New Additions to Drugs.com for 2003
The following 28 drugs were added to the Drugs.com database in 2003.
Aldurazyme
Jan 1, 2003 - (laronidase) a man-made form of the
naturally-occurring enzyme alpha-L-iduronidase. A deficiency of
this enzyme is called mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I). Laronidase
helps the body break down certain products that may lead to damage
in the tissues and organs. Used in the treatment of
mucopolysaccharidosis disease.
Amevive
Jan 1, 2003 - (alefacept) a protein that reduces specific actions
of the immune system that are involved in causing psoriasis. Used
for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in
people who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Cialis
Jan 1, 2003 - (tadalafil) is used to treat erectile
dysfunction.
Ciprodex
Jan 1, 2003 - (ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic) ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic (used to fight
bacteria in the body) and dexamethasone is a steroid (used to
reduce inflammation caused by an infection). Together,
ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone are used to treat ear
infections.
Crestor
Jan 1, 2003 - (rosuvastatin) is in a class of drugs called HMG-CoA
reductase inhibitors, which block the production of cholesterol in
the body. Rosuvastatin is used to reduce the amounts of LDL (bad)
cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides (another type of
fat), and apolipoprotein B (a protein needed to make cholesterol)
in the blood. Rosuvastatin also increases the level of HDL (good)
cholesterol in the blood. These actions are important in reducing
the risk of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries), which
can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral vascular
disease.
Cubicin
Jan 1, 2003 - (daptomycin) is an antibiotic used to treat
bacterial infections of the skin and underlying skin
structures.
Elestat
Jan 1, 2003 - (epinastine ophthalmic) is an anti-allergic
medication used to prevent itching of the eyes associated with
allergies.
Emend
Jan 1, 2003 - (aprepitant) blocks the actions of chemicals in the
body that may cause nausea and vomiting. Used to prevent nausea and
vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Emtriva
Jan 1, 2003 - (emtricitabine) is a type of medicine called an HIV
(human immunodeficiency virus) nucleoside reverse transcriptase
inhibitor (NRTI). Emtricitabine is used with other anti-HIV
medicines to treat people with HIV infection.
Fabrazyme
Jan 1, 2003 - (agalsidase) a man-made form of the
naturally-occurring enzyme a-galactosidase A. Deficiency of the
enzyme a-galactosidase A is called Fabry disease. Agalsidase beta
reduces deposits of globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) in the kidneys and
other certain other cells in the body. Used in the treatment of
Fabry disease.
Factive
Jan 1, 2003 - (gemifloxacin) a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.
Gemifloxacin is used to treat bacterial infections such as
bronchitis and pneumonia.
Flumist
Jan 1, 2003 - (Influenza Virus Vaccine) is a live quadrivalent
nasally administered vaccine intended for active immunization for
the prevention of influenza.
Fuzeon
Jan 1, 2003 - (enfuvirtide) an antiviral medication in a category
of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medicines called fusion
inhibitors. Enfuvirtide blocks the ability of HIV to bind to CD4
cells in the body. Used in combination with other medicines to
treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS). Enfuvirtide is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.
Iressa
Jan 1, 2003 - Iressa (gefitinib) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations as detected by an FDA-approved test.
Levitra
Jan 1, 2003 - (vardenafil) is used to treat erectile dysfunction
(impotence).
Lexiva
Jan 1, 2003 - (fosamprenavir) is a protease inhibitor used in
combination with other antiretroviral medicines to treat the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Namenda
Jan 1, 2003 - (memantine) is used in the treatment of moderate to
severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Plenaxis
Jan 1, 2003 - (abarelix) is used in the palliative treatment of
advanced prostate cancer.
Pravigard PAC
Jan 1, 2003 - (co-packaged aspirin and pravastatin) together, aspirin and pravastatin are used to slow the progression
of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the arteries) and to reduce
the risk of heart attack, stroke, and transient ischemic attack
(TIA or "mini-stroke").
Raptiva
Jan 1, 2003 - (efalizumab) is an immunosuppressant used in the
treatment of psoriasis.
Reyataz
Jan 1, 2003 - (atazanavir) is an anti-HIV medicine called a
protease inhibitor. Atazanavir is used with other anti-HIV
medicines to treat people who are infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Seasonale
Jan 1, 2003 - (levonorgestrel / ethinyl estradiol tablets) is an
extended-cycle oral contraceptive indicated for the prevention of
pregnancy.
Somavert
Jan 1, 2003 - (pegvisomant) a manufactured protein similar to
human growth hormone (GH). Pegvisomant binds to the same receptor
in the body as growth hormone, and blocks the effects of growth
hormone. Used for the treatment of acromegaly.
Striant
Jan 1, 2003 - (testosterone buccal system) allows for the slow
release and absorption of testosterone through gum and cheek
surfaces. Striant is used to treat men with low testosterone
levels.
Uroxatral
Jan 1, 2003 - (alfuzosin) is in a class of drugs called
alpha-adrenergic blockers. Alfuzosin is used in adult men to treat
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Velcade
Jan 1, 2003 - (bortezomib) interferes with the growth of some
cancer cells. Used in treatment of the blood cancer, multiple
myeloma.
Xolair
Jan 1, 2003 - Xolair (omalizumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to
severe persistent asthma, chronic idiopathic urticaria, and nasal polyps.
Zavesca
Jan 1, 2003 - (miglustat) reduces the formation of the protein
glucosylceramide in the body. Individuals with type 1 Gaucher
disease (a hereditary disorder) cannot break down glucosylceramide
effectively. Therefore, it may build up in the tissues and cause
problems. Miglustat is used in the treatment of mild to moderate
type 1 Gaucher disease by people who cannot receive enzyme
replacement therapy.