Author: Andrew Parker, MD
Andrew Parker, MD
Dr. Andrew Parker is a board-certified internal medicine physician with over 10 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and has worked at leading hospitals including St. Mary’s Medical Center. Dr. Parker specializes in patient education and digital health communication. He now focuses on creating clear, accessible, and evidence-based medical content for the public.
Primary Liver Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Primary liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Its incidence is rising globally and is increasingly seen in younger individuals. Early detection remains challenging, which makes timely diagnosis crucial for improving outcomes. Overview What Is Primary Liver Cancer? Primary liver cancer occurs when malignant cells originate in the liver tissue. If cancer cells form in other organs (e.g., lungs, kidneys) and spread to the liver, this is called secondary or metastatic liver cancer—not primary liver cancer. The two most common types are: Hepatocellular…
Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and is often detected at a late stage, making it one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. There are two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Smoking remains the leading cause. Key symptoms include chronic cough, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath. Overview What Is Lung Cancer? Lung cancer is a malignant disease in which abnormal cells in the lung grow uncontrollably, forming one or more cancerous tumors. This process starts in the lung…
Comprehensive Guide to Vericiguat: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vericiguat? Vericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator that enhances the nitric oxide (NO)-sGC-cGMP pathway, improving vasodilation and cardiac function. This medication is primarily used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure hospitalization in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). 2. Overview of Vericiguat Generic Name Vericiguat Brand Name Verquvo, generics Drug Group Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (cardiovascular) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Reduce heart failure hospitalization risk. Improve outcomes in HFrEF. Enhance cardiac function in chronic…
Comprehensive Guide to Verteporfin: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Verteporfin? Verteporfin is a benzoporphyrin derivative photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) to treat conditions involving abnormal blood vessel growth, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This medication, activated by light, selectively damages targeted tissues, offering a non-invasive treatment option under specialized care. 2. Overview of Verteporfin Generic Name Verteporfin Brand Name Visudyne, generics Drug Group Photosensitizer (photodynamic therapy agent) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Manage choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Address certain ocular and oncologic conditions. Key Characteristics Form: Lyophilized…
Comprehensive Guide to Vibegron: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vibegron? Vibegron is a selective beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist that relaxes the bladder detrusor muscle, increasing bladder capacity and reducing urgency. This medication is primarily used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, offering an effective alternative to antimuscarinics. 2. Overview of Vibegron Generic Name Vibegron Brand Name Gemtesa, generics Drug Group Beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist (urological) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat overactive bladder (OAB). Reduce urinary incontinence. Manage urinary urgency and frequency. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (75 mg) (detailed in Dosage section).…
Comprehensive Guide to Vilanterol: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vilanterol? Vilanterol is a long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA) that relaxes bronchial smooth muscle by stimulating beta-2 receptors, used to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. This medication is typically combined with inhaled corticosteroids for long-term control of respiratory conditions. 2. Overview of Vilanterol Generic Name Vilanterol Brand Name Part of combination products (e.g., Breo Ellipta with fluticasone, Anoro Ellipta with umeclidinium) Drug Group Long-acting beta-2 adrenergic agonist (LABA, bronchodilator) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Control…
Comprehensive Guide to Vilazodone: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vilazodone? Vilazodone is a combined serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). This medication enhances serotonin activity in the brain, offering a dual mechanism to alleviate depression symptoms, administered under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Vilazodone Generic Name Vilazodone Brand Name Viibryd, generics Drug Group SSRI/5-HT1A partial agonist (antidepressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Manage symptoms of depression. Improve mood and emotional well-being. Key Characteristics Form: Oral tablets (10…
Comprehensive Guide to Viloxazine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Viloxazine? Viloxazine is a serotonin-norepinephrine modulating agent (SNMA) that enhances neurotransmitter activity by inhibiting reuptake, primarily used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in pediatric and adolescent populations. This medication offers a non-stimulant option for managing ADHD symptoms, administered under medical supervision. 2. Overview of Viloxazine Generic Name Viloxazine Brand Name Qelbree, generics Drug Group Serotonin-norepinephrine modulating agent (SNMA, antidepressant) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Manage ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. Support emotional regulation in ADHD. Key Characteristics Form: Extended-release…
Comprehensive Guide to Vinblastine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vinblastine? Vinblastine is a vinca alkaloid antineoplastic agent that inhibits microtubule formation, arresting cancer cell division during mitosis. This medication is a cornerstone in chemotherapy for various malignancies, administered under specialized medical supervision. 2. Overview of Vinblastine Generic Name Vinblastine Brand Name Velban, generics Drug Group Vinca alkaloid (antineoplastic) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Manage testicular cancer. Control other advanced cancers. Key Characteristics Form: Lyophilized powder for injection (10 mg/vial) (detailed in Dosage section). Mechanism: Binds tubulin, preventing microtubule assembly and…
Comprehensive Guide to Vincristine: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More 1. What is Vincristine? Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid antineoplastic agent that inhibits microtubule formation, arresting cancer cells in metaphase. This medication is widely used in chemotherapy to treat various malignancies, particularly in pediatric and hematologic cancers, administered under specialized supervision. 2. Overview of Vincristine Generic Name Vincristine Brand Name Oncovin, Vincasar PFS, generics Drug Group Vinca alkaloid (antineoplastic) Commonly Used For This medication is used to: Treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Manage Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Control solid tumors in children. Key Characteristics Form: Solution for injection (1 mg/mL vial) (detailed…