Montelukast oral tablet side effects: How to manage them
The Side Effects Of Covid Vaccines
Let me start with a disclaimer: The subject of today's newsletter will make some readers uncomfortable. It makes me a little uncomfortable.
The Times has just published an article about Americans who believe they suffered serious side effects from a Covid vaccine. More than 13,000 of them have filed vaccine-injury claims with the federal government.
My colleague Apoorva Mandavilli tells some of their stories in the article, including those of several people who work in medicine and science:
Ilka Warshawsky, a 58-year-old pathologist, said she lost all hearing in her right ear shortly after receiving a Covid booster shot.
Dr. Gregory Poland, 68 — no less than the editor in chief of Vaccine, a scientific journal — said that a loud whooshing sound in his ears had accompanied every moment since his first Covid shot.
Shaun Barcavage, 54, a nurse practitioner in New York City, has experienced a ringing sound in his ears, a racing heart and pain in his eyes, mouth and genitals for more than three years. "I can't get the government to help me," Barcavage said. "I am told I'm not real."
This subject is uncomfortable because it feeds into false stories about the Covid vaccines that many Americans have come to believe — namely, that the vaccines are ineffective or have side effects that exceed their benefits. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, has promoted these stories, as have some Republican politicians and conservative media figures. "The scale of misinformation," Dr. Joshua Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins University told Apoorva, "is staggering."
So let me be clear: The benefits of the Covid vaccines have far outweighed the downsides, according to a voluminous amount of data and scientific studies from around the world. In the U.S. Alone, the vaccines have saved at least several hundred thousand lives and perhaps more than one million, studies estimate. Rates of death, hospitalization and serious illness have all been much higher among the unvaccinated than the vaccinated.
Here is data from the C.D.C., in a chart by my colleague Ashley Wu:
Not only are the vaccines' benefits enormous, but the true toll of the side effects may be lower than the perceived toll: Experts told Apoorva that some people who believe Covid vaccines have harmed them are probably wrong about the cause of their problems.
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Side Effects Of Ibrance: What You Need To Know
Ibrance (palbociclib) is a prescription drug that's used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Ibrance can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include skin rash, infections, and inflammation or scarring in the lungs.
Ibrance is used in adults to treat advanced or metastatic breast cancer that is also hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative.
Ibrance comes as either a tablet or a capsule that you take by mouth. If Ibrance works for you, it's likely that you'll take it long term.
Ibrance is taken along with other medications to treat your breast cancer. It can be used with either fulvestrant (Faslodex) or an aromatase inhibitor, such as letrozole (Femara) or anastrozole (Arimidex), based on your specific condition.
For more information about Ibrance, including details about its uses, see this article.
As with other drugs, Ibrance can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
Some people may experience mild or serious side effects during their Ibrance treatment. Examples of Ibrance's commonly reported side effects may include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.
Ibrance may cause mild side effects in some people. Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Ibrance include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.
Some of these side effects may be easily managed. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Don't stop using Ibrance unless your doctor recommends it.
Ibrance may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. For details, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you'd like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Ibrance, visit MedWatch.
Serious side effects that have been reported with Ibrance include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see "Side effects explained" below.† An allergic reaction is possible after using Ibrance. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
If you develop serious side effects while taking Ibrance, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Ibrance's side effects.
Are there any foods I should avoid while taking Ibrance?Yes, you should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Ibrance. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can cause the levels of Ibrance in your body to become too high. This may increase your risk of side effects from Ibrance.
If you have questions about foods to avoid during Ibrance treatment, talk with your doctor.
Does Ibrance cause any eye-related side effects?Although uncommon, it's possible that Ibrance may cause ocular (eye-related) side effects. In studies, people taking Ibrance with either letrozole (Femara) or fulvestrant (Faslodex) reported blurry vision and dry eye. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.) In addition, people taking Ibrance experienced an increase in tear production.
In most cases, eye-related side effects from Ibrance were mild.
But other medications used to treat breast cancer may cause more serious eye-related side effects. For example, tamoxifen (Soltamox) can cause:
If you have questions or concerns about eye-related side effects from taking Ibrance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
When do side effects from Ibrance typically start?It depends. Ibrance can reach its highest concentration up to 12 hours after you take your dose. So symptoms such as nausea or vomiting may occur at that time.
Other side effects, such as liver damage, may take longer to occur. Your doctor will monitor you throughout your treatment for symptoms of any side effects.
If you have questions about when you may experience certain side effects from Ibrance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Ibrance cause any long-term side effects?It's possible that Ibrance can cause long-term side effects. However, long-term side effects weren't reported in studies of the drug. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
Examples of long-term side effects that may occur from Ibrance treatment include:
If you're concerned about your risk of long-term side effects from taking Ibrance, talk with your doctor. They can help monitor you during your treatment. If you do begin to develop these side effects, your doctor may recommend ways to treat them or other medications to treat your breast cancer.
Could Ibrance cause any cardiac (heart-related) side effects?No, Ibrance is not known to cause any heart-related side effects. These were not reported in studies of people taking Ibrance. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
But other medications used to treat breast cancer, such as ribociclib (Kisqali), may cause heart-related side effects. For example, Kisqali can cause long QT syndrome (atypical electrical activity in your heart).
If you think you're experiencing heart problems during your Ibrance treatment, talk with your doctor. They can determine what may be causing the problem and the best way to treat it.
Learn more about some of the side effects Ibrance may cause.
Inflammation or scarring in your lungsIt's possible to develop pneumonitis (inflammation in your lungs) from taking Ibrance. This drug may also cause interstitial lung disease (scarring of lung tissue).
Inflammation and scarring in the lungs were rare in studies of Ibrance, but these side effects can be life threatening if they occur. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
During your Ibrance treatment, you should watch for symptoms of lung inflammation or scarring. These may include:
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, tell your doctor right away. They'll likely do tests to determine whether you're developing interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. If you do develop either condition, your doctor will have you stop taking Ibrance and switch to a different medication.
Skin rashSome people may develop a rash from taking Ibrance. In studies, this was one of the most common side effects that people taking Ibrance reported. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
Symptoms of a rash may include:
If you develop a rash from taking Ibrance, talk with your doctor. A rash is usually not serious. But in some cases, it can cause blistering and may become serious. It's also possible that a rash may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Your doctor can determine how serious your rash is, and they can recommend treatment for it if needed.
Mouth sores or mouth painSome people may develop sores or pain in their mouth while taking Ibrance. This was a common side effect reported by people taking Ibrance in studies. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
Throughout your Ibrance treatment, watch for mouth sores or pain. Other symptoms to be aware of include:
If you develop mouth sores or pain while taking Ibrance, tell your doctor. They may be able to recommend treatment to relieve your symptoms.
Changes in results of liver function testsIt's possible that taking Ibrance can cause changes in the results of your liver function tests. Specifically, Ibrance may increase blood levels of certain liver enzymes. (Enzymes are proteins that aid chemical changes in your body.) This may be a sign of liver disease or liver damage.
Although not as common as other lab abnormalities, changes in liver function test results were reported in studies of Ibrance. (For information on these studies, see the prescribing information for Ibrance capsules and tablets.)
During your Ibrance treatment, you should watch for symptoms of liver damage. Symptoms may include:
Your doctor will monitor your liver function throughout your Ibrance treatment. If your liver function tests show changes, your doctor may recommend more testing to determine the cause. In some cases, they may have you stop taking Ibrance and switch to a different medication.
If you develop symptoms of liver damage, tell your doctor right away. They can do testing to determine what may be causing your symptoms.
If you have concerns about liver damage while you're taking Ibrance, talk with your doctor.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, Ibrance can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it's not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.
If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Ibrance, they'll decide whether you should continue using it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Ibrance, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Ibrance treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you're having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how the drug affects you. Your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Ibrance may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ibrance. The list below includes factors to consider.
Current infection. If you currently have any infections, be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking Ibrance. This drug may weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to fight an infection after you start Ibrance treatment. If you currently have an infection, your doctor will likely treat it before you start taking Ibrance.
Lactose intolerance. Ibrance capsules contain lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, tell your doctor. They'll likely prescribe the Ibrance tablets instead for your condition, as the tablets do not contain lactose.
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Ibrance or any of its ingredients, you shouldn't take Ibrance. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
Liver problems. If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Ibrance. This medication may increase your risk of liver damage. If you already have a liver condition, Ibrance may make it worse. Talk with your doctor to see whether Ibrance is a safe treatment option for you.
Lung problems. Ibrance may cause inflammation or scarring in your lungs. If you currently have a lung condition, talk with your doctor before starting Ibrance treatment. This medication may make your lung condition worse. Your doctor may want to monitor you more closely during your treatment, or they may recommend a different treatment for you.
Alcohol use and IbranceThere are no known interactions between Ibrance and alcohol. But alcohol may make some of the side effects of Ibrance worse.
For example, Ibrance can cause nausea or vomiting, or more serious side effects such as liver problems. Alcohol can also cause nausea or vomiting, so these symptoms may worsen if you drink alcohol while taking Ibrance. In addition, alcohol can damage your liver, so drinking alcohol while taking Ibrance may increase your risk of liver damage.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) is safe for you to drink during your Ibrance treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking IbranceYou should not take Ibrance if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication can cause harm to a fetus.
Because of this risk, if you're female* and can become pregnant, your doctor will give you a pregnancy test before you start taking Ibrance. You'll also need to use birth control during your treatment and for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Ibrance.
If you're male* and sexually active with a partner who can become pregnant, you should also use birth control while taking Ibrance and for at least 3 months after stopping treatment.
It's not known whether Ibrance is safe to take while breastfeeding. Studies haven't looked at whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects it may have on a child who is breastfed. But because of the risk of harm to a fetus, Ibrance use is not recommended while breastfeeding. You also shouldn't breastfeed for at least 3 weeks after your last dose of Ibrance.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before taking Ibrance.
* In this article, we use the terms "male" and "female" to refer to someone's sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.
You may experience side effects during your Ibrance treatment. Most side effects are usually mild, but in rare cases, serious side effects could occur.
Before taking Ibrance, you should talk with your doctor about your risk of side effects and any other questions that you have. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
To learn more about Ibrance, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline's newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It's a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Ajovy Side Effects: What You Should Know
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a brand-name solution for subcutaneous injection. It's prescribed for the prevention of migraine episodes in adults. As with other drugs, Ajovy can cause side effects, such as injection site reactions.
Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Ajovy, see this article.
Ajovy can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few hours to days. But if they last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The most common side effects reported by people who took Ajovy in clinical trials were injection site reactions. For more information, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
Mild side effects can occur with Ajovy use. This section may not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Ajovy's prescribing information.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Ajovy include reactions at the injection site. For more information, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
These side effects are usually temporary, lasting a few hours to days. But if they last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while using Ajovy and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
It's rare for Ajovy to cause serious side effects. The main serious side effect reported with Ajovy was severe allergic reaction. For more information, see the "Side effect specifics" section below.
To learn more about the possible side effects of Ajovy, you can refer to the drug's prescribing information.
If you develop serious side effects while using Ajovy, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ajovy's side effects and their answers.
Are there reviews from people who had side effects from Ajovy?It's possible to find online reviews and testimonials from people who have used Ajovy. However, it's important to keep in mind that these may not be reliable sources of information about the drug. Each person using Ajovy may have a different experience with the medication due to their individual health history.
Many factors may influence the way your body responds to Ajovy. These include other conditions you might have and other medications you might take. So your experience with Ajovy may be different from that of other people.
The manufacturer of Ajovy has stories from people who have used this medication to help prevent migraine episodes. But the best source of information about the medication is your doctor. They can give you more details about how the drug affected people in clinical trials. And based on your health history, your doctor can help you decide whether Ajovy is a good option for you.
Is hair loss a side effect of Ajovy?Hair loss is not known to be a side effect of Ajovy. Hair loss wasn't reported in clinical trials of the drug.
Hair loss has been reported with certain other medications used to help prevent migraine episodes, such as Depakote (divalproex) and Topamax (topiramate). Your doctor might prescribe Ajovy with other preventive drugs such as these.
If you're concerned about hair loss, talk with your doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to help prevent or treat it.
If I stop using Ajovy, could I develop withdrawal symptoms?It's not likely. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that you may have if you stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on. (With dependence, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.) Ajovy doesn't cause dependence, and withdrawal symptoms haven't been reported in people who stop using this medication.
However, if you have fewer and less severe migraine episodes with Ajovy, stopping treatment could cause them to return or worsen.
If you're concerned about stopping Ajovy treatment, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on whether ending your treatment is a good option. If you do stop using the medication, your doctor may recommend switching to a different drug to help prevent migraine episodes.
Does Ajovy cause depression?No, depression is not a known side effect of Ajovy. Depression wasn't reported in clinical trials of the medication.
It's important to note that depression has been reported with certain other drugs used to help prevent migraine episodes, such as divalproex and topiramate. Your doctor might prescribe Ajovy with other preventive medications such as these.
Keep in mind that people who have migraine may have a slightly increased risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. Also, migraine is more common in people with depression than those without depression.
If you have symptoms of new or worsening depression or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior, talk with your doctor. They can investigate possible causes and recommend suitable treatments.
Should I expect joint pain during Ajovy treatment?Joint pain is not a known side effect of Ajovy. It wasn't reported in clinical trials of this medication.
Joint pain has been reported with other drugs used to help prevent migraine episodes, including divalproex and topiramate. Your doctor might prescribe Ajovy with other preventive medications such as these.
If you have joint pain, talk with your doctor. They can look into possible causes and recommend treatments that may help.
Learn more about some of the side effects that Ajovy may cause.
Reactions at the injection siteYou will receive Ajovy as a subcutaneous injection, and it's possible to have skin reactions around the area where the shot is given. These are known as injection site reactions. In clinical trials, injection site reactions were the most common side effects reported with Ajovy.
Injection site reactions may include:
Injection site reactions are usually mild and temporary. They tend to ease in a few hours to days.
What you can doTo help prevent injection site reactions, you can try using a different site each time you inject Ajovy. Sites you can use for your injection are:
Your doctor may recommend that you receive Ajovy as one injection once every month. Or they may have you receive it as three injections at the same time once every 3 months. If you need three injections for your dose, you can use the same injection site, such as your abdomen. However, you should use a slightly different spot for each injection.
To help prevent injection site reactions, it's also important to carefully follow the instructions for using Ajovy. Here are some key points:
If you have an injection site reaction that bothers you, it may help to apply an ice pack to the affected area. If the reaction is severe or lasts longer than a few days, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend possible treatments for injection site reactions.
Allergic reactionAs with most drugs, Ajovy can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But these reactions aren't common. When they do occur, they're typically mild or moderate. Serious allergic reactions are rare.
Allergic reactions can occur within hours after receiving Ajovy. They can also happen up to a month after having an injection.
Symptoms of mild or serious allergic reactions can include:
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep using Ajovy.
But if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. You may need treatment with medications such as corticosteroids. If you have a serious allergic reaction, your doctor will likely recommend that you stop using Ajovy.
Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Ajovy. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:
Allergic reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Ajovy or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Ajovy. Ask your doctor about other medications that may be better options for you.
Alcohol use with AjovyAlcohol is not known to affect Ajovy. However, alcohol can be a trigger for migraine episodes in some people.
If you're not sure what triggers your migraine episodes, it's useful to keep a migraine diary. It can help you determine whether your episodes are linked to certain drinks, foods, or situations. (For tips on keeping a migraine diary, see this article.)
If you notice that alcohol triggers your migraine episodes or makes them worse, it may help to avoid drinking alcohol. You can talk with your doctor to learn more.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using AjovyIt is unknown whether Ajovy is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy. Ajovy hasn't been studied in pregnant people. In animal studies, no negative effects were seen when Ajovy was given to pregnant animals. But keep in mind that studies in animals don't always predict what will happen in humans. If you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of using Ajovy.
If you decide to use Ajovy during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug's pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the safety of Ajovy when used during pregnancy. For more information, visit the registry's website or call 833-927-2605.
Breastfeeding: It is unknown whether Ajovy passes into breast milk or whether it can affect a child who is breastfed. If you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of Ajovy treatment.
Ajovy causes very few side effects. Most side effects are mild and temporary and generally don't require medical attention.
Some serious side effects are also possible, although these are rare. Talk with your doctor right away if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction with Ajovy. This could be serious and may need emergency medical treatment.
If you'd like to learn more about Ajovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from using the drug.
Besides talking with your doctor or pharmacist, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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