed.
• Do not take Doxepin within 3 hours of a meal. Doxepin may not work as well, or may make you sleepy the next day if taken with or right after a meal.
• Do not take Doxepin unless you are able to get a full night of sleep before you must be active again.
• Call your healthcare provider if your sleep problems get worse or do not get better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.
• If you take too much Doxepin, call your doctor or get medical help right away.

What should I avoid while taking Doxepin?

• You should not drink alcohol while taking Doxepin. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects with Doxepin.
• You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities after Doxepin.
• You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking Doxepin. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities after taking Doxepin until you feel fully awake.

What is the most important information I should know about Doxepin?

• The most common side effect of Doxepin is drowsiness or tiredness.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Doxepin. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Doxepin?

• Store Doxepin between 68° and 77°F (20° to 25°C).
• Keep Doxepin in a tightly closed container, and away from light. Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.
• Keep Doxepin and all medicines out of the reach of children.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What Should You Know Before Taking Viagra

Disclaimer: Sertraline and other antidepressant medicines may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or call 911 if there is an emergency.

Suicidal thoughts or actions:

• Sertraline and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed.
• Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Watch for these changes and call your healthcare provider right away if you notice new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, actions, thoughts, or feelings, especially if severe.
  • Pay particular attention to such changes when sertraline is started or when the dose is changed.
  • Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider and call between visits if you are worried about symptoms.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or call 911 if an emergency, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• attempts to commit suicide
• acting aggressive or violent
• new or worse depression
• feeling agitated, restless, angry or irritable
• an increase in activity or talking more than what is normal for you
• acting on dangerous impulses
• thoughts about suicide or dying
• new or worse anxiety or panic attacks
• trouble sleeping
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Serotonin Syndrome

This condition can be life-threatening and symptoms may include:

• agitation, hallucinations, coma, or other changes in mental status
• coordination problems or muscle twitching (overactive reflexes)
• racing heartbeat, high or low blood pressure
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• sweating or fever
• muscle rigidity

Increased chance of bleeding

Sertraline and other antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen), or aspirin.

Manic episodes

Symptoms may include:

• greatly increased energy
• racing thoughts
• unusually grand ideas
• severe trouble sleeping
• reckless behavior
• excessive happiness or irritability
• talking more or faster than usual

Seizures or Convulsions

Glaucoma (angle-closure glaucoma)

Many antidepressant medicines including sertraline may cause a certain type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma. Call your healthcare provider if you have eye pain, changes in your vision, or swelling or redness in or around the eye. Only some people are at risk for these problems. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are.

Changes in appetite or weight

Children and adolescents should have height and weight monitored during treatment.

Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood

Elderly people may be at greater risk for this. Symptoms may include:

• Headache
• weakness or feeling unsteady
• confusion, problems concentrating or thinking, or memory problems

Do not stop sertraline without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping sertraline too quickly may cause serious symptoms including:

• anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless or changes in sleep habits
• headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness
• electric shock-like sensations, shaking, confusion

What is sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

Sertraline is a prescription medicine used to treat:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

It is important to talk with your healthcare provider about the risks of treating depression and also the risks of not treating it. You should discuss all treatment choices with your healthcare provider.

Sertraline is safe and effective in treating children with OCD age 6 to 17 years.

It is not known if sertraline is safe and effective for use in children under 6 years of age with OCD or children with other behavior health conditions.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you do not think that your condition is getting better with sertraline treatment.

Who should not take sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

Do not take sertraline if you:

• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid.
• have taken an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping sertraline unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
• have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
• take any other medicines that contain sertraline (such as sertraline HCl or sertraline hydrochloride).
• take the antipsychotic medicine pimozide (Orap®) because this can cause serious heart problems.
• are allergic to sertraline or any of the ingredients in sertraline. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in sertraline.
• take Antabuse® (disulfiram) (if you are taking the liquid form of sertraline) due to the alcohol content.

People who take sertraline close in time to an MAOI may have serious or even life-threatening side effects. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms:

• high fever
• rapid changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• uncontrolled muscle spasms
• confusion
• stiff muscles
• loss of consciousness (pass out)

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

Before starting sertraline, tell your healthcare provider if you have:

• liver problems
• heart problems
• bipolar disorder or mania
• kidney problems
• or have had seizures or convulsions
• a history of a stroke
• high blood pressure
• or have had bleeding problems

Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your baby may have withdrawal symptoms after birth or may be at increased risk for a serious lung problem at birth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of taking sertraline during pregnancy.

Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. A small amount of sertraline may pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while taking sertraline.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines that you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Sertraline and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects

Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can tell you if it is safe to take sertraline with your other medicines. Do not start or stop any medicine while taking sertraline without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

How should I take sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

• Take sertraline exactly as prescribed. Your healthcare provider may need to change the dose of sertraline until it is the right dose for you.
• Sertraline Tablets may be taken with or without food.
• Sertraline Oral Solution may look cloudy or hazy after mixing, this is normal.
• Sertraline Oral Solution must be diluted before use
  • Do not mix sertraline until you are ready to take it.
  • When diluting sertraline Oral Solution, use only water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice.
  • The oral dropper contains latex. If you are sensitive or allergic to latex, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the best way to measure your medicine.
• If you miss a dose of sertraline, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses of sertraline at the same time

If you take too much sertraline, call your healthcare provider or poison control center right away, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What should I avoid while taking sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

Sertraline can cause sleepiness or may affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how sertraline affects you. Do not drink alcohol while you take sertraline.

What are the possible side effects of sertraline (ZOLOFT)?

The most common side effects in adults who take sertraline include:

• nausea, loss of appetite,
• diarrhea, or indigestion
• increased sweating
• tremor or shaking
• agitation
• change in sleep habits including increased sleepiness or insomnia
• sexual problems including decreased libido and ejaculation failure
• feeling tired or fatigued
• anxiety

The most common side effects in children and adolescents who take sertraline include abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation, nose bleeds, urinary incontinence, aggressive reaction, possible slowed growth rate, and weight change. Your child’s height and weight should be monitored during treatment with sertraline.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of sertraline. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store sertraline?

• Store sertraline at room temperature, 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Keep sertraline bottle closed tightly.

Keep sertraline and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of sertraline:

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use sertraline for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give sertraline to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about sertraline. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You may ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for information about sertraline that is written for healthcare professionals.

For more information about sertraline call 1-800-438-1985 or go to www.pfizer.com

What are the ingredients in sertraline?

Active ingredient: sertraline hydrochloride

Inactive ingredients: Tablets: dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, D&C Yellow #10 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD&C Blue #1 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD&C Red #40 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake (in 50 mg tablet), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic yellow iron oxide (in 100 mg tablet), and titanium dioxide.

Oral solution: glycerin, alcohol (12%), menthol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Popular Questions

Valacyclovir (Generic for VALTREX®) for the Treatment of Oral Herpes: Important Safety Information

What are valacyclovir tablets?

• Valacyclovir tablets are a prescription antiviral medicine. Valacyclovir tablets lower the ability of herpes viruses to multiply in your body.

Valacyclovir tablets are used in adults:
• to treat cold sores (also called fever blisters or herpes labialis)
• to treat shingles (also called herpes zoster)
• to treat or control genital herpes outbreaks in adults with normal immune systems
• to control genital herpes outbreaks in adults infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with CD4 + cell count greater than 100 cells/mm3
• with safer sex practices to lower the chances of spreading genital herpes to uninfected partners. Even with safer sex practices, it is still possible to spread genital herpes. Valacyclovir tablets used daily with the following safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.
• Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.
• Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.

What are cold sores, chickenpox, shingles and genital herpes?

• Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that may be spread by kissing or other physical contact with the infected area of the skin. They are small, painful ulcers that you get in or around your mouth. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of cold sores to others.

Chickenpox is caused by a herpes virus called Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). It causes an itchy rash of multiple small, red bumps that look like pimples or insect bites usually appearing first on the abdomen or back and face. It can spread to almost everywhere else on the body and may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms.

Shingles is caused by the same herpes virus that causes chickenpox. It causes small, painful blisters to appear on your skin. Shingles occurs in people who have already had chickenpox. Shingles can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine by contact with the infected areas of the skin. It is not known if valacyclovir tablets can stop the spread of shingles to others.

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease. It causes small, painful blisters on your genital area. You can spread genital herpes to others, even when you have no symptoms. If you are sexually active, you can still pass herpes to your partner, even if you are taking valacyclovir tablets. Valacyclovir tablets, taken every day as prescribed and used with the following safer sex practices, can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.

Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptom or outbreak of genital herpes.

Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about safer sex practices.

Who should not take valacyclovir tablets?

• Do not take valacyclovir tablets if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or to acyclovir. The active ingredient is valacyclovir.

Before taking valacyclovir tablets, tell your healthcare provider:

• About all your medical conditions, including:
  • if you have had a bone marrow transplant or kidney transplant, or if you have advanced HIV disease or “AIDS”. Patients with these conditions may have a higher chance for getting a blood disorder called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS). TTP/HUS can result in death.
  • if you have kidney problems. Patients with kidney problems may have a higher chance of side effects or more kidney problems with valacyclovir tablets. Your healthcare provider may give you a lower dose of valacyclovir tablets.
  • if you are 65 years of age or older. Elderly patients have a higher chance of certain side effects. Also, elderly patients are more likely to have kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may give you a lower dose of valacyclovir tablets.
  • if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking prescription drugs (including valacyclovir tablets) during pregnancy.
  • if you are breast-feeding. Valacyclovir tablets may pass into your milk and it may harm your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking valacyclovir tablets.
  • about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Valacyclovir tablets may affect other medicines, and other medicines may affect valacyclovir tablets. It is a good idea to keep a complete list of all the medicines you take. Show this list to your healthcare provider and pharmacist any time you get a new medicine.
  • Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

How should I take valacyclovir tablets?

• Take valacyclovir tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your dose of valacyclovir tablets and length of treatment will depend on the type of herpes infection that you have and any other medical problems that you have.
• Do not stop valacyclovir tablets or change your treatment without talking to your healthcare provider.
• Valacyclovir tablets can be taken with or without food.If you are taking valacyclovir tablets to treat cold sores, chickenpox, shingles or genital herpes, you should start treatment as soon as possible after your symptoms start. Valacyclovir tablets may not help you if you start treatment too late.
• If you miss a dose of valacyclovir tablets, take it as soon as you remember and then take your next dose at its regular time. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Wait and take the next dose at the regular time.
• Do not take more than the prescribed number of valacyclovir tablets each day. Call your healthcare provider right away if you take too much valacyclovir tablets.
• What are the possible side effects of valacyclovir tablets?
• Kidney failure and nervous system problems are not common, but can be serious in some patients taking valacyclovir tablets. Nervous system problems include aggressive behavior, unsteady movement, shaky movements, confusion, speech problems, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are really not there), seizures and coma.

Kidney failure and nervous system problems have happened in patients who already have kidney disease and in elderly patients whose kidneys do not work well due to age. Always tell your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems before taking valacyclovir tablets.

Call your doctor right away if you get a nervous system problem while you are taking valacyclovir tablets.

Common side effects of valacyclovir tablets in adults include headache, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and dizziness. Side effects in HIV-infected adults include headache, tiredness and rash. These side effects usually are mild and do not cause patients to stop taking valacyclovir tablets.

Other less common side effects in adults include painful periods in women, joint pain, depression, low blood cell counts and changes in tests that measure how well the liver and kidneys work. The most common side effect seen in children < 18 years of age was headache.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects that concern you. These are not all the side effects of valacyclovir tablets. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keep valacyclovir tablets and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about valacyclovir tablets Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use valacyclovir tablets for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give valacyclovir tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/020487s014lbl.pdf

Finasteride is for use by MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.

Read this Important Safety Information before you start taking finasteride and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.

What is finasteride? Finasteride is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It is not known if finasteride works for a receding hairline on either side of and above your forehead (temporal area). Finasteride is not for use by women and children.

Who should not take finasteride?

Do not take Propecia if you:

• are pregnant or may become pregnant. PROPECIA may harm your unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not come in contact with broken or crushed finasteride tablets. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken finasteride tablets, wash the contact area right away with soap and water. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in finasteride, a healthcare provider should be consulted. o If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby swallows or comes in contact with the medicine in finasteride, the male baby may be born with sex organs that are not normal.
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in finasteride.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking finasteride?

Before taking finasteride, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have any other medical conditions, including problems with your prostate or liver
• Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm.

How should I take finasteride?

• Take finasteride exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
• You may take finasteride with or without food.
• If you forget to take finasteride, do not take an extra tablet. Just take the next tablet as usual.
• Finasteride will not work faster or better if you take it more than once a day.

What are the possible side effects of finasteride

• decrease in your blood Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Finasteride can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done you should tell your healthcare provider that you are taking finasteride because finasteride decreases PSA levels. Changes in PSA levels will need to be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Any increase in follow-up PSA levels from their lowest point may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if the test results are still within the normal range for men not taking finasteride. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you have not been taking finasteride as prescribed because this may affect the PSA test results. For more information, talk to your healthcare provider.
• There may be an increased risk of a more serious form of prostate cancer in men taking finasteride at 5 times the dose of finasteride.

The most common side effects of Finasteride® and generic Finasteride® are:

• decrease in sex drive
• trouble getting or keeping an erection
• a decrease in the amount of semen

The following have been reported in general use with finasteride:

• breast tenderness and enlargement. Tell your healthcare provider about any changes in your breasts such as lumps, pain or nipple discharge.
• depression
• decrease in sex drive that continued after stopping the medication;
• allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face;
• problems with ejaculation that continued after stopping medication;
• testicular pain;
• difficulty in achieving an erection that continued after stopping the medication;
• male infertility and/or poor quality of semen.
• in rare cases, male breast cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of finasteride. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Keep PROPECIA and all medicines out of the reach of children. General information about the safe and effective use of PROPECIA. 3 Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in this Patient Information leaflet. Do not use PROPECIA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give PROPECIA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Rozerem is a prescription sleep medicine that is used to treat people with insomnia who have trouble falling asleep.

Call your doctor if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.

Be sure that you are able to devote 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Never take this medicine during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.

Rozerem should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime. Do not take with alcohol or with other medicines that can make you sleepy. You should not drive or operate machinery at night after taking Rozerem. Until you know how you will react to Rozerem, you should be careful in performing such activities during the day following taking Rozerem. Before you take Rozerem, tell your doctor if you have a history of depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts. You should call your doctor right away if after taking Rozerem you walk, drive, eat or engage in other activities while asleep. Drowsiness is the most common adverse event observed in clinical trials. For more information, please see the complete Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking Rozerem?

Before you take Rozerem, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• Have a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts
• Have severe sleep apnea
• Have kidney or liver problems
• Have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or addiction
• Have a history of glaucoma or urinary retention
• Have any other medical conditions

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Rozerem and other medicines may affect each other causing side effects. Rozerem may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affects how Rozerem works. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take: Luvox (fluvoxamine).

Who should not take Rozerem?

You should not use Rozerem if you are allergic to it, or if:

• You have severe liver disease; or
• You also take fluvoxamine.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide.

Do not use Rozerem for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not share Rozerem with other people, even if you think they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

INDICATIONS

Ramelteon is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It works by affecting certain substances in your body that help regulate your "sleep-wake cycle."

Ramelteon is used to treat insomnia that is associated with having trouble falling asleep.

Dosing In Adults

The recommended dose of ROZEREM is 8 mg taken within 30 minutes of going to bed. It is recommended that ROZEREM not be taken with or immediately after a high-fat meal. The total ROZEREM dose should not exceed 8 mg per day.

Dosing In The Elderly

The recommended starting dose of ROZEREM in elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) is 8 mg once daily.

Administration

ROZEREM should be taken within 30 minutes of bedtime.

To minimize the potential for next day effects, ROZEREM should not be taken within 3 hours of a meal.

The total ROZEREM dose should not exceed 8 mg per day.

How should I take Rozerem?

• Take Rozerem exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Rozerem to take and when to take them.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed.
• Take Rozerem within 30 minutes of bedtime. After taking Rozerem, you should confine your activities to those necessary to prepare for bed.
• Do not take Rozerem within 3 hours of a meal. Rozerem may not work as well, or may make you sleepy the next day if taken with or right after a meal.
• Do not take Rozerem unless you are able to get a full night of sleep before you must be active again.

Call your healthcare provider if your sleep problems get worse or do not get better within 7 to 10 days. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.

If you take too much Rozerem, call your doctor or get medical help right away.

What should I avoid while taking Rozerem?

You should not drink alcohol while taking Rozerem. Alcohol can increase your chances of getting serious side effects with Rozerem. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities after Rozerem. You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking Rozerem. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities after taking Rozerem until you feel fully awake.

What is the most important information I should know about Rozerem?

The most common side effect of Rozerem is drowsiness or tiredness.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Rozerem. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Rozerem?
Store Rozerem between 68° and 77°F (20° to 25°C).
Keep Rozerem in a tightly closed container, and away from light. Safely throw away medicine that is out of date or no longer needed.
Keep Rozerem and all medicines out of the reach of children.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Protaren™ is a prescription topical treatment providing targeted penetrating relief for disruptive pain when other gels, pills, creams and patches don’t work.

Protaren™ is only intended for those identified by their prescriber as having a clinically significant need over other available commercial products on the market, for a prescription strength solution for knee pain. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use topical Protaren™ (Ketoprofen 10%) exactly as directed. Do not use more or less or use it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed. Do not apply Protaren™ to any area of your body that your doctor did not tell you to treat. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away: constipation, diarrhea, sores in the mouth, headache, dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness, difficulty falling or staying asleep, ringing in the ears.