Essential Prescription Medications: What You Should Know About Kreon, Prograf, Cialis, and More
Navigating the world of prescription medications can be overwhelming. From digestive aids to treatments for autoimmune diseases and sexual health, certain medications stand out for their effectiveness and wide use. Here's a quick guide to 12 key drugs—Kreon, Prograf, Cialis, Viagra, Humira, Xolair, Xgeva, Imuran, Dostinex, Femara, Prolia, and Ofev—their uses, and what makes them essential.
—
1. Kreon
Kreon is a digestive enzyme replacement used in conditions like cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis. It helps the body absorb nutrients by replacing missing pancreatic enzymes.
2. Prograf
Prograf (tacrolimus) is crucial for transplant patients. It suppresses the immune system to prevent organ rejection, especially after liver, kidney, or heart transplants.
3. Cialis
Cialis (tadalafil) treats erectile dysfunction (ED) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It's known for its long-lasting effects—up to 36 hours of improved performance and urinary relief.
4. Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is a go-to solution for ED. It boosts blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain erections for up to four hours.
5. Humira
Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic that fights inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. It targets TNF, a protein involved in immune responses.
6. Xolair
Xolair (omalizumab) is used for asthma and chronic hives that don't respond to antihistamines. It blocks IgE, a key player in allergic reactions.
7. Xgeva
Xgeva (denosumab) prevents bone complications in cancer patients with bone metastases. It helps strengthen bones and reduce fracture risk.
8. Imuran
Imuran (azathioprine) treats autoimmune diseases like lupus and also prevents organ rejection. It slows down immune activity, reducing inflammation and tissue damage.
9. Dostinex
Dostinex (cabergoline) lowers high prolactin levels, treating conditions like infertility and menstrual problems. It's also used for Parkinson's-related symptoms.
10. Femara
Femara (letrozole) treats hormone-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by lowering estrogen levels, which slows tumor growth.
11. Prolia
Prolia (denosumab) is used for osteoporosis. A twice-yearly injection strengthens bones and prevents fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
12. Ofev
Ofev (nintedanib) slows the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and other lung diseases by reducing lung scarring.
—
Why These Medications Matter
From Cialis and Viagra enhancing men's health, to Humira and Imuran managing serious autoimmune conditions, these drugs improve lives every day. Prolia and Xgeva keep bones strong, while Kreon ensures proper digestion. For transplant and cancer patients, Prograf and Ofev can be life-saving.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting any medication—each one comes with specific benefits and risks.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
9 hours ago
- New York Post
Joe Rogan among the fans of revolutionary anti-aging peptide
Highway to heal? An experimental peptide is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health. Count podcast host Joe Rogan, 57, among the fans of BPC-157 — he reported that it cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks. Biohackers hope its regenerative and anti-inflammatory powers lead to longer, healthier lives. 5 Podcast host Joe Rogan said BPC-157 cleared up his elbow tendonitis in just two weeks. Youtube / The Joe Rogan Experience 'The people who have tried it say it is life-changing,' Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist in New York and author of 'The Ageless Revolution,' told The Post. 'So is BPC-157 going to revolutionize physical therapy?' he mused. 'We hope the research comes soon.' Here's a look at the science behind the emerging therapy. What is BPC-157? BPC-157 is the short name for Body Protection Compound 157. It's comprised of 15 amino acids and derived from a naturally occurring protein in human stomach juice. Dr. Christian Muller, a sports medicine physician with Northwell Health Orthopedics in Westchester, said BPC-157 was discovered in the early '90s during research into substances that could protect the body from harm. 5 BPC-157 is in the spotlight for its potential to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and protect gut health. Amazon How it exactly works in the body is not fully understood. 'Research suggests BPC-157 may work by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels, which improves blood flow and nutrient delivery to injured tissues, accelerating healing,' Aziz said. 'It also influences the expression of various growth factors, such as growth hormone receptors, which are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration,' he added. Inside the potential benefits The Food and Drug Administration has not approved BPC-157, as much of the research has been conducted in animals. 'There are few, extremely limited studies on humans,' Muller told The Post. 'One study showed that knee injections with BPC-157 helped with arthritis pain in 11 out of 12 subjects, but the study did not use verified survey tools to obtain reliable answers regarding efficacy.' 5 BPC-157 may be able to help with recovery after a knee injury. Dragana Gordic – BPC-157 is being explored for: Tissue repair Healing of muscle, tendon, ligament and skin wounds Collagen production Neuroinflammation Nerve regeneration Arthritis Gastric ulcers Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) Leaky gut syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome 'Had a recent knee surgery? Had an injury at the gym and your doctor suggested physical therapy for six months? Not so fast. BPC-157 can help,' Aziz said. How much should you take? Dr. Pooja Gidwani, a double board-certified internal and obesity medicine physician based in L.A., noted that there are no standard doses because human data is limited. She suggested that oral forms of BPC-157 may be helpful for gut issues, while injections are typically preferred for systemic healing, such as joint or tendon recovery. She has 'nuanced conversations' with patients eager to try it. 5 How BPC-157 exactly works in the body is not fully understood. Research suggests that it may accelerate healing by enhancing the formation of new blood vessels. Sanhanat – 'We begin with an open, informed discussion about the current evidence — what's promising and what's unknown,' Gidwani told The Post. 'For some patients dealing with chronic gut issues, tendon injuries or post-operative healing challenges,' she continued, 'we discuss where the science currently stands and make a collaborative decision based on goals, risk tolerance and alternatives.' Some researchers recommend cycling it to prevent side effects. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology, suggests limiting BPC-157 usage to eight weeks and taking an eight-week break — or more. 'My concern about taking BPC157 continuously: it promotes vascular growth, and if you have a small tumor, it will vascularize that tumor as well. Not good,' Huberman tweeted in April. And beware if you purchase capsules online. 'Many times it is fake or not safe,' Aziz advised. Behind the possible downsides 'There are potential safety concerns, but given the lack of human data, they are not truly known,' Muller said. 'Since BPC-157 has been shown to be biologically active in several complex body processes,' he added, 'there can be a multitude of unknown potential dangers across several organ systems.' 5 New blood vessel growth may help promote healing, but it could also fuel tumors. phonlamaiphoto – Since it can cause uncontrolled growth of new blood vessels, people with a history of cancer or concerns about tumors should approach BPC-157 with caution. Because it has been shown to interact with growth hormone pathways, Aziz warned of potential hormonal disruption with extended use. It's also on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list for professional athletes because of its unproven claims and possible health risks. Scientists hope to learn more about it soon. 'Peptides like BPC-157 are part of an exciting frontier in longevity and regenerative medicine — but they're still evolving,' Gidwani said. 'It's not about hype — it's about understanding the potential while also respecting the limitations of what we know.'
Medscape
a day ago
- Medscape
Intestinal Ultrasound Wins in Early Crohn's Prognosis
Findings on intestinal ultrasound (IUS) are useful for predicting remission in recent-onset Crohn's disease (CD), a prospective, population-based cohort of newly diagnosed patients in Denmark reported. Adding to the growing body of evidence on the utility of this noninvasive imaging tool in monitoring disease activity in the newly diagnosed, the multicenter study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology characterized ultrasonographic features at diagnosis and evaluated IUS's prognostic value. Existing literature has focused on patients with long-standing disease. Investigators led by first author Gorm R. Madsen, MD, PhD, of the Copenhagen Center for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children, Adolescents and Adults at Copenhagen University Hospital, observed continued improvement in most IUS parameters throughout the first year. 'Our findings thereby emphasize the role of IUS in improving patient management, and its use in patient risk stratification already at diagnosis,' the investigators wrote. Some 38% of patients reached ultrasonic transmural remission within 3 months of diagnosis, an achievement associated with higher rates of sustained steroid-free clinical remission and reduced need for treatment escalation. 'Ultrasonic transmural remission is achievable early in Crohn's disease and is associated with favorable outcomes, underscoring the value of intestinal ultrasound in early disease management,' the researchers wrote. Study Details While IUS is increasingly recognized for monitoring CD, little was known about its prognostic value early in the disease course. 'We aimed to determine whether sonographic inflammation at diagnosis — and particularly the achievement pftransmural remission after 3 months — could predict future outcomes,' Madsen told Medscape Medical News . 'This is important, as early identification of patients at risk of surgery or treatment escalation may help guide therapy decisions more effectively.' From May 2021 to April 2023, 201 patients (mean age, 35 years; 54.2% men) with new adult-onset CD were followed by IUS and monitored with symptomatic, biochemical, and endoscopic evaluations. After 3 months, transmural remission was achieved more often by patients with colonic disease, and no associations were found between sonographic inflammation at diagnosis and diagnostic delay. 'We were positively surprised. Nearly 40% of newly diagnosed Crohn's patients achieved transmural remission within 3 months — a higher proportion than seen in earlier studies, which mostly focused on long-standing or trial-selected populations,' Madsen said. 'It was also striking how strongly early IUS findings predicted the need for surgery, outperforming endoscopy and biomarkers.' In other findings, transmural remission at 3 months was significantly associated with steroid-free clinical remission at both 3 months and all subsequent follow-ups within the first year. It was also linked to a lower risk for treatment escalation during the follow-up through to 12 months: 26% vs 53% ( P =.003). At 12 months, 41% had achieved transmural remission. Higher baseline body mass index significantly reduced the likelihood of 12-month transmural remission. For overweight, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.34 (95% CI, 0.12-0.94), while for obesity, the OR was 0.16 (95% CI, 0.04-0.73). The International Bowel Ultrasound Segmental Activity Score in the terminal ileum at diagnosis emerged as the best predictor of ileocecal resection during the first year, with an optimal threshold of 63 (area under the curve, 0.92; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 73%). The use of IUS has expanded considerably in the past 3 years, and in 2024, the American Gastroenterological Association updated its clinical practice guidance on the role of this modality in inflammatory bowel disease. IUS is noninvasive, radiation-free, inexpensive, and doable at the bedside with immediate results, Madsen said. 'For patients, this means less anxiety and discomfort. For healthcare systems, it enables faster clinical decisions, reduced need for endoscopy or MRI, and closer disease monitoring, particularly valuable in treat-to-target strategies.' In terms of limitations, however, IUS is operator-dependent and consistent training is crucial, he added. 'Certain anatomical regions, particularly the proximal small bowel, can be more challenging to evaluate. Additionally, while IUS is highly effective for assessing inflammatory activity, it becomes more difficult to accurately assess disease involvement when inflammation extends beyond approximately 20 cm of the small bowel.' Key Insights Commenting on the Danish study from a US perspective, Anna L. Silverman, MD, a gastroenterology fellow at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, agreed the findings in adult patients with newly diagnosed, rather than long-standing, CD contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting IUS's applicability for both treatment monitoring and prognosis. 'By focusing on early-stage CD, the study provides clearer insights into initial disease activity and response to therapy, reinforcing the value of this noninvasive, point-of-care modality,' she told Medscape Medical News . 'These findings enhance our understanding of IUS as a tool to help guide early management decisions in CD.' Ashwin Ananthakrishnan, MBBS, MPH, director of the Crohn's and Colitis Center at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, both in Boston, concurred that this is an important study. 'It includes newly diagnosed patients — so a very 'clean' cohort in terms of not being influenced by confounders,' he told Medscape Medical News . 'We don't fully know yet the best treatment target in CD, and this study highlights the importance of early transmural healing in determining outcomes at 1 year,' he noted. In addition, the study highlighted a convenient tool that can increasingly be applied at point of care in the United States. 'Colonoscopy at 3 months is not practical and has low patient acceptability, so using IUS in this circumstance would have value and impact.' Ananthakrishnan pointed to several unanswered questions, however. 'Are there patients who may not have healing early but may take some extra time to achieve transmural remission, and if so, what are their outcomes? What is the best timepoint for transmural healing assessment? What is the incremental value of measuring it at 3 vs 6 months?' In addition, he wondered, how much is the added value of IUS over clinical symptoms and/or markers such as calprotectin and C-reactive protein? 'In the subset of patients with clinical and transmural remission, there was no difference in endoscopic outcomes at 1 year, so this is an unanswered question,' Ananthakrishnan said. This study was funded by an unrestricted grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation.
Medscape
a day ago
- Medscape
Fitness Levels Impaired in Patients With Paediatric IBD
Patients with paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) exhibited lower cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness than healthy matched control participants. Higher body mass index (BMI) for children and adolescents was negatively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness, while the use of any biologic medication was positively associated. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional case-control study assessed cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness in patients with paediatric IBD aged 6-17 years. This study included 73 patients with paediatric IBD (mean age, 13 years; 56.2% girls; 31 with Crohn's disease [CD]; 42 with ulcerative colitis [UC] and IBD unidentified) from two tertiary centres in Finland and 73 age- and sex-matched healthy control children from an ongoing study and registry. Clinical disease activity was determined using the Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index for UC and using the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index for CD along with the Physician's Global Assessment, and physical activity was evaluated using a questionnaire covering various activities over the past 12 months. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with a maximal exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and maximal workload (Wmax) divided by body weight were considered as measures of cardiorespiratory fitness. Neuromuscular fitness was also assessed using various tests. TAKEAWAY: All patients with CD were in remission or had mild disease activity, whereas 69% of patients with UC were in remission and only one had a severe disease. Patients with paediatric IBD had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness, with lower Wmax/kg ( P = .007) and VO2peak/kg ( P < .001) than control participants. = .007) and VO2peak/kg ( < .001) than control participants. Neuromuscular fitness was also reduced in patients with paediatric IBD, with lower performance than control participants in sit-up, long jump, and hand grip strength tests ( P = .001 for all). = .001 for all). In the multivariate analysis, higher age‐ and sex‐adjusted BMI for children and adolescents was associated with lower Wmax/kg and VO2peak/kg ( P < .001 for both), while the use of any biologic medication was linked to higher Wmax/kg ( P = .025) and VO2peak/kg ( P = .006). IN PRACTICE: "Lower physical fitness has been associated with poorer disease control, impaired quality of life, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases in PIBD [paediatric IBD]. This emphasizes the importance of assessing and improving physical fitness in these patients as a part of their multidisciplinary treatment," the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Saija Kantanen, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. It was published online on May 30, 2025, in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition . LIMITATIONS: Some data from the control group were collected previously, and changes in physical activity levels over time may have affected the results. Additionally, the duration of the disease in patients was short, and the design was cross-sectional. DISCLOSURES: This study was supported by the Foundation for Pediatric Research; the State Funding for University-level Health Research, Tampere University Hospital, and Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa; the Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation; and the Finnish Foundation for Cardiovascular Research. The authors declared having no relevant conflicts of interest.
