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.
Comprehensive Guide to Aliskiren: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Aliskiren? Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). By inhibiting renin, this drug reduces the formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor, thereby lowering blood pressure. Marketed under the brand name Tekturna in the USA and Rasilez in Europe, the medication is available in oral tablet form. Aliskiren’s benefits include effective blood pressure control, particularly in patients with resistant hypertension, but it requires monitoring for side effects like hyperkalemia or renal impairment. Overview of Aliskiren Generic…
Comprehensive Guide to Alirocumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Alirocumab? Alirocumab is a monoclonal antibody and PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with hypercholesterolemia or high cardiovascular risk. By binding to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), this drug prevents PCSK9 from degrading LDL receptors, increasing LDL clearance from the blood. Marketed under the brand name Praluent, the medication is administered via subcutaneous injection. Alirocumab’s benefits include significant LDL reduction and cardiovascular risk mitigation, but it requires monitoring for side effects like injection site reactions or hypersensitivity. Overview of Alirocumab Generic Name:…
Comprehensive Guide to Alendronate: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Alendronate? Alendronate is a bisphosphonate medication used to treat and prevent osteoporosis and other bone conditions by inhibiting bone resorption. By binding to bone tissue and reducing osteoclast activity, this drug increases bone density, reducing fracture risk in conditions like postmenopausal osteoporosis and Paget’s disease. Marketed under brand names like Fosamax and generics, the bisphosphonate is available in oral tablet and solution forms. Alendronate’s benefits include improved bone strength and fracture prevention, but it requires strict administration guidelines to minimize side effects like esophageal irritation or osteonecrosis of…
Comprehensive Guide to Alemtuzumab: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More What is Alemtuzumab? Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat specific cancers and autoimmune diseases, primarily chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple sclerosis (MS). As a humanized anti-CD52 antibody, this drug targets CD52 on the surface of lymphocytes, leading to their depletion and modulation of the immune system. Marketed under brand names like Campath (for CLL) and Lemtrada (for MS), the therapy is administered intravenously and is highly effective in reducing disease activity in relapsing-remitting MS and achieving remission in CLL. The medication’s benefits include prolonged disease control and…